Avalonbuyer's guide

The XX40 Avalon is a full-size sedan that sells on reputation, and that reputation hides a short list of faults that can turn a sensible purchase into an expensive one. Automatic transmission shudder and oil consumption are the two issues that end test drives early — both are present across the model run and both are expensive once the damage is done. This guide gives you the checks to run before you make an offer.

This guide covers ten documented issues: automatic or CVT shudder and delayed engagement, engine oil consumption or leak, coolant leak or overheating, AC compressor or condenser failure, infotainment and camera electrical faults, suspension knocks and tyre wear, brake pulsation or seized caliper, water leak or accident repair, ADAS and radar calibration fault, and the full recall and campaign checklist. Each fault has a field check and a real repair-cost range.

A well-documented XX40 Avalon with a clean scan and a cold-start that idles smoothly is a genuinely comfortable used buy. The ones to avoid are the examples where the seller cannot produce service invoices for the transmission or the engine, or where a code reader has been through recently. This guide tells you which situation you are in before you hand over any money.