Hunting for a used car that has proven reliability and been well-maintained over the years is just about as difficult as buying a home these days: the market is volatile, there is a shortage of desired builds, and worse yet…you can expect to pay significantly more than what it would have cost you pre-pandemic.

But let’s say that paying more is not a deal breaker for you if you’ve found the right used car. The good news is that while the competition may be on the look-out for the always popular Corollas and Camrys, you might have an edge on them with an under-the-radar model---like a 2004 Avalon XLS.

In recently posted CarCareNut YouTube channel video, the host comes forward with his claim as an experienced Toyota mechanic that the 2004 Avalon is one of the best Toyotas ever made. Using a recently purchased model his neighbor owns, the host walks you through an inspection of the used car buy and discusses its finer points as well as some problems with this vehicle.

In the video he will discuss points that include, but are not limited to:

• The benefits of a car with the 1MZ-FE engine • How to diagnose suspension squeaking over bumps typical of used cars • Why after-market replacement ball joints should not be your first choice • How to determine whether a model has a non-interference engine or not • How to access and check the timing belt

The benefit of watching this video is that if you do come across a 2004 Avalon for sale, you will already have a demonstration by a mechanic to follow toward a pre-purchasing inspection that you can do yourself to ensure that the model found is in good condition.

That said, here is the video in its entirety that will prove to be very informative for a used car shopper focused on wanting to buy this under-the-radar used Toyota model:

THIS is One of the Best Toyota Models Ever Made! Let's See How It's Doing!

For additional articles about Toyota vehicles, here are two selected articles for your enjoyment:

Why Toyotas Burn So Much Oil and What You Can Do About It

Toyota Service Department Mechanic Explains Latest Car Dealership Scams

COMING UP NEXT: Is Your Dealership a Stealership?

Timothy Boyer is a Torque News automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily new and used vehicle news.