Edmunds Answers questions

Does the Toyota rear spoiler impact the mileage of the 2008 Camry hybrid.

rlairdjr — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 13:57:47 GMT

I recently purchased a 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid. The dealer through in the rear spoiler. It had to be ordered. I am getting 40+ mpg on the highway and averaging about 33m mpg in the city. Does the rear spoiler impact the miles per gallon on the car?

Does anyone know about Toyota's VIN numbers in the car's paint and having to pay for this? What is this.

nyc3 — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:45:51 GMT

Camry Hybrid Purchasing and Leasing

Will a Lexus SmartKey card work on a '09 Toyota Camry Hybrid?

cdn_tch — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 23:53:33 GMT

I'd like to get rid of the keyfob smrtkey off my key chain and use the credit card sized Lexus SmartKey card, but would like to know if it will work.

Thanks

Does anyone know how you check the transmission & power steering fluids on a 07 Toyota Camry Hybrid?

pcos — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 22:12:07 GMT

This is my 1st hybrid and I normally do all possible maintenance myself (I usually get over 250K on a car before it's not worth keeping up.

There does not seem to be a resevoir for the PS fluid nor a dipstick for the CVT transmission.

Anybody out their know?

Thks
pcos

Strong gas odor coming from my Toyota Camry Hybrid.

sarag — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:01:22 GMT

I bought my 2009 TCH 6 months ago. It has been a great car so far, until last Saturday. After another refueling in the morning I parked the car in my garage and went out for the day. I came home around 7 at night, went into the garage and could not breathe. The garage smelled like a gas chamber. I found out that the smell of raw gasoline was coming from the Toyota’s gas cap. I turned the cap on and off several times thinking that the problem will go away. But, no, the smell did not go away. I took the car to a dealer, they found nothing wrong either with the car or the gas cap. However the smell is still there. I do not know what to do. Please HELP!

Can the Sirius Radio package be purchased for the Camry Hybrid without buying the Nav system option?

wquarlesjr — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 10:15:03 GMT

I have read reviews of the Toyota Camry Hybrid indicating that Sirius Radio can be purchased from the dealer as an after market accessory. However, it is unclear as to whether one must also purchase the NAV system option in order for Sirius to work. I don't want the NAV system but I won't buy any car without Sirius.

The sunroof in my 2009 Camry Hybrid shattered while on the open highway. Any other known reports of this in Camrys?

WBRanger — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 08:47:54 GMT

The Toyota Dealer paid for repair, but was skeptical that the sunroof wasn't in some way already damaged or hit by a rock. However, there was no damage, and nothing hit the sunroof glass--I was just driving down the hiway and heard a huge "Bang"--and later discovered that the window had shattered. Would be interested in whether others have heard of similar damage to sunroof glass in other Camrys or Toyotas. Thanks

Can I add a turbocharger to a 2007 Toyota Camry hybrid?

Richert — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 20:38:10 GMT

I HAVE A 2007 CAMRY HYBRID, I WANT TO ADD 18 INCH TIRES AND A SUPERCHARGER TO MY VEHICLE.

1. ADD 18 TIRES
2. ADD A SUPERCHARGER TO THE FOUR CYCLINDER ENGINE WITHOUT HURTING THE BATTERY SYSTEM?

RICHERT

2009 Toyota Hybrid Camry windshield pitted with less than 400 miles.

srp917 — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 20:35:44 GMT

My 2009 Toyota Hybrid Camry with less than 400 miles has pitting on the entire windshield. It looks like oil drops when the sunlight hits it. I took it one time on the freeway, other than that, I have only driven around town, and never in a windstorm. I don't live near the beach or sand or dirt of any kind. Does this seem odd that after only 400 miles this should occur? Is this perhaps a different type of windshield because it is a hybrid? I can't imagine what the windshield will look like after more miles are put on. Any insight you can give would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you

Anyone had a problem with their Toyota Camry driver's seat? Mine has a hard lump in the middle back where it hits one's tailbone.

andie4 — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 20:13:35 GMT

The seat has a rod like lump that runs up the center seam and is also more lumpy across the back seam. I know there are heating elements,however the heating element isn't the problem. The lumpy hardness hits right in the tail bone and is really uncomfortable. It is as if the factory ran out of seat padding, the seat is so uncomfortable (the seats are leather and it isn't the actual leather that is the discomfort).

