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2012 - 2013 Toyota Avalon

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Comments

  • poorthingflintpoorthingflint Member Posts: 61
    For the record a drop of 2psi in tire pressure usually results in less than one MPG average. Almost a rounding error. I had a 2009 Camry Hybrid and never averaged CR combine economy number as well. Missed it by about the same amount you did and I kept my tires properly inflated with regular checks. Came pretty close to their hi way average if I stayed under 70MPH.
  • poorthingflintpoorthingflint Member Posts: 61
    Been using McGuire leather conditioner for years and my seats stayed new looking out to well over 1000,000 miles with a both my GS300 Lexus's. I stayed away from "cleaner" conditioners and substituted regular treatment of the seats instead(3-5 times a year minimum). Used it with similar results with my 2009 Camry Hybrid.
  • poorthingflintpoorthingflint Member Posts: 61
    I think it is important to note the Avalon tested in Car and Driver had Michelins and they experienced non of terrible response to various road irregularities Motor trend commented on. Firm ride yes awful ride no.
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 15,905
    I haven't driven a 2013, but can tell you without a doubt Turanza EL400s are a crap tire. I had them on my 06 Avalon and hated them.

    2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve

  • havechavec Member Posts: 45
    The other variable in how the Avalon rides is if it has the 17 or 18 inch wheels. Just about everybody agrees that the hybrid with 215-55-17 tires rides better thatn the V6 with the 225-45-18 inch tires.

    Although, one V6 owner did have his 18 inch wheels switched out to 17's at CR's suggestion and reported little or no improvement.

    Also, there are 23 owners reporting in on CRs website on the Avalon. Almost all of the complaints on the ride are V6 owners. For the most part, people aren't complaining about the hybrid's ride.
  • teresa01teresa01 Member Posts: 14
    Thank you for this information. I appreciate it. I'll look for it in my automotive store.
  • teresa01teresa01 Member Posts: 14
    Wow, this is really interesting regarding the wheel size and tires. You would think that the Toyota would go standard with Michelins instead of using the Bridgestones. I don't understand why some of the cars are coming with Michelins on them and others, like mine, are coming with Bridgestones.

    I am getting more used to the firm ride and I love the seats, they are comfortable to me. I think it was just a shock to me about the change in the suspension and ride coming from my 06 Avalon, but I'm getting over it. Otherwise, I think Toyota did a great job on the redesign. It really does look much more sporty.
  • teresa01teresa01 Member Posts: 14
    Thank you for this suggestion. I will take a look at this one as well.
  • havechavec Member Posts: 45
    My local tire dealer didn't have much very nice to say about the Bridgestones either. Then again he is a tire dealer selling tires. The Camry hybrid comes with the same exact Bridgestone tire as the Avalon hybrid and gets a better ride score than the Avalon. CR may have rated the old Avalon as having a nice pillow soft ride but they rated the emergency handling as poor. Toyota can't win with CR with this car.
  • empoweredbcempoweredbc Member Posts: 50
    Even the iconic Lexus LFA sported the ancient Bridgestone RE070 over clearly superior, and easily more modern, performance rubber currently available. :confuse:

    Bridgestone must have paid Toyota a small fortune for the account.
  • bwiabwia Member Posts: 2,913
    edited June 2013
    My local tire dealer didn't have much very nice to say about the Bridgestones either. Then again he is a tire dealer selling tires.

    Personally, I don't think car tires are as noisy as some claim. Cabin noise comes from three major sources---engine noise, wind noise and tire noise. Automakers use quiet glass to eliminate wind noise and sound deadening materials, noise cancellation technology and insulation to block engine noise.

    Unfortunately, these measures have made the cabin so whisper quiet that tire road noises sound louder than they really are. Tire noise is a matter of physics--the noise does not really come from the tire compound itself but rather from the air pockets created when the tire makes contact with the road surface. So you can waste your money switching to a different brand but the tire decibel level will not change appreciable.
  • nceencee Member Posts: 419
    Oh, contra my friend. It can be and is as big an issue as some are making out of it.

