I have a 1997 Toyota Avalon XLS with 260,000 miles. I love this car, and the only repairs I’ve made to it are a front axel replacement last year and tires every few years. I’ve had the drive belt replaced twice as part of normal maintenance. I’ve just retired and want to know if it’s better to look for a newer car or spend some money to get new tires, replace the drive belt, and do anything you might suggest.
As long as it’s just maintenance, why not keep it running? Meanwhile you can get the money set aside and figure out what car you’ll get when a major repair costs too much to be worth it. It could last another 40,000 miles, or it could go sooner.
This car probably won’t see you all the way through your retirement. If you were able to get a large lump sum when you retired, this might be a very good time to get something almost new. That’s what my mother did at 66. She and her LeSabre lasted until she was 90. My sister drove it another five years, and it’s probably still running, somewhere.
I would stick with what you have. It may easily go another 100,000 (or blow up next week.) In either case, any used car you buy, could also blow up next week. I appears you have keep your maintenance current, something the owner of the typical used car is far less likely to have done. I think you will be ahead with more miles on a on a car of known condition than to spend more for a car of unknown condition.
It is my opinion that maintenance is far far, more important than age or miles.
Also consider that often a used car for sale is for sale because the owner knows or suspects there is a pending expensive problem. I would keep it until it dies. Keep your maintenance up and with a little luck it may be a long time before it dies.
A little more information about my situation: I’m single and live in a small town in Southern Utah. I make bi-weekly trips to the closest shopping area that is 50 miles away. Right now my kids live 200 miles north in the Salt Lake area, but my son will no doubt be moving back to Colorado (western slope) before the year is up. I’m planning on driving to California (600 miles one way) this summer for my 45th class reunion and will make trips north and east to visit kids whenever possible. I will be receiving a lump sum as part of my retirement. I’ve joined AAA for any emergencies and of course always have my cellphone with me. MG, I love that your mom and her LeSabre lasted so long :).
I would tend to keep the Avalon. But, I would start saving up for another car in case there is a major failure, say the transmission dies on you.
While you hold onto the Avalon start making a $500 a month payment to yourself. Put the money in a separate acount. You can use the money for repairs, which at the age and miles is likely for the Avalon. If, or when, the Avalon has to be replaced you’ll have a good start on a down payment for another car and you’ll be used to a $500 a month payment. The Avalon won’t have any trade in value so you’ll need that down payment to keep the monthy payment at “retirement” fixed income level.
You should be able to get about 20 years from the Avalon, which is 2017. It might last longer, but 20 years and over 300K miles is a very good run for any car.
Well, that changes things. You on the road for long drives by yourself makes me change to ‘get a newer, well maintained (documented) car’ recommendation.
I would keep your car and simply maintain it.
If something really expensive comes out then decide like a transmission or major engine failure. Also AC failure(typically $1500 repair) is another reason a car like this gets dumped.
I am all for getting high miles out of a vehicle…HOWEVER I am a mechanic so the regular rules dont apply here. If you are a retired gent, I wouldnt invest too much money or trust in the Avalon any longer. At 260K you are facing many many repairs when they finally start rolling in. Now Miss Avalon has served you VERY VERY well…you lose no face in investing in your security and safety by looking for another Toyota (used) that you can roll around in. Because someday, soon, she isnt going to continue down the road and the tranny is my first suspect…then the brake calipers, struts etc… next. Get yourself a newer used Toyotie or another Avalon with less useage on it…you obviously know how dead reliable they are with proper maintenance, why not?..I am a big fan of Toyota and Honda…so suit yourself but dont bet your safety in the Avalon any longer. My 2 cents
I agree. In that part of the country, and those out-of-town trips, if you break down when it’s nasty out, you might not survive. And, with that much mileage it is only a matter of time until you break down.
It is very common for retirees to buy a new car of high reliability, such as Honda or Toyota, although most of them do it just before retirement when their income is a big higher. Then, you are sit for a long time. If you can be sure of maintenance on a low mileage used one, that is also a valid choice. If you are not sure, get a new one.
If you do drive that old car with 260,000 miles, keep a large thermos full of just plain water; also in the winter a -30 degree sleeping bag, and several large jars of peanut butter. If you break down in bad weather, you can survive a week. Just sitting in that car, if you get stuck overnight, you may not survive.
I suggest that you consider a newer car if the lump sum you get at retirement will be spent on other things. How much can you afford to spend? What type of car are you interested in?
My parents have a similar car, and, having driven it, I understand why you love it. However, my parents’ car has accumulated only a little over 100K miles.
ANY car with 260K on its odometer is reaching the end of its useful life, regardless of how well it runs or how reliable it’s been maintained (don’t send me the links. I know about the exceptions).
If I were in your position I’d thank the Avalon for such faithful service, and then I’d sell it and start looking for another car with lower mileage. Much lower mileage.
This is not the car you want to rely on in your retirement. Find a newer Avalon with less mileage and be happy.
Trade for new if you have the bucks. If you don’t do it with your money someone else will. Don’t milk this car down to the last mile if you can afford to live better than that.
Asking the question seems to imply that you have the money but need the motivation to get new. You might want to consider another brand such as a Buick to add a little variety in your life. Buicks are good now.