My brake lights have a mind of their own and turn on when the car is parked. 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid.

bxc — Thu, 07 May 2009 15:50:12 GMT

I'm having a problem with my 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid Brake Lights. The are turning on while the car is parked or staying on when I exit the car.

At first it was just staying on when I exited the car. To get them to turn off I would have to tap the brake a few times and they would turn off.

Most recently the brake lights are turning on all by themselves when the car is in park. One night they turned on and completely drained the battery.

I've noticed them on and I've been able to unlock and lock the car with the key fob and sometimes the brake light will turn off without tapping the brake pedal.

Anyone seen this or have any idea why this may be happening.

My Toyota Camry has had a leak which caused puddles on the floor in front and in back. Anyone hear about this?

mustaffa1 — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:36:10 GMT

The carpet in front and back of my Camry Hybrid was soaked. The dealer fixed the moonroof, which they claimed caused the problem and something under the dash, but it still happens. Anyone else having this issue. They also don't want to replace the carpet even though it smells and is growing something in the back. I have the extended warranty for which I paid a lot.

Toyota Camry Hybrid rattles and squeaks.

tch_driver — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 10:37:29 GMT

I have a 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid. The driver's side vent makes annoying rattling noises that distract me while driving. I need to remove the vent, put some kind of a soft material between the vent and the dash, and put the vent back on.

Does anyone know how I can remove the driver's side vent?

I don't see any screws or other fasteners on or around the vent.

Thank you for your help.
ps. I took the car to the Toyota dealership. They removed the vent in an attempt to fix this problem. They ended up making the problem much worse.

Toyota Camry Hybrid poor gas mileage.

jgallant — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:41:20 GMT

I have had my 2009 TCH for about 6 weeks and have been tracking the gas consumption carefully. The web site (Canadian) says I should get 50 MPG city, combined and highway driving.

After 6800 KM (4225 Miles) I am getting only 40 MPG. I know that the info on the web site is an "estimate" but it shouldn't be 20% out. I don't drive with a heavy foot, in fact I try to get that little "excellent" message every time I shut the car off.

Has anyone experienced poor gas mileage like this?

What is a better deal? Toyota Camry Hybrid

csutaris — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 22:53:14 GMT

I had negotiated a price of $28,600 for a 2009 camry hybrid. This auto was loaded with nav, leather, moon roof etc. When the dealer finalized the paperwqork I noticed the auto was a 2008. I think a fast one was coming. I moaned about it and the dealer said he would take $1,000 off the vehicle. What is your opinion?

How much to discount on a "demonstrator" model Toyota Camry Hybrid?

hinsonr — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 14:57:33 GMT

I'm considering purchasing a 2008 Camry Hybrid. Invoice $25,861, TMV $26,938. The car has been used by the dealer as a "demonstrator" model and has just over 3,000 miles on it. How much should I discount from the "new" price for the mileage?

Thinking of buying an 09 Toyota Camry Hybrid but know nothing about them. Can someone fill me in on maintenance cost?

sada — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:24:43 GMT

Any problems with electric motor or battery? Do you really get good gas mileage? Are repairs more costly than other cars? Any special maintenance cost you have encountered?

How much should you pay for a extended warranty for Toyota Camry Hybrid? Can you repurchase it if you cancel?

nyc3 — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 02:10:47 GMT

I would like to know what you should be paying for a 2008 Camry Hybrid and whether if you cancel you can repurchase later.

Can I buy a 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid for less than invoice? (I live in western PA). If not, what would be a good price?

kuvaszok — Tue, 27 May 2008 21:36:50 GMT

I realize that there is no difference in the 2008 and 2009 Camry Hybrid, so I'm guessing that I can get a better deal for the 08 Hybrid, but I'd still like to go for the 09 model and yet get a very good price.

