Sell your 1997 Toyota Avalon for cash

The 1997 Toyota Avalon is a full-size car that came with a 3.0L 6-cyl engine. At 29 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.

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1997 Toyota Avalon at a glance

Body styleLarge Cars
Engines3.0L 6-cyl
TransmissionsAutomatic 4-spd
DriveFront-Wheel Drive
FuelRegular Gasoline
Fuel economy18 city / 28 highway / 22 combined MPG
EPA annual fuel cost$3,050 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles)
Tailpipe CO₂404 grams per mile
Versions tested by EPA1 configuration
Age29 years

Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.

What affects its junk value

  • Age: at 29 years old, most of a 1997 Avalon's value comes from reusable parts and scrap metal, not resale.
  • Weight: as a full-size car, it weighs less than a truck or SUV, so its value leans more on parts than on scrap weight. See how scrap prices by weight work.
  • Catalytic converter: like all gas and diesel cars, it has a catalytic converter containing precious metals, one of the most valuable parts on a junk car. An offer assumes it's still in place. More on catalytic converters.
  • Recalls: NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 1997 Avalon. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking it.
  • Known problems: owners reported the most issues with the steering, typically around 99,000 miles. If that's what failed on yours, it can still be sold as-is.

How junk car offers are calculated

1997 Toyota Avalon recalls

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall covering the 1997 Toyota Avalon. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.

Service Brakes, HydraulicSep 1997 · NHTSA campaign 97V156000

Vehicle description: passenger vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the states of alaska, colorado, idaho, illinois, iowa, kansas, maine, michigan,minnesota, montana, nebraska, nevada, new hampshire, new york, noth dakota, south dakota, vermont, wisconsin, and wyoming. A condition can occur where accumulated moisture…

Risk: This can result in the elimination of vacuum assist to the brakes that can increase stopping distances and could lead to a vehicle crash.

Common 1997 Avalon problems

Owners have filed 125 complaints about the 1997 Toyota Avalon with NHTSA. 12 reports involved a crash. Owners reported 8 injuries.

Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.

Most-reported components

  • Steering24
  • Suspension11
  • Suspension10
  • Tires9
  • Vehicle Speed Control8
  • Steering6

Typical mileage when problems were reported

  • Steering99,000 mi
  • Suspension51,000 mi
  • Vehicle Speed Control86,000 mi
  • Steering84,000 mi

1997 Toyota Avalon service bulletins

Manufacturers have filed 58 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 1997 Toyota Avalon. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.

Most common bulletin topics

  • Equipment10
  • Service Brakes6
  • Equipment4
  • Suspension4
  • Air Bags3
  • Back Over Prevention3

Recent bulletins

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsAug 2023 · TSB003220

    TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMar 2022 · TTT063620

    TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJan 2022 · Toyota PRO19-02

    POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Toyota. This information must

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMar 2021 · Toyota Safety Re

    Toyota Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA opened 1 defect investigation covering the 1997 Toyota Avalon.

Engine and Engine CoolingDP02004 · opened Apr 2002, closed Jun 2002

Engine seizure

Selling a 1997 Avalon: questions

How much is a 1997 Toyota Avalon worth for junk?

It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. Its parts make up much of its value. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.

Can I junk a 1997 Avalon that doesn't run?

Yes. We buy 1997 Avalons that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.

Can I sell a 1997 Avalon with open recalls?

Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 1997 Toyota Avalon; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What paperwork do I need to sell my 1997 Avalon?

Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.

Sources

Data retrieved October 2026.

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