I am looking a buying a Camry Hybrid 2009 model. Would I like this after driving a prius? What should I look out for? Are they as reliable as the Prius?
The traction batteries tend to have issues sooner than the Prius, we sell many Camry Hybrid systems. MPGs are much less, low to mid 30's. Car is much bigger and nicer, the one I had had a great stereo system from the factory. I wished I kept it longer but had to move on the the next project. Definitely consider performing preventative maintenance to the hybrid battery.
Are the Dorman replacement battery's actually new cells or do they replace just the bad ones and call it rebuilt? I see the Dorman batterys are about $2300 for the camry. That price won't bother me to much if I had to replace it, but I don't want junk rebuilt battery either. I can buy this 2009 with 85,000 miles load to the gills, mint contidion for Sounds like the battery can be and issue? This one has 86,000 mile on it.
our 2008 hycam got around 40 mpg, and the 13 is getting about 45 on the screen. if you want something larger, quieter, more conferrable, smoother, etc. it's a great car, we don't keep them that long, but have never had any issues. my wife drives it, except when we go to florida every winter, great touring car. there are a few threads here you might want to read through, most people a pretty happy. all the best!
Go with Bisco and Jeff on this one...I opted for Prius when push came to shove But you need to look at warranty for batt is 8-yr 100k-miles or 10-yr 150k miles in CARB state. So we need to know where you are and where car was orig sold. Sounds like 86k miles gives you at least a little room under warranty. Orig sales date determines 8-yr mark.
iirc, dorman batteries are rebuilt by replacing bad cells and properly balancing everything. it's about the best you can do with an old battery, but they do have some issues, and after 3 years, you're on your own. i haven't heard of anyone replacing the battery, although, i think a guy in texas said he did quite a few in another thread.
not sure, may have been 2012. you should be able to find the specs on line, mpg's will tell the tale. not hing wrong with the original system though.
2012 was the new model year with the updated engine (2.5 litre 2AR vs. the older 2.4 litre 2AZ) as well as the updated hybrid system (and larger trunk due to better battery positioning and smaller components). You're looking at about 38-42mpg for the 2012+ models and 35-39mpg for the older 2007-2011 models.
bbc, I have a 2009 Camry Hybrid with 177K. Not sure how many more year(s) I have left on the battery. No issues other than normal oil change, rotate tires, etc. I did just have the front dash replaced by Toyota as a recall item as it became sticky and crumbly from the sun/heart. No cost to me. Ride is good, smooth, due to the size and weight. 40 mpg! If car is in good shape, garaged, I would have no issues in buying one. If you can afford to buy a newer year, I would do that. My car was parked outside for most of the time, so paint has faded. stt
