Thinking of buying an '07 or '08 and need advice

[Suzam]

Hello, I've been reading a lot of info on the BB just joined so I could ask a few questions.

I have a 2001 Camery LE and I'm looking for a used Avalon 07 or 08 which aren't plentiful (I hope means they are being kept by their owners).

I am looking for n '07 or '08 Touring and wonder if either has any issues I should be aware of.

For that matter, it doesn't have to be a touring but I'm looking for heated leather seats.

Any suggestions or advice will be appreciated.

-S

[mtsanders]

I purchased an '07 Limited in October and love the car. We just got back from a 2300 mile trip to Florida and the car was awesome. The only complaint I have is the FM radio's poor reception. We averaged 23 MPG which is fine as I drove around 80 MPH most of the trip. The navigation system was great and we even liked the Laser Track cruise control (I like gadgets). I used the link below when looking at this vehicle. My previous car was a '98 Avalon.
Check out this link at Edmon's: 2007 Toyota Avalon Consumer Review

[pagemaster]

My dad has a Toyota Avalon XLE.

He was looking at a Lexus but I convinced him to stay away from the first model year ES at the time. He has a 2007 model. It is a very nice car. I have driven it a number of times. The power is excellent, good MPG and decent luxury and features.

Also, he does not may much for insurance and maintenace compared to the ES>

[haroldo]

You can get aftermarket seat heaters, so don't let that be a limiting option

[tundradg]

The Avalon is a great luxury car! I worked at both a Lexus and Toyota dealership and found that the Avalon is similar to a Lexus without the mark up. Not all of the features/creature comforts are up to the same standards (who would buy a Lexus if they could have an identical Avalon for less?). But the front and back seats seem spacious enough. And as far as people holding onto their cars. I think a lot of people are. I just know that (at my dealerships anyways) we get good deals from rental car companies that purchase units (i.e. Avalon Touring) and sell them within 3 - 12 months to local dealerships...So finding the cars is easy because (at least locally) some fleets use them...

[budhah]

Avalon vs what model lexus?? I drove a new Avalon, and an ES350,, close, but not the same. Bought a LS430 '06, and a big difference. Have a 2000 Avalon with 167k miles, and rides better to me than a new Honda Accord. The new Avalon was a better ride than the Honda. This is all to my way of thinking. Drove a stripped down 2008 Camry, with a 4 cyl engine. Nope, not my kind of ride. No Power, but looked nice.

[TX RN]

We have the 05' Touring with about 40K on it. It goes between Houston and San Antonio pretty often and averages 30 mpg going 71 mph. Not a creak or squeak inside the car. Leather seats still look new. It gets parked in a garage and exterior maint. includes Klasse AIO so it still looks great. It is the wifes car and she moved up from a 2000 Camry 4cyl LE to the Avalon. She bought the platinum 7 yr/100K warranty at 33K so we plan to keep it for a long while.

The Touring package's last year was 08'. Grab one while you can...

[bobstcyr]

the Avalon is a great car value. As I posted previously, my 06 got exceptional mpg's on a 4K mile roundtrip from NH to FL and back (averaged 31mpg hwy). this was in july/august - winter mileage is less (28MPG Av hwy) as cold temps and E-10 have an overall affect on mpg performance. This is my 3rd Avalon and the one I've liked the best.I would expect the 07 or 08 is similar.