Toyota Repair: 2006 Toyota Avalon Touring:, 2006 toyota avalon, toyota avalon

Question
I have an engine check light that came on a month ago, then after a week or so, I got the VSC light that came on, usually that came on and went off if the road had a lot of snow - The light is on solid - every so often I feel like the vehicle is losing power, like its 'missing a beat' and sounds like its stalling out and everyone behind gets irritated as the call almost stalls out - I took it to a local Toyota dealer here (they're known for ripping off people!!!) and they say that all the "COILS" need to be changed - Are they giving me some kind of 'Snow job' since I don't know much about cars. I ordered one of those gadgets from www.carmd.com - do you think that will give the right codes so I know exactly what is wrong with the car? Or is that also a waste of money - I am on Soc. sec. and the cost the dealer gave me $895 + Tax etc. is a  little out of my range at least for now.
Thanks for giving advice, I'd like to help financially for your valuable advice.

Raj

Answer
The VSC light may come on whenever the check engine light turns on this is normal. My next step was to have you scan the computer for trouble codes, those carmd devices seem to work pretty well and I have not heard anything negative about them. So I would wait until you get the device and follow the instructions to retrieve the trouble codes, then if you still need help with interpreting the results let me know.
As far as the dealer is concerned, I doubt very much that all coils need to be replaced, it's usually one or two at the most, but you need to find out which one and the scan device will tell you.