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Toyota Camry Hybrid vs Toyota Prius

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#1 of 35 TCH versus Prius - Pro's and Con's? by beachgirl1106 Jul 03, 2007 (6:45 am)
I am looking at purchasing a TCH or Prius.   My new commute will be approximately 55 miles one-way, with the longest stretch of highway being 35 miles of the 55 miles.   I would really appreciate any feedback, insight, advice (price, comfort, cargo capacity, etc.) on what to consider when comparing these two vehicles.'   Thanks! Jeannie Replies to this message: lzc (Jul 03, 2007 12:03 pm) stevegoz (Jul 03, 2007 3:19 pm) wvgasguy (Jul 03, 2007 5:14 pm) gmacjr (Oct 29, 2007 6:37 pm)
#2 of 35 Re: TCH versus Prius - Pro's and Con's? [beachgirl1106] by lzc Jul 03, 2007 (12:03 pm)
Replying to: beachgirl1106 (Jul 03, 2007 6:45 am) Both are fine cars . . . but different.   The TCH is just like a regular Camry that gets about 10-12 mpg more than the non-hybrid version, but otherwise has the same level of comfort and comparable (though not identical) handling as a Camry XLE.   The Prius is unlike any other car. It's roomy, sits much lower, and is designed for maximum mpg. Check out the skinny tires. That bothers some people. The payoff is about 10-12 mpg more than the TCH.   The Prius' hatchback style gives it a considerable edge in cargo hauling over the TCH's smallish trunk.   I chose the TCH for reasons of comfort and handling, and general utility in all driving circumstances. If I'd wanted primarily a commute car, and gas mileage was very important, the Pruis might have been my choice.   With both cars now in good supply at most dealers, you should be able to get a better price than early buyers. Good luck. Replies to this message: stevegoz (Jul 03, 2007 3:19 pm)
#3 of 35 Re: TCH versus Prius - Pro's and Con's? [lzc] by stevegoz Jul 03, 2007 (3:19 pm)
Replying to: lzc (Jul 03, 2007 12:03 pm) Agree with Beach Girl. We chose the Camry Hybrid over the Prius two months ago because we only drive 600 or so miles in a typical month, and the Camry was only about 10 percent more expensive than the Prius. We also knew the Prius would have something of a learning curve, as it just felt more spaceship-y than the 10-year-old ride we were trading in.   We were definitely impressed with the roominess and storage space of the Prius, and if for some reason we need to add a second car (neither the wife or I drive to work), we would certainly consider it.
#4 of 35 Re: TCH versus Prius - Pro's and Con's? [beachgirl1106] by wvgasguy Jul 03, 2007 (5:14 pm)
Replying to: beachgirl1106 (Jul 03, 2007 6:45 am) The Prius is funky looky. That can be a pro or a con. To me it's a con. I have a TCH, however if you are going to drive 110 miles every day I believe it comes down to comfort and economy. I don't know your financial situation but that extra 10 mpg may be significant for 25,000 miles per year commuting (plus personal use). However that's a lot of miles to be uncomfortable too. I'd recommend test driving a Prius and not just around the block. Drive it not to see what you like but focus on what you don't. That's what will bug you the most on the second day of ownership.
#5 of 35 TCH vs Prius - pricing by mfreeman1943 Jul 04, 2007 (5:12 pm)
I am a happy TCH driver. What I'd like to add is that a key trade-off is lower fuel consumption in the Prius vs better acceleration in the Camry. I just got back from a 4000 km trip in the Western US and really appreciated the ability to cruise up hills without slowing down.   Here in BC, Toyota lists the TCH at $32,000 (Can.) and the Prius with 'B' package (which gives you the many of the same features as the TCH, such as better sound system, bluetooth, smart key, etc. - lists at $35,360. The only thing the Prius had that the Camry didn't was foglights. Also, I don't believe the Prius had stability or traction control.   For me, it's an easy choice.              - Mike Freeman - Replies to this message: jbollt (Jul 04, 2007 5:59 pm) pathstar1 (Jul 05, 2007 6:52 am) mfreeman1943 (Jul 05, 2007 10:26 am) pathstar1 (Jul 05, 2007 1:17 pm)
#6 of 35 Re: TCH vs Prius - pricing [mfreeman1943] by jbollt Jul 04, 2007 (5:59 pm)
Replying to: mfreeman1943 (Jul 04, 2007 5:12 pm) "...The only thing the Prius had that the Camry didn't was foglights. Also, I don't believe the Prius had stability or traction control. "   And just to add to this, a moonroof is not available on the Prius, for those who enjoy it, that is a dealbreaker.
#7 of 35 Prius vrs TCH by wvgasguy Jul 05, 2007 (6:09 am)
Here in BC, Toyota lists the TCH at $32,000 (Can.) and the Prius with 'B' package - lists at $35,360.   That's weird, the TCH I bought in may 06 was absolutely loaded and MSRP was under 31,000. I just checked Edmunds.com and a loaded Prius in the states is only $27,865 or about $3000 less than a comparable TCH, not $3000 more as per your posting. I've seen Prius's advertised lately for a couple of thousand off so I assume that's around $25,500 for a loaded one. With the exchange rate that should be no more than $30,000 Canadian I would have thought.   If folks are paying that much for a Prius then I can see where some of the auto mag writters might be right in saying that the cost of going green may not be justified. Replies to this message: beachgirl1106 (Jul 05, 2007 6:18 am) lzc (Jul 05, 2007 7:51 am)
#8 of 35 Re: Prius vrs TCH [wvgasguy] by beachgirl1106 Jul 05, 2007 (6:18 am)
Replying to: wvgasguy (Jul 05, 2007 6:09 am) I would really be interested in hearing people's opinions about how the vehicles drive in high-wind (think Interstate) driving and rain/snow conditions.   I live in Central Jersey where we see all four seasons and definitely need to take this into consideration.   Thanks for all of the great information I have received so far! It is greatly appreciated.   Jeannie Replies to this message: lzc (Jul 05, 2007 7:51 am)
#9 of 35 Re: TCH vs Prius - pricing [mfreeman1943] by pathstar1 Jul 05, 2007 (6:52 am)
Replying to: mfreeman1943 (Jul 04, 2007 5:12 pm) In Canada the package "B" Prius has everything except Nav and backup camera. Leather isn't offered in Canada. It has VSC and all Prius' have traction control.   Comparing apples to apples, the "B" package Camry Hybrid is $35,000+ and the "B" package Prius is $34,000+. Pretty much the same price.   The Prius will return better fuel economy, has more cargo room, and is a little more adaptable, being a "hatchback".   The Camry has more comfort (like an adjustable drivers seat!), more luxury options. The "B" package has leather seats and the sun-roof.   Oh, and yes Americans, we Canadians are being "ripped off" price wise compared to what you pay. Compared to the rest of the world, not so much. Replies to this message: mfreeman1943 (Jul 05, 2007 10:26 am) pathstar1 (Jul 05, 2007 1:17 pm)
#10 of 35 Re: Prius vrs TCH [beachgirl1106] by lzc Jul 05, 2007 (7:51 am)
Replying to: beachgirl1106 (Jul 05, 2007 6:18 am) Vehicle stability control is standard on the TCH, optional on the Prius. Tire size and vehicle weight would give the nod to the TCH in foul weather driving, I'd think.

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