Used 2003 Toyota Avalon XLS for SaleNationwide

While this car was primarily a commuter, we also used it for long road trips and it was these road trips where I really loved this car. The cabin was roomy, quiet and the car felt solid, I really like the waterfall dash and we never had a problem with it (we traded at 75,000 miles). One of the features which was handy was the power plug on the back of the console where we could plug our gadgets (laptop) into. We didn't use it very often but it's the only car we ever had with an outlet and it would be nice to have one again. If you are looking for reliable transportation that is comfortable, this is your car. If you are looking for sporty handling, go to the 2005 or newer Avalon as that will give you a more sporty feel with the large cabin, comfortable ride and all kinds of bells and whistles. It was this car that has made us Toyota Avalon loyalists.

I don't have anything bad to say about this car. I have put on nearly 150,000 miles and the only non-routine maintenance on this car has been rear wheel bushings for $120 and shocks and struts for about $900, everything else has been by the book. I am pleased with it.

Bought new and have enjoyed the smooth ride, great mileage and the automatic wipers are amazing. Heated seats have also been nice. Storage in trunk is good and the doors open wide so that it is easy to get in and out of all seats.

The car performs ok, but its steering is way to light with absolutely no feel or response. It has a very smooth and quiet ride, but its transmission sometimes shifts abruptly and is slow to downshift when more power is needed. The interior is very comfortable with a decent but very easy to use sounds system with 6 disc changer. The reliability of my particular car was good for the first 5 or so years, but lately has had its check engine light come on about once a month, which is way to high for any vehicle, yet alone a Toyota, which is known for its excellent reliability reputation.

I bought my 2003 Avalon new and overall I've been very happy with it. Other than taking the car in for scheduled maintenance, I've only had a few minor problems (e.g. dead battery 9 months after buying the car). I have 34000 miles on it now and there are still no rattles or squeeks (even though I drive in a city full of potholes). The car still drives smoothly and the interior is roomy and quiet.