My 99 Avalon worth fixing up a little?

[bigbob68]

Is it worth it to replace the struts with Tokio or KGB that I have read about on here? I have new tires, always use castrol syntec, rad flush, timing belt, trans flush, replace the air filter regular, newer OEM spark plugs and new starter with 140k miles. I like this car and want it to last but is it worth replacing the struts for a better ride? I had a broken strut housing on the pass side and now have one on the drivers side. Any input is appreciated. I like performance but baby the car never pushing the tac over 2K trying to get the best possible gas milage. My Service center said $400 labor and another $400+ for the struts and mount. Should I spend the money somewhere else? Thanks in advance.

[Tom in Tacoma]

Can I suggest perhaps going to a Midas or Meineke shop (or any other chain store) and get another price. Just stick with an OEM style strut. After all - your (and my) Avalon are not exactly sports cars. You'll notice an immediate improvement over your current struts - probably enough to put a smile on your face and a few extra $$ in your wallet.

[parimento1]

Sure why not, I treated my 97 to new paint last yr...so, if it works well...why not. Just be sure not to use KGB struts lol...KYB is the brand and they are good.

[bigbob68]

KGB struts, LOL sorry for the ignorance. I'll look into another source and you are right, my av is not a sports car nor do I wish that it handled like one. I like the smooth ride vs a stout one. Thanks.

[rrtbill1]

I have a 98 and 99 avalon, I replace the 98 with kyb and they have been excellent. I recently replaced the 99s with sensa struts made by monroe, they too have been excellent. You might consider replacing them your self. You can get either of the twox4 for less than 400 dollars and by purchasing a strut compressor, you save the other 400 dollars. If you don't want to do that, Monroe makes a fully new package that does not require dismantling the strut/spring assembly and would be relatively easy to replace with just a jack and a few hand tools.

[smuook]

I've had my Avie for a few weeks now and I just commented to my wife today about how the ride of the Avie is growing on me. I had a CTS which was very nimble... but I'm starting to enjoy the Avie's smooth ride. When I get to the mileage where I need new struts, I might change the springs to the Touring setup... but until then I'm really liking the smoothness.