Toyota Camry

angelos447 asked:


Front passenger door. 1993 Camry LE, Power Windows..

Somebody broke into my car and took out my passenger side window.

Eileen

Tom Bailey asked:


Family cars face painstaking demands. These days, they are used not just for family driving adventures but for business purpose as well. With the versatility expected of them, automakers find it hard to emerge as the best in the family car segment - but this is not the case with Honda. Earlier, 3 of Honda’s vehicles were awarded the “Best Car for Small Families,” “Best Car for Big Families,” and the “Best New Car for First-Time Drivers” by KickingTires.

The 2007 Honda Accord emerged as the “Best New Car for Small Family. Honda Accord parts are especially designed to face rigorous family car’s demands. For the 2007 model year, Accord was given new trim called SE-V6. Also, for the sedan version, cool blue metallic color was made available. The runners-up for the Best New Car for Small Families were BMW 328, Ford Five Hundred, Honda Civic, Hyundai Sonata, Infiniti G35, Mazda5, Mazda6, Subaru Legacy, and Toyota Camry.

On the one hand, 2007 Honda Odyssey was given the “Best Car for Big Families” commendation. Honda Odyssey is a minivan introduced by the automaker in 1995. The runners up for said title were Acura MDX, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon, Hyundai Entourage, Kia Sedona, Mercedes-Benz R-Class, Toyota Highlander, Toyota Sienna, and Volvo XC90.

For the “Best New Car for First-Time Drivers” category, 2007 Honda Civic emerged as the winner. Honda Civic parts are especially engineered to be accommodating to first-time drivers. The car’s auto parts can be easily operated so it fits . The runners up for the category were Honda Fit, Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai Sonata, Mazda3, Pontiac Vibe, Scion tC, Subaru Impreza, Toyota Camry and Toyota Matrix.

Finally, for the “Best New Car for Empty Nesters” category, 2007 Jaguar XK emerged as the winner. The runners up were BMW 650, Chevrolet Corvette, Ford Mustang, Infiniti G35, Infiniti M45, Lexus LS 460, Mazda MX-5 Miata, Mercedes-Benz SL-Class and Volvo C70.

“Before we named the four finalists for Family Car of the Year in our first annual Lifestyle Awards, we considered all the 2006- and 2007-model-year vehicles we’ve tested and narrowed them down to a select group. We’ll tackle the other Lifestyle categories as we get closer to the final awards Jan. 3, but for now see what other cars we recommend for families and how staffers Mike Hanley, Kelsey Mays, Patrick Olsen, David Thomas and Joe Wiesenfelder debated the winners” KickingTires revealed.

In most categories, analysts say that Honda and Toyota car parts are showcasing excellence. As observed by analysts, prices for highly equipped models have greatly increased with time and innovations.



Tommy

Joshua Silver asked:


In the ironic words of Kermit the Frog, “it isn’t easy being green”. The irony is noted by our present day efforts to conserve energy or in other words become “green”. The notion behind this movement is fueled by two variables: cost and the well being of our global environment. As gas prices at the pump skyrocket, the demand for better gas mileage rises. Also, as fears of global warming start to materialize, the demand of a “green” vehicles rise as well. We have seen automobile manufacturers, who produce hybrids, capitalize on this sellers market, created by the two variables above. Toyota Motor Corporation has been marketing to our fears and petrol price woes with the Prius for just about seven years now in the US. Has the existence of the Prius over the past seven years placated our fears? Many of us would like to think so, especially those of you who are Prius owners. However, the sad truth is that it falls short of the marketed claims, producing unsatisfactory results across the board.

Let us first look at gasoline consumption. The 2007 Prius receives 46 miles per gallon and wears this stat like a green badge of honor. This means that the 11.9 gallon fuel tank on the Prius only needs to be topped off about twice every four weeks (based on the national average automobiles that are driven 12,000 miles per year). Thus, the Prius consumes only $1,043.48 in gasoline per year, with a price per gallon of $4.00. How can these savings be unsavory? Would less gas equate to greater gas savings? It sure would, but let us enter a common scenario. Recent economic conditions force you to cut your costs. Your current car is a gas-guzzling Hummer H2. You decide the best route to go is trade in for a mid sized sedan. Instantly you think “Toyota” and find the 2007 Prius and the 2007 Camry your best two options. Standing on the lot, we see the sticker price and MPG. The Camry shows a base price of $18,085.00 and a total of 24 MPG. On the other side of the balance we have the Prius. With 46 MPG and a base price of $23,730.00, it is hard to tell which automobile will be the most cost efficient.

