[mikieboyblue]

Hi folks,

I'd like to say that I have been impressed time and time again with my 2007 TCH. It is one of the best cars I have had the opportunity to drive! I am always amazed by the power and control the car has as well as the ability to remain quiet and smooth.

As I have started to meet more people in my area with 2008+ TCH I am pleased to see that most of the "squeaks" and other noises have been resolved.

The only thing I wish we could have is a bit better NAV system and a bit cheaper NAV discs. (And of course DVD playback.)

That said, I am looking forward to a Lexus hybrid is 4 or so years....or heck....maybe we will have battery only vehicles available by then (at a reasonable price).

How happy have you folks been with your TCH?

Mike

[Zippycamrygirl]

Hi All,

I bought my TCH in March of last year and I have to say I'm still impressed ever time I sit in the drivers seat.
I went over the top and bought the car loaded. It was the only one within three cities of me when I found it so I of course paid sticker. Although I know now prices are coming down I still am happy with my purchase. I bought the white one and really want to find someone to install a blue pinstripe that will match the Hybrid emblem color. I think it will really make the car look sharp.

I'm only getting about 33 to 34 mpg at the moment but I am going to contribute that to the climate we are in. It's been a very very cold winter here and I just realized that I was running my tire pressure at 32 each and have since brought them up to 41. I am hoping it helps. I also only drive about 4 miles to work everyday so I am sure the car isn't even warmed up by the time I get there.

I have taken one long trip long trip with the TCH from Michigan to Missouri ( 14 hours ) and it was really nice. The ride was smooth the nav worked perfect. Here is a twist about the trip... I drove from Mi to MO and was traveling West the whole trip and got about 34 mpg on the way out. But on the way back with the same driving conditions and speeds I got about 38. The only difference was the wind on the way home must have been pushing me and helping with the mileage.
I was just amazed that I could drive round trip 1500 miles under $100 in fuel.

Any tips out there for improving my mileage would be welcomed.

Zippy

[GeorgiaHybrid]

Zippy,

33 to 34 mpg in Michigan during the winter is great mileage. You could help the mileage somewhat by installing a block heater if you do not have one now. This will allow the engine to come up to temp sooner and let the car enter EV mode faster.

By the way are you in the UP or down south?

[mikieboyblue]

Welcome to the forums Zippycamrygirl and GeorgiaHybrid!

Zippy,
Your mileage is great! I leave in NY (Hudson Valley -- south of Albany) and I am never able to get past 27 - 28 in the winter (temps between -10 and 30 F). I guess I'm too heavy footed to hit the sweet spot all the time.

As Georgia said, a block heater will help you out as long as your have the ability to plug it in overnight. I don't have the "luxury" as I live in an apartment complex so my poor baby sits outside all the time.

You already have the tire PSI up to 40 - 41 and that is a good start. You should also be sure to not buy the cheapest fuel and check out http://www.toptiergas.com/ for the latest in fuel rankings. I also suggest using the ECO setting of the HVAC system as long as you can tolerate the slow heat flow in the winter (I can't and usually turn ECO off on the coldest days -- however, I run it all the time in the summer).

If I can think of any other tips, I'll post them.

[Ed_T]

I have a fully loaded 2007. It has been uber-reliable.
Complaints would be:
NAV ease of use,
seats should be a bit more comfy,
straight-line tracking is poor (although tire wear is perfect).
Paint susceptible to easy chipping.

It could be scary if the electronics blizt after warranty (I got the extended), or if the complicated drive train has problems. I don't lose sleep over it but it's a worrying thought.

[John]

After nearly three years and 54,000 miles, I'm still pretty happy with the TCH.
I have a serial number in the 3800's so I have the first month's (Apr 06) production run. {Moonroof, no-Nav]
Mileage is good, ~39 summer, 35 winter, overall 37

I have had the console squeak, dash squeak, and aux audio TSBs done and had to have some extra work done ($250) in the center console to stop the squeaking that came back again.

I replaced the tires at 38,000 with Michelin Primacy's and have been very happy with them. (I don't feel like I'm going to roll the car over in tight turns like I did with the Bridgestones.)

The only other change I made was to add the sliding armrest. (It makes a big difference on long trips. I missed it when I had a Camry LE rental and drove from Tempe to the Grand Canyon and back recently)

I hope with new battery technology they can improve the loss in trunk space and the back seat opening.

[nash]

My 2007 TCH has been super reliable and has over 55,000 miles. My serial number is in the 6000s and was purchased in June of 2006. I've had the TSBs done for the the console and rear brake squeak, and the aux audio. Toyota replaced the electronic power steering under the recall and did a very nice job. My mileage is typically in the low 40s. I've had tanks as low as 38, and as high as 48mpg.

The OEM Bridgestones were down to 4/32 on the outside edges (5/32 center) despite running 42psi front and 40psi rear for 47,000 miles. I replaced them with Falken ZE329 tires. Mileage is very close to the Bridgestones. I've a 30 mile segment from a Shell gas station to work that I use as a benchmark. Using this segment the best mileage with the Bridgestones was 51mpg. The best with the Falkens is 50mpg so far.

I have to agree with Ed_T, the straight line tracking could be better. While not near as bad as my '86 F150, it doesn't come close to my old '83 Honda Accord or my old Peugeot 504. Both of those cars could go for miles before drifting out of your lane on interstate highways. The TCH is lucky to go 2 or 3 tenths of a mile before drifting. The passenger front seat is not very comfortable on long drives, it lacks sufficient lumbar support. The drivers and rear seats are great.

I'll add my only other peeve, I find the front headrests a bit uncomfortable unless I recline the seat back. I'd love to be able to tilt them back just a half inch!

[mikieboyblue]

Welcome to the forum Ed, John, and Nash! I love your stories...they are great!

[Zippycamrygirl]

Georgia,

How much is a block heater and will it make a big enough difference in the mileage to support the cost of installing it?

I graduated from HS in the U.P. but moved down state in 1988.

Mikie,
Thanks for the tips on the gas...I will make that change starting April 1st. I plan on filling up at the beginning of each month so I can track the mileage on a monthly basis. Then maybe i'll have a seasonality chart I can use. Also