    In my case, I had to turn my radio up to 20+ on the volume to hear it, and not the tire noise:(

    Skip
  • poorthingflintpoorthingflint Member Posts: 61
    Wow! You have come up with some interesting theories about perceived tire noises. I am 73yrs old and spent most of my life in the automobile service and repair business. I can assure you,I have identified and solved many a noisy tire problems in my time. Personal experience with awful tire noises from a set of new "Stones" was one of the worst examples I ever personal ever delt with. They where on a new Lexus I owned and getting them replaced with another set of tires transformed the car for the better in all respects. So with all due respect I strongly disagree with your hypothisis.
  • nvbankernvbanker Member Posts: 7,239
    Yes, that's a good product, and using it is a good idea. I would point out though, having had 4 of them, that the Lexus leather used is impervious to UV rays and other aging factors. It's amazing. I had a 96 ES up until last year, sat in the Nevada sun for 16 years, and the leather seats still looked, felt and functions just like new, with no treatment. - so while Meguires is awesome, that probably isn't the factor you may think. :blush:
  • poorthingflintpoorthingflint Member Posts: 61
    Thanks for your real world experience input. Perhaps I will be less diligent in my leather treatments but it makes me feel better even if the seats are not benefiting that much if any. Old habits die hard,but at least there is no evidence I have caused any problems by over maintaining my interiors and it makes the leather look better.
  • nvbankernvbanker Member Posts: 7,239
    It certainly doesn't hurt them! Keep a polishing!!!
  • daveinvadaveinva Member Posts: 6
    Hi,

    I have not been on this forum recently, but I noticed your post and thought I could provide my reply.

    I did swap out the Bridgestone EL400's for a set of four Michelin Primacy MXM4 tires (P225/45R18) a few weeks ago. So, I now have had the chance to evaluate the ride of the 2013 Avalon for all four combinations of rim size and tire comparisons between Bridgestone and Michelin.

    If you use a scale of 1 to 10, where 10 is the best, here are my observations:

    17" rims with Michelin Primacy MXV4 tires (P215/55R17)..........Score = 9
    18" rims with Michelin Primacy MXM4 tires (P225/45R18)..........Score = 7
    17" rims with Bridgestone Turenza EL400-02 (P215/55R17).......Score = 4
    18" rims with Bridgestone Turenza EL400-02 (P225/45R18).......Score = 4

    Note that the Michelin tires are not identical; the MXV4 is a little more ride comfort oriented, while the MXM4 is a little more performance oriented. The MXV4 is quieter than the MXM4 at highway speeds over 50 mph, but the MXM4 is overall much quieter than the Bridgestone tires. The Michelin MXM4 takes the road bumps better than the Bridgestones. The MXV4 is not available in the 18" size.

    The best possible ride for the 2013 Avalon appears to come from the combination of the 17" rims with the Michelin MXV4 Primacy tires. I would venture to say that the 2 point improvement in score from 7 to 9 comes 50% due to the larger sidewall and 50% due to the Primacy MXV4 vs. the MXM4 tire design.

    Now that I'm riding on the MXM4's on the 18" rims, I would say the ride is OK. It is a reasonable compromise between handling and comfort. I liked the ride on the 17" rims with the MXV's more, but I don't care to spend $1500 to purchase 4 new Toyota 17" OEM rims. You would also need to have a competent mechanic transfer the four TPMS valves to the new rims as well, otherwise you're looking at over an additional $400 for four Toyota OEM TPMS units. My current thinking is to ride the Avalon with the MXM tires, and when it comes time to replace them, consider buying four 17" rims and MXV's then, assuming that I plan on keeping the car for a few more years from that point.

    I actually have not tried the suggestion of lowering the tire pressure from 33 to 31 PSI to see if the ride improves, as other posts have suggested. I did note that when I got the car back with the Michelin's installed the fronts were set at 33 PSI, but the back were set at 29 PSI. I didn't like the way the vehicle was riding, and I raised the rear to 33 PSI, and the ride is actually better. The only residual ride annoyance I still observe is that when riding on smooth, but worn, blacktop roads, I seem to feel a sense of riding over a pebbly/gravelly surface, while when I ride on newer blacktop road surfaces, the ride is smooth. This is probably due to the stiffer suspension, as opposed to a softer suspension which would probably filter this out. A little more padding in the seat wouldn't hurt either.