To help turn this into an effortless decision, I have constructed a schedule of cost comparison between our two prospective cars. The equation used to forecast these costs is Approximate Miles Driven per year/ MPG = Total Gallons Used. To convert this into a dollar figure, multiply Total Gallons Used by the Price of Fuel. This yields the average cost of fuel each vehicle will consume yearly. The average cost of fuel is then added to the sticker price of the vehicle. The schedule will illustrate the cost of purchasing and fueling of each car, allowing us to simply compare and contrast.

Model Prius Camry

Base

Price $23,730 $18,085

Year

1 24,773.48 20,085.00

2 25,816.96 22,085.00

3 26,860.43 24,085.00

4 27,903.91 26,085.00

5 28,947.39 28,085.00

6 29,990.87 30,085.00

* Using 12,000 miles driven per year and $4.00 per gallon. Both models are taken from 2007

The schedule clearly displays the Camry holding the cost advantage over the Prius for the first five years. It is not until the 6th year that exceptionally high gas mileage of the Prius starts to off set the cost. If you are cost conscious, you will most likely decide to finance the Camry for five years and look to trade it in after it is paid off. Or maybe you are environmentally conscious, and it is not the cost that motivates your decision but consumption of gasoline. The person with the “green” mindset would opt for the Prius, but are there hidden environmental infractions committed by the Prius?

The environmentalist who decides on the Prius is only thinking in terms of personal consumption, which is displayed in the schedule above. A true tree hugger would be concerned about total energy consumption, which accounts for all energy used in producing, consuming, and disposing of a product. The Prius boasts high gas mileage, but what it saves in petroleum consumption, it wastes in production. As we know, hybrids consist of an internal combustion engine and a battery powered electric motor. The battery is made from Nickel that is mined in Sudbury, Ontario and smelted a short distance from the mines. The smelting process produces large amounts of sulfur dioxide, directly causing highly concentrated acid rain to fall in the surrounding area. The acid rain has destroyed the surrounding wilderness leaving in its wake a barren waste land with no sign of life. Moreover, NASA often uses this barren area to test and train astronauts in moon buggy maneuver, since the outskirts of Sudbury, Ontario sharply resembles the landscape found on the moon.

Not only is the Prius’ manufacturing pollution one of the worst in the automotive industry, but the smelted nickel goes on a petroleum dependant journey that travels over 10,000 miles. Transported by diesel locomotive and container ship, the amount of fuel used in this stage of production seems to fade the luster Toyota Motor Corporation painted on the Prius and its performance.

Ask Toyota if it is easy being “green”. I am willing to bet their answer would be similar to our proverbial green profits’ ironic statement above. It seems we can not overcome barriers of energy consumption; we restrict energy consumption in one area and double consumption in other areas, allowing companies like Toyota, to hide behind their green badge of marketability gold. Prius brightly displays this badge, but now we find it is just a façade erected by the marketing department, with one objective: to influence public perception before they have a chance to hear or read an article like this.



Florence

Jennifer Dylan asked:


Honda Insight, Honda Civic Hybrid, Honda Accord Hybrid, Toyota Prius, Toyota Camry Hybrid and Lexus GS 450h are just some of the hybrid cars available on the market. Toyota Pruis is the number one best selling hybrid car. Because it has more space, power and functionality, it maintained its reputation as the most sought after hybrid car of today. Honda Civic runs the second to this car.

Why do you choose to have a hybrid car? Hybrid cars can be complicated aside from being expensive. Of course, who would not be proud to drive a car worth half a million dollars? Car enthusiasts choose to buy hybrid cars because not everyone can afford to have it. You need to have bulks of dollars to have one. However, hybrid cars are more preferred by many. Why? Read on and find out.

Like conventional cars, hybrid car parts are also replaceable. Plus, hybrid auto parts sources are found everywhere. For Toyota Camry Hybrid, online Toyota car parts are always available. For example, if the joint ball of your Toyota Camry Hybrid is used up, you can always replace it with an authentic Toyota Camry Ball Joint. So, it will look and function like new again.

Hybrid cars are environment friendly as it has 90% fewer emissions. It is also beneficial to health especially if you have kids. Scientists believe that hybrid cars do not contribute much on air pollution thus it reduces the possibility of global warming. It has reduced oil dependency which adds 15% to 30% more on fuel efficiency.

