1998 Toyota Avalon Camry V6, 189,000 miles, Reliable, Runs Very Well

1998 Toyota Avalon XLS Description

Starts, runs & drives fine -- city & highway without worry. Dependable and smooth-running car with plenty of life left. I just bought a younger Toyota, so this one needs a new owner.
The bad:
- Clock spring in steering wheel has failed; its job is to maintain connection with airbag, horn, cruise control while turning the wheel. Steering not affected at all, but due to clock spring failure: airbag light is lit (airbag could potentially fail to deploy in an accident), horn & cruise control do not work. Cheap if you want to tackle the clock spring yourself, I don't wanna mess with it because I'd screw it up.
- There is a sound from the exhaust that can only be heard at certain RPM when revved (like a low growl-vibration), lightly vibrating against a mount back near the muffler, volume like 4 out of 10 whether moving or sitting still. Annoyance when accelerating while in that RPM range but disappears completely when cruising or idling. It's not loud enough that the neighbors hear, but you hear it inside the car in little bursts when accelerating. I took video/sound of this while sitting still revving into that range that I can share.
- Tires are OK but below half-life.
- Cosmetic stuff: paint is pretty nice, stone chips at hood, little rust spots (pictured at trunk, also very little under door), touch up on rear bumper that's poorly done but not very conspicuous. Pretty nice for age.
- Stone chip in windshield has been sealed last year but is still visible, hasn't grown.
- Passenger air vent is missing cover door (the little vent slats panel), still blows fine.
- Brakes and exhaust will need service soon, but perform fine, no brake squeek/wonkiness, no loud exhaust leak, etc.
The good:
- Engine/transmission operation is right, no issues. Runs and idles normal, performs well under acceleration. No problems starting/running/driving, city or highway speeds.
- Not leaking any fluids, happy to do 'cardboard test'. Coolant, oil, etc are fine condition.
- AC and heat work properly.
- Comfortable power seats, leather in pretty good condition.
- Factory CD stereo.
Done in last year:
- New spark plugs, spark plug wires, ignitions coils, and alternator all replaced while resolving a misfire (now trouble-free).
- New power steering rack & pinion because a boot was seeping, had shop replace whole unit.
Overall - I drive it long distances regularly highway and work commute, and am selling here because I am upgrading to one younger. It is comfortable reliable transportation if you can mind the flaws. Front wheel drive great in snow.
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Message to bidders:
This is an as-is vehicle sale. I tried to be open about the car but would feel better if you had some questions for me. I can provide additional pics or video on request no problem, and I'm available and happy to chat with you candidly about questions you may have. Also you are welcome to arrange to inspect the vehicle or send out a mechanic to check it over -- car is in Kalamazoo, MI. I will drive it to you locally within reason maybe.
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Please don't bid unless you are comfortable buying, $500 deposit is due within 24hrs of auction end as per policies of Ebay. Ensure you are comfortable making purchase and have performed inspection if desired prior to committing to buy at end of auction. Thank you for agreeing to the terms that Ebay provides to ensure the fair & safe auction platform for the buyer and the seller!
VIN in description if you'd like to run a CarFax --
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1998 Toyota Avalon
Starts, runs, drives well.
V6 ; 6-cylinder
Front wheel drive, FWD
A/, air conditioning
CD Stereo
Comfortable ride & cabin.
189000 miles