Picking up a 2008 Touring on Thursday

[Harsh]

Hi guys, just thought I would tell you that I am purchasing my first Avalon tomorrow. Actually it is for my wife, but I have always wanted an Avalon for her, as I am not willing to give up my 06 Tundra. Anyways, it is a 2008 Touring in Magnetic Gray Metallic and Dark Charcoal Leather. It has the 380 Watt 12 Speaker system with Bluetooth, Sun Roof, Traction Control and the mat package. I worked em down to $506 over invoice, which is what they claimed to be as invoice because they saying that TDA (Toyota Dealer Advertising) is part of invoice. I let them know that it is not part of invoice, and at the end of the deal I agreed to let them have the $506... all in all not bad, about 60 minutes of negotiating. Sticker is like $33,074 (from memory) and I got them down to $29,758 (again from memory, paperwork is not in front of me).
Anything I need to be aware of on these 08 models yet?

[smuook]

New 6 speed Camry tranny is yet to be evaluated/reviewed.
Brakes should be improved.
Bluetoothe and Aux input all new for 2008.

The 4th year of this generation should be a refined car. Some people like the Touring suspension, but it seems to be the consensus that the touring offers a stiffer ride without significant increases in suspension performance. The chassis design and weight of the vehicle is just not conducive to nimbleness.

Probably the biggest problem this generation of Avalons has been the transmission hesitation issues which have been resolved by Toyota via a warranty covered TSB repair. The 2008 is a whole new tranny so won't be affected by this... although who know's what issues the new tranny might bring? They've had a year to refine on the Camry so hopefully no problems.

To a lesser degree, some issues with steering column noise and other little things... but I have a 2007 and have none of these problems.

In the words of Borat, the 2008 should have Great Success!

[Harsh]

Thats cool, thanks for the info. Picked up the car, everything went as planned. A small spot on the spoiler where it appears the Clear Coar is damaged. I am going to have them replace the spoiler, other than that flawless.