    To sum up, I know how well the Avalon can ride with the 17" rims and the MXV4's, but I'm not up to sinking in the cash to switch from 18" to 17" rims at this point. Maybe later on down the road, if I know I'll keep the car for many years.

    P.S. Note that just going from 18" to 17" rims without also changing the tires to Michelin MXV4's does nothing to improve the ride in any meaningful way. I believe that this was mentioned in another post on this thread. Also, my observations comparing the Michelin Primacy MXV vs. the MXM tires agrees with the overall reviews of these tires on Tirerack.com. Both Michelins are vastly superior to the Bridgestone El400's, but the MXV is a little quieter than the MXM (but both rate in the excellent range).
  • robnichrobnich Member Posts: 13
    Thanks for this thorough and careful analysis, which I am sure will be helpful to many forum users. I do believe, however, that you might try lowering the pressures to 31 PSI -- there is nothing to lose but the 5 or 10 minutes it will take to do it and I think you will agree that there is a noticeable improvement in the ride without detectable deterioration in handling, should you decide to go ahead with the change. Another 5 or 10 minutes will put you back where you were if you don't agree.

    I think that one should also consider the possibility that Toyota, the largest manufacturer of cars in the world, might have known what they were doing when they put 18" rims on the top of the newly redesigned Avalon line. Handling and appearance are generally felt to improve with larger wheels, and many of the costliest and most admired performance/luxury cars such as Bentley sport wheels up to 20" in size.

    Robert N.
  • teresa01teresa01 Member Posts: 14
    Wow, Dave!,

    Thanks so much for the detailed analysis. I appreciate it so very much.
    This is great information to have and I will probably do as you have done and just hang onto the 18" wheels and replace with Michelin tires next time around. I'll be sure and look for the tire that you have switched to. I agree that sinking an additional $2K into the car for 17" wheels is a bit steep after paying for the car. I usually keep my cars for at least 8 years so if I do keep this one that long, I may eventually switch the wheels out but for now, I am just getting used to the ride. If I find a few years down the road that I need a more floaty ride, I guess I can upgrade to the Lexus or get a Caddy. LOL. I really didn't want one of those ;-)

    Thank you again for the information, it is really helpful.

    Teresa
  • havechavec Member Posts: 45
    Thank you for your detailed post. Just one more nail in the Bridgestone's coffin. I can't wait to replace my Bridgstones on my TAH Limited and be able to confirm what everybody is saying about how lousy they are.

    The one thing that has me confused is CR's report on the V6 and hybrid Limiteds. The V6 they tested had Michelin Primacy MXM4 size P225/45R18 91V tires and they said that if you value ride comfort go with the 17 inch rims as they "noticeably take off the edge and make the ride less harsh" So what you are saying that it is all in the tire doesn't agree with CR is assessment.
  • daveinvadaveinva Member Posts: 6
    Switching from an 18" rim to a 17" rim will improve the ride if the 17" tire is a Michelin, not a Bridgestone. I rode the Avalon with Bridgestone's on both the 17" and 18" rims, and did not see an improvement in ride comfort.