To top it all, hybrid car owners save on tax. The IRS has adopted large tax credit for purchase of new hybrid automobiles. But remember, these are credits, not deductions. The tax being paid depends upon the model of a particular hybrid car. The law states that every automaker is only allowed 60,000 vehicles to avail of the credit limit. It means that famous models should be sold out before Dec 31, 2010, the expiration date.

Now, why should you buy a hybrid car? Of course, it is as reliable and comfortable as conventional cars. And with these reasons, should you not get one?



Deborah

John asked:


I want ot know how to pry off the trim ring around the door release handle for my Camry 98. I removed the screw already, but cannnot get the trim ringoff. Need help and thanks in advance.

Bryan

Melanie Broemsen asked:


If you’re an ‘in market’ hybrid car shopper or in the midst of researching a new purchase of an energy efficient car, there are plenty of things to keep in mind.

First, you will want to examine the specific hybrid’s estimated gas mileage - and be sure to ask when the gasoline engine kicks in, too. You may find that if you drive a lot of highway miles at faster speeds and the gas engine kicks in at 35 mph, you may not save as much money on fuel as you expected.

You’ll also want to consider any tax saving credits that being offered. There is a federal income tax credit (up to $3,400) given on the first 60,000 hybrid models sold. After that benchmark is met, the credit is gradually phased out. Fueleconomy.gov maintains a list of eligible vehicles and the current tax credits available, but you should also confirm with your dealership.

Also, you may want to think about hybrid car insurance. Some insurance companies offer a discount on hybrid car insurance - others do not. Hybrid cars are still relatively new to the marketplace, and shopping around for discounts that come with hybrid car insurance will pay off in the long run.

To be truly eco-friendly, you’ll also want to check the green rating for that particular hybrid car. According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), four of the top 12 greenest vehicles of 2008, feature hybrid powertrain engines. However, there is a bigger environmental impact to consider. Some of the hybrids feature nickel batteries, which cause more long-term environmental damage than their gasoline counterparts. If you are interested in a hybrid car, be an informed consumer and check the air pollution scores, greenhouse gas scores, and other features that impact the environment.

Be aware that as a result of the growing popularity of hybrid cars, especially the Prius, you may pay over-sticker price because of the demand. You may also have a hard time locating the exact model you want, or be placed on a waiting list.

The best-selling hybrid cars of 2008 include:

Toyota Prius

With a $21,500 base sticker price, the Toyota Prius isn’t exactly cheap. However, it’s still a reasonably affordable hybrid car option for many consumers, especially after factoring in the fuel savings achieved due to the Prius’ 45 city/48 hwy mpg rating by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It is classified as the most fuel efficient car in the U.S.

Currently the best-selling hybrid car, the Toyota Prius has been embraced by Hollywood - it’s a favorite among celebrities like Cameron Diaz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Aniston, Larry David, Julia Robers, Jennifer Lopez, Gwyneth Paltrow and Harrison Ford.

Many Prius owners claim to achieve over 60 mpg, and those employing hypermiling techniques may fare even better. For consumers averaging much less, the Prius sounds like a gift from heaven. However, the Toyota Prius may take some getting used to.

Overall, getting into a Toyota Prius seems more like entering a spaceship than an automobile. However, once you get beyond its odd shape, you’ll find alarge on-dash computer screen offering instant feedback on your gas mileage, as well as a rearview camera (you’ll need it in this vehicle due to blind spots). And you may miss other options, like a sunroof, which reduces fuel economy, too.

Honda Civic Hybrid

The Honda Civic Hybrid car has an EPA-estimated city/highway rating of 40 city/45 hwy mpg and a base sticker price of $22,600, comparable to that of the Toyota Prius. The Honda Civic hybrid features an Advanced Technology Partial-Zero-Emission Vehicle (AT-PZEV) rating, which is the most stringent emission standard achieved by a gasoline-powered vehicle in the U.S. In fact, it is classified as one of the most fuel efficient cars in America, along with the Toyota Prius.

In terms of looks, it’s hard to tell the standard Honda Civic from its hybrid counterpart. They are nearly identical.

Toyota Camry Hybrid

The Toyota Camry Hybrid car has a base sticker price of $25,650 and is a good option for those looking for a little more luxury and fuel efficiency. It looks like the standard Toyota Camry on the road, but offers a quieter ride due to the special acoustic-dampening windshield made to absorb road noise.

