Good site with pics http://members.cox.net/n0v8or/avalon_oil_change.pdf
The oil filter on the 1997 Avalon is located on the side of the engine that is toward the front of the car. The filter will probably be so tight that you will have to use an oil filter wrench to remove it.
5 QTS WITH FILTER CHANGE
6.4 quarts of engine oil with filter change.
How do I change the oil filter on an Audi A4 Diesel 2007
It takes 6.4 qts. with filter change, 6.0 qts without filter.
How to change toyota avalon 2000's transmision oil?
Yes, that is the correct Bosch filter for a 2003 Toyota Avalon.
Oil filterI may have found the answer for you.Oil filter is located inside a housing attached to the oil pan .Oil filter is not a spin on design it is cartidge style.And on the Edmunds site, there is apparently a PDF file from the service manual showing the change procedure.Here's where I found the info:http://www.tundrasolutions.com/forums/Avalon/46882-oil-filter-location-3-5l-2-a/
4.5 Quarts (with oil filter change)
whenever you change the oil
Place a drip pan below the oil filter. Loosen the oil filter with a oil filter wrench, by turning the filter to the left. Fill the new oil filter with oil and reverse the process.
http://members.cox.net/n0v8or/avalon_oil_change.pdf