Mike Lipperman Drives 2001 Toyota Avalon 500,000 Miles and Counting
There’s something to be said for sticking to your guns: it’s easy to get stuck on the idea of the newest thing and focus on what lies ahead, but it’s another thing entirely to appreciate what you already have and make it last as long as you can. That seems to be the approach that Greensboro, North Carolina, resident, Mike Lipperman, takes—at least when it comes to his automobile. Lipperman has driven his 2001 Toyota Avalon 500,000 miles over the course of more than a decade of ownership, and there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight for that old Avalon yet.
The engine in the 2001 Avalon is a V6 3000 Four Cam 24 VVT-I, which has an output of 240 horsepower and 222 lb-ft of torque and is part of the Toyota MZ engine family that was named to Ward’s 10 Best Engines…in 1996.The biggest repairs that Lipperman has had to make to the Avalon: a new water pump and timing belt.
Example of a 2001 Toyota Avalon
“I could not imagine having a better car,” Lipperman says. “It was built perfectly and it’s lasted a long time, and in fact, a lot of my family members have bought Toyota products from the success that I’ve had on this car and my previous Toyota Corolla.”
A life-long Toyota customer and he’s getting sales for the automaker based entirely of his own merits? C’mon, Toyota, don’t make Mike Lipperman drive that Toyota Avalon 500,000 miles more; fix him up with one of your fancy new models. Maybe you could make him the guinea pig for the new Fuel Cell Vehicle.
The News Wheel is a digital auto magazine providing readers with a fresh perspective on the latest car news. We’re located in the heart of America (Dayton, Ohio) and our goal is to deliver an entertaining and informative perspective on what’s trending in the automotive world. See more articles from The News Wheel.