I bought my Avalon brand new, after discovering that the used ones depreciated so little that the 2003's features and new car smell were worth having. Nearly three years later I am still in love with this car.
I went looking specifically for the Avalon for 2 reasons: 1) having been hit from behind and whiplashed several times, I cared about not only the overall safety rating but specifically the neck-injury statistics. (The Ford Taurus I had before was well-rated overall, but did a miserable job of protecting my neck from a rear-end hit.)
2) I got completely fed up with the repair issues with Ford and GMC cars I had owned previously. I was impressed with Toyota's reliability ratings and word-of-mouth.

The Avalon is one of the automotive world's best-kept secrets: rides like a Lexus and has all the comforts, but costs much less; is powerful, reliable, has many creature comforts and gadgets to make driving easier and safer, plus a good sound system (though it took me three times back to service to convince them that the subwoofer wasn't hooked up). It also handles well and is stable on winter roads (I live in the country). Had it been available in a 5-speed manual version I would have taken that over the standard automatic transmission -- sometimes on an icy steep hill I need to make a detour -- but otherwise I have no complaints. Cabin and trunk space are ample. I have the power moon roof and leather seats -- just happened to come with the car I liked on the lot. Nice features are the auto-dimming rear view mirror, wipers and lights that sense rain and darkness, and fully adjustable driver & passenger seats. Driver's seat has 2 memory settings for 2 different drivers, for your seat position AND mirrors. I feel pampered and safe, and able to get out of any jam that requires fast acceleration and stable handling, in this car.

It's also quite elegant, unlike the original Avalons which were undistinguished. I'm glad to see the company promoting the Avalon now. For years I couldn't understand why they didn't bother.

Gas mileage is just average for these days. I get between 21 and 24 mpg usually, and mid-grade rather than economy fuel is recommended for the car. So a fill on "empty" costs me $40 currently. That's my only complaint.
Amount Paid (US$): 34,000
Condition: New
Model Year: 2003
Model and Options: LX , power moonroof, a/c, power seats, auto.trans.,more