Finally ditched the 4-Runner
 

Well after a good run I was finally able to get out of the 4-runner. I said goodbye to a high monthly payment plus a tremendous gas hog for what it was being used for.

I traded it in for a 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid. Wow what a difference!!

Now will come the fun hybrid questions regarding how to best drive this thing. Does anyone know of a site that has Camry specific Hybrid info? Or is anyone here knowledgeable on the Camry to answer some questions regarding the vehicle?

Here they are;

-Is it normal for the electric motor to whine when not in use? Once it is engaged through regen braking or in E Mode it goes silent.

-So far the best cruising range I have gotten from E Mode is 3 miles, is that normal?

-The batteries tend to discharge quickly when in E mode but recharge just as fast, therefore I'm guessing that is normal.

Any tips on what I can do that will not permanently alter the vehicle?

Thanks ...

Well Trik we both made the jump from 4runner to hybrid (you in the Camry, me in the Prius). I'm guessing we both fell into the "I can't take 20 mpg anymore!" Congrats on your purchase!

trikkonceptz -

Without knowing anything, I would bet it shares a lot of behavior with the Prius drive-train. Maybe the priuschat trix would work for you.

CarloSW2

Yeah no kidding, I took a trip in it this weekend, 500 + miles round trip, not really being hypermilish just to establish a decent baseline and the bugger made it back with a 1/4 tank to spare. That same trip usually costs me 2 tanks in the 4-runner. Already saving money .. lol

I hear that Trik...it's ridiculous! Any mods planned for the new ride?

Wow - that's quite the trade!

My sister has one, which I've driven a bit, so I think I can tackle some of your questions:

I don't recall hearing the motor when NOT in use. But it definitely makes a very faint electronic whine when propelling or regen..ning.

That's sounds above average. I've read you can expect 2-3 km.

Keep in mind you'll get your best mileage, ironically, by minimizing use both of electric drive and regen. (Which requires some serious eco-driving effort.)

Sounds normal. EV mode is meant to be used sparingly though - repeatedly exhausting the battery will shorten its life.

I think I'd start with ... block heater.

Congrats on the new car!

I'd DEFINITLY second the block heater if the Camry goes through the same warm up cycle as the Prius. Until you are in S4 (S1 is coldest), you can't do a lot of things like stop the engine as easily.

Now you guys need to talk some sense into zjrog

Trik,

Here's the link for the Camry hybrid section over at Priuschat.com This should give you a good place to start...

Toyota Camry Hybrid - PriusChat Forums

Good luck bro!

Well. . .

As this just came up on another post you could flip over to the suspension regenerating system. It could somewhat heavily boost your Emode range as well as your battery life(maintaining constant higher charge for "free").

Although last I checked we were still discussing how best to do this. . .