[kgm777]

Recently stopped by a dealer to drive a new Avalon to see what all the blue-haired buzz was about.

New 2008 Avalon Limited ($37k) vs. my '07 Cadillac DTS ($45k without incentives)

Avalon feels smaller and lighter in steering (no surprise here).

Avalon is very quiet with some wind and engine noise. Less powertrain NVH and lower levels of road noise than the DTS.

DTS (Level 2) has a noticeably softer ride.

No noticeable transmission problems in the Avalon.

Avalon's brake pedal was sticky on the return and made a slight popping sound when released. This was irritating.

When backing up, you cannot see the rear fenders and even the Limited does not have audible sensors like the DTS (both front and rear).

Overall, a very nice car with better gas mileage and resale value than the DTS, but I'm not sure the Toyota dealer will take of me as well as my Cadillac dealer does at service time (includes a free CTS loan car for even minor service and free washes whenever wanted). For Cadillac-level dealer service, you may have to upgrade to a Lexus. The warranty is also longer at Cadillac and Lexus.

Lexus ES 350 requires premium fuel. Avalon and DTS do not.

Will be driving the new Lincoln MKS (base sticker for $37k) to when it debuts this summer.