    Michelin makes both the Primacy MXM4 and MXV4 in the 17" size, but the Primacy MXV4 has the edge in ride comfort and noise, although both Michelin's are way better than the Bridgestone Turenza EL400-02's. The MXV4 does cost a little more than the MXM4.
  • poorthingflintpoorthingflint Member Posts: 61
    Frankly I have taken a close look at the wheel well/suspension clearance in the Avalon and it sure looks like there is enough room to run a '55 aspect tire on the 18" rim and I am confident that tire size in the correct would improve ride harshness to a level very close to if not as good as the 17" tire with Michelins and look much better. If anyone reading these posts has tried it please let us know how it worked out. I am pretty satisfied over all with my 18" wheels with their Michelins but would switch to the taller ('55) aspect ratio tires as the ultimate ride and handling combination. This opinion might change by the time I get enough miles on my car to wear out the first set of tires as both the suspension and seats will soften up a bit as a normal part of break in.
  • mikexxxxmikexxxx Member Posts: 1
    I concur with your findings. I test drove a new ES 350 with 17"wheels and the Michelin primacy tires and it was quiet, absorbent, and smooth. Tried the 18 with bridgestones and hated the ride and noise levels. Can't believe Lexus would sell that combo. If there was any improvement with handling on the 18's, I couldn't tell it. Thought the 2013 Avalon would be a better buy but couldn't find any with the 17/Michelin combo especially in the higher end models. Now I am back to Lexus but their higher end models have the larger 18 inch wheel.- (over $44K) - so you cannot get the ultra lux package without getting the ride-ruining 18's
    I have found on my LS 460 model that the bridgestone serenity model is much smoother and almost noise free compared to the Pilot Michelins MXM4 that came on the car. But then I was comparing a worn OEM tire with the new Serenity. I did not see Bridgestone Serenitys on the Avalon or ES 350- any Bridgestone tire on those 2 models were a lower line model
    If I buy an ES 350 , it will be 17 inch Michelins for me- driven several and it is the only way to go if you want comfort and less noise. Compared to the Avalon (which I thinks looks better), the ES drives better when both have 18's.
    Couldn't find an Avalon with 17's that had nav, etc. Not sure if the suspensions on the cars change depending on which size tire you get.
    In summary, I prefer the michelin 17's on the ES and Bridgestone Serenity on the LS. I am comfort oriented and want QUIET. I see no reason to improve handling 10% and screw up the ride 60%. If I wanted sport and handling, I would buy a different car
  • rjohansonrjohanson Member Posts: 5
    I bought my 2013 Avalon Hybrid Limited on March 1, without having read any comments about ride issues. It had to be built to get the color scheme I wanted so I didn't see it before it was delivered to the dealer. Mine came equipped with Michelin Primacy MXV4 215/55R 17 tires. I have found the ride to be firm but very, very quiet, and the car handles beautifully. In fact, after having driven it for nearly 3,000 miles, I have found everything about the car - styling, ride, seat comfort, cabin quiet, electronics - to be wonderful. Mileage so far has been about 42 mpg (almost all miles driven in ECO mode; I didn't buy it to be a sports car). For me, at least, Toyota has hit a homerun with this car, but perhaps I was just lucky to get one equipped with the Michelin Primacy MXV4 tires.l I think the standard rims on the Hybrid Limited model are 17 inches, so I guess I could have had the Bridgestones which have generated so much discussion.
  • lucien4lucien4 Member Posts: 68
    I was able to do a short test drive with Limited V6 and I noticed the suspension doesn't quite absorb the smaller bumps so you feel small vibrations at times but wouldn't be a deal breaker for me. I yet have to drive the hybrid since dealer didn't have one but in theory should have smoother ride. Also in curves there's little bit more lean than I expected and seats could use more side support.

    I also drove MKZ hybrid and overall better in curves and suspension feels also sporty but absorbs smaller bumps better. The cargo is smaller but at least you can fold the rear seats. Seems also quieter. But there are downsides with MKZ:

    - (too) small tank (13.2 cu ft compared to 17)
    - smaller cargo area with seats up
    - less spacious (less rear seat leg room).
    - Real world highway mpg is bit lower according to CR
  • poorthingflintpoorthingflint Member Posts: 61
    Do not forget Toyota has been using the same basic battery design in its hybrids since day one. Ford/Lincoln has just embraced its current batteries used in all it's hybrids and when you buy their cars you will be taking a leap of faith. CR retested a Toyota Prius owned by a staffer with over 200,000 miles on the original battery and it had lost little if any performance. I still think the 18" wheel with 55 aspect Michlins or some other quality tire known for good riding characteristics might be the way to go. Looks like it will fit to me but all Avalon Hybrids come with 17's but the trick is to not get "Stones".
  • havechavec Member Posts: 45
    Consumer Reports damming statement: " Hybrids and lower-trim V6 models have 17-inch wheels that noticeably take off the edge and make the ride less harsh. Sadly, they still don't restore it to traditional Avalon standards. Most $25,000 midsized sedans ride better" is not holding up in the user reviews on their website which now has 28 2013 Avalon reviews (far more than any other 2013 Toyota). Most of the user reviews do not criticize the hybrids ride and the ones that do are for the most part for V6 limited. I thought that one of the latest reviews might be closer to the truth on the TAH and other models with 17 inch wheels:

    "Driving experience
    The car rides and handles quite well. As a previous Avalon owner (2008) there was
    concern about the ride, especially given CR's review. However, the ride is fine
    and the concerns are, IMHO, overblow"

    How many people here tested the Camry hybrid before buying the Avalon hybrid and thought that the Camry had a better ride? CR rated the Camry's ride as superior to the Avalon's.
  • nceencee Member Posts: 419
    Quite well, maybe, but NOT as nice as earlier model Avalons É IMHO

    I've had 4 Avalons in the past few years (A new 2008, that I traded (with 68,000 miles after 15 months) for a New 2010, that I traded (with 45,000 miles after 11 months) for a New 2013, that I traded (with 3700 miles in 30 days) for a New 2012.

    I traded the 2013 because it was louder, and much less comfortable. Even though I put mostly highway miles on (35,000+ a year), it was to loud on the highway, and when I was on rougher roads, it was way to uncomfortable for my liking.

    I REALLY wanted the 2013 to be a wonderful car, and in many ways it is, just not in the ways I needed it to be.

    It was:

    - Louder
    - LESS Comfortable
    - Smaller back seat
    - Smaller trunk opening
    - No reclining back seat (my passengers REALLY like this feature)
    - Smaller or different interior space / feel.

    I LOVED:

    - Tech Package
    - Quiet Wipers
    - Fit, Finish and trim (for the most part).
    - Looks of the car, is Great!

    Skip
  • havechavec Member Posts: 45
    Skip,

    I'm guessing that was a 2013 V6 Limited with 18 inch wheels that you traded in for the 2012?

    Chris
  • robnichrobnich Member Posts: 13
    Skip -

    Yours may well be the most heavily publicized personal change of car models in modern American history. Again and again and yet again, in this forum and in the Toyota Nation Avalon forum, and probably elsewhere, you have made the same points over and over. We know why you switched, we accept your reasons but maybe you should consider giving it a rest and moving on.

    For others who might be interested, let me say that my 2013 Avalon Limited V6, with Michelin Primacy MXM4 225/45R18 tires is a tremendous car. I love the taut, controlled ride, the responsive handling and the smooth impressive power. The fit and finish are extraordinarily good, even compared with my previous Lexus LS430 and ES300. As I have posted before, for those who find the ride a bit stiff, dropping the tire pressure from 33 PSI to 31 PSI can make a significant difference.

    Robert N.
  • mikes.mikes. Member Posts: 337
    I'm about to buy my 5th Avalon. I've had a '96xle, an '05, 08 and and an 11 limited. So far the 2011 has been my favorite. I plan on retiring in a few years and this 2013 will probably be the last car I buy.

    It has the tech package because I really missed the dynamic cruise control. Color is crimson mica.
  • poorthingflintpoorthingflint Member Posts: 61
    I thought about the limited with the Tech Package but like yourself I am retired and bought the Touring model instead. The more gizmos the car has the more things that can be problematical. Like you being 73 this could easily be my last car and electrical problems are the leading source of problems as vehicles age so I went with the basic features I decided I really needed. If I go first there will be less for the little lady to deal with as the car ages and she hates giving up a car as long as looks good and drives OK. We kept a Lexus we owned for 10years and she still thinks I was crazy to get rid of it. Sometimes I think it is that attitude that has saved me from being traded in. After 47yrs of marriage I am starting to malfunction and require a lot more repairs and maintenance!
  • lucien4lucien4 Member Posts: 68
    Completely different car but test drove today Accord Coupe and it absorbs small bumps much better. Overall I thought suspension is better.
    Also in curves I don't feel like sliding off the seat. I'm fine with sporty suspension but seats don't seem to quite support it.

