Just did something I thought I would never do...at least at this point...
Just did something I thought I would never do...at least at this point...
Tonight we bought a loaded $33032 list '11 Camry Hybrid for a couple of hundred over invoice.
My son will probably take the Camry LE.
Never thought I'd buy a hybrid this soon but took the Camry Hybrid out for a test drive and actually liked it.The wife absolutely loved it.
Funny thing was when I went to start it,I kept pressing the start button and nothing was happening.I was told it's started.No start up noise.Just a 'ready' light on the gauge area.
We'll see if it gets the mileage stated.The wife is in some bumper to bumper traffic to and from work daily.
My son will probably take the Camry LE.
Never thought I'd buy a hybrid this soon but took the Camry Hybrid out for a test drive and actually liked it.The wife absolutely loved it.
Funny thing was when I went to start it,I kept pressing the start button and nothing was happening.I was told it's started.No start up noise.Just a 'ready' light on the gauge area.
We'll see if it gets the mileage stated.The wife is in some bumper to bumper traffic to and from work daily.
Last edited by Joeb427; Oct 1, 2010 at 05:04 AM.
Might pick it up tomorrow.I'm having a few accessories installed.
Seems a bit peppier than the LE 2.5L.No shift CVT trans.On the road not too much different than a non hybrid but different.I'm happy with having more options.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,511
Likes: 261
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
You might (?), depending on NJ laws, qualify for an Alternate-Fuel-Vehicle tax credit for this year (that usually applies to hybrids). There is also a Federal tax credit, but it is either gone now or about to expire....it has been getting lower each year. Some localities with HOV/carpool-restricted lanes waive the restriction for hybrids.....so, even if driving alone, you can use those lanes and zip by most of the gridlock in the lanes besides you 
(gridlock, for example, like SoCal, is a serious problem in the D.C. area).
Funny thing was when I went to start it,I kept pressing the start button and nothing was happening.I was told it's started.No start up noise.Just a 'ready' light on the gauge area.
We'll see if it gets the mileage stated.The wife is in some bumper to bumper traffic to and from work daily.
We'll see if it gets the mileage stated.The wife is in some bumper to bumper traffic to and from work daily.
I don't know what kind of instructions they gave you at the dealership for the gasoline engine's break-in, but remember, with a parallel-hybrid like a Toyota/Lexus, the gas engine doesn't run continuously, even when the car is moving. So, the actual mileage on the gas engine itself may not be as much as the total mileage registered on the car's odometer. Theoretically, that would mean that to get 1000 miles on the gas engine for break-in, you might (?) actually have to drive it a little further than that. Check with the Service Manager and see what his/her recommendation is.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 5,595
Likes: 61
From: CA
congrats on the purchase. i've test driven it before, and will be going on yet another test drive with my friend, as she is looking into this car as well. roomy in the rear for her kids, and it most likely will not break down on her. had multiple repairs this year already, and she wants out badly. hope you enjoy it! 
Congragulations on your purchase. You might (?), depending on NJ laws, qualify for an Alternate-Fuel-Vehicle tax credit for this year (that usually applies to hybrids). There is also a Federal tax credit, but it is either gone now or about to expire....it has been getting lower each year. Some localities with HOV/carpool-restricted lanes waive the restriction for hybrids.....so, even if driving alone, you can use those lanes and zip by most of the gridlock in the lanes besides you (gridlock, for example, like SoCal, is a serious problem in the D.C. area).
That's typical of Toyota/Lexus and Ford hybrid units. Unlike those from Honda, they can start and run on the electrics alone. When you press the START button (if the battery is fully-charged), the computer will check the the electrics and make sure everything is OK, then flash a light that you're ready to go. You can then take off silently, just like a golf cart.....on the electric motor alone, at least for the first mile or two. Then, when the computer signals, the gas engine will fire up.
I don't know what kind of instructions they gave you at the dealership for the gasoline engine's break-in, but remember, with a parallel-hybrid like a Toyota/Lexus, the gas engine doesn't run continuously, even when the car is moving. So, the actual mileage on the gas engine itself may not be as much as the total mileage registered on the car's odometer. Theoretically, that would mean that to get 1000 miles on the gas engine for break-in, you might (?) actually have to drive it a little further than that. Check with the Service Manager and see what his/her recommendation is.
You might (?), depending on NJ laws, qualify for an Alternate-Fuel-Vehicle tax credit for this year (that usually applies to hybrids). There is also a Federal tax credit, but it is either gone now or about to expire....it has been getting lower each year. Some localities with HOV/carpool-restricted lanes waive the restriction for hybrids.....so, even if driving alone, you can use those lanes and zip by most of the gridlock in the lanes besides you (gridlock, for example, like SoCal, is a serious problem in the D.C. area). That's typical of Toyota/Lexus and Ford hybrid units. Unlike those from Honda, they can start and run on the electrics alone. When you press the START button (if the battery is fully-charged), the computer will check the the electrics and make sure everything is OK, then flash a light that you're ready to go. You can then take off silently, just like a golf cart.....on the electric motor alone, at least for the first mile or two. Then, when the computer signals, the gas engine will fire up.
I don't know what kind of instructions they gave you at the dealership for the gasoline engine's break-in, but remember, with a parallel-hybrid like a Toyota/Lexus, the gas engine doesn't run continuously, even when the car is moving. So, the actual mileage on the gas engine itself may not be as much as the total mileage registered on the car's odometer. Theoretically, that would mean that to get 1000 miles on the gas engine for break-in, you might (?) actually have to drive it a little further than that. Check with the Service Manager and see what his/her recommendation is.
I don't think there's any Alternate-Fuel-Vehicle tax credit or Federal tax credit.Nothing was mentioned but I'll look into it.
Also will have to get accustomed to the hybrid technology.When the gas engine comes on and off etc.It is very interesting.It was explained to us but it hasn't sunk in yet.
I'll check into the break in procedure too.Don't use the cruise control for 500 miles was mentioned.
We bought the hybrid not so much for the MPGs because the numbers really aren't great(31 city/35 average/33 Hwy).More for trying the hybrid technology.Also the Hybrid Camry with every option is less than a $1000 more than the V6 XLE with the same equipment which isn't bad.I also wanted options the LE lacked and I love the liquid graphite 10-spoke alloys.
The wife is also a bit of a tree hugger.congrats on the purchase. i've test driven it before, and will be going on yet another test drive with my friend, as she is looking into this car as well. roomy in the rear for her kids, and it most likely will not break down on her. had multiple repairs this year already, and she wants out badly. hope you enjoy it!
The Camry is boring but does have nice ride quality,roomy and it pretty quiet which we like.
