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2011 Camry Hybrid

Discussion in 'Toyota Hybrids and EVs' started by ecolite, Nov 27, 2011.

  1. ecolite

    ecolite New Member

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    Just wanted to post a few comments concerning my 2011 Camry.

    I had been looking at getting a Pirus to coincide with the termination of my 2007 lease. Earlier in the year Toyota had been allowing lease participants to roll over into a newer lease if they were within 6 months of termination. At the time I was seriously looking at a Pirus V 3rd series with advance tech package. Then the earth quake and a change in early termination rules forced me to look else ware.
    Refocused on the Camry since there more cars in inventory and it was closer to a normal family sedan than the Pirus. Decided on a fully loaded model (leather seats, sun roof, nav, blue tooth, back up camera, etc) that was in the SW inventory but finished the contract a couple months ahead of termination date with promise from Toyota to drop disposal charge and had a $500 discount coupon to use for new Camry.
    Likes
    First comments, I have not been disappointed in the purchase, the Camry has delivered as promised. Yes a little boring maybe (previous BMW/MB/Porsche owner) but much more realistic over the long term. Got the 2 year complimentary maintenance and preferred customer status from my local dealer.
    Since this is not my first Toyota product, I am anticipating several years of ownership without any issues.
    I have been able to accumulate about 3500 miles since it was delivered. I have averaged 38.5~39 mpg according to the computer with my best mileage (city) showing as 42.5. I always do the math at fill up and the computer is pretty close but the variables between different pumps and half tank fill ups can result in a 1/2gal mpg difference.
    While I didn’t think I would like it at first, I have become accustomed to the keyless entry and push button start/stop, probably more than I realize because I have found myself standing confused and locked out on my other cars and fumbling for the keys once I get inside and can’t find the push button.
    Dislikes
    Wish I had held out for Pirus and HD lights, feel the Camry lights are only so so. Trunk space, while the car meets 95% of my daily requirements for transportation, I have quickly found the trunk to be inadequate during grocery shopping or trips to and from the airport when luggage is transported. We are a family of three and could use the Camry for trips but the needs of a teenager may make it tight. Luckily we do have alternate solutions for trips.
    Do not like the CVT and it really becomes apparent to me on descents where there is no hold back feature of the transmission.
    Likewise, the air circulation system is not to my liking, it worked fine in the summer when I needed air but I have yet to find a suitable cool temperature setting that works without setting the temp on ‘low’ and/or leaving the air off.
    Last nitpick the door assist handle seems to be in the way whenever I reach over to lower/raise the driver window.
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    great choice! we'll be trading our 08 hycam for the '12 as soon as there are enough on the lot to make a decent deal. couldn't agree with you more, it has been a pleasure to drive for the last four years. we look forward to the increased trunk space and mpg's. all the best!
     
  3. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    The "B" in the transmission is the equivalent of a low gear. It engages engine "B"raking.

    Make sure the ECO Heat/Cool button isn't illuminated. That will reduce the climate control output, taking long to heat up or cool down. The button is to the left of the steering wheel (by your left knee) and the tiny little "ECO" light in the climate control screen will go away if it's off.
     
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    is there a B on the hycam?
     
  5. ecolite

    ecolite New Member

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    Thanks, yes I guess I should have stated that in D it has no hold back and yes I have used the B but did not leave it there long enough to see what affect it had on hills.
    Know all about the ECO switch and it was not in engaged, just seemed like there was little 'open air' flow like my other cars when the a/c is off and the temp is set in the manual mode.
     
  6. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Yes and on all CVTs.
     
  7. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    I wouldn't use B in normal driving, just on descents. The reason is that B doesn't let the engine shut down at traffic lights and the engine will continue to idle.