Thinking of trading in the Prius for a Camry

I have a 2005 Prius with everthing. I love the vehicle except for the noise at highway speeds----90% of the driving I do is highway driving. I am thinking of trading it in on an '08 Camry Hybrid.

For those who have done, have you had any second thoughts? Any regrets? Would you do the same thing again?

Wow... I think the car is exceptionally quiet on the freeway. I guess it depends on your perspective. Are you talking road noise/wind noise/rattles? I'd imagine the Camry has more sound deadoning as it's a larger, more 'luxurious' vehicle. Most people that ride in the Prius comment on how quiet it is, highway and all...

ask hycamguy07, i know he traded his.

i've driven a hycam once, just through my university campus. i've ridden in one on many occasions and man it's a nice car to ride in...

High tyre pressure causes more tyre noise. It may be cheaper to fit the same tyres as the Camry has fitted or lower your tyre pressure. Wind and mechanical noise are minimal.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(likesmpg @ Oct 24 2007, 09:34 PM) [snapback]529982[/snapback]</div>

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

Thanks all. I guess I could add sound insulation to my Prius...boy, what a hassle.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Rick Grahn @ Oct 25 2007, 05:35 AM) [snapback]530146[/snapback]</div>

Cheaper than a new Camry.

Wayne

I considered this to replace my wifes minivan, but two things put me off

1) the boot is small. The battery pack takes up too much room. As I have small kids, it does not leave much room for strollers etc.

2) I drove a normal Camry as a dealership loaner. The fit and finish of the dashboard just seemed cheap.

Also I didn't like the way it drove because of the fly by wire throttle. I'll assume that with the hybrid, this would not be such an issue.


Overall I can't wait for a bigger full Hybrid or plugin. In the meantime I will hold off until the new 2009 Prius comes around.

We drive a 2006 Prius and a 2001 Camry (non-hybrid of course) and I still far prefer the Prius. That's partly because I'm a nerd for my Prius, but also for interior room (with a baby it's more obvious how much more usable space there is in the Prius), for interior and exterior styling (I don't like the look of the new Camry), and for fuel economy.

I haven't driven the TCH, but even if I found it to be superior in comfort and noise level, I don't think that would convince me to trade the Prius.

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.

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

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.

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

Thanks.

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

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

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

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

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!

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.

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..

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.