Used Cars: Toyota Avalon 2000, toyota avalon xls, car toyota avalon

Question
Good day Jay,

I am looking at this car, toyota avalon XLS 2000--which has 150k miles on it, fully loaded with options and maintenance records (as the seller said).Here is my question: is this a good buy for $5500? I want a car that would last for at least 5 more years, reliable, and won't die on me in the middle of the road. I am currently a college student, so I want a car that is reliable enough to get me to school everyday. Here is some other info about it: single owner, no accident, good condition(seller claims to be), my zip code is 95148. Please let me know your opinion whether this is a good buy or not and how good is avalon 2000 comparing to corolla and camry.

Thanks,
Dan


Answer
As for the price, if everything is as they say it is, that is a fair price.  But I would be sure that all they say is true ie: One Owner, No wrecks, and most importantly MAINTENANCE.
I would inquire with them when they did the timing belt, and when it is due to be replaced next?
When they did the timing belt, did they also do the water pump?
These cars in general are really, really, good cars, IF they have been taken care of.
They do relatively good fuel economy, and all in all, are just really good cars.
If everything is true, and if they would come down another $500, I would think that to be a good deal.
It is hard to compare the avalon, to the the camry and corolla, they are all really good cars, and really safe cars.  The XLS has so many bells and whistles, that I would probably pick it over the others because I personally like all the goodies.
I hope this is helpful, and if you get it, just make sure and do the maintenance like you are supposed to.