    But will do another test drive with hybrid with smaller 17" and see how that compares since I still prefer finding good hybrid first.

    I wish there would be a model or options in-between XLE touring and limited. The jump of 4K is bit big and don't need all those options.

    Also noticed another poor small overlap test for Toyota with RAV4. So not sure Avalon would do much better but at least it got bit more airbags maybe...
  • havechavec Member Posts: 45
    As long as you're at the Toyota Dealer, could you test drive the Avalon hybrid and the Camry hybrid back to back? Make sure you drive them both over some bumpy roads with lots of surface imperfections and let us know which one you think has the best road isolation. FWIW Consumer Reports rates the Camry as having a better ride. The overall scores for the Camry hybrid was 93 and the Avalon Limited hybrid was 86. The 2013 Honda Accord's score was 90.
  • lucien4lucien4 Member Posts: 68
    I don't take CR score literally (e.g. Tesla got 99 points even though they listed several issues). But overall their written assessment is typically fairly close what I'd experience. But you can't score a car really for everyone since priorities differ on individual preferences.

    I had the Camry non-hybrid as a rental car for 2 weeks. It absorbs bumps more cushioned but still more body lean than I like and not enough feedback. Hybrid might be different but probably not much. This is what CR says:

    "The ride is subdued, and the suspension feels more tied down and better controlled than previous Camrys. Bumps are soaked up well with impressive isolation."

    I'd prefer the Avalon suspension but personal preference. Except I don't want to feel small vibrations so will do test drive this week with Avalon hybrid to see how it compares.

    I'm not considering the Camry since the cost cutting is too evident to me. The Avalon has much better interior quality and more interesting exterior design. CR probably rated it also higher since it's better value (with slightly higher FE and better acceleration).
  • havechavec Member Posts: 45
    I agree with what you say about CR's ratings. I've been a long time reader and believe that they are the one only true unbiased source for product information as they buy everything they test off the shelf and have SOPs in place for product testing. However, I’m a little pissed off at them for 2 reasons. First, when I asked them if they were going to be test driving an Avlalon hybrid they emailed me back and said that they were not planning on testing the car any time soon. Right when I was signing the deal on my TAH the "first drive" came out saying that they were alarmed by the bumps being transmitted into the cabin by the V6 18 inch wheel Limited model. I bought the car anyway mostly because of how much I liked how it drove, the interior and all the technology. Later, after reading their full test in which they said that most $25K sedans ride better I became hyper sensitized to the ride quality. So I'm mad at them for making me so aware of every bump and crevice in the road and lying to me.
    However, going forward I don't think there are too many alternatives that can beat this car outside of maybe the Lexus hybrid version. I did drive a Camry hybrid several months before purchasing the TAH Limited and I wasn’t overly impressed at the time with the overall feel of the vehicle. It just seemed run of the mill not like the Avalon hybrid which allowed for rationalizing a whole bunch of extras not offered on the Camry. Also, if you’re going pay serious money for a new vehicle you have to keep it for at least 10 years and that means that it has to be future proof. Which means that it better get at least 30 mpg combined under worst case driving. I was driving an older Lexus RX300 which got 17 mpg. Now I’m averaging 33.9 (3180 miles/93.9 gallons). I would have bought a Lexus 450H SUV but the gas mileage wasn’t there and I was tired of driving a SUV plus probably another 10K fully equipped. On smooth roads the TAH hybrid excels and you can’t beat the technology packages especially the adaptive cruise control. And, the car is fun to drive, something I don’t think you can say about then Camry.
    I’m hoping that the TAH’s road isolation will improve some when I replace the Bridgstones with Michelin Primacy MXV4 tires. Maybe, that is something you can insist on if and when you buy your TAH. Good luck with your test drive and let us know what you think.
    Chris
  • lucien4lucien4 Member Posts: 68
    I'll try to do test drive tomorrow (hopefully they have one now in stock).

    Think about this on CR assessment: they said FR-S is somewhat stiff but not too punishing by sports car standards. Well I test drove one and I think that's an understatement (unless it was an issue with the demo). They expect each category of cars to have certain suspension setup and they classify Avalon as a "large plush sedan". Yet it's same size as Honda Accord and it's quite a different vehicle now. But I agree the V6 doesn't absorb bumps as good as Accord or MKZ. But with hybrid 17" should be better and as you say other tires should help.