I'm buying the car outright, so there's no financing.

I don't have a trade-in. I already sold my 97 LE Camry (V6) on my own.

I'm purchasing a "New and Used Car Price Service" from Consumer Reports, specifically for the 2009 Hybrid Camry.

I'm buying the Camry soon, from May 29 to June 1.

Any suggestions you might have would be appreciated.

- Don

What tab do I select to compute true market value (TMV) on this site?

apettus — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 18:53:23 GMT

Trying to compute the TMV for a new 2009 hybrid camry.

Is it impossible to swap stock AM-FM-Single CD radio for the factory in-dash JBL Sirius unit in 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid?

lawdawg1 — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 12:17:51 GMT

Just purchased a 2009 TCH with AM-FM-single CD, no NAV. Paid extra $200 in return for dealer promise to install in-dash Sirius unit after sale (allegedly a $600-$800 value). When I went back for install, I was told by the tech that because my unit does not have a "Sat" designation on the AM button that it is not interchangeable with the factory in-dash unit. The explanation was that the plugs are different - that the in-dash unit only comes in the 6-disc JBL model and that the JBL plug is incompatible with the plug in the dash. If that were true I don't see how Circuit City, Best Buy etc. could ever install any aftermarket sound in any Toyota. Any thoughts on whether this is simply dealer remorse/BS, or a real problem? Dealer has offered a $200 refund (which won't adequately compensate me for a $400-$600 concession) or a bolt-on Sirius Unit in the console (which I don't want because of clutter/visibility issues).

Would a rear spoiler on a Toyota Camry hybrid improve the mileage or is it strictly cosmetic? I mainly do city driving.

doggydo — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 21:07:58 GMT

On previous vehicles I have gotten a spoiler but it has looked more substantial than what is offered on the current Camry. Is the current spoiler simply cosmetic or does it improve mileage? Other factors 1) the majority of my driving is 35 MPH or under and 2) the car is a hybrid.

Toyota Camry Hybrid window vent rattles.

jayj — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 20:12:37 GMT

My rear window vent rattles when the stereo is on, even at normal sound levels. Anyone have this problem and is there an easy fix?

What can I do if my 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid will not respond to my keyless remote?

07nicecar — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 14:13:54 GMT

it is 20 some degrees today and my 2007 Toyota Camry hybrid will not respond to either of our keyless entry pads. we were able to open the car door with the key but the car will not start and displays a message "no key detected"

Where can I find a factory repair service manual for a 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid?

likes_cars — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 15:28:12 GMT

I am looking for a factory repair service manual for a 2007 Camry Hybrid. Do you know of a website where I can buy one?

What should I offer to pay for a 2009 Toyota Camry hybrid? MSRP is $32,198. Is ESC available in Sacramento?

kelly09 — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 16:22:52 GMT

Has anyone bought a 2009 Camry hybrid with ESC in the Sacramento, California area? How much did you pay for it?

For a 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid , dealers want to "Clean throttle body" every 30k. Not a Toyota Scheduled Maintenance. Pricey upsell?

rgpat153 — Tue, 19 May 2009 14:34:50 GMT

I have a 2007 TCH. Toyota dealers want to add an item, "Clean throttle body", at 30k service intervals. This is not a Toyota Scheduled Maintenance item, and seems like a pricey upsell (part of a $450 major service). Does anyone have experience with need for this service?

Is there a 3 day right of rescission in Colorado? Toyota Camry Hybrid died.

starbeam — Sat, 30 May 2009 00:51:09 GMT

Does Colorado have a 3 day right of rescission on new car purchases? Our new Camry Hybrid died the day we brought it home. Had to be towed back to the dealer, who is very unresponsive on what they will do. Just wondering what our options are.

Toyota Extra Care Plan (insurance for 10 years). Do I need to purchase that?

aytur — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:52:55 GMT

I purchased Toyota Camry Hybrid 2009, I like to know if I need to purchase Toyota Extra Care insurance. California Toyota dealers are offering 10 years 100K miles for $2450 or 7 years 75K $2150. Any one has any experience please share.

