Toyota in decline in 2009?

Replying to: gagrice (Jul 14, 2009 2:45 pm)

Replying to: gagrice (Jul 14, 2009 2:45 pm)

Replies to this message:
• kdhspyder (Jul 19, 2009 5:57 pm)
  • mcdawgg (Jul 23, 2009 10:45 pm)

Replying to: grandtotal (Jul 14, 2009 6:39 pm)

I agree with this with the added note that the rock solid reliability was and is still there, excluding the sludge issues on some vehicles. I drove both a 97 Camry and a 00 Camry in excess of 150,000 miles each with only normal service.
 
But here's the kicker. These two older vehicles as good as they were would be unsalable today. Why? Lack of content and inflation.
 
These two vehicles cost about $20000 when new. The inflation rate over the years from 2000 to 2009 was about 3% p.a. That means that the price of these vehicles new $20000 in say Jan 2000 should be about $26000 in Jan 2009 - if they stayed only at the average rate of inflation.
 
However both older vehicles as compared to the new 2010's...
were 1" narrower and 4" shorter in wheelbase than the current vehicle
had 2.2L engines with 125 hp vs 2.5L engines with 169 hp
..getting 30 mpg Hwy vs 32 mpg Hwy
had 3.0L engines with 194 hp vs 3.5L engines with 268 hp
..getting 27 mpg Hwy vs 28 mpg Hwy
had 2 standard airbags vs 7 standard airbags in the current model
had 4ATs vs 6 ATs
 
However the two older vehicles were entirely lacking, except as options on certain models, the following which the 2010's have as standard equipment..
VSC and TC
active headrest restraints
ABS, EBD, BA
 
In addition the following options were not even available..
AUX, USB port, SKS, Navi, Bluetooth, hybrid capability.
 
IOW the new models are bigger, more comfortable, more powerful, more fuel efficient, with better safety features, with more advanced technologies available, needing less maintenance and are equally as dependable and reliable .... but at a price which is $2000 to $3000 lower than what the rate of inflation would suggest.
 
Sources:
2000 Camry
2010 Camry
 
Yes, I will admit that I am no fan of the look of the interior ( I do think that the exterior is the best of them all tho ). So what it appears has happened is that content has prevailed over superficial appearances.....all at a lower price !

Replies to this message:
• mcdawgg (Jul 23, 2009 10:45 pm)

Replies to this message:
• gagrice (Jul 21, 2009 3:13 pm)
  • steve_ (Jul 21, 2009 3:14 pm)
    • gagrice (Jul 21, 2009 4:01 pm)
  • berri (Jul 21, 2009 5:22 pm)
    • grandtotal (Jul 22, 2009 9:46 am)

Replying to: steve_ (Jul 21, 2009 1:09 pm)

Replies to this message:
• steve_ (Jul 21, 2009 3:14 pm)
  • gagrice (Jul 21, 2009 4:01 pm)
• berri (Jul 21, 2009 5:22 pm)
  • grandtotal (Jul 22, 2009 9:46 am)

Replying to: gagrice (Jul 21, 2009 3:13 pm)

You should be able to get a good deal if you go for a new Prius with your old clunker
 
Especially if gas prices stay low for a while longer. If I could just get a lift kit for it.
 
With the way the car will come on now and then and recharge the little battery, and the addition of the 120 volt outlet in the 2010 model, we're thinking we could go camping here in the desert in August and just put a portable AC in the tent and run it all night on a few ounces of gas. Not green, but cool.
 
And reading about all the hacks you can do on them is pretty entertaining too.

Replies to this message:
• gagrice (Jul 21, 2009 4:01 pm)

Replying to: steve_ (Jul 21, 2009 3:14 pm)

Replying to: gagrice (Jul 21, 2009 3:13 pm)

Replies to this message:
• grandtotal (Jul 22, 2009 9:46 am)

Replying to: berri (Jul 21, 2009 5:22 pm)

Replying to: kdhspyder (Jul 19, 2009 5:57 pm)