We had given our '98 Avalon to our son when we got an '01 Avalon. He was thinking that it was time to replace the '98, she's getting old and the '01 has a moonroof and other upgrades that their family might like. Originally looked at the '07 Camry XLE V-6, but was leery of the transmission and hesitation issues so looked at the hybrid as didn't see anything in other brands. Very happy with the decision, have loved Camrys since my first, an '84 diesel - 40 mpg city and 55+ highway with air and cruise and a 5 speed manual that was like shifting in whipped cream. Finally just rusted out, but never had a car to top the blue-grey metallic beauty, until maybe now?

 

My TCH replaces a 2000 BMW 540i. Actually it was a reliable car overall, but I feared the high cost of potential future repairs and the high cost of premium fuel in California pushed me over the edge. I had decided my replacement car had to have side and head airbags as well as VSC for safety reasons.

 

My last new car was 19 years ago. And the one before that was 19 years. The 1988 Chevy has over 300,000 miles on the orginal engine and tranny. It's still runs well and gets 25mpg on a trip. Back in July when I bought the TOH the Mideast was in bad shape and gas in CA was $3.50. I had been looking for a year and couldn't decide. Took a test drive in TOH and bought it on the spot. I don't put as much mileage as I use to, 8,000 mi. a year, so it really wasn't for the mpg. To tell you the truth, it was all the toys it came with. I just love all the electronics, from the 3 mpg displays, smart key, bluetooth, mp3 CD capable, satellite radio and iPod capable. Everytime I drive it I discover a new thing that makes me happy I bought it. I bet none of you have used the console as a soda cooler. The rear AC ducts keep the console cool enough that on a 400 mile trip across the desert a 6 pack was refreshing cold. Plus all the safety items and being green is a plus!

 

My TCH replaced a used 1994 Honda Accord EX, which replaced a used 1990 Toyota Tercel, which replaced a used 1984 Honda CRX, which replaced 1972, 1970, and 1964 used VW Bugs.

Mrs. Happy is driving a 2000 VW Bug bought new, which replaced a new 1990 Toyota Camry, which replaced a new 1981 Toyota Tercel, which replaced a new 1976 Chevy Chevette (hey, she had it when I met her).

Yup, first new car for me.

Bought it for all the obvious reasons.

 

I replaced my 2001 Oldsmobile Alero GLS. Vehicle was around 62,000 miles and was still running great, but I had just graduated college and was ready for a change. I love the TCH and everything about it.

 

I traded in a 1999 Nissan Pathfinder, the third one over 15 years. It had 85,000 miles on it and was in a minor accident a year ago (not my fault). It was about ready for new tires ($600-$700) and I am sure major repairs were on the horizon. I was getting tired of paying $40-$50 per week for gas.

Now I spend about $30 every two weeks for gas and enjoy a smooth quiet ride with lots of electronic toys to play with.

 

We replaced our 91 Camry V6LE which we handed down to our son in 2001. We got it back in 2004 when he bought his beloved Solara. The camry was basicly an extra vehicle but we started driving it again when fuel prices skyrocketed. Sold it to a college student for $2000 with 167,000 miles on it.

Had been looking at the Prius but when we found out the TCH was coming out we just had to have it. Glad we waited, I think the Prius would be too small.

Other vehicles.....2000 Ford F250 Super Duty V10 (14 mpg highway)
1992 Toyota pickup....my commute vehicle (96miles one way) and has over 367,000 miles on it
1975 Ford pickup and 1963 Buick Riviera (grazing in the yard)

 

We did not trade anything in. Our garage currently stands as:

1) 1987 Chrysler LeBaron. This treasure was my grandfathers and holds a certain sentimental value, although as a car it is terrible. We're getting rid of it soon. Time to let go. Did I mention it has a digital display more interesting than the TCH? If only it ever displayed MPG over 21! (110K miles, drives like 350k)

2) 2002 Ford Focus, until the TCH, our commuter Vehicle. Can't beat this car for the price, hands down. (now 80K miles)

3) 2003 Porsche Boxster, far and away the most fun Car I've owed, Only way I sell this car is if I win the lottery and buy a 997 Twin Turbo, or if I become permanently hospitalized . (19k miles)

4) Blue TCH

 

I replaced my 1987 Toyota Camry DX with 112000 miles.It was still going strong.I t was time to buy a new car and when I heard that toyota was coming out with a hybrid model for camry I had no doubt.
I have 10 k miles currently and I love my TCH .

 

Those Accords are good cars. Auto transmissions were rough, but bullet proof. I had a 94 and a 97.