Faults:

I have a leak in the power steering.

I have done regular tune-ups, tires, brakes, rotors.

Normal wear on the leather interior.

Leaky exhaust.

General Comments:

The old girl has 312,000 miles and still runs strong.

I drive her 80 miles round trip to work every day, she has never left me stranded. We feel that she is part of the family. So look out 400,000 miles, here we come!

Faults:

The car radio antenna died. So stopped at half and pulled the power plug.

Got a knocking sound in the bumps at back and changed the struts, that did not help and changed the strut heads. That fixed the problem.

Rugged pin had a leak and that should be changed, now just topping the steering power fluid.

Valve covers are leaking, that should be changed.

General Comments:

Generally, a reliable car. Very comfortable and spacious. Except the above I don't have any problems. Just the regular maintenance. All switches and levers work, even after 12 years.

Even though it is old, I still keep it repaired, as definitely it will give 300K. So it is up to half of its life.

People may not like the car, as it is so old with the old model. It used to be a style 4 years ago, after all the new cars with new models... now this doesn't get any looks.

Faults:

Loud noise in the rear when you go over the smallest bump.

General Comments:

The 1996 avalon that we have owned since 2000 has been the smoothest, most reliable car I have ever owned. I do all my own maintenance and repairs. The rear end noise that has been a problem for several toyota owners. One suggestion is to climb underneath the car on a level surface. Grab a hammer and hit the rear sway bar. If the noise that you hear sounds like when you go over a bump, the rear sway bar bushings need to be replaced. This job is very easy, consisting of four bolts and two brackets. About 1 hour total job.

Faults:

220K. Power steering system has broken and leaks all the fluid out. Probably caused by something I hit.

Interior is very worn, but good for 260K.

General Comments:

Very large and comfortable car. Lots of room to stretch out.

Faults:

I had no problem until 2003. The motor failed and the company replaced everything because they were quietly recalled. Now the cam shaft failed. The dealer is charging me $485 for diagnosing the problem and $1950 for fixing it-- I think this may be associated with the problem I had two years ago--I am going to get it fixed because its worth nothing as it is, but I feel its not right.

General Comments:

After this problem, I don't think I'll buy another Toyota.

Faults:

I have only had to complete routine maintenance. No other problems or maintenance issues whatsoever.

General Comments:

Very reliable.

Inexpensive to maintain.

Excellent gas mileage.

Very powerful.

Handles like a dream even at 120,000 miles.

Faults:

The transmission went bad around 74,000 miles. That was not the car's fault though, it was the fault of a bad mechanic. I had the entire engine system flushed and the mechanic failed to refill the tranny fluid.

The CV axle boots tend to fail a lot. They are only like $70.

The speaker system is terrible. I have the 3 disc CD player.

General Comments:

Genrally this car is great all around. It isn't the best looking car. However it's fast, 0-60 in 8.3 seconds.

It makes a nice noise too!

I have tested this car up to 127. I had to slow down because it was a freeway in the middle of town. I have toasted many different kinds of cars.

It has the ECT, which is very handy in the snow.

It has great handling - I drive back and forth in canyons in Colorado and I know handling!