Hello,

Am thinking about purchasing a new 2009 Avalon.
Have never had one before.

Realize this is totally subjective, but would really appreciate any opinions, thoughts, or even biases.

Would you buy another one ? How has the reliability been ?

What do you like best ?

And, more important perhaps, what do you like least about it ?

Is it "worth" the extra $ over an Accord or Camry ?
Why, in particular.

Much thanks, appreciate it.

Bob

Hi Bob,
Like you, I had never owned an Avalon before. Matter of fact - I’d never owned a Toyota before. I had need to find something a bit more economical since I drove a lot for work. I considered BMW, Mercedes, Lexus, Infiniti, Cadillac and others. I had certain criteria that had to be met. Those were:
- Rated well in crash tests
- Had to be comfortable, smooth and quiet
- 87-octane rating capable
- Excellent gas mileage
- Reliable
I actually looked at the Avalon as an afterthought. After looking at all the other potentials and walking away shaking my head I was very pleasantly surprised and impressed with the Avalon.
So, to answer your questions directly:
- Yes, I would buy another one
- 38,000 miles in a year and a half with ZERO problems (only oil and filter changes needed)
- I love the comfortable ride, the quiet interior and the quickness of the car (yes – it’s FAST)
- Least liked is the climate control’s ability to keep the temperature as set without pumping too much cold air in from the vents without manual settings
- Worth the added money? Yes. After getting out of rental Camry’s on business trips – it’s just so nice to get back into the Avalon. It’s a much more refined ride. (Go test drive one of each back-to-back and you’ll see what I mean)
Good luck in your search.

[size="2"][/size]I bought an 07 touring and it is the best. The room inside is incredible, and I love how the rear seats recline yes Recline. I looked at the gs300 and the avalon was way more roomy. The only thing that I dont like was the front wheel drive. But I have gotten used to it. My avalon is awsome and wouldnt change it for anything. The touring is by far the best car in the line. I found the other models made me car sick, to wavy did not handle like the touring. I own four toyota's now and love them all from my oldest (71 corolla wagon, 85 gts corolla rwd., 87 corolla fx gts fwd and 07 avalon) OOOh what a feeling!!!!!
Good luck with your shopping hope you get something you love. Do your homework. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/banana.gif)