Toyota prices hybrid $6,100 over Camry LE

[Tideland Prius]

In a marketing move that's likely to disappoint many, Toyota Canada has set a price of $500 for its hybrid system in a $25,800 Camry LE, but only if customers also buy $5,600 worth of options that aren't integral to the hybrid's operation.

So instead of getting a fuel-saving hybrid model for $26,300, consumers will have to pay $31,900 when the Camry Hybrid goes on sale this May.

Two of Toyota Canada's three managing directors, Tony Wearing and Steve Beatty, think this is all excellent news for people looking for a mid-size sedan.

Beatty was so enthusiastic about Camry Hybrid at its launch at the Vancouver auto show that he told consumers they would earn the $500 surcharge back in a single year, thanks to the car's increased fuel economy. "Camry Hybrid has a combined fuel consumption rating of 5.7 L/100 km," he pointed out, "compared to 8.3 L/100 km for the four-cylinder LE."

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[DeadPhish]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Apr 7 2006, 02:08 AM) [snapback]236230[/snapback]</div>

In a marketing move that's likely to disappoint many, Toyota Canada has set a price of $500 for its hybrid system in a $25,800 Camry LE, but only if customers also buy $5,600 worth of options that aren't integral to the hybrid's operation.

So instead of getting a fuel-saving hybrid model for $26,300, consumers will have to pay $31,900 when the Camry Hybrid goes on sale this May.

Two of Toyota Canada's three managing directors, Tony Wearing and Steve Beatty, think this is all excellent news for people looking for a mid-size sedan.

Beatty was so enthusiastic about Camry Hybrid at its launch at the Vancouver auto show that he told consumers they would earn the $500 surcharge back in a single year, thanks to the car's increased fuel economy. "Camry Hybrid has a combined fuel consumption rating of 5.7 L/100 km," he pointed out, "compared to 8.3 L/100 km for the four-cylinder LE."

Full Article
[/b]

Unless there is significantly different standard equipment, it looks like the pricing on on our northern cousins' vehicles will be about US$1000 higher than south of the border.
Sunroof standard?
Power pass seat?
sunshade?

Maybe herein lies the answer. From the article...
When it comes time for the consumer to consider a Camry Hybrid, the most important feature is likely to be his or her postal code, since there are different kind of rebates in various provinces. PEI is the best place to buy a Camry Hybrid, since there's a $3,000 rebate there, compared with $2,000 in B.C. and Ontario, and $1,000 in Quebec.

[nmrickie]

I think the Highlander and Camry hybrids would sell better if the hybrid came in more basic models, too. I would have bought a Highlander, but I wasn't willing to pay $45k.

[efusco]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(nmrickie @ Apr 7 2006, 09:25 AM) [snapback]236299[/snapback]</div>

I think the Highlander and Camry hybrids would sell better if the hybrid came in more basic models, too. I would have bought a Highlander, but I wasn't willing to pay $45k. [/b]

$45k? We got our fully loaded AWD Limited HiHy for $42, and there IS a basic version of the HiHy available for only $33k--2WD standard equipt.

Always happy when I can make dreams come true!

[priusblue]

So, I'm confused. Does this mean you can't get the $26 K version, or just that basically there is only 1 package that puts you straight up to $30 K? Are the numbers here comparing the Base camry LE vs the base hybrid model?

[edit] argh! I just realized these are canadian dollars, aren't they? My question here is there a US $26K model like the website says there is? I think we should have a new rule. All money should be put in as US$ XXX or CAN$ XXX. And a link to a currency converter should be added to the top of the Prius chat website....

[Tideland Prius]

please note it's in Canadian dollars! tsk tsk!

Yeah, there's only one package that adds leather, heated front seats and power moonroof.

4-way power passenger seat (why? ours is 8-way) is standard as is the JBL Audio with 8 speakers and bluetooth, 8-way power driver seat, 7 airbags, ABS w/ EBD and BA, VDIM, 16" alloys, Homelink, Auto-Dimming mirror with compass, SKS.

There's no tyre pressure monitoring system, no cover for one of the centre console boxes (why?) and a rather grey interior. If it's anything like the LE I saw at the autoshow, it's very very grey. It reminds me of our 2000 Corolla LE that we had lol. The XLE is better with the wood to bring some colour.

[jayman]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(efusco @ Apr 7 2006, 09:43 AM) [snapback]236306[/snapback]</div>

$45k? We got our fully loaded AWD Limited HiHy for $42, and there IS a basic version of the HiHy available for only $33k--2WD standard equipt.

Always happy when I can make dreams come true!
[/b]

Evan:

I was looking for a small to mid size SUV. The basic HiHy awd is around $44 K Cdn. However I like my seat mounted side airbags and head curtain airbags, and the only way to get the extra airbags is to spring for the Limited: $54 K Cdn.

I can get a nice Honda CR-V for around $30 K Cdn that has heated side mirrors and all the airbags. The top of the line with leather is just under $34 K Cdn.

My local Toyota dealer was the first in Manitoba to get the HiHy and they even called me at the office when it arrived. I took it for a spin and said "hmmm ... and?" I then took the CR-V for a spin and actually liked it better, at least the parking brake is a neat dash-mounted handle, not a foot pedal.

If I do buy an SUV, I would have to lean towards the CR-V. But then I'm also a cheap bastard too.

jay

[naterprius]

Yes, please indicate when using Real Dollars ($) or fake dollars, like Canadian, Austrailian, Hong Kong, or Monopoly "Dollars."

Nate

[Sarge]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(naterprius @ Apr 9 2006, 12:56 AM) [snapback]237057[/snapback]</div>

Yes, please indicate when using Real Dollars ($) or fake dollars, like Canadian, Austrailian, Hong Kong, or Monopoly "Dollars."

Nate
[/b]

That's quite an arrogant statement with no justification whatsoever... and is exactly the sort of mentality that causes many countries to not like Americans very much.

Kevin

[jayman]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Sarge @ Apr 9 2006, 12:23 AM) [snapback]237068[/snapback]</div>

That's quite an arrogant statement with no justification whatsoever... and is exactly the sort of mentality that causes many countries to not like Americans very much.

Kevin
[/b]

Kevin:

Darn you beat me to it.

jay