What happens if the dealership did not disclose damage or accident of demo car?

kamin4 — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 01:20:49 GMT

I purchased a Toyota Camry Hybrid on 7/30/2009. It was a demo car with 6300 milege. The sales person told me that it was driven well and it is in perfect condition. I found the damage (suspension repair) and accident ( hit the curb) in maintenance hisroty section when I signed up the www.toyotaiguide.com. I think the dealership must have disclosed the damage. I want to ask the extended warranty or other things for that? Do you think it is possible?

Mayrland law requires "new car damage must be disclosed if involves replacement of major part or parts." In this case, can I ask the dealer to buy the car back?

Thank you in advance.

I have a 2008 Camry Hybrid and the radio is failing.

morgansoma — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:12:10 GMT

My Camry Hybrid's radio is starting to fail. I noticed that the volume knob wasn't working and now I can't see the radio station or cd displays. Does anyone know if this is something that's under warranty?

I have an 08 Ford Escape Hybrid. In cold weather it takes 10-15 min before the car goes into EV mode. Is this normal?

dstoltze — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 08:19:28 GMT

I live in Baltimore city. Lately I have noticed that it takes quite a while before my Escape Hybrid goes into EV mode when it is cold outside, even though I am doing city driving. By the time it goes all electric I am out of the city and onto the highways. Should it really take that long for the batteries to warm up. Friends that have Prius' and Camry hybrids tell me that there is no warm up time necessary for their vehicles.

Anything to the mileage claims for hydrogen or HHO generators?

bob185 — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 23:32:48 GMT

There are a lot of people on the internet claiming to have boosted mileage with an onboard hydrogen electrolyzer in their car or truck. Some people making such claims don't appear to be selling anything.

Is there anything to this or is it all a scam?

Any risks to car's engine?

Thank you

Could my rear brakes on a Honda Civic Hybrid be worn out after only 14,800 miles? Dealer claims they have major wear.

macdellgate — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 12:34:32 GMT

I have 14,800 miles on the Civic Hybrid. Most of those miles are highway miles. Dealer claims rear brakes are of concern because they show significant wear. I do not ride the brake. I have never heard of brakes on any make of car being almost worn out with such low mileage. I have had no problems with the car, brakes or otherwise. I am very suspicious. I will probably get brakes checked by another dealer.

Fuel ratings for Saturn Vue Hybrid?

toolenalong — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 21:54:32 GMT

Want to compare the mileage between the 2006, 2007, and 2008 4 cyl and the Hybrid Saturn Vue

Can a Ford Escape Hybrid be set up to run on natural gas?

ascjv — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 22:36:39 GMT

Can a Ford Escape Hybrid be setup to run on natural gas?

I want to tow my 06 Highlander Hybrid with all 4 wheels down. You can with the Vue and Explorer. why not the Toyota?

144 — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 13:37:45 GMT

I have been told that the vue & explorer use the old toyota technology whats up

I want to tow my 06 Toyota Highlander Hybrid with all 4 wheels down.

144 — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 14:50:43 GMT

Toyota states that the highlander hybrid cannot be towed with all wheels down. I have the 2wd version so luckily I can use a tow dolly,but what a pain compared to using a tow bar. I understand that the ford explorer as well as the saturn vue use toyotas old hybrid technology;in fact I've been told that their systems are in fact toyotas products. Ford as well as saturn approve of their hybrids being towed with all wheels down. Do I dare attempt to tow my hybid in such a manner? Could toyota just be trying to avoid consumer dissatification in case of possible failures or is it truly a different system than the other two? Thank-You Very Much

Concerned about hybrid battery in my Nissan Altima Hybrid.

johnwu — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 02:13:22 GMT

If I have not driven my hybrid for about a year and have only periodically started it, will my hybrid's battery be affected or the life span be reduced?

