Ordered my 2009 today!

[DavidChristian]

I just ordered a 2009 Camry Hybrid! For the past 6 years I've been driving either a '00 Toyota 4Runner (w/4" coil-over lift) or a '73 Landcruiser FJ-40 (w/SOA 5" lift). It finally came time to downsize/upgrade to a smaller car with better fuel mileage. I decided, after careful consideration, to go with the Camry Hybrid instead of the Camry SE.

The Specs:
Super White w/Ash interior
Leather Package
DVD Navigation Upgrade Package
Rear Lip Spoiler
SE Body Kit
Carpet Mats
8 Yr. 100k Warranty

I really liked the way the SE looked so I had to get the kit to make it look a bit sportier. I am jealous that the SEs have the option of Dark Charcoal interior too but oh well.

The Plans:
TRD Springs (I don't want to mess up the warranty)
SE Grill (or similar)
10-20% Tint all around
Customized DVD Nav unit to accept video input
7" LCDs in headrests

Any ideas on other mods I can do? Gas mileage was my #1 reason for picking this car. #2 was the way it looked. I had mod fever on my 4Runner and now I'd like to make the Camry look clean but sexy.

[DavidChristian]

Oh and I forgot to add I'll be looking for some wheels soon. Does anyone know of some good looking lightweight rims? If I could find some 18/19s that weighed 23 lb of less I'd be thrilled.

[Tobeit]

Welcome and nice choices. I also opted to buy a none-SE and added a lip kit instantly (I wanted some of the lux features of the XLE though and I wanted power). The SE kit was probably very expensive? How come you went that route rather a cheaper aftermarket kit?

Let me know when you find out how to make the Nav accept video input ....wanted to do that long time ago.

My rims are 24lbs - 18". Should not be a problem to find a good selection of 18" and reasonable priced in that weight range.

[catric69]

Contact these guys they might be able to customize your NAV with a input for an external DVD.

http://www.navtv.com/

[DavidChristian]

Thanks. The SE kit cost me $1200 coming from the factory. It seems most aftermarket kits are $900+ and then you have to get them painted to match so I opted for the SE one. The dealer also gave me $500 off sticker due to the added options. All of the other local dealerships would not sell the car for a penny under sticker.

The lowest weight 18s I've found were 17 lbs but were very expensive. I'd love 19s but those would be tough to find <23-24 lbs.

[Tobeit]

Originally Posted by catric69

Contact these guys they might be able to customize your NAV with a input for an external DVD.

http://www.navtv.com/

Nope, they only recommend a new unit for 649$

[Punks_Not_Dead5]

Just a heads up...for the lowering springs..i think Flapshot(fellow member that has a Hybrid) had to use SE rear springs instead of the TRD in the rear, because of the extra weight. He used TRD springs on the front though.

Welcome and congrats on the car.

[DavidChristian]

Originally Posted by Punks_Not_Dead5

Just a heads up...for the lowering springs..i think Flapshot(fellow member that has a Hybrid) had to use SE rear springs instead of the TRD in the rear, because of the extra weight. He used TRD springs on the front though.

Welcome and congrats on the car.

Wow... hadn't thought of that. Thanks for the heads up and I'll definitely look into it. Anyone have SE rear springs lying around?

[Punks_Not_Dead5]

i do, but for an 02 lol

[DavidChristian]

I've never done any debadging before but I'd like to paint the badges to have the Black Pearl finish. Anyone have experience with this?

[Punks_Not_Dead5]

a few have, you can search for the threads

[akira751]

Originally Posted by DavidChristian

Thanks. The SE kit cost me $1200 coming from the factory. It seems most aftermarket kits are $900+ and then you have to get them painted to match so I opted for the SE one. The dealer also gave me $500 off sticker due to the added options. All of the other local dealerships would not sell the car for a penny under sticker.

The lowest weight 18s I've found were 17 lbs but were very expensive. I'd love 19s but those would be tough to find <23-24 lbs.

I did not know that you get a SE body from the factory for TCH. What option code is that???

[DavidChristian]

Originally Posted by akira751

I did not know that you get a SE body from the factory for TCH. What option code is that???

No idea what the code is, but this is the option list they emailed me when it was quoted.

MSRP16 inch Alloy Wheels w/P215/60R16 Tires, Voice Activated DVD Voice Activated DVD Navigation with JBL Digital AM/FM/MP3 4-Disc In-Dash CD Changer w/Bluetooth and 8 Speakers in 6 Locations, 440 Watts and Satellite Radio Capability. (Requires: Subscription to XM or Sirius, Antenna and Receiver) Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel and Shift knob, Auto-Dimming Rear View Mirror with Compass, Homelink Universal Transceiver $2,350
50 State Emissions $0
6-Gallons of Gas $0
Carpet Mats $169
Ground Effects Package$1,250
Leather Package Includes: Power Driver and Passenger Leather Trimmed Seat and Door Trim $1,300
Rear Aerodynamic Spoiler $399

[bandit]

Since lammydi was interested in Black Pearl emblems, I went to find out price since I saw them on a LE on the show floor. I called up finance guy the day I went to pick up my car so I can get a price. He quoted me $495!!!!. Just for Pearl emblems. I said no thanks as I wouldnt pay that much and I know lammy wouldnt either.

When I went to dealership near my job to pick up some parts, I asked them about the emblems. They dont carry them but the guy said that they dip the emblems in some gold metallic solution and zaps it with some electricity or something. Thats how you get the pearl emblem. I dont know if its true but I'm just relaying what he said.

But if people seriously want to pay $495 for Pearl emblems, let me know.

[DavidChristian]

I know there is a DIY on Yotatech for Black Pearl and a lot of guys have done it on their 3rd Gen 4Runners.