The Toyota Camry hybrid car has an EPA-estimated city/highway rating of 33 city/34 hwy mpg rating, which not as good as either the Prius or Civic Hybrid cars. However, as a mid-size sedan, it offers room for the entire family.

Ford Escape Hybrid SUV

Known as the most fuel efficient SUV on earth, the Ford Escape Hybrid SUV has an EPA-estimated city/highway rating of 34 city/30 hwy mpg rating and base sticker price of $26,640. It’s available in both 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive, and features a tough, rugged look, although technically it’s still considered a cross-over vehicle.

According to U.S. News & World Report, the Ford Escape hybrid is ranked 15 out of 27 in terms of affordable compact SUVs, a few spots below the gasoline version. The new 2008 model was redesigned to provide a more comfortable rise and mature appearance.

Overall, the Ford Escape hybrid has received good, thumbs-up reviews in publications ranging from the New York Times to Newsday.

Hybrid Insurance

You’ll find plenty of information online at FuelEconomy.gov, from a specific vehicle’s energy impact score, carbon footprint statistics and EPA air pollution score to its eligibility for a tax credit. Other helpful green vehicle information is available at the EPA Web site.



Clyde

Anthony Fontanelle asked:


General Motors has been making an effort to revitalize the previously unpopular Saturn brand. The Detroit car manufacturer injected new vehicles to the brand’s lineup as well as providing fuel efficient vehicles to Saturn loyalists. The Saturn Aura has recently been named the 2007 North American Car of the Year and its popularity is steadily growing as it challenges the supremacy of the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry in the midsize sedan segment.

To help the Aura compete with the Camry and Accord, General Motors saw it fit to introduce a hybrid version of the Aura which is called the Saturn Aura green Line. One of its direct competitions, the Honda Accord Hybrid will be discontinued meaning it will take on the Camry Hybrid head to head. One of the Aura Green Line’s advantages over the Camry Hybrid is that it costs less.

This means that while the Saturn Aura Green Line may not have the same fuel efficiency as the Camry Hybrid, its lower price makes up for the disparity in fuel consumption cost.

Compared to its base model, the Aura Green Line costs $2,000 more. The clear advantage that the Aura Green Line has over the base Aura XE is the fuel efficiency. Compared to the upscale Aura XR trim, the Green Line costs $2,000 less. The advantage, of course, of the Green Line is again its fuel efficiency although the Aura XR comes loaded with standard features which are optional to the Green Line.

According to Saturn, the Aura Green Line has a starting price of $22,000. The power behind the Green Line comes from a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with a power output of 164 horsepower. The internal combustion engine is coupled to a four-speed automatic transmission and an electric motor which provides the additional power demand.

According to car experts, the Aura Green Line benefits from its European styling which is the result of General Motors’ relationship with Opel. The Aura’s handling is responsive and the suspension setting provides a comfortable ride. In terms of styling, the Aura is a car pleasing to look at. Its headlight configuration gives it a welcoming look especially if fitted with Saturn headlight cover. In fact, some experts in the industry claim that the Aura is more of a European vehicle than a General Motors car.

One drawback seen with the Aura Green Line is its readily-downshifting transmission. With the automatic gearbox, the Saturn Aura Green Line has respectable acceleration from a stationary position. But for higher speeds, the driver should literally push the pedal to the metal to increase the car’s speed. Any lull to the pressure applied to the accelerator pedal would mean a downshift for the automatic transmission.

Another problem with the transmission is that it does not offer smooth gear changes. While the transmission does not necessarily produce seat-jarring gear changes, it does not also give silky smooth gear changes.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Aura Green Line can travel six miles on a gallon of gasoline more than the XE trim level of the Aura. That can be translated to savings of approximately $500 on fuel consumption cost for every 15,000 miles traveled. The Aura Green Line though only has a “mild hybrid” powertrain which means that it cannot run on electric motor power alone even on low-power operations. This results to a lower fuel-efficiency as compared to the Camry Hybrid.



Laura

rttrttrtt999 asked:


The front passenger side automatic door lock on my Camry recently stopped working. The only way to lock or unlock this door is by either inserting the key from outside or by manually locking/unlocking it from inside. The auto remote won’t do it and it won’t lock/unlock automatically when the car is started or stopped like the other doors do. Is this something I can try to fix myself, or do I need to take it to the shop?

Gregory