We bought a 2006 Honda Civic LX last year and outside of the mpg (28-40mpg) we haven't been satisfied with it (lots of small 1st year production problems, 2 front struts, various squeeks and rattles). We miss having a mid-size car as our previous car was an Acura TL. My question is: should we trade it in on an '03 Avalon XL. I found one on AutoTrader: one owner, only 23k miles, CarFax listed with no problems. It's has leather, bench seat, JBL 6 disc CD, alloy wheels, cruise, tilt,etc. and it is a Toyota Certified vehicle . The Toyota powertrain warranty will be good thru Oct. 2010. So essentially I would have a 3 1/2 yr., 77,000 mile powertrain warranty! They are asking $16.999. edmunds lists it @ $17,900 without being Toyota certified and $19,100 as a certified vehicle. Has any one had issues with the 2003 Avalons that would keep me from buying it. I am hoping to get at least $15,000 for the Civic on trade. Let me know what you think.
We bought a 2006 Honda Civic LX last year and outside of the mpg (28-40mpg) we haven't been satisfied with it (lots of small 1st year production problems, 2 front struts, various squeeks and rattles). We miss having a mid-size car as our previous car was an Acura TL. My question is: should we trade it in on an '03 Avalon XL. I found one on AutoTrader: one owner, only 23k miles, CarFax listed with no problems. It's has leather, bench seat, JBL 6 disc CD, alloy wheels, cruise, tilt,etc. and it is a Toyota Certified vehicle . The Toyota powertrain warranty will be good thru Oct. 2010. So essentially I would have a 3 1/2 yr., 77,000 mile powertrain warranty! They are asking $16.999. edmunds lists it @ $17,900 without being Toyota certified and $19,100 as a certified vehicle. Has any one had issues with the 2003 Avalons that would keep me from buying it. I am hoping to get at least $15,000 for the Civic on trade. Let me know what you think.
I know a lot of people with the 95 -04 avalons and having one in my family too I can't say there is anything to find fault with on the avalon in general. Toyota flagship sedan has been very well made and refined each year and since 03/04 avalon's are based from the 2000 generation it's a better buy vs the first model year.
We have a 03 and its still purrin along great, the only problem was we had a intermittent air bag light. It has not returned in several months.
We have been around the Western states on several trips and it does very well.
I prefer the cloth seats in the Tundra than leather in the Avalon. The seat fits me better in the Tundra as well.
Ya can't go to wrong with that purchase.
We have an 03 Avalon. Other than a minor steering boot squeek that took 6 visits to solve (finally used Lexus grease) the car has been perfect. I'd like to have a little more oomph in the acceleration and have consideredd trading up to one with a 3.5L engine. Just can't make myself spend that kind of dough when the car is working so well.
I think it would be a good idea to switch to the Avalon. Even considering the age difference, it would be quite an upgrade from a Honda because of the Avalon's luxury content versus the Civic's economy car confines.
By the time I called the dealer about the Avalon it was sold. We ended up buying a leftover, brand new 2006 MAZDA6 s. What a great car! It has every option except NAV (V6, 6speed automatic/sport shift transmission, 18" wheels, Bose/Sirius audio, HID headlights, heated leather seats, sunroof, etc. and a 4 year/50,000 mile warranty). The best part was the price. The MSRP was $29,340. There was a $3750 rebate from Mazda, a $1,000 rebate from Mazda American Credit, a $1,000 Cleveland Auto Show coupon and a $2,773 dealer discount. The final price was $20,817. So, for less money than a basic 4cyl. Camry or Accord or a 3-4 year old Avalon I got a loaded sports sedan that is actually fun to drive. So far we love it. I have also found that the MAZDA6 forums have a loyal bunch of owners who love their cars as much as we have loved our Tundras and 4Runners.
'03 Avalon ?
. The Toyota powertrain warranty will be good thru Oct. 2010. So essentially I would have a 3 1/2 yr., 77,000 mile powertrain warranty! They are asking $16.999. 
(finally used Lexus grease) the car has been perfect. I'd like to have a little more oomph in the acceleration and have consideredd trading up to one with a 3.5L engine. Just can't make myself spend that kind of dough when the car is working so well.
So, for less money than a basic 4cyl. Camry or Accord or a 3-4 year old Avalon I got a loaded sports sedan that is actually fun to drive. So far we love it.
I have also found that the MAZDA6 forums have a loyal bunch of owners who love their cars as much as we have loved our Tundras and 4Runners.
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