Considering 2009 Camry SE or LE 4 Cyl Models - Feedback Needed

[ekpolk]

Originally Posted by ohhey

This is NOT correct. The Gen 6 Camry V6 does not need premium fuel. I uses regular gas. That will save you a buch of money right there.. over the car you have. Ask to dealer to check the manual on both the 4 and 6 and see what fuel is recommended. Don't take my word for it.

You are correct. The wife's car is an 07 Avalon, with the same 2GR V-6, but with the 5-spd auto (Avalons didn't get hte 6-spd until 08 -- not sure that's a good thing...). Our 'lon gets only 87 octane, and it's perfectly happy with that. Not even a trace of ping detectable...

[ekpolk]

Originally Posted by 98CamryLE

The hybrid is a completely different animal from the LE and SE. Anyone considering an SE Camry (or "touring" package) wouldn't like the hybrid model at all. Its body motions are very... um... Queen Mary 2. The extra weight of the hybrid components, its suspension, and steering take most of the joy out of spirited driving. In addition, its continuously variable transmission does not exactly promote excitement. Even if its relatively quick for a hybrid (7.7 seconds to 60), it feels much slower because of the CVT.

Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love my hybrid... but a sporty Camry it is not. I agree with you that its comparable to the XLE (probably the 4 cylinder rather than the 6), but I highly doubt the hybrid model would satisfy the original poster.

I wouldn't be that harsh about the weight and handling issue. Although the hybrid is actually a few lbs heavier than a V-6, a bunch of that weight is in the back with the traction battery. Although the suspension is relatively soft, the distribution of weight is superior to that of any of the gasser cars, I-4 or V-6, which to me both feel nose heavy. With the weight in the rear, better spread out, in some respects, the dynamics remind me of the G35 sedan I drove for a couple years. IMO, weight distribution and balance are as critical as total weight (within the bounds of reason). That said, assuming I own my TCH long enough, I'll replace the suspension bits with SE parts...

[ekpolk]

Originally Posted by 98CamryLE

It actually has quite a bit of punch. The electric motor provides instant torque that really makes the car fly.

Unfortunately, because of the CVT, it feels like extremely slow. It actually has as much horsepower as the Gen 5 3.0L V6, and will perform as such if you push it.

But if you're a hybrid owner, you probably wouldn't be interested in fast acceleration times. Your eye would be on the mpg display rather than the speedometer.

I respectfully disagree with the second paragraph. I don't find the car "slow feeling" at all. It is, if you drive it for max FE, which I often do, but if you punch it, I think it feels quick. This feeling is enhanced by the lack of shifting, which can only slow you down, unless done perfectly. As I noted in a previous post, the TCH will do 0-60 in 7.3 seconds, hardly slow by anyone's standards.

[ekpolk]

Originally Posted by ohhey

This is NOT correct. The Gen 6 Camry V6 does not need premium fuel. I uses regular gas. That will save you a buch of money right there.. over the car you have. Ask to dealer to check the manual on both the 4 and 6 and see what fuel is recommended. Don't take my word for it.

================================================== =

Originally Posted by dcemureviews

A Camry isnt even a sports or luxury car where premium is needed. You use premium because you choose to. You can use 87 Octane and the car will run fine.

I'm driving a 2009 SE V6 and I'm using 87 Octane. If gas is cheap enough, I'll maybe spoil "her" and give her 1 premium fill to change things up a little.

You can get Hybrid and change suspension to SE. A forum user here has done it.

Ohhey, how I have to disagree with you. You are driving a Gen-6, very similar to my wife's Avalon. As to the Gen-6, you're right. But the poster you were responding to was talking about the Gen-5, whose MZ-series engine was a totally different animal than the 2GR in your Gen-6. Here's what the manual in my 2003.5 V-6 Gen-5 Camry had to say about fuel: