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.
Hi...
I seem to have developed a desire to change from my '04 Camry SE to a '09 Camry Hybrid. Still gathering info to make my final decision. I will appreciate any answers to the following:
1. My Local Sales Rep tells me that the 2009 Camry Hybrid equipped with the Voice Activated NAV System will also contain the Backup Camera System also known as the Rearview Monitoring System. He says the Backup Camera automatically comes with the Voice Activated NAV System. Is this correct? I can find nothing except what he has told me.
2. What is the screen size on the NAV System? 5" or 7"?
3. My Sales Rep has told me that if the TCH runs out of gas, the vehicle can still drive 200 miles on the Hybrid Battery. I have found a statement which says otherwise. What is the correct information about this?
4. My Sales Rep says if the Hybrid Battery malfunctions and ceases to operate, the TCH will start and run on the ICE as a normal gasoline engine vehicle. I find nothing to support this. What is the correct information about this?
I have been told that I will need to order the TCH since there are none in stock.
Since my local dealer does not have a TCH in stock with Voice Activated NAV, I have nothing to look at to provide any guidance.
And I do not expect him to disable any batteries or engines to prove any other claims.
Therefore, I am hoping some of the experience owners and users will provide me with the correct information.
I will appreciate it. Many thanks.
Last edited by runnman; 01-11-2009 at 03:01 PM.
Reason: Spelling error.
Sounds like your sales person REALLY wants to sell you a new car. I didn't see anything on toyota.com about a backup camera. I believe the screen is 7 inches; not sure; never measured mine. I was told the hybrid battery would get you a few miles but was strongly advised not to use it as my only means of power. Its true, you may have to order one. I lucked out and found one in my dealers inventory that I liked but that was a year ago. Not sure what the current inventory is now but at least you can get one exactly like you want. If I was you, I'd find me another sales person.
Hi...
I seem to have developed a desire to change from my '04 Camry SE to a '09 Camry Hybrid. Still gathering info to make my final decision. I will appreciate any answers to the following:
1. My Local Sales Rep tells me that the 2009 Camry Hybrid equipped with the Voice Activated NAV System will also contain the Backup Camera System also known as the Rearview Monitoring System. He says the Backup Camera automatically comes with the Voice Activated NAV System. Is this correct? I can find nothing except what he has told me.
2. What is the screen size on the NAV System? 5" or 7"?
3. My Sales Rep has told me that if the TCH runs out of gas, the vehicle can still drive 200 miles on the Hybrid Battery. I have found a statement which says otherwise. What is the correct information about this?
4. My Sales Rep says if the Hybrid Battery malfunctions and ceases to operate, the TCH will start and run on the ICE as a normal gasoline engine vehicle. I find nothing to support this. What is the correct information about this?
I have been told that I will need to order the TCH since there are none in stock.
Since my local dealer does not have a TCH in stock with Voice Activated NAV, I have nothing to look at to provide any guidance.
And I do not expect him to disable any batteries or engines to prove any other claims.
Therefore, I am hoping some of the experience owners and users will provide me with the correct information.
I will appreciate it. Many thanks.
Your sales rep is full of crap.
#1: No 2009 Camry comes standard with a backup camera. You can add it, (some have) but it is not standard equipment.
#2: 7"
#3: If you run out of gas, the longest the traction battery will last is about 2 miles- if that. Do yourself a favor- don't run out of gas. The car is not designed for this type of operation.
#4: Depends on the malfunction. Generally, if the traction battery completely shuts down- then no, you will not be able to drive the vehicle.
If your dealer does not have any in stock- go to another dealer. There are plenty around.
If you would like to see how the navigation system works, go test drive a XLE with navigation. You won't be able to see or test out the Hybrid-specific components like the energy screen, but you can see how the navigation/Bluetooth/sound system works.
Hi...
I seem to have developed a desire to change from my '04 Camry SE to a '09 Camry Hybrid. Still gathering info to make my final decision. I will appreciate any answers to the following:
3. My Sales Rep has told me that if the TCH runs out of gas, the vehicle can still drive 200 miles on the Hybrid Battery. I have found a statement which says otherwise. What is the correct information about this?
Only if it's going downhill with a tailwind. The TCH has a very limited range on battery only, < 5 miles under ideal conditions.
4. My Sales Rep says if the Hybrid Battery malfunctions and ceases to operate, the TCH will start and run on the ICE as a normal gasoline engine vehicle. I find nothing to support this. What is the correct information about this?
