Family has a 2000 Avalon with 230k on it. We still use it on 1000+ mile road trips to the beach if that tells you anything about how well its held up. I must say for an interstate road trip with 4 people, that has to be one of the finest cars ever built short of something like a $100,000 S-class or Lexus LS. Massive amounts of room in all 4 seats, big enough trunk to hold anything, 30mpg if you are on flat land and keep the speeds below 75mph.
Like others have said, oil sludge is the result of neglect, not a design fault IMO.
Like others have said, oil sludge is the result of neglect, not a design fault IMO.
I like the 1MZ better than the 2GR. Just sayin 
Our 2002 Highlander has the 1MZ. I think they fixed the thing with the oil passages midway through the 2001 model year (2001.5?) I'm pretty sure our Highlander has the "fixed" version. Has never burned a drop of oil, although just to be safe we've never let oil changes go on it. Yes, very nice engine with good power delivery.
Our 2002 Highlander has the 1MZ. I think they fixed the thing with the oil passages midway through the 2001 model year (2001.5?) I'm pretty sure our Highlander has the "fixed" version. Has never burned a drop of oil, although just to be safe we've never let oil changes go on it. Yes, very nice engine with good power delivery.