retired00

You can figure about 1 lb air pressure for every 10 degree F change, given a cold tire and sitting overnight.

Hugh? Is that for real? So how's the computer know what kind of gas you use? From what I have read, all the car really knows is whether it pings on the gas you use, and it knows the air mass measurements to help adjust fuel flow. Over time, higher combustion chamber temperatures could cause damage or more wear, perhaps, but I think detonation if the car is pinging actually produces the highest temps over time and damages the pistons. If it's not pinging, probably no damage or benefit to the engine, per se, but I do see better performance and mileage on premium. It's what's recommended in the manual, too, although they do permit regular. The switch to that allowance for regular is what generally produced the lower hp ratings on most Toyotas last year, when they tested with full equipment loads and regular gas for the new SAE standards. The 3.5 in the Avalon dropped from 280 hp to 268 hp. Many answers and opinions, mine too, on this issue but premium for me is like replacing tires early and getting frequent oil changes with synthetic. Nice to do, makes me feel better, hopefully has a positive result.

If it has been sitting and any moisture has accumulated on the brake discs, could be as simple as surface corrosion causing the brake pad to stick a little.

Is there some specific issue you are concerned about? Yes, the Owner's Manual says that the 400h should not used "off road". We have friends who live in an area where we have to drive on 8 miles or dirt/gravel road to get there. So, I am trying to find out if driving to their house is considered "off road" or not. No, it's not. Beach, wood trails, mud--that's off road.

Is there some specific issue you are concerned about?

The '07 hybrid only started arriving in late September.

Could very well be, just wondering if others had experienced this. If I'm being somewhat of a leadfoot in a tight turn I very definitely experience torque stear. Turning right seems to be the worse. The left halfshaft is the short one so that doesn't make sense to me. :chairshot: good point, I had not researched which was longer. Thanks.

I'd move it to the left rear, or if the spare is still new put both new ones on the back. See if it changes. If it's FWD, any front driver may have a little bit of torque steer but I have not noticed any yet.

Amen, and was the car bought new, used, or perhaps even damaged? Each has a different impact on the discussion.

All the ivory interior '06 400h's when I bought had the golden birds eye maple wood grain, along with a wood steering wheel. The wheel was listed as an option on the sticker for about $375. I believe the wood is available on all interiors on the '07 350 so I expect the 400h will follow suit.

The Federal tax credit also drops from $2200 to $1100 after Sept 30.

Alignments are typically done within the first 12 months free of charge--after that it's an owner responsibility or purely dealer good will. After all, if you have hit a curb or pothole, and it's knocked out, it's not really the manufacturer's fault but it's difficult to establish what happened after the miles roll up. Alignment is often not felt in the handling unless it's severely out. Look for any early wear signs when at the dealer for oil changes to avoid the issue, I guess.

Ask the dealer if he can do a "load test". I once had a 1 year old car that developed a battery internal short that would only appear under load. The static readings were all fine, but it would not start. New battery under warranty cured it.