I'm not fond of the overly soft suspension on my TCH. It leans, it dives; it basically sucks, and probably doesn't take the extra weight of the hybrid system into account.

The 2007 Camry SE I test drove had noticeably better handling thanks to Toyota's beefed up suspension parts on that model. A call to my Toyota dealer revealed that SE struts were $160ea, SE springs around $60ea, and installation a whopping $1000.. way too much to put into a car I'm leasing for 36-months.

I then tried the aftermarket but all the usual suspects like KYB and Koni don't yet address the 07 Camry. Does anyone know of any non-factory suspension mods to improve handling?

Surely you can find the Toyota parts online cheaper, and take them to a local (non-dealer) shop for installation. Or just trade for a BMW M5.

Steve Villatoro
www.stevenvillatoro.com
“An enlightened guide to small business mastery.”

Was the SE suspension part #'s actually different than the hybrid ones? I too find the suspension way too soft. It's like driving a sofa.

For people considering a purchase read these posts carefully. I never considered this car to be a sport sedan and I'm very happy with it. But if that's what you're looking for you'd probably be best off looking elsewhere. If you want a hybrid the Honda Accord might be a better choice.

BTW, I test drove the Camry SE. It is slightly sportier than the hybrid, but if performance is what I were after it would not have made me stop my search.

I see you lease your car, did you get the $2600 tax credit or did dealer get that?

TCH-43mpg
VW TDI--48
08 LS 600 HL-20
08 LX 470-16

I didn't get it, and I've been wondering about that. I researched the web and this site but cound't find info regarding the tax credit for leases. Our company's accountant didn't know either. Does anyone here know?

"The deduction is only available to the original purchaser of a new, qualifying vehicle. If a qualifying vehicle is leased to a consumer, the leasing company may claim the credit."

from:

http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/...157632,00.html

Sorry...

I find that the suspension crashes badly over pot holes and rough roads. I am a little less than pleased with it.

Good link. If anyone is looking to lease a TCH they should negotiate with this piece of info in hand and use it to get the leasing company to lower the payment.

To get this thread back on track.. does anyone know of a source for aftermarket struts or springs for the'07 TCH? Alternately, can anyone recommend a source for discount genuine Toyota parts?