Is the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, automatic car, flat towable?

lynda4 — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:38:28 GMT

Is the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, automatic car flat towable?

Should I buy a 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid with 64K miles and 4x4? Any known problems? Looks maintained.

djasinsky — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 17:53:29 GMT

Used car in good shape body wise, first time buying a hybrid and want to be aware of any issues. Asking $16,000 thinking about offering $12,500/12,000.

Thanks,

Need Toyota Vista User Manual in English

davejpw — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 02:27:55 GMT

I have Toyota Vista Etoile 1995, but with User Manual in Japanese. I need to get it in English version.

Warmest Regards,
Dave

Love my 08 Camry without body side moldings. but afraid I will get dings without. Opinions

colemanhinsc — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 14:25:31 GMT

I love the look of my 2008 Toyota Camry XLE without the body side moldings, but afraid if I don't install them I will get dings, which just makes me sick. Will the body side moldings keep my car from dings. Opinions. Just afraid that the body side moldings will detract from its appearance. Opinions

Thanks,

Coleman Hatfield

Is Subaru bringing any hybrid models to market in the near future?

mmike84 — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 17:50:08 GMT

Is Subaru bringing any hybrid models to market in the near future?

Snow performance with 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?

bill8992 — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 08:51:47 GMT

Is there a problem with the rear electric motors shutting off when the rear tires are slipping on ice? Will this shut the car off on icy inclines?

Is the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid a 4WD or AWD?

toyohh08 — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 20:36:17 GMT

I'm confused, edmunds says its AWD, toyota website it is AWD. Which is which?

When will there be a Lexus ES350 hybrid?

lcsenn — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 22:55:32 GMT

I have heard that Lexus may introduce hybrid for the ES in 2009

Power Steering Failure on 2006 Highlander Hybrid

chrisont — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 00:03:59 GMT

Has anyone ever suffered power steering issues with a 2006 Hybrid Highlander? (25months old 76,000km)

Recently returned from holidays,started the car and the P/S light was on and we had no power steering. Took it to the dealer and was told there was an error message for the computer for the P/S and as a result the Rack had failed. The rack however is a sealed unit form Toyota and the whole thing would need to be replaced as they cannot take it apart to determine the cause - a $5000 repair.

After several discussions with dealer and them speaking with Toyota Canada, the repairs were reduced to only have to pay the cost of the power steering unit. Only after the repair were they able to determine that water had apparently pooled on top of the P/S computer housing and seeped into it causing failure and the subsequent Rack failure.

The warranty coverage was 60,000km or 3 years so it was out of warranty but as this car is just over 2 years old, it seems like a major component failure - apparently unrelated to mileage.

Do HH owners need to worry that one day their P/S will fail due to this kind of failure? I am now concerned that this could very easily happen again to me. I think this is indicative of a more serious design flaw if this pooling/leakage/failure happens - I wasn't driving in rivers or through blinding snowstorms to cause this...

Apparently no known records of this type of major failure showing at Toyota Canada; I am looking to take it up with Toyota as this is unacceptable on a two year old car that cost almost $60,000.

Having problem with mileage on 07 Saturn Vue Hybrid...any input? We are gettin 24-26mpg.

powers4 — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 19:34:00 GMT

Purchased Saturn Vue hybrid in May 07. Average highway miles are 24-26 mpg. Asked the dealer and he just shrugged. They inflated the tires. Mileage improved slightly. Expected something close to the 27-32mpg. Anyone else having this problem? Should we go back to Saturn corp?

2008 Highlander Hybrid. My mpg has progressively dropped from 27 to 21 in city. 80 degrees, slow acceleration. Any solutions?

rgauzenne — Mon, 19 May 2008 16:21:21 GMT

I have had my 2008 hi hybrid for almost 4 weeks. No nav system but has 3rd row seats. The first week I got 27mpg in the city and 26mpg on highway. 2nd week I got 24-25/city and 23/highway. Now I only am getting 21-22mpg in the city. The dealership mechanic didnt have a clue and told me to check the chat rooms. I live in LA so the weather is warm.