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"Used Toyota Avalon Overview And How To Buy At The Best Price!"
Ever since its debut in the mid-1990s, the Toyota Avalon has earned high praise for its solid performance, spacious cabin, long list of features, smooth ride and strong reputation for reliability.
While earlier Avalon models are worthy of serious consideration by those in the market for a more uplevel full-size sedan, it was the third Avalon generation (2005 and newer) that significantly upped the ante. This complete redesign resulted in an upgraded and more refined vehicle with major mechanical advancements, additional power and an improved suspension.
The end result was a large sedan that is essentially as good as it gets in its price range. And even the base models come stocked with an impressive array of standard features.
For those considering the purchase of a used Toyota Avalon, here's some background information on the vehicle.
There have been few year-to-year changes during the current Avalon generation. Initially, its 3.5-liter V6 engine was rated at 280 horsepower, but was dropped to 268 horsepower for the 2006 model year due to new SAE rating standards, not to a reduction in actual power. There was also a refresh for the 2008 model year which upgraded the previous standard 5-speed automatic transmission to a 6-speed unit. There was also a revised front fascia and new headlamps.
The Toyota Avalon is front-wheel-drive only and is currently available in three trims: XL, XLS and Limited. Even the base XL is very well-equipped when it comes to standard features, including automatic climate control, electroluminescent gauges, a power driver seat, a cabin air filter, 16-inch alloy wheels, a CD player and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel.
Moving up to the Avalon XLS adds premium features such as a 6-disc CD changer, heated exterior mirrors and a moonroof, while the top-of-the-line Limited model adds perforated leather seats with memory functions, a 12-speaker JBL audio system, keyless start, rain-sensing wipers, heated and cooled seats, a power rear sunshade and wood grain trim.
A Touring model was also produced for the 2005 - 2008 model years. Slotted between the XL and XLS trims, it was essentially a sportier Avalon with a firmer suspension, 17-inch wheels, an all-black interior and aluminum trim accents. While yes, it was "sportier", one must keep in mind that the Avalon was principally engineered to emphasize driving comfort over performance.
Used Toyota Avalon shoppers should also note that stability control, traction control, active front headrests and a brake assist system were added to the standard features list for all trims with the 2009 model. Some prior models can be found with some of these features added as options, while front seat-mounted side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, a driver-side knee airbag and four-wheel antilock brakes (ABS) were all standard throughout the run.
The Avalons of this generation are noted for their smooth and powerful performance. They even post impressive gas mileage numbers at the same time with an EPA rating of 22 mpg city and 31 mpg on the highway.
The earlier generation, the Avalons second, was produced for the 2000 through 2004 model years. Available in XL and XLS models, these Avalons were more spacious and technologically advanced than its predecessors. Under the hood of these models was a 3.0-liter V6 engine with variable valve timing and rated at 210 horsepower.
These models also offer a high degree of driving comfort and smoothness, while also having earned a solid reputation for dependability. Some used Avalons from this production run can also be found with optional stability control, called Vehicle Skid Control, as well as optional brake assist.
Used Avalon buyers should also note that some of these models can be found with the optional Luxury package for the XL, which added power front seats, leather trim, remote keyless entry, 15-inch alloy wheels and a JBL stereo. Some can also be found with the Sport Luxury package which included the Luxury package features plus a rear spoiler and 16-inch alloy wheels.
Overall, a used Toyota Avalon makes a more than solid choice for those who value a large sedan with both comfort and style. And we can make a number of suggestions to help you save when buying one.
How To Buy A Pre-Owned Toyota Avalon At The Best Price:
There are actually several different ways to buy a used Avalon at the lowest price, even at wholesale.
ONE - Car Auctions:
You can go to Public Car Auctions in your own geographic area ... no license required. While this will take some additional time and effort on your part, there are indeed some truly excellent opportunities for those who shop these events.
TWO - Spot Wholesale Opportunities On Dealer Lots:
The technique explained here is incredibly effective and involves learning how to identify high quality but "price-distressed" used Avalons for sale right on dealer lots, ones they are extemely desperate to sell and potentially ready to unload.
THREE - Set Up A Dealer Competition:
Another excellent method involves getting several used car dealers to compete for your business. See the details in this Used Car Buying Guide. It's just amazing what happens to prices when you force dealers to fight among each other for your sale.
Also ...
If you're interested in a "Brand New" Toyota Avalon, there are some great deals to be had right now if you know how.
People swear by this well-proven method for getting the absolute best price on a new Avalon. This method is particularly effective in the current slow economic environment.
