I spend nearly 3 hours a day commuting, and need to upgrade my comfort level. I think I'd really like to avoid the 2.5L 4cyl., sounds anemic in a 3500# car, especially when passing. We also have a 2013 Sienna XLE with the 3.5L V6, and we've been really happy with it.

I always thought the Avalon was a fancy Camry, but it seems I'm wrong, and wonder if I can still expect Camry reliability and repair costs.

I've read mostly good, but a few mixed reviews, and thought I'd check with the brain trust. Thanks!

UPDATE! Snagged a 2015 Avalon XLE Touring Sport Edition. That one has a little sportier suspension, 18" blackout wheels, Attitude Black with blue metal flake paint job, paddle shifters on the steering wheel, and some jazzy interior options. 45k miles, one local private party owner, clean Carfax, and dealer maintained. I'm MUCH more comfortable on the road now! Thanks so much for the reassurance, folks!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Outnumbered,

I owned a 2004 Avalon for quite a few years. It is an excellent car. The now exwife still owns it and other than routine maintenance no issues whatsoever. Much more solid than a Camry and nicer appointments. If I were going spend that much time commuting daily there is no doubt at all I would go with the Avalon.

Not an owner but my neighbor has a 2015 Avalon & is about to buy a 2019. He has had three. Has never had an issue. The 2015 is going to college with his kid..

You are technically required to be at least 65 to drive an Avalon I believe, based on demographic observation.

My mother had one and loved it. Very comfy, like a couch. No reliability issues.

If you're looking at the Avalon, you might also want to consider the Lexus ES 350. They're very similar and in some cases the ES 350 can end up being cheaper.

Regarding reliability, checking forums for issues with specific models and years can be helpful. This is especially true as 'higher end' cars like the Avalon or ES 350 have more features and overall complexity.

I think the Avalon will only come with the 3.5L V6, and it's a great highway car. I can't tell much difference between the Avalon and the V6 Camry, but the Avalon is a little roomier, and I think it rides a little quieter. No reliability issues with either. We've owned both.

My wife drives our 18 Avalon and we both really like it. Nearly the MPG as our previous Accord and Camery, both with V6. More space, more luxurious and a much smother ride then either of the previous vehicles. I like to drive it it Sports mode which provides a bit more performance, but wife likes eco mode. I don't see much MPG difference between the two so I figure why not. It's been very reliable and has not seen the dealer service department except for oil changes which are covered for two years. If that's the class car you're looking for, you won't be disappointed.

Get the Avalon. It’s Toyota’s best kept secret. Solid automobile.

It’s a larger size chassis, larger than Camry.

quote:

Originally posted by Georgeair:
You are technically required to be at least 65 to drive an Avalon I believe, based on demographic observation.

My mother had one and loved it. Very comfy, like a couch. No reliability issues.

I think the "at least 65" did apply to the earlier Avalons. Our previous one, a 2005 model" seemed to be more suited for that age. Big soft seats, reclining rear seats, smooth quiet ride, etc. Had it for 14+ years with no problems. Traded it earlier in the year for a 2016 Avalon. Seems to be built for the younger crowd, stiffer suspension, paddle shifters on steering wheel, sport mode driving position and more "apps" and electronic gadgets that I'll never use. But, it's a nice riding car and makes long trips less tiring. The 2016 gets better gas mileage (well over 30 on highway) than the 2005 one, possibly due to the 6 speed transmission (newer ones are 8 speed, I think). A while back I flew into Seattle and rented a car. Car was a new Camry with less than 50 miles on speedometer. Nice car, but just didn't compare to the Avalon.

A buddy of mine at work commutes a little over an hour each way, and has a Camry with the 2.5L 4-cylinder. He has been completely happy with it. Having ridden in his car, the 2.5L engine is very capable of moving that car very well!

I have a 2015 Camry SXE and it's been a great reliable car that rides comfortably and has decent get up and go. So far I have a little over 70k miles with no problems or issues just routine maintenance and 1 set of tires. I've always had success with Toyota and when it comes time for a new car it will be another Toyota. The Avalon's are nice but way out of my price range so can't comment on them but I don't think you could go wrong if you decided to buy one

quote:

Originally posted by bryan11:
If you're looking at the Avalon, you might also want to consider the Lexus ES 350. They're very similar and in some cases the ES 350 can end up being cheaper.

Regarding reliability, checking forums for issues with specific models and years can be helpful. This is especially true as 'higher end' cars like the Avalon or ES 350 have more features and overall complexity.

My thoughts as well, the ES makes a fine highway cruiser, as does the Avalon.

The newer Camrys are quite nice as well.

Personally, I'm a bit more Honda biased in this segment, and the Accord with the 2.0T & 10AT is quite nice to drive.

Tanget: My dad bought a Camry XLE V6 (2014 maybe) and it surprised me when I drove it, quite peppy & returns good MPG.
Seats are a bit flat for me, but I'm used to the quite bolstered seats in my Mercedes.

Earlier this year my wife traded in her 2005 Camry for a 2018 Camry. The old one had 240,000 miles on it. Personally I would rather drive the larger Avalon just because I normally drive a truck.

Update in OP, bought one!

Congrats, looks nice.
The dark color definitely helps with the grille which looks enormous on the lighter colors.

Hope it treats you well.

Those things run forever. The Toyota (and Honda) 3.5 V6 engines are strong and durable. We had a Venza, and now have a new Honda Passport. I think Honda messsed up by not having it as an option on the Accords.

quote:

Originally posted by smithnsig:
Those things run forever. The Toyota (and Honda) 3.5 V6 engines are strong and durable. We had a Venza, and now have a new Honda Passport. I think Honda messsed up by not having it as an option on the Accords.

Maybe, but the 10AT works well with the 2.0T.
From my recollection, it seemed on par or better with my 3.2V6 TL, but much sharper handling.