    There's no perfect car as they find issues in all cars and the hybrid model still got 86 points. The poor perf of IIHS small overlap for several Toyota models so far would concern me more than suspension. But then again only few cars so far had good ratings and ES/Avalon '13 hasn't been tested yet with this new test.
  • havechavec Member Posts: 45
    The last Avalon they tested got a 1/2 dark circle poor rating in the emergency handling rating. Toyota fixes the handling discrepancy in the 2013 model and gets dinged on the ride. Toyota probably isn't too thrilled with CR. At least CR said that the car instills driver's confidence. Have you read the user reviews on CR's website? Everybody likes the hybrid a lot better than the V6.
  • teresa01teresa01 Member Posts: 14
    Chris,

    I agree with what you are saying. I bought my Avalon the day before that CR article came out. GRRRRR.... If I had read the article before I bought my car, I probably would have waited and test driven more models of more cars before signing on the dotted line. However, that being said, I really do like the look inside and out of the new Avalon. I love the handling, it is very much improved. The only thing that I find annoying, is the ride quality. If the roads are smooth, the car rides like a dream. If not, you feel every bump. It's true.
    I really like the car just a little miffed about the ride and can't wait to replace those tires. The two features I really like the blind spot monitor and the cross traffic alert. I think those features are the best additions to the car and I hope Toyota decides to make those two safety features standard on all models eventually.
  • poorthingflintpoorthingflint Member Posts: 61
    edited July 2013
    I feel your pain. Fortunatly I read the customer reviews before I bought my Avalon and made sure my car did not have Bridgestones. I am leaning towards going to a "55 aspect tire when the original Michelins wear out. Miles tend to sofen the ride so I may change my thinking on this. I would suggest you drop your tire pressure to 31psi(cold) in the meantime as it does help ride harshness. Frankly I drove a assortment of other vehicles and kept comming back to the Avalon and finally made the purchase. Can not see how I would act any differently now I have driven it for 3400 miles even though I do have a seriuos intermitent drivability problem. Not making any progress in getting the problem resolved because a few miles of driving by the dealer could not replicate the problem and Toyota will not do anything until they do. Kept my car three days and put over 50 miles on it and burned a quarter tank of gas and suggested my driving style probably was the problem. Bummer!
  • havechavec Member Posts: 45
    edited July 2013
    The Camry has better road isolation but how many people would trade in their Avalon on a Camry? I agree the technology is what makes this car over other Toyotas. Although, the PCS beeps at me sometimes when I'm lightly braking and coming up to another car. The adaptive cruise is also pretty nice on the freeway. Someone said you get bit of an insurance break on all the safety related features.
  • lucien4lucien4 Member Posts: 68
    edited July 2013
    Had a chance today to do a test drive with the Hybrid model and I think it absorbed the bumps better with the 17" tires and I didn't feel small vibrations through steering wheel this time. However the roads were not exactly same but weren't that great either. For me ride seems acceptable but if I have a chance probably take a 2nd test drive on same roads (waiting for them to get hybrid model in stock).

    Also checked again driving fast through curves and it doesn't lean much but passenger seat isn't quite holding you so you slide little bit (driver seat was ok). But overall it was alright even though not quite as good as some other cars.

    Fuel consumption was pretty good for quick test drive. Got about 40 mpg in mixed driving. Didn't quite get 43 mpg on highway that CR got (at 65 mph) but mpg should get little better over time and drive was bit short to accurately measure it.
  • havechavec Member Posts: 45
    Yes, 55 series tires have more air between you and the road than 45 series. It sure would be nice if you could confirm the ride difference between the 17 inch Bridgestone EL Turanza and 17 inch Michelin Primacy MXV4 tires. Although it would unlikely that there would be 2 hybrids on the lot with the 2 different sets of tires. Also, make sure you bring a tire gauge with you. It seems that Avalons might be coming off the transport truck with 36 psi in the tires. Something about the factory pumping up the tires to prevent flat spots. 33 is the sticker pressure and 31 gives a better ride as pointed out above.
  • lucien4lucien4 Member Posts: 68
    edited July 2013
    I can't remember which tires were on the hybrids but I know they were identical to the V6 base model that was next to it. Why would there be different tire brands on hybrid?

