'07 Camry: SE V6 vs. Hybrid

[Franz]

Hello all,

This is my 1st post here in the Camry section of the site. I am normally in the Sequoia area but am now in the market for a Camry. I've checked this part of the site and was not able to find the information I was looking for. If I've overlooked some post, then please accept my apology in advance.

My wife and I narrowed our vehicle down to a Camry, but are now undecided between an SE V6 & a Hybrid. I've seen the other posts which address mileage and overall comfort. I realize that the SE's suspension is different as well. However, I got to take the Hybrid out for a short test drive and noticed that when starting, from a complete stop, there is a slight hesitation/pause (for lack of a better term) when the gas engine actually starts. It seems as though it is because the gas engine does engage. Is this something that I just need to get used to because of the design and functionality of the hybrid engine?

We love the look of the SE but also like some of the features that are standard on the hybrid. We've also though about purchasing the hybrid and adding the SE spoiler & ground effects.

For all of you hybrid owners: are you happy & satisfied with your purchase? Do any of you regret the purchase and wish that you went with a non-hybrid Camry?

Thanks in advance and we truly value your opinion.

[elsapo]

Hi Franz, I just downgraded from a GS430 to a fully loaded Hybrid Camry. I couldn't be happier, sans 100 horsepower of course. No regrets, yes there is a slight hesitaion from a standstill, but seems to be less noticeable the more you drive

[schmidtj]

Originally Posted by Franz

Hello all,

This is my 1st post here in the Camry section of the site. I am normally in the Sequoia area but am now in the market for a Camry. I've checked this part of the site and was not able to find the information I was looking for. If I've overlooked some post, then please accept my apology in advance.

My wife and I narrowed our vehicle down to a Camry, but are now undecided between an SE V6 & a Hybrid. I've seen the other posts which address mileage and overall comfort. I realize that the SE's suspension is different as well. However, I got to take the Hybrid out for a short test drive and noticed that when starting, from a complete stop, there is a slight hesitation/pause (for lack of a better term) when the gas engine actually starts. It seems as though it is because the gas engine does engage. Is this something that I just need to get used to because of the design and functionality of the hybrid engine?

We love the look of the SE but also like some of the features that are standard on the hybrid. We've also though about purchasing the hybrid and adding the SE spoiler & ground effects.

For all of you hybrid owners: are you happy & satisfied with your purchase? Do any of you regret the purchase and wish that you went with a non-hybrid Camry?

Thanks in advance and we truly value your opinion.

I own a '07 XLE-V6 and a '07 Camry Hybrid.
What you experienced is completely normal with the Hybrid. The hybrid's internal combustion motor can and does turn off when the vehicle stops. There is a slight delay for it to start up but does not really affect it's acceleration since the electric motor supplies off the line power instantly.
That said, there is a difference with the overall power of the hybrid versus the V6. The hybrid has more power than the L4 engine but not as much as the V6. I drive the hybrid my wife drives the XLE. We use the XLE for trips since the mileage difference is smaller on trips than for stop and go traffic and the additional power of the V6 makes it a better "road machine". Hope this helps.

[kriskraut]

Originally Posted by schmidtj

We use the XLE for trips since the mileage difference is smaller on trips than for stop and go traffic and the additional power of the V6 makes it a better "road machine". Hope this helps.

Not to mention the additional trunk space

[schmidtj]

Originally Posted by kriskraut

Not to mention the additional trunk space

Yea. I can haul twice as much contraban in the conventional Camry than in the Hybrid. Those ciggy runs to KY pay for themselves.

[kymatt]

Originally Posted by schmidtj

Yea. I can haul twice as much contraban in the conventional Camry than in the Hybrid. Those ciggy runs to KY pay for themselves.

Now THAT'S funny.

(Sorry I could not contribute to the original topic of this thread.)

[currybob]

I have been completely satisfied with my Hybrid. I love the extra power from the electric motor when the need comes up and could not be happier with the MPGs.

Bob

[Franz]

Hello all,

Thank you all so much for your time and valuable input. I've been out of touch from the site for a few weeks due to 2 funerals that took me out of town.

I was fortunate enough to be able to drive a Hybrid for 2 days and then an SE for 2 days. We decided on purhcasing an SE V6.

While the technology of the Hybrid is very appealing, we just felt more comfortable in the V6. Part of this decision is probably based upon the fact that I have 2 V8s & an I6 @ home now and just felt the need for the power (valid reason or not).

Based upon overall impressions of the Camry, I do not believe either is a bad decision.

Thanks again to all of you!!