Auto Broker Magic Logo

Josh Rosenberg
Josh Rosenberg

We don't just talk cars ... we teach how to buy them.

Toyota Avalon Older Model Overview
And Buying At The Best Price

The Toyota Avalon is a very well-regarded vehicle and due to today's very high-priced used car market, many shoppers are now looking for "older" models that have aged well as a way to save significant dollars. And lower-mileage models do exist out there, making them a viable and definitely more economical option right now.

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 as a more uplevel full-size sedan.

And here, we're really talking about the third and fourth Avalon generations (2005 to 2017 models) that can still produce some gems with careful shopping. It was actually the complete redesign in 2005 that 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.

Toyota Avalon Limited Sedan (2008)

For those considering the purchase of a older Toyota Avalon, here's some background information on the vehicle.

Initially, the 2005 version had a 3.5-liter V6 engine rated at 280 horsepower, but it was dropped to 268 horsepower for the 2006 model year due to new SAE rating standards, although not with an actual reduction in 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.

This third generation Avalon, produced through the 2011 model year, is front-wheel-drive only and can be found 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.

Older 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.

In 2010 the Avalon got a facelift which included revised styling and only two trim lines: a base Avalon model and a more upscale Limited trim. A backup camera became standard while the exterior side mirrors with integrated turn signals now folded in. The navigation system was also updated to include real-time traffic updates.

Other changes included a new wood-style trim, a redesigned center console and instrument cluster, and a new rear and front fascia design. The gas mileage also improved a bit to an EPA-estimated 20/29/23 (city/highway/combined). Also added was a new brake-override control, an improved suspension system and a 12-speaker JBL Synthesis system which had been available on the Limited trim only. 17" wheels also became standard on both trims.

2005 Toyota Avalon Touring

Overall, the Avalons of this generation are noted for their smooth and powerful performance, strong build quality and impressive feature list.

The fourth generation, was produced for the 2012 through 2017 model years. This version is based on the same platform as the Lexus ES. A new grille was added along with redesigned lights while the interior controls replaced buttons with tap touch technology.

New to the lineup in 2013 was a Hyrid version which uses the revised version of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive power train, similar to the one powering the 2012 model year Camry Hybrid. Fuel economy for this model is 48 mpg city and 39 mpg highway. Powering the hybrid is a 2.5 L inline-4 engine, and when combined with the electric motor, it produced a total output of 200 bhp.

For the 2016 model year, the Avalon received another facelift which included an updated suspension for improved ride comfort, a new front grille, and revised wheel designs. And brought back was the Touring model as a more sporty version of the Limited trim.

Overall, an older Toyota Avalon can make a more than solid choice for those who value a large sedan with both comfort and style. And older versions with lower mileage can still be found, making for an attractive alternative to today's much higher priced models. We can also make a number of suggestions to help you save when buying one.

Buy At Wholesale?

2003 Toyota Avalon XLS

There are actually several different ways to buy a used Avalon at the lowest price, and even at wholesale. You can click on the links to each of the following methods to get the specific instructions.

First of all, here's a Lowest Price Used Car Buying Guide that details a super effective method, one that often beats down prices even to wholesale levels. And somewhat related to this, here's another excellent method that identifies Price-Distressed Cars Right On Dealer Lots. These are vehicles they are so desperate to unload they would welcome your wholesale offer.

In addition, you can also try the Public Auctions in your own geographic area. While there can be a lot of junk vehicles at these auctions, there are often absolute gems sprinkled in as well. This article reviews what to expect at open-to-the-public car auctions and how to locate them in your own area.

Also ... for those of you who might be interested in a
brand new Avalon, if the price was crazy good, here's info on exactly How To Get The Best Price On A New Avalon. This works just phenomenally well.



Other Pages Of Possible Interest:
  • 2011 Toyota Avalon
  • 2011 Toyota Camry
  • Used Toyota Camry
  • Used Toyota Solara
  • Used Toyota Prius
  • Used Toyota Matrix
  • Used Cadillac CTS
  • Used BMW 335i

  • Additional Models Of Possible Interest:
  • BMW 525i 528i 535i 550i
  • Used Hyundai Cars
  • Used Lexus ES
  • Used Hyundai Sonata
  • Used Mercedes C-Class
  • Mercedes E320 E350 E500 E550
  • Used Volkswagen Jetta



  • Auto Broker Magic
    West Palm Beach, Florida
    Site Map | Disclosure

    © copyright 2008 - 2023, Josh Rosenberg. All Rights Reserved.