I've come over to the Green Side...
 

Well, I just got my Camry Hybrid (2009), and I am giddy like a school girl. Sure, some of it is just having a new car period, but also, I'm looking forward to saving about 1/3 on my gas costs.

It was a bit tough for me to give up the power of a V6, but I realized I'm not 20 years old and don't need to impress anyone. I'd rather impress my wallet, especially with gas prices set for another banner year.

Overall, I am happy. A couple initial observations:

Very quiet compare to other cars...it's amazing how much you get used to engine noise, and when it's absent, it's noticeable (along with a lack of vibration. When I drive other "regular" cars, even though they are "smooth and quiet" for their class, they seem noisy to me.

Which leads me to...the stereo, which is very nice - low engine noise + 440W means music sounds good - don't need to pump the stereo to overcome engine noise.

Completely dig the keyless/FOB enty and car start. Really, really nice not having to take keys out of pocket. I wish all my cars (and house) had this.

I was parked by a Lexus ES, and the cars look almost the same....except I didn't waste another $15K (and 15 mpg) on a status symbol. :-)

I could pick a few nits, of course - I noticed a couple fit and finish items, but nothing I can't have taken car of. The alloy wheels look like wheel covers, and i wish they were 17"s and a better style, but they are ok.

I also wish the windows were tinted, but I guess I'll be making a trip to the local shop to get that put on (I highly recommend it - it lowers in the inside temp significantly (AC doesn't have to work to cool car), and it protect the inside from UV and prying eyes.

Another big plus - being able to run AC without having the car on - very appreciated by the family on a hot day (or cold night) when I need to run backi into the house/into a store/etc for a few minutes.

This is a lot of car/function for the money.

I sure I will continue to have things to say over the coming weeks, but in the meantime, I am enjoying, and can amswers any questions about the 2009 that folks might have.

Re: I've come over to the Green Side...
 

Congrats!!

Btw, the TCH does have V6 power lol. As long as you don't compare them to today's V6s with 268hp =P. It does compare very favourably to the old 194hp 3.0 litre V6 Camry in power and 0-60 time.

Engage the ECO mode to save a bit more on heating/cooling. It will take longer to heat/cool the cabin because it's using less power to conserve fuel.

Re: I've come over to the Green Side...
 

True, it's all relative...compared to a V6 of 10 years ago, it's pretty good.

It's quick enough for getting around.

Re: I've come over to the Green Side...
 

Congrats! I've owned mine for 1 year and 9 days and I'm still loving it. Weather is getting warmer and I'm looking forward to better gas mileage.

Enjoy your TCH!

Re: I've come over to the Green Side...
 

Thanks...I'm already 120 miles into it, and the needle is still at 7/8 of a tank. Wow. My old car, that would be much lower.

Reminds me of the line in "Trading Places"

"Looking good, Billy Ray.....Feeling good, Louis!"

Re: I've come over to the Green Side...
 

Welcome....I've had a TCH for all of a month now ;)

My wife has a 2008 Lexus ES and you are right about how similar the two cars look.

Re: I've come over to the Green Side...
 

I had very similar reactions to my TCH '08 that I picked up last week. This in heckuva car, adn I hope to be driving it for a really long time.

Re: I've come over to the Green Side...
 

I've had my 09 TCH for a little over 2 weeks now, just hit 1,000 miles, 2 tanks so far, ~ 36mpg each. Came from a BMW X5 and while not a BMW the TCH is a very nice car and I do enjoy it, and of course the fact that I used to get 16 mpg premium :).
This forum is great and a lot of good info here.

Re: I've come over to the Green Side...
 

I hear ya...I couldn't fade spending the bucks on a Mercedes/BMW/etc. Esp. with the mileage and maintenance.

I am still on my first tank...the computer says 31 mpg...I've gone 150 miles and still above 3/4 mark on fuel gauge. Very please.

And the car runs very nicely. Once you get used to the shudder of the ICE starting, it's very smooth.

Re: I've come over to the Green Side...
 

True but I wasn't even thinking 10 years ago. A 2002-2003 Camry XLE V6 would've done it in 8.6 secs or thereabouts. It has a 194hp (old SAE) 3.0 litre V6. 2004 saw VVT-i and a jump to 210hp (old SAE. 194hp new SAE)