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The Best Older Toyota Model Ever Made –DIY Repair Like a Boss for This Daily Driver

Here is how to fix a few common issues with one of the best older model Toyota cars, bringing it back to a truly road-worthy condition as an affordable and reliable daily driver.
The Perfect Reliable DIY Toyota for Saving Money

Not only are new cars too expensive to buy, but they are too expensive to repair―partially because they have become increasingly complicated with costly parts and mostly because gaining access to systems for repair and/or replacement is exceedingly difficult and labor intensive.

For example, modern HVAC systems typically require a relatively inexpensive replacement part but require disassembling the entire dashboard to access it.

While car shoppers bemoan the need for a "basic" model not unlike the cars of yesteryear that were much easier to gain access to the various systems to do repairs, it is not going to happen―Automotive manufacturers build increasingly complex cars because they say that is what the customers want…and because it is more profitable for them.

However, there is hope: Older Toyota models with proven reliability and easy-to-get-to-systems for DIY owner repairs.

Related article: "But It's A Toyota, Why Would I Open The Hood?"

In Praise of Older Toyota Models

"This is a 2004 Toyota Avalon; And this is one of the best Toyotas ever made. I mean these things, when you get them in good shape, they are truly good cars. But of course like every 20-year-old car, eventually they'll need some stuff. So in today's video we're going to fix a few things on this 95,000-mile super rare, column shift Avalon," states the host of the Car Care Nut YouTube channel as he shows what is needed to bring an old girl back into shape.

So, what kind of things can we expect to need fixing? According to the host there a few common issues you can expect, as shown in his demonstration model that includes:

  • Minor suspension work
  • Power steering system leaks
  • Doors that will not lock

Follow along with the host in the video below to discover what it takes to give this old car new life.

"Let's get with the video, it's kind of going to be a “Shop Day” video―if you would―working on one of my favorite and one of the most well-made Toyotas," says the host as he begins to show how the needed repairs are made well within the capabilities and tools of a DIY home mechanic.

Below the video, a summary of the repairs and some need-to-know info before attempting this kind of old car work is provided. The value of this is that you can see if this is something you would like to attempt as well, toward owning a similar car without the problems (and expense) of a more modern-day manufacturer.

Relates article: Toyota Reliability Mistake Used Car Shoppers Make

This is One Of The Best Old Toyota Models Ever Made!

 

Toyota Avalon Repair Summary

Here are the takeaways from the video that should encourage you to go back and watch the video yourself if you are fortunate enough to find a used Toyota Avalon to DIY work on for yourself.

  • Windshield wipers with a "winter mode" setting you will not find in cars today.
  • A broken hood shock accessory you can rely on, so you do not have to buy expensive new hood shocks.
  • An initial inspection is needed to identify repairs.
  • Common rust risk areas, like fuel tank straps.
  • How to access and replace leaking power steering lines followed by the correct way to bleed the old fluid out and replace with new power steering fluid.
  • What those mysterious blue lines are for on the ends of replacement hoses.
  • How to fix the occasional broken bolt, which you can expect.
  • How to remove and replace rusted-out gas tank straps.
  • How to disassemble tie rods on your suspension (and whether you should), with the warning that heavy rust can result in a bigger job than needed and might be best avoided if possible.
  • How to access broken/non-functional door locks through the inside door panel.
  • How to remove the door latch assembly without doing additional damage.

For additional DIY-related articles, here are three informative ones you should know about as well:

Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati who currently researches and works on restoring older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. He also reports on modern cars (including EVs) with a focus on DIY mechanics, buying and using tools, and other related topical automotive repair news. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites as well as on Facebook and his automotive blog "Zen and the Art of DIY Car Repair" for useful daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.

Image Source: Deposit Photos

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