The Carfax and AutoCheck reports look good. The vehicle had two previous owners. The first owner consistently serviced it every 5,000 miles at the same dealership where they purchased it, up until 2020, when it had 53,000 miles. The second owner also serviced it at a dealership, though less frequently, up until 75,000 miles in 2023. However, there are no service records from 75,000 to 85,000 miles, when the car was listed for sale at a dealership.
The current dealer acquired the vehicle at a dealer-only auction because the previous dealership considered it too old for their inventory. He is asking $8,000, but I plan to negotiate down to $7,000.
What should I look out for? How long can I expect this car to run before requiring major servicing? I want to make sure I’m not wasting my money on an 18-year-old car. I’m test-driving it tomorrow.
I feel like 8k is a bit much, but honestly, without looking up other Avalons with that age and mileage, I wouldn’t be against more than 6500. Even 7 seems reasonable.
Definitely not too old by any means. As long as the Carfax and any other checks are good, along with the VIN number checking out, I would absolutely buy this car. I bought cars for a company called ‘We Buy Any…’ for 2 years up until 6 months ago.
I ended up buying an '08 Limited about a year ago and love it. It has 120k miles. I paid $7,100 after a nice discount, so to speak, buying it directly from the company. It has just minor exterior flaws, nothing major.
Otherwise, Avalons are known as one of the absolute best used cars ever and typically sell the first day they’re on a lot.
For what it’s worth, I’ve been asked by 3 strangers since I bought mine to sell it. No way, Jose, and probably ever.
Best of luck, and post pictures once you get everything sorted and the car is bought!
P.S. I’m not aware of any particular problems with these cars, like older Hondas being known for oil leakage issues. Avalons are extraordinary vehicles that will only need basic parts typically in the drivetrain (an axle, for example) replaced at normal intervals…
These cars can typically go to 300k if maintained properly!
I recently bought a 2004 with 77k miles in about the same condition as yours for $7k. I probably overpaid a bit, but it’s also not easy to find a clean low-mileage car. Also, at least yours has a timing chain, so you don’t have to worry about that.
I have a 2007 Limited that just rolled over 400 thousand miles with one used AC compressor ($600 installed), and that didn’t happen until 315k… solid engine, just change the oil on time.