    I don't think it's all because of the tires since I'm fine with stiffer ride as long as it doesn't vibrate the small bumps in the road. I think the shock absorbers don't have much play and are too stiff (not sure which suspension setup is in this car). You should be able to change or adjust those as well (with some cost).

    If you reduce PSI then you do get reduced fuel economy as well. Maybe Toyota will consider making some changes for '14 model after all but I think I can live with it though Accord has better overall ride so I partially agree with CR there. But for me that's not the only criteria. You always have some trade-offs.
  • havechavec Member Posts: 45
    There has been a lot of discussion on this thread about how the stock Bridgestone tires on some 2013 Avalons are attributable to the rough ride. Supposedly, Michelin MXV4 tires have a much better ride. I would like to know before I waste money by getting rid of my 215/55-17 Bridgestone El Turanza tires for a set of Michelin MXV4. I kind of think you're right about the tires making that much of a difference in ride quality. Some, but not trans formative.
    2 PSI in a lightly loaded car shouldn't hurt the mileage too much.
  • poorthingflintpoorthingflint Member Posts: 61
    edited July 2013
    Before I bought my Avalon I drove back to back cars with proper air pressure(checked and adjusted by me) and there is no doubt the Michlins at least in the 18" wheel size handle road impacts better. I run around 31psi in my tires which are Michlins and my milage seems to match what most drivers are getting(24-32 MPG's). Previous experience with Bridgestones was they tend to be a noisy tire as well as ruff riding. Took a set of them off a new GS300 because they were so bad and a different set of tires transformed the vehicle all for the better.
  • havechavec Member Posts: 45
    We're forced to use CR for tire ratings as who else buys tires of the shelf puts them on the same vehicle and rates them a quantitatively as possible. The Michelin Primacy MXV4-H tires had the highest rating for ride comfort and noise out of almost 50 tires tested. They also had the highest overall score. They rated the Michelin MXV4 V-speed rated a little lower. Unfortunately, they didn't test the Bridgestone Turanza EL400. The only question is how many more miles do I put on the Bridgestone Turanza EL400s before ditching them.
  • poorthingflintpoorthingflint Member Posts: 61
    I guess it depends on how long you want to suffer. I went less then 2000 miles on my "Stones" before removing them from my Lexus. You might want to visit the tire reseller that handles assorted brands including Bridgestones they might make you a deal on a better tire. My tire dealer did and gave me a supper deal. Good luck.
  • havechavec Member Posts: 45
    There are just too many reports here and on other websites like CR's user reviews on how crappy the EL400s are for it not to be true. I happened across this Camry Hybrid owners review. I guess it's ok to quote him:

    "As I drove the car home off the lot, it had a noticable vibration and a terrible ride. Dealer said there was nothing wrong. Turns out it was the tires. Toyota put cheap crummy tires on it and the dealer agreed with me, but says his hands are tied. After 500 miles, I replaced them with top of the line Michelins. HUGE improvement in the ride quality. (OEM tires were Bridgestone EL400s - they're terrible!)"

    I think I'll go with the H-speed rated Michelin MXV4s over the over the V-rated because they got higher scores in ride and noise as well as rolling resistance over the Vs.
  • poorthingflintpoorthingflint Member Posts: 61
    I went from a high speed rated tire to a 118mph rated tire on a Lexus GS300. It was the best move I ever made short of getting rid of the "Stones" that came with the car. Had to push hard to get them installed. The Michlins I wanted installed came standard on a Caddy with a 275 HP V8 North Star. My car had a 225hp six cylinder engine. I assured the tire manager being a responsible senior citizen who valued his life and drivers license I had no planes to drive at a sustained speed exceeding 118mph. He put the tires on. The ride improved notably and noise went down as well. Loved the tires and went with second set about 40,000 miles later.
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