Considering Avalon purchasement ...

[HoonBoy]

I think most people here are forgetting the intended usage. The 3.0 V6 has enough power to be comfortable and uses bugger all fuel, going to a 3.5 would just mean more fuel usage (although I think it would be hard to calculate the difference without using a calculator...) The only bad thing I have heard about them is the seats, they have bugger all support, but then they would have to be better then and ED!

The "Touring" model Camry's have less body roll, so they feel less boaty to drive. No idea if that would actually make them any faster on a track, but anything which inspires confidence in the car is a good thing in my mind.

Towing with a FWD (although I don't think it is relevant in this thread) is nowhere near as bad as people are making out. I tow my Lancer on the trailer behind the wifes Camry and it tows fine, the trailer is fairly well balanced so the rear end doesn't sag heaps like some cars I have seen. I had more traction problems towing a box trailer with the Falcon then I do towing the same trailer with the Camry.

[Emre]

If dad just wants a A -> B car, Avalon makes more sense.

Maxima is the better looker, more power, newer body etc, but it's also more expensive and requires 95 RON as minimum.

Have you considered a Verada...? If you can get past the look of the new model that is.

[MR-PUNANNY]

After reading this thread, I noticed a Maroon Avalon on the road, it was sitting next to a similar shape camry. I think the Avalon looked quite good compared.

[Captiva Fan]

It took the reading of a thread, or some other "memory marker", so that you actually noticed the Avalon though, didn't it? I didn't realise there were so many Avalons on the road.

[TonyJZX]

It took the reading of a thread, or some other "memory marker", so that you actually noticed the Avalon though, didn't it? I didn't realise there were so many Avalons on the road.

Avalons and 380s are endangered species.

I thought the Avalon was anonymous like every other Camry I drove. Mediocre in many areas but I reckon my other half would love it.

Ergo, it's a good car for the masses.

[MR-PUNANNY]

It took the reading of a thread, or some other "memory marker", so that you actually noticed the Avalon though, didn't it? I didn't realise there were so many Avalons on the road.

yeah, its like when you buy a car, you always see them on the road afer lol

[lumpy]

Isn't the Toyo v-6 banger a sucker for head gaskets?

Btw, I'll 2nd (or 3rd) the Magna 3.5L V-6 motion and yes, I know the Lord will strike me down for recommending a FWD.

The early widebody vienta's/apollos had headgasket issues, later model ones (1MZ-FE)are fine.

I'd go a toyota for sure - not quite an Avalon but my folks had an Apollo (rebadged widebody V6) and apart from blowing the headgaskets it was like the energizer bunny - kept going and going and going. Had over 350,000 km's on it when sold - still started first time, no smoke, ultra-reliable. Copped a flogging on dirt roads every second day, up and down hills every day of it's life, towed many cars for me and others and never missed a beat. Plus it revved incredibly freely and smoothly and the old man informs me was capable of over 220 km/h (measured on a private rd....). Torque steered a bit in the wet but with a good set of shocks handled quite well.

They're now into their second or third v6 camry and considering the old man is a bit of a petrolhead with v8 and straight 6 holdens in his blood that's quite an endorsement.

[THE ASH]

I'd rather a late model Magna or a BA (personal taste) but I didn't mind the Avalon as an A --> B type car, your dad will probably love it.

[nswnotill]

I have had a 2001 Maxima S for the last 20,000 km. Bought it S/H from Pickles with 88,000 on it for $13K including rego. etc. about 6 months back. I have just purchased another (2002 this time) for my father from the same source for the same price.
I think the Maxima is a better car than equiv. Holden or Falcon. Seems tighter in the body and fewer squeaks etc. Goes well too. Only setback is the recommended PULP fuel.

[tremolo]

Avalons and 380s are endangered species.

I thought the Avalon was anonymous like every other Camry I drove. Mediocre in many areas but I reckon my other half would love it.

Ergo, it's a good car for the masses.

I read a report released by one of the big research companys (JD Power?) about how Camry owners would often make a purchasing decision based largely on their anonymity.

As it turns out, owners would often end up developing quite an emotional attachment to their Camry as they were a trusty workhorse that never let them down.

[The Pupat]

Maxima engine won the best engine in its class awards for a few years running in the mid-late 90s. Really nice, smooth engine and gearbox combination.

Agreed work just got rid of a 2001 maxima in 4 years and 160,000 odd km's nothing went wrong with it just regular servicing and new tyres was all it received. Interior was still like it was made from billet.