Thinking of trading in the Prius for a Camry

Godiva · 10-25-2007, 03:07 PM

I'd invest in noise dampening insulation first before I made a decision. If it works, you saved a bunch of money and the hassle of selling one car, getting another, registration, etc.

If it doesn't, the insulation might be a good selling point.

DaveinOlyWA · 10-25-2007, 05:24 PM

i think road noise is pretty loud. but i rarely drive without something playing so not really an issue with me.

n8kwx · 10-25-2007, 11:15 PM

Rick,

How fast do you drive on the expressways?

I rented a Prius back in 2004 and found that the noise is fine to about 70 MPH. Above that the engine noise quickly gets louder.

But that was just a weekend "test drive" rental. It's been a while since I've driven a Prius.

But for fuel economy sakes you should be driving at or below 65 anyway

The Camry is definitely a nice expressway car. But I think the Prius is nicer around town. And I couldn't believe how easy the Prius was to park!

I went with the Camry as I have a small sailboat to tow. The Camry has more excess power and the longer wheelbase and weight make for a better tow vehicle. But I pay for that in fuel economy.

Most people average 35 MPG (the "same" people who would get 45 in a Prius). With careful driving 40+ is not hard. My lifetime tank average (15 months, 28k miles) is 40 MPG.

Rick Grahn · 10-26-2007, 01:59 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(n8kwx @ Oct 25 2007, 09:15 PM) [snapback]530560[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

Rick,

How fast do you drive on the expressways? Any where from 70-75 MPH.

I rented a Prius back in 2004 and found that the noise is fine to about 70 MPH. Above that the engine noise quickly gets louder.

But that was just a weekend "test drive" rental. It's been a while since I've driven a Prius.

But for fuel economy sakes you should be driving at or below 65 anyway

The Camry is definitely a nice expressway car. But I think the Prius is nicer around town. And I couldn't believe how easy the Prius was to park!

I went with the Camry as I have a small sailboat to tow. The Camry has more excess power and the longer wheelbase and weight make for a better tow vehicle. But I pay for that in fuel economy.

Most people average 35 MPG (the "same" people who would get 45 in a Prius). With careful driving 40+ is not hard. My lifetime tank average (15 months, 28k miles) is 40 MPG.
[/b]

Thanks.

Pinto Girl · 10-27-2007, 02:25 AM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(qbee42 @ Oct 24 2007, 09:22 PM) [snapback]530005[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

I find the road noise is very dependent on the road surface. On a good smooth surface, the Prius is quiet. On a textured surface you can really hear the tires. I suppose it's the lack of sound deadening material.

Tom
[/b]

I agree, and this seems independent of the brand of tire on the car.

patsparks · 10-27-2007, 09:27 AM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Pinto Girl @ Oct 27 2007, 03:55 PM) [snapback]531083[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

I agree, and this seems independent of the brand of tire on the car.
[/b]

and of the make of car, although different tyre and different cars make different noise.

meshell · 10-29-2007, 10:11 AM

i traded in my prius in july for the 50th anniversary '07 hycam. i was worried because i bought it sight unseen. i had test driven a base model and wanted the anniversary edition, which of course had to be ordered. when i gave my prius to them i was so nervous, but then i drove my new hycam off the lot and had not regretted it for 1 second. 3 months later there is not a single thing about it that i do not like! this one is a keeper!

JackDodge · 11-16-2007, 06:07 AM

The Camry hybrid is a really nice car and I'm told that you can get over 40 mpg if you know how to drive fuel economically. However, I often do home improvement projects that require buying and transporting a lot of lumber and I also move other large objects so a Camry wouldn't be practical for me. Sedans just aren't that versatile.

omgitsroy326 · 11-16-2007, 10:33 AM

one thing i didn't like bout the camry is the fold down seat... also you loose a lot on in the trunk cause of the battery... I have to admit the camry exterior looks nice but when it comes to interior .. i think they cut some corners... the dash area looks cheap..

richard schumacher · 11-16-2007, 11:07 AM

If you're now using higher tire pressures first try reducing them to the standard pressures. That would be the cheapest possible fix.

Are you certain that the apparent highway noise is not a subjective effect? The Prius is so quiet on the street that it may seem noisy on the highway only in comparison.

10-25-2007, 11:15 PM	#13
n8kwx Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Arlington Heights, IL - NW Chicago Suburb Posts: 226 My Car: Other Hybrid Package: N/A Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Rick, How fast do you drive on the expressways? I rented a Prius back in 2004 and found that the noise is fine to about 70 MPH. Above that the engine noise quickly gets louder. But that was just a weekend "test drive" rental. It's been a while since I've driven a Prius. But for fuel economy sakes you should be driving at or below 65 anyway The Camry is definitely a nice expressway car. But I think the Prius is nicer around town. And I couldn't believe how easy the Prius was to park! I went with the Camry as I have a small sailboat to tow. The Camry has more excess power and the longer wheelbase and weight make for a better tow vehicle. But I pay for that in fuel economy. Most people average 35 MPG (the "same" people who would get 45 in a Prius). With careful driving 40+ is not hard. My lifetime tank average (15 months, 28k miles) is 40 MPG. __________________ 2007 Camry Hybrid

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10-25-2007, 03:07 PM	#11
Godiva AmeriKan Citizen Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 9,016 My Car: 2005 Prius Package: #1 Nominated 3 Times in 2 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 5	I'd invest in noise dampening insulation first before I made a decision. If it works, you saved a bunch of money and the hassle of selling one car, getting another, registration, etc. If it doesn't, the insulation might be a good selling point.

10-25-2007, 05:24 PM	#12
DaveinOlyWA Opps !! I Did it Again!! Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: South Puget Sound, WA Posts: 9,254 My Car: 2006 Prius Package: #4 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 4	i think road noise is pretty loud. but i rarely drive without something playing so not really an issue with me.

10-29-2007, 10:11 AM	#17
meshell Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 65 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	i traded in my prius in july for the 50th anniversary '07 hycam. i was worried because i bought it sight unseen. i had test driven a base model and wanted the anniversary edition, which of course had to be ordered. when i gave my prius to them i was so nervous, but then i drove my new hycam off the lot and had not regretted it for 1 second. 3 months later there is not a single thing about it that i do not like! this one is a keeper!

11-16-2007, 06:07 AM	#18
JackDodge Independent voter Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Bloomfield Hills, MI Posts: 2,229 My Car: Other Hybrid Package: N/A Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	The Camry hybrid is a really nice car and I'm told that you can get over 40 mpg if you know how to drive fuel economically. However, I often do home improvement projects that require buying and transporting a lot of lumber and I also move other large objects so a Camry wouldn't be practical for me. Sedans just aren't that versatile.

11-16-2007, 10:33 AM	#19
omgitsroy326 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 255 My Car: 2008 Prius Package: #2 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	one thing i didn't like bout the camry is the fold down seat... also you loose a lot on in the trunk cause of the battery... I have to admit the camry exterior looks nice but when it comes to interior .. i think they cut some corners... the dash area looks cheap..

11-16-2007, 11:07 AM	#20
richard schumacher ichorous liquor Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: United States Posts: 3,888 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: #6 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	If you're now using higher tire pressures first try reducing them to the standard pressures. That would be the cheapest possible fix. Are you certain that the apparent highway noise is not a subjective effect? The Prius is so quiet on the street that it may seem noisy on the highway only in comparison.