Total BS. The HSD will not operate if the battery is completely 'open'; the electric motors need current to make the car 'go'. That said, you're likely to have a lot of warning before the battery 'goes', with various malfunction indicators blinking for significant time. IAC, for the 80-150K miles (depending on where you live; latter is for CA emission warranty areas) battery repairs/replacement is on Toyota's dime.
I have been told that I will need to order the TCH since there are none in stock.
Try a different dealer. Lots of inventory out there.
Since my local dealer does not have a TCH in stock with Voice Activated NAV, I have nothing to look at to provide any guidance.
And I do not expect him to disable any batteries or engines to prove any other claims.
Therefore, I am hoping some of the experience owners and users will provide me with the correct information.
I will appreciate it. Many thanks.
Might want to find a dealer (or salesman) whose load of BS isn't so heavy and fragrant. Or who has a clue. That any person who's supposed to be selling a product would spew such a load of bovine by-proudct is a shame.
The sales rep you are working with is either lying or just doesn't have a clue about the product he is selling. Either way, at the very least change sales reps or better yet change dealers.
While the TCH is an amazing piece of engineering, it cannot perform the miracles that this guy is claiming.
As for fimding one... Look at fitzmall.com many people have bought from them and driven their new cars home without any change to the pricing offered on the website. If you want an extended warranty check out the pricing at Midwest Toyota.
If you want some tips on buying a new car, go to Edmunds forum 'Stories From the Sales Frontlines' Lots of chatter, but the opinions of the sales guys on how a sale can be quick and painless and fair is worth reading.
Wait for three months and buy a 2010 GEN6.5...........
and don't believe auto salesmen or the Fairy Godmother............................
Hi...
I want to thank everyone for their input. All comments have been very helpful!
I have decided to wait for the 2010 Camry Hybrid. Looks like maybe 60 days or so. So, I'm in agreement with njerald. Gen6.5 2010 TCH model.
I still want the Back-Up Camera option with the Voice-Activated Navigation System. Toyota HQ has confirmed to me via e-mail that the back-up camera is NOT available on the 2009. I am hoping it's available on the 2010. I saw the new 2010 Hybrid photos in the other thread. One person commented that it appeared there could be a possibility for the location of the camera on the "left-hand side of the trunk trim". That will make me happy!
Along with the other nice upgrades from 2009; the new I4, very nice front end with fog lamps, etc.
I'm looking forward to the new one!
According to the press release, only Camry, LE, and XLE will get the updated engine that produces 169hp. The SE gets the same updated engine, but will produce 179hp.
The Camry hybrid will go on with the 2.4L engine that produces 189 hp when teamed with the electric motor. People on this forum have speculated that it will receive the updated engine for 2011, but no facts have been found to support that rumor.
I went looking awhile back and the only thing I found was 1 article which was saying a new Camry would be out in the 2012 MY, with the TCH getting the 3rd GEN HSD then.
According to the press release, only Camry, LE, and XLE will get the updated engine that produces 169hp. The SE gets the same updated engine, but will produce 179hp.
The Camry hybrid will go on with the 2.4L engine that produces 189 hp when teamed with the electric motor. People on this forum have speculated that it will receive the updated engine for 2011, but no facts have been found to support that rumor.
Hi...
Thanks for correcting my thinking. I had thought the new updated engine would also be in the 2010 Hybrid and now I see it's not. I appreciate the correction.
Hi...
Thanks for correcting my thinking. I had thought the new updated engine would also be in the 2010 Hybrid and now I see it's not. I appreciate the correction.
You are in the Gulf Coast then I am assuming TX. Check Austin, Houston, SAN Antonio and San Marcos for a TCH, if 10's come out you may get a better deal on an 09.
You are in the Gulf Coast then I am assuming TX. Check Austin, Houston, SAN Antonio and San Marcos for a TCH, if 10's come out you may get a better deal on an 09.
Thanks! Ms Gulf Coast.
I do agree with you; there are some good savings to be made on a '09 with the 2010 being made available. But, I took njerald's advice which is a few posts up from this.
I have a 2010 TCH on order. Looking forward to the April delivery. Yes, I could have had the '09 but the 2010 has some options which the '09 does not have. Factory installed Back-Up Camera intergrated with the Voice Activated DVD Navigation System (UT Package). And Factory installed Fog Lamps (LF Option). The '09 does not have either. I like the new 2010 styling better; front grill and tail lights are more to my liking.
Anyway, my oder is in the computer and looking forward to the delivery.
Thanks for your heads-up.
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That any person who's supposed to be selling a product would spew such a load of bovine by-proudct is a shame.
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