I went down to trade my Solara in on a new Avalon to go with my Tundra. Was looking at the Touring model because of the improved handling. By the time I added up the options I was well into the Limited price range and ordered that model. The deal was ok, but not great. Got a fair price for the Solara considering the trade-in tax reduction and the 6/75 Platinum coverage was thrown in for free. Now how do I improve the handling on the Limited? Anyone out there ever try to make an Avalon corner better? Info much appreciated.
Higher performance tires, maybe Tirerack's Avon M550 (actually from Cooper) or Yokohama Avid V4S in the stock size.
The Avalon is really a Toyota version of a Buick. The folks who buy Avalons don't expect much except a marshmallow ride.
Ken
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Hey Ken, thanks for the response and the thoughts. I certainly agree with the idea of rear sway bars, or even front and rear with about 4/3 twist back to front. Will follow your URL. Tires, you bet, but I do live at 5k feet in SE Idaho and there is a rumor it might snow. Even so, premium all seasons are better than many summer V-rated used to be. Marshmallow ride, nah, doesn’t have to be. I am 6’2” and the short male in the family. This generation of the Avalon can finally give me a car that can take my son behind me and his taller son behind the front passenger. Now if I can just get it to corner like my Supra used to….
JMark
Why not just go through the differences with the parts department? Besides tires, the differences between the versions are probably just springs, shocks, and sway bars. Those parts should not be so expensive that they are not worth buying.
Yes sir, I am certain you are correct but... dealer parts prices just tick me off because of the huge markup. Maybe I can get one of the forum related dealers to put together a package of springs and sway bars at a reasonable price.
I would do the shocks from bilstein or similar for best handling and semi-reasonable pricing.
I do not always expect a bargain and do recognize that everyone has to make a living, but really.
In addition, that would only get me to the "Touring" level of handling. Have driven all the new Avalons and while the difference is certainly obvious, I would not want to get to any stiffer springs than are on the Touring, but would hope to better turn in and roll.
Contact TS preferred dealer "trdsource" in the dealer area or by PM for any Toyota parts options you might want to try. He seems to offer decent prices and is quick to respond. I think his name is Mike.
Larry
EDIT: I was wrong, his name is Matt, sorry to you both.
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If a combo of all these whizz bangs met their claims you'd have to siphon gas out of your tank every second day and sell the excess horsepower on the third????
If your engine doesn't consume ANY oil it will seize???
Some people should not be allowed access to tools without books!!!
I have a 99 XLS and XL. They both had a soft ride with lots of body roll. They both suffered from strut mount noises also.
I put new KYB GR2 struts and strut mounts on both. It made a world of difference! It's not performance-grade but it is firm with greater handling feedback. Still has lots of oversteer though...
I also upgraded the tires one size wider. I found Avalon's are also very sensitive to toe-in alignment. Unless they are right-on you get all kinds of vibration and noises. If you go to a wider profile tire, make sure to have the alignment checked.
Avalon Handling Upgrades
Linear Mode
