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One of the Best Toyotas Ever Made You Should Look for Used

Looking for a used Toyota, but unsure which model is one of the best you should be focused on during a used car search? Here’s one surprising recommendation from a Toyota mechanic and automotive expert that is not a Corolla or a Camry…or even a Lexus---that he calls a “gem” IF it has been taken care of over the years.

Your Used Car Search

Hunting for a used car that has proven reliability and been well-maintained over the years is just about as difficult as buying a home these days: the market is volatile, there is a shortage of desired builds, and worse yet…you can expect to pay significantly more than what it would have cost you pre-pandemic.

But let’s say that paying more is not a deal breaker for you if you’ve found the right used car. The good news is that while the competition may be on the look-out for the always popular Corollas and Camrys, you might have an edge on them with an under-the-radar model---like a 2004 Avalon XLS.

In recently posted CarCareNut YouTube channel video, the host comes forward with his claim as an experienced Toyota mechanic that the 2004 Avalon is one of the best Toyotas ever made. Using a recently purchased model his neighbor owns, the host walks you through an inspection of the used car buy and discusses its finer points as well as some problems with this vehicle.

In the video he will discuss points that include, but are not limited to:

• The benefits of a car with the 1MZ-FE engine
• How to diagnose suspension squeaking over bumps typical of used cars
• Why after-market replacement ball joints should not be your first choice
• How to determine whether a model has a non-interference engine or not
• How to access and check the timing belt

The benefit of watching this video is that if you do come across a 2004 Avalon for sale, you will already have a demonstration by a mechanic to follow toward a pre-purchasing inspection that you can do yourself to ensure that the model found is in good condition.

That said, here is the video in its entirety that will prove to be very informative for a used car shopper focused on wanting to buy this under-the-radar used Toyota model:

THIS is One of the Best Toyota Models Ever Made! Let's See How It's Doing!

And finally…

For additional articles about Toyota vehicles, here are two selected articles for your enjoyment:

Why Toyotas Burn So Much Oil and What You Can Do About It

Toyota Service Department Mechanic Explains Latest Car Dealership Scams

COMING UP NEXT: Is Your Dealership a Stealership?

Timothy Boyer is a Torque News automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily new and used vehicle news.

Image Source: Pixabay

Comments

Fred (not verified)    March 27, 2022 - 8:34PM

Avalon? It’s a ugly and a boring car. Who cares if it’s a good car. Buying used Avalon it better be thousands of dollars below market price. Avalon is a cold car and it drives like a boat and it’s a overpriced car and Toyota can’t even build cars or trucks other companies just pay Toyota to use the name Toyota. I had a Japanese Toyota and now a American Toyota it’s a 2017 Camry it’s poor quality parts are who knows Chines junk because parts fail on this car like a chevy and ford. Toyota USA sucks.

Thomas Becker (not verified)    March 31, 2022 - 10:39PM

In reply to by Nancy (not verified)

I currently am driving a 1999 Toyota Camry ce with 174,600 original miles. It will be 23 years old in April and was bought new and made in Kentucky. Have spent very little on it with the exception of motor mounts. Drives like a Lexus and looks brand new since retiring from the automotive detailing industry

Ira Harris (not verified)    March 29, 2022 - 3:51PM

I've been driving a 2001 Chevy Prizm 1.8 liter V-Tech Engine 5 Speed Manual Transmission since 2009! I've seen 47 MPG highway driving! I'm a Senior Citizen I've never had any Automobile that's dependable as my Chevy Prizm! My question is the Chevy Prizm a Chevrolet or Toyota Corolla with Chevy name tag? Thanks!
Ira Harris in Rural Franklin County NC