I had a bit of bad luck. The CL fell apart, literally. It barely made it to the junk yard. Then a week later I crashed my Corolla on the way to my first day at a new job.

Long story short, I'm still with the company, fractured a vertebra, and just bought a cream puff. 2001 Avalon. 120k, body is perfect, leather is perfect. Original owner, ALL service records. Honestly it's like an inconspicuous Lexus. I love it. Btw V6 210hp.

Stupid thin wont let me post more than one pic.

 

Love the Avalon, such a comfortable, soft ride (If that's what you're looking for, and with a fractured vertebrae, it probably is exactly what you're looking for right now). you're right, the loaded versions really are like mini LS'

 

I have a friend with 204k on her 03, and a cousin with 227k on her 03. Great car!

 

Feel better soon! Not the coolest car, but with a busted back the Avalon is definitely a solid (and super cushy for your back) call for you! . Plus it'll last forever.

 

Yikes, sorry to hear about the accident and all. Congrats on the Avalon! Those are fantastic for long trips.

 

Thanks guys, yeah the seats are pretty awesome, an extremely comfortable car.

 

I had one. It was my daily for about 6 years. Problem free car.

Find a strut tower brace from a same generation Solara or Lexus ES. It is a direct bolt on mod and it really helps the handling.

 

My in-laws have an '00 with 200k miles on it. Still drives like a new car, no squeaks or interior issues. Pretty amazing cars. All the best luck with the car and your back!

 

^ Mine had a 98 with well over 200k on it. We all loaded up in it (5 people) & made a trip from Bakersfield, CA to Vegas. Not super comfy with 5 people, but wasn't terrible.

It's since been replaced with a Lexus RX.

 

How much did you get the avalon for?

I just purchased a 97 ES300 to be a daily beater but the suspension is shot, and the wind noise is bad due to the frameless window design. If this thing craps out sooner than expected, I might have to look at Avalons.

 

So I've found I get close to 400mi. per tank and it actually seems faster than the CL. This has 210hp vs. the CL's 200hp, however the Avalon is 200 lbs heavier. Very noticeable, lots of torque. I wonder if it's the gearing or how well the engine took its age and miles.

oh and it was $4k very good deal imo.