2007 Toyota Camry XLE or Hybrid?

Question

I'm trying to decide whether to buy the 2007 Camry XLE (the top model) with all the options, or the Hybrid with all the options. The cost is about the same, and I would like good performance (since I currently drive a 2002 Civic), but I realize that the OVERALL cost (gas, maintenance, etc.) is probably cheaper with the hybrid.
I need a good opinion on this one. Please help!

Answer 1

your absolutely right,, the hybrid is the best choice,,i have looked at one,,and for the money,,and low operating cost of it,,it is the best value out there right now it seems like every day i see more and more of them around,,and it don't matter who you are ,,you still like saving money,lets face it we all do,,and with the hybrid you save all way around,,and from what i understand about them,,the repair cost is about the same,,i own a repair shop,and I'm thinking about purchasing one to replace out service vehicle,,as far as choice goes you made a good one,,like you said,,the cost is about the same,,the savings though will all be in your favor,,i hope this helps,,good luck with it.

Answer 2

I debated this for two months and leased an XLE. The leasing costs were comparable when I considered the Hybrid with the B package to bring it upto XLE level, because the residual value on the Hybrid is lower. In Ontario, Canada you do get a rebate of $2000.00 applied to the sales tax for the hybrid, which I will not benefit from. I drive a lot on the highway, so the city fuel savings were minimal.

I drove the Hybrid and the XLE and found the Hybrid noisy on city streets. Finally, I travel to other cities and states and felt that if the Hybrid broke down, qualified help might not be that easily available.

I, therefore, chose the XLE and ordered it. It took me one week to get it in the colour of my choice. If you are in Canada and need some negotiating help go through APA and they will get you good pricing. I have had the XLE now for two days and it drives beautifully. Good luck.

Answer 3

Just to note, the US federal income tax credit on a 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid is $2600, and will be dropping to $1300 for purchases made after Sept. 30, 2006.

http://www.toyota.com/camry/tax.html
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=156381,00.html

Either of your Camry choices will lead to a wait, so you should see your dealer now and get on a wait list...

Are both top of the line option packages equal between the two? Perhaps one has something that you'd miss if you took the other? Is there a color choice one has that the other doesn't that you really want?

I agree, maintenance costs should be the same between the two, as should insurance (if they're about the same price). The remaining question is whether you live in an area that gives additional perks for hybrid ownership (state income tax credit or deduction, reduced sales tax, etc.) and it is something that you can use...

For just fuel economy reasons (less fuel expense for you, less petroleum usage), the hybrid is the clear winner. For emissions, the Hybrid Camry is better than the other Camrys, but tied with the v4 PZEV CA-emissions Camry.
http://www.toyota.com/images/vehicles/2007/camry/specs.pdf
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2007_Toyota_Camry.shtml
XLE v4: 24/33 city/highway EPA MPG
XLE v6: 22/31 city/highway EPA MPG
XLE v4: 40/38 city/highway EPA MPG


You may want to ask some Camry Hybrid owners why they chose the hybrid over the XLE...
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/camryhybrid/
http://greenhybrid.com/discuss/toyota-camry-hybrid.049.html


Out of curiousity, are you upgrading? There's a nice Honda Civic Hybrid...

Answer 4

If you can even get a hybrid--I think the waitlist is like 2-6 months depending on what options and color you want--overall I do not think you save that much more with a hybrid so go for the regular version.

Answer 5

Depending on what you desire more..(pros).The Hybrid, recieves a $3100 tax credit, it does recieve much mpg highway and street. (CONS) But it does drive rougher than the xle but not as much, it has a wait time of up to 6 months depending on what amenities you get.


(Pros) The XLE has a wait time of up to 6weeks depending on getting a 4-6cylinder. It rides smoother. It has a 263 Horsepower.. ..(CONS) It rides much less mpg city and highway.
Therefore depending on what you want I hope this would help you, make your decision. But i would prefer the top of the line XLE, becuase it has much power.

Answer 6

hmm...i was in the same position ur in last week. I was deciding on what car to get too.

I would say a Hybrid, if everything is exactly the same, go for the car that is most cost/fuel efficient.

Answer 7

I just bought a 07 and I am amazed at the money I'm saving on fuel cost. I'm glad I made the right choice.

Answer 8

2007 camry xle

Answer 9

hybrid ...do you really think gas prices would come down ..ever

Answer 10

Hybrid ;-D