Touring Suspension...is it worth it?

kfitzhistory · #1 (**permalink**) 09-17-2007, 08:24 PM

Hey all!

I am interested in setting up my 05 Limited w/the Touring Suspension. I have located all the parts I need, however, I want to find out what you think before I make the move.

Is the Touring suspension really worth it? I know the car will not be a sports car but will it take out the "Bobble" in the ride?

I say this because my wife refers to my car as the "Bobble head"...says she wobbles around in the car over every bump. Just like a Buick Century.

I love my car but I would love a better ride. I test drove the Chrysler 300C and I wish my Avalon had a similar ride.

Let me know what you think!

Fitz

TX RN · #2 (**permalink**) 10-01-2007, 10:57 PM

We have an 05' Blizzard Pearl Touring Avalon. Most excellent car. I never even test drove the other three packages. The LTD was way to much on the checkbook and the XLS did not have HID headlights and did have all the fake woodgrain inside. I can tell you after a 3500 mile road trip from Houston to So. Cal., two and a half years around Texas, and all over western Louisianna the Touring package is great. You can feel the road. The steering is tight and the car hugs the road in curves. I like a responsive suspension and this is the BOMB! You might want to try driving one first. It is not a plush ride. If you want a cushy ride stick with what you have. Otherwise, the new gen Avalons are holding their value so go for it. Good luck.

gold4runner · #3 (**permalink**) 10-03-2007, 05:31 PM

The touring package seems pretty good to me. No where near my old acura tl type s but pretty decent. I say go for it and then wait like I am for some upgraded sway bars to hit the market.

kfitzhistory · #4 (**permalink**) 10-04-2007, 06:37 PM

Thanks so much for the info!

I think I will go for it!

Fitz

Isresistancefutile? · #5 (**permalink**) 10-07-2007, 08:18 PM

What kind of money are you talking about? I have an 07 Touring which I deliberately chose after driving other models. It's definitely tighter steering and better road feel, but I think a significant portion of the change is tires. The Touring is standard Michelins on different wheels and the others are Bridgestone (I think). If you switch suspension parts and keep your tires & wheels you might not get the results you want. The tires alone would set you back $400-$500. I can only imagine the cost of wheels, shocks, springs and anti-roll bars - installed.

Remember, it will always be a big, long wheelbase front-driver. You'll still have torque steer, understeer and all that comes with the basic Camry design. My advice, trade for an 08 Touring and option it up with Limited features. You'll get the six speed, the bluetooth option and all the other goodies, probably for less.

Or, do what I plan to do and buy a Maxima.

kfitzhistory · #6 (**permalink**) 10-11-2007, 08:26 PM

Thanks for your input..but I will stick w/the Avalon.

The tires I have on their now where the best tires for traction that money could buy (at that time).

I want more road feel and tighter turning ability...yet I know what the car is and what it is capable of. I am not looking for a road rally car or a hot rod...I have a 1970 Pontiac GTO as well.

I just want the driving to be more responsive and less "wobble".

Thanks,
Fitz

TX RN · #7 (**permalink**) 12-01-2007, 10:48 PM

Fitz, did you pull the trigger on the suspension upgrade? I am curious as to your response and impression of your new ride.

LifeTech · #8 (**permalink**) 12-11-2007, 05:24 PM

All the suspension mods are one issue. But the Wheel and tire Size combo are wider with a lower profile. This is also part of a bonifide Touring Package retrofit.
If yu want the Touring "ride".

LT

gold4runner · #9 (**permalink**) 12-12-2007, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LifeTech

All the suspension mods are one issue. But the Wheel and tire Size combo are wider with a lower profile. This is also part of a bonifide Touring Package retrofit.
If yu want the Touring "ride".

LT

are you sure about that? I thought the limited and the touring had the same size tires

akira751 · #10 (**permalink**) 12-13-2007, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gold4runner

are you sure about that? I thought the limited and the touring had the same size tires

They have the same size.

nlscooby · #11 (**permalink**) 05-13-2008, 07:06 AM

Kfitz,

Have you gone ahead with the suspension upgrade? Do you mind sending me a PM, letting me know what the parts list consists of and what the approx. cost of those parts is? I am thinking about a Touring Avalon because I like the suspension, but there are a few features on the Limited that I would really like that are not available on the Touring edition.

Thanks in advance!