Camry HybridDiscussion area for the Toyota Camry Hybrid. Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving Americas favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.
Okay, not new to a hybrid as I have a 2004 HCH, but I decided to upgrade since I spend 100+ miles a day in the car in Northern VA; I decided on a TCH. For those who may not be aware, in No VA we can use the HOV lanes with a hybrid as long as you were registered prior to Jun 2006. This year, VA allowed us original owners to transfer our plates to a new hybrid, so I had to get an upgrade. I originally was looking at the Ford Escape, but I couldn't bring myself to buy one considering the cost versus the value. I bought my daughter an Escape so she could travel back and forth from VA Tech and just didn't like what you got for the money and the V6 gas mileage was poor. Considering what they want up here for a FEH, I kept looking. I was waiting for the Saturn Vue Greenline, but again, the reviews were disappointing, the technology was dated and deliveries were delayed months. Next up was the Altima Hybrid - only sold in 8 States, but it uses licensed Toyota synergy technology. Passed on that one also as the waiting period was excessive and each I found was fully loaded to maximize dealer profits (no, not against profits, just would prefer a better choice). Came upon the Camry and gave it a close look and liked what I found (FWIW the wife is on her second Sienna so I'm aware of Toyota quality). Next was trying to find one up here as they fly out the dealerships. Took me three weeks to find one, and when I did, it was an hour away in Culpepper. Not bad though since all the other dealers were dry and didn't expect shipments for 4+ weeks. I called the dealer and we worked the deal out over the phone - MSRP, but I did get them to throw in an XM radio and install for free. When I went to pick her up, the dealer told me they actually had the car a week and the guy thinking of buying it couldn't make up his mind. He called two hours after I made my deal and wanted her - too late, you snooze you loose! I don't feel bad paying MSRP considering people are paying $5000 over MSRP for hybrids up here. Don't ask me why, it's just the way it is. What I settled on was a Magnetic Gray metallic with the comfort and convience package, leather package, moonroof, DVD nav/wheels package, preferred accessories package, wheel locks, spolier and XM - pretty much loaded. Drove her home and what a difference from the HCH. Quite and smooth! Initial impressions are positive, and I know I still have a lot to learn about this car, but I'm sure there will be some thoughts on what could be improved. I've ordered a 8.0 nav disk with unlock and am considering a 3M Invisbra - just can't decide if I need the whole front or only certain portions. I think I'll get the windows tinted too. I would have liked the 18" wheel package, but alas, you take what you can find. Anyways, hello folks and here she is:
I searched the forums and found the address for the guy that sells the unlock for the Nav system. Ordered from him and he stated it comes with the newer maps: "This disk has a newer map ver 08.0."
Wasn't there a thread here that talked about a seller (on eBay?) that was selling Nav 8.0 discs, when in reality they were just the 7.x version simply hacked and changed the version number?
Wasn't there a thread here that talked about a seller (on eBay?) that was selling Nav 8.0 discs, when in reality they were just the 7.x version simply hacked and changed the version number?
Wow...as they say "timing is everything"! I bought my TCH on March 1 and paid INVOICE (thousands below MSRP)!
Not to mention the increase of about a buck a gallon since then...sure has a way of changing the market for Hybrids! **pats self on back**
Congrats on the TCH! I definitely recommend the whole front wrap for the clear bra (not necessarily the entire hood though). Window tint and some nice wheels really help too!
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Current Toyotas: '08 TCH in Sky Blue Pearl/Bisque leather/Nav. 17" Lexus ES350 chrome alloys, 215/55 Conti ExtremeContact DWS, custom 20/30 % tint, factory spoiler Full front wrap VentureShield clear bra '07 Sienna Limited Silver Pine Mica with mods...
Congrats on the acquisition. I, too, made the plunge ... in the form of an order! We'll see how long this takes - overall, I have been pleasantly surprised by the dealer given the hybrid frenzy! Your TCH is equipped the same as ours will be. Have you ordered or added the Invisible Mask?
Enjoy and safe, economical travels!
__________________ Better Living Through [FDA-approved] Chemicals!
Congrats on the acquisition. I, too, made the plunge ... in the form of an order! We'll see how long this takes - overall, I have been pleasantly surprised by the dealer given the hybrid frenzy! Your TCH is equipped the same as ours will be. Have you ordered or added the Invisible Mask?
Enjoy and safe, economical travels!
Congrats on your order - I'm sure you'll luv the car. Mine was made in KY BTW. And yes, I still have to order that Invisible Mask!
There is no "8.0" disc. Current is 7.1, with 8.1 expected in about 2 months.
Odds are that it's simply a pirated copy of the 7.1 with the 5.1 OS.
If you are going to pirate it, save some money and find the torrents.
It's not very hard to do, just need to read about on which file you need to change. Took me about 30 minutes total. (Including time to burn the new DVD)
There is no "8.0" disc. Current is 7.1, with 8.1 expected in about 2 months.
Odds are that it's simply a pirated copy of the 7.1 with the 5.1 OS.
If you are going to pirate it, save some money and find the torrents.
It's not very hard to do, just need to read about on which file you need to change. Took me about 30 minutes total. (Including time to burn the new DVD)
Do you have the details on what file to change? And what new capability does this give you. Thanks.
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2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
Loaded with leather and NAV
18" Lexus GS430 wheels with 235/50/18 GoodYears
30% Tint
"LOADING.KWI" is the OS. Using the 5.1 OS allows you to use the "override" hack.
For someone who is both new to the 2009 TCH and not very savvy with computer alterations/hacks...where would I be able to find further information on improving my navigation system. It seems like everyone here has the same idea and unfortunately I have o clue what that idea is. If anyone can offer any help it would be greatly appreciated.
You'll be quite pleased the TCH was far and above the grand winner, saving $4,500 over a 5 year period.
Ours is without the NAV feature. I sorely wanted one but chose a portable Garmin Nuvi unit instead. It will fit in your pocket, will remember where you parked your car and upgrades are less than $60/year.
__________________ '10 TCH,Magnetic Grey Metallic, Moonroof, Heated Leather and NAV '92 LE I4, 165k original miles, Silver Taupe Metallic, Moonroof, ABS
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Drove her home and what a difference from the HCH. Quite and smooth! Initial impressions are positive, and I know I still have a lot to learn about this car, but I'm sure there will be some thoughts on what could be improved. I've ordered a 8.0 nav disk with unlock and am considering a 3M Invisbra - just can't decide if I need the whole front or only certain portions. I think I'll get the windows tinted too. I would have liked the 18" wheel package, but alas, you take what you can find. Anyways, hello folks and here she is:
Linear Mode
