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2002 Toyota Avalon Questions
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janetlee64
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Feb 20, 2021, 6:59 PM
Post #1 of 7
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2002 Toyota Avalon Questions
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I am looking at a 2002 Avalon for sale. It only has 92k miles on it. It has new tires, brakes, and is in pristine condition. The problem is that we don't know if it has had the timing belt changed or not. Plus there is oil around the thing that covers the gaskets. The oil is clean but that would need to be addressed. One mechanic friend of a friend told him that if you change the belt, you might as well change the water pump while you are at it. Apparently the costs of these services would be high. Can anyone here give me any guidance? I really love the car but can only afford so much repair work if I were to buy it. Is it true that the water pump should be changed along with the timing belt? What is an estimated cost for the gasket service and the timing belt with water pump? Any advice would be appreciated. Oh, the car was garage-kept, so there is no rust. Like I said, it is NICE!Thank you!janet
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Feb 20, 2021, 7:29 PM
Post #2 of 7
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Re: 2002 Toyota Avalon Questions
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The recommended interval on that engine is 90K so I doubt it was just done or the seller would know. The one thing that is definitely in your favor is that this IS NOT and interference engine meaning the if it breaks while you're driving, the worst that could happen is a tow bill on top of the repair.
Because it's not real risky, you could have some leeway on the schedule a put it off a little while if you need to.
You should work it into your plans within the next 20k miles.
The cost will vary with the hourly rate the shop charges.
The labor time for the belt is 3.5 hr
additional time for replacing the cam seals which would be a good idea is an additional 2 hours
The water pump will add about an hour plus coolant.
Depending how much you do, you could easily spend close to $1,000
If you try to save money and do just the belt, probably around $600-$700 unless you find a shop that works real cheap and then beware of the risk.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
(This post was edited by Hammer Time on Feb 20, 2021, 7:30 PM)
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Feb 21, 2021, 2:56 AM
Post #3 of 7
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Re: 2002 Toyota Avalon Questions
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Hi Janet! These worth taking seriously and possibly a great car. No rust if really no rust is a great plus. Seller should be able to show the receipt for the work done with VIN# that match the car.
Oil evidence but new? Maybe a spill just changed it so it looks good. If you are allowed get a check out that it's original showing VIN# matching thru windshield and on driver's door jam on stickers still there.
I've dealt with more Camrys than this model lots of same features expected. YOU, before spending bucks check all features work, lights, wipers/washers, power items, radio whatever it has.
Hidden in my this and similar could be soaking wet spare tires in a well in trunks under a fake carpet cover if so could be a spill or chronic from a rain water leak?
Not sure if you can check A/C (it's 16F right now here) I couldn't know maybe you can, bring a thermo you trust test in a refrigerator if you want regular home refrigerators run about 42-45F center vent give it some time or a spin around the block if not working it's potentially costly and invasive to fix and I know you want that working
T
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janetlee64
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Feb 21, 2021, 8:02 PM
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Re: 2002 Toyota Avalon Questions
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Thank you for the info!janet
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janetlee64
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Feb 21, 2021, 8:07 PM
Post #5 of 7
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Re: 2002 Toyota Avalon Questions
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Hi Tom!Thanks for all the info. Fortunately the car sold before I could buy it. I didn't have enough $$$ to buy the car AND fix it too!As I look on for a car, I will keep y'all posted!janet
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Feb 22, 2021, 12:58 AM
Post #6 of 7
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You are right Janet "Fortunate" it sold. Take YOUR time NOT the seller's as YOU are the buyer!
That's another side of cars that's not mechanical to keep emotions out of it. 'If you missed out, it was meant to be' - Let it be, there will be another.
I've owned so dang many lost count. Job #1, walk away on first offers! It does help (no kidding) to have the $$ in hand puts YOU in the driver's seat buying and selling - it's own nightmare! :-) -- Not sure that's funny.
Hard to do and hindsight missed out on some deals also missed out of cleaver cover ups too so IDK where the balance is for certain.
Keep emotions OUT of buying and selling. You are NOT likely to see each other again! Whacked thought but true.
Used anything cars or not? There's a reason they are selling, another reason why you are buy.
Hard to do, be on top such that when it's a go you leave with the item right away car or whatever or selling the deal is closed and you did get your $$ win or lose.
Old time, well worn sayings "Haste Makes Waste" stands true! Not sure who to credit for that - probably "Mark Twain?"
After that fact this spot (site) here to help,
Tom
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Feb 22, 2021, 4:40 AM
Post #7 of 7
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Re: 2002 Toyota Avalon Questions
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There are 2 sides of that story.
I spend a lot of time trying to find good cars to buy and resell and the good ones go quick so losing a good car can happen quick. If you find that right car you have to act quick. I'm not saying to buy uninformed but experience tells me that any Toyota product will go quick if it's a good deal and a decent car.
I buy a lot of cars at the auction and that doesn't always go well but when a good one comes through, the competition is stiff from other dealers.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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