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.
I'm considering buying a hybrid and have found a really well optioned 07 Camry with 45000km on the odo or an 09 with no leather or sunroof with 20000km on the odo. I'd like opinions on buying the newer 09 technology or the better optioned 07 car (nicer color to!)
I'm considering buying a hybrid and have found a really well optioned 07 Camry with 45000km on the odo or an 09 with no leather or sunroof with 20000km on the odo. I'd like opinions on buying the newer 09 technology or the better optioned 07 car (nicer color to!)
Well, there were no substantial Technology changes between '07 and '09. That said, there were a number of refinements to reduce the petty, rattly annoyances, most notable if the '07 is an early production unit. First year of production is always the most troubled, even for Toyota.
Add to that the fact that you have 2 more years of warranty coverage, and the '09 looks the better choice.
I'd go with the 2009, depending on price. There were way too many quality issues when the 2007 models came out. (some people were lucky enough to have perfect builds, so I guess it depends on the specific car) I haven't had any major problems, but there were quite a few rattles and other quality issues. I've had my dash rebuilt twice to fix rattles, a bad rear speaker replaced, an alloy wheel replaced due to premature corrosion, the front cup holder replaced, and the whole center console removed, insulated, and reinstalled.
Some people argued with me that I was being too picky, but my car ran nearly $28K (US) when new, and I feel that it shouldn't shake or rattle. That said, the powertrain has been flawless, and now that all the issues have been solved, it has been a pleasure to drive.
Considering the fact that batteries are a consumable item and are extremely expensive, I'd want the newest one possible.
The traction battery isn't really a 'consumable', certainly no more so than the engine or the transmission. And the 12V 'aux' battery is a superior design (glass mat instead of flat plate) compared to the 'normal' Camry. Now, it doesn't take certain types of abuse all that well, and is more expensive to replace...
That said, the extra 2 years warranty coverage on the powertrain and all the hybrid components is a GOOD THING.
The batteries and Hybrid components are Toyota warranted for 8 yrs/100K miles on the '11.
I don't if the older Camry hybrids have the same coverage.They may.
My 07 does, I'm the third owner and was told that warranty stays with the car. We went ahead with a 2 year extended power train when we purchased the car last week. Funny how they can adjust the interest rate down only if you would go for the extended coverage.
HSD batteries don't go bad and are very inexpensive to buy, as there's no market for them, no demand. 3-4 hundred bucks. they are same ones used on airplanes.
i'd go for spiffed car. them camrys are very very boring inside on regular models. one big plastic desert and cheap upholstery.
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Hybrid-better to buy newer
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