First Hybrid Purchase - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

canadian4evr · 02-08-2010, 11:15 PM

Hey Guys,

I'm brand new to the forum, but by no means new to it! I've unfortunately not been in the market for a vehicle until recently so I've been doing my research and must say this website really was helpful! I was hoping I could get some advice from everyone about my upcoming purchase and see what you guys think.

Right now I'm looking into buying my first car which I have decided will be a used Camry Hybrid. I have two cars in mind but can't seem to make up my mind as to which one to go for.

The first vehicle is a 2007 model (50th anniversary... not sure if that makes any difference) with 57,000KM on it and the premium package with navigation and leather etc. This was a US vehicle leased by Toyota to one owner in Cherry Hill New Jersey and then imported into Canada. I saw the carfax and carproof for this car which indicated it had been in an accident involving the front right bumper. The original owner collided with a parked car. That was the only issue I have found for this car, which is otherwise spotless. The car has been fully detailed and has absolutely no stone chips or anything that I was able to find. Its pristine which I found shocking considering the accident it had been in. It is being sold through an independent dealer that sells other high end vehicles such as BMW, Mercedes etc... but the other vehicles are generally high milage, 60,000KM+. I have been told I can get the vehicle inspected by any mechanic of my choice, so I feel comfortable with them.

The other car is a 2009 model with standard options, no extras with 55,000ish KM. It was leased to the city of Mississauga and properly maintained. This vehicle has brand new tires that still have the sprue nubs on them they are so new. It does have some stone chips on the hood and some other exterior imperfections that should be cleaned up once it is detailed, however I am unsure whether it will come out as nicely as the other vehicle has. This car is also Toyota certified as its being sold through a Toyota dealer.

I'm not sure which to go with, as I like them both!!! I was looking into getting the Toyota ECP warranty since I will be able to get a new vehicle warranty on the 2009 as its under the 60,000KM Comprehensive warranty, I'm not sure whether the 2007 would still qualify to have a new vehicle warranty sold for it. I do a lot of miles so the 200k warranty would be a bonus for sure. There is about a $2000 - $2,500 difference between the two cars, with the 2007 being cheaper.

Which one would you go with, and do you know if the 2007 would qualify for a new vehicle ECP through Toyota?

Thanks guys, I really appreciate any advice you can give me!

cdn_tch · 02-09-2010, 07:15 AM

It is a tough choice on 2 vehicles that both have some negatives attached to them.

Since the TCH has only one model run, there are only minor differences between the 2 cars even though they are 2 years apart.

My personal reservations would be:

2007 - A US car imported into Canada. I'm guessing that they haven't changed out the speedometer so you will be showing MPH. The TCH has a horrible display for the km/h in that speedo. Can be solved by adding a scanguage and displaying km/h on it. The accident damage shouldn't be a problem IF it is what you have been told. Get a third party to inspect the car!

2009 - This one I'd be more concerned about. 55K in a year to a year and a half! Probably driven by multiple people who may or may not have been gentle on the car. Think of this a commercial vehicle, would you buy a used ex cab?

canadian4evr · 02-09-2010, 07:53 AM

Agreed, I really do like the 2007 as its has been completely detailed and looks like a brand new vehicle. I would have to have the gauges replaced by a toyota dealer, that will only run me 300-400 dollars. I wouldn't be able to live with mph gauges. I'm willing to accept the negatives attached to these cars as the vehicles are priced well below their new retail value which is well out of my price range. I think I can still purchase the ECP as the 2007 was put on the road in April of 2007 and as per toyota's website it seems to say there are surcharges if the ECP is added up to 36 months after purchase (http://www.toyota.ca/cgi-bin/WebObje...300240e%2ehtml)

Any idea if this is true?

canadian4evr · 02-11-2010, 06:35 PM

Hey Guys,

I went with the 2007 with navigation and leather! It was a gorgeous model and I don't feel bad about the purchase at all. I saved a lot of money and got a car with more features that was worth more!