Right Decision -- Oh Yea - GreenHybrid

FastMover · #1 (**permalink**) 03-05-2008, 04:15 PM

Want to feel good about puchasing a TCH -- Read this:

http://www.entrepreneur.com/automoti...cle191042.html

Quote:

"Based on U.S. News editors' analysis of 39 leading automotive reviews and test drives, the 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid ranks #3 of 26 in Affordable Midsize Cars and #1 of 6 in Hybrid Cars." ...

"The 2008 Camry Hybrid is also considered a good value over time. CNN lists the car as one of the most-cost effective hybrids sold today, based on a value equation that weighs its premium against its annual fuel savings. IntelliChoice gives the 2008 Camry Hybrid an "Excellent" value rating,..."

mikieboyblue · #2 (**permalink**) 03-05-2008, 07:26 PM

Too bad I got the 2007...

One mistake in there though...near the end....

Quote:

Accident Avoidance
The new Camry Hybrid has traction control, vehicle stability control, anti-lock brakes with brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution, as well as a tire-pressure monitor. MSN is pleased that "unlike early hybrids, the Camry Hybrid wears regular all-season tires, not low-rolling resistance rubber," because "the latter can have less grip on rainy and snowy road surfaces."

Last I checked the TCH has LRR tires. Am I just losing it, did something change with the 2008s, or am I right?

flounder · #3 (**permalink**) 03-05-2008, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Forbes says its proportions "allow the interior to feel quite spacious, with decent space in front, a rather cavernous trunk and a backseat that's comfortable enough to seat two and just wide enough to fit three smaller folks in a pinch."

Do you think so about the trunk?

Pete4 · #4 (**permalink**) 03-06-2008, 06:17 AM

I don't think trunk is that bad, yes, it could be bigger, but I had some serious luggage inside and actually you can fit a lot of stuff. Saying all that, I wish hatchbacks were more popular here, yeah, how about 4 door hatchback with even more of trunk space inside.

Oooops, I just reinvented Prius.
I'm not sure about the tires. I bought mine June 2006 , about 2-3 months after the car went for sale in US and it came with Michelin MXV4 energy tires, almost the same model as my 2001 Honda Accord. I've seen the same or very similar tires on a lot of other cars including Mercedes. I think they talk about special, narrow tires I think Honda Insight had and some of the future concept cars? Tires can make good difference in MPG, even by simply increasing pressure, but for safety and performance reasons I think at least for now "normal" tires will have to do and they're designed to lower rolling resistance anyway, just not as much.

mikieboyblue · #5 (**permalink**) 03-06-2008, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flounder

Do you think so about the trunk?

Myself and three other adults went on a vacation to North Carolina (I'm in NY) for a week and we fit everyone's stuff (including beach items) and everything we bought during the week in the trunk without an issue. It really can fit a lot if you pack well.

FastMover · #6 (**permalink**) 03-06-2008, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikieboyblue

Myself and three other adults when on a vacation to North Carolina (I'm in NY) for a week and we fit everyone's stuff (including beach items) and everything we bought during the week in the trunk without an issue. It really can fit a lot if you pack well.

Yes, I agree. The trunk is plenty large, but you need to think "vertical" when packing. becasue the footprint is a little smaller.

SteveHansen · #7 (**permalink**) 03-07-2008, 04:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikieboyblue

Last I checked the TCH has LLR tires.

What's an LLR tire? Is that like a left-handed LRR tire?

mikieboyblue · #8 (**permalink**) 03-07-2008, 05:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveHansen

What's an LLR tire? Is that like a left-handed LRR tire?

Touche.....you must give me slack for pulling a 70 hour work week....

livvie · #9 (**permalink**) 03-07-2008, 05:51 AM

The problem with LRR is as Bob Wilson points out (in another post, can't find it), there are no real metrics to compare against. Therefore any tire can be dubbed LRR.

CJO2007CamryHyb · #10 (**permalink**) 03-08-2008, 04:53 AM

Yeah........the TCH is the only hybrid i really considered buying after researching them for over a year. The Prius is too small for my tastes and i tried unsucessfully to find an FEH to test drive just to compare the TCH with. Granted the FEH is an SUV and i was already leaning(heavily) towards the TCH. Needless to say after almost 4 months of trying to find a FEH in my area to test drive, i bought the TCH. I'm happy so far at 7100mi!! LRR tires are not going to be the best bet in some snowy climates, i imagine. So far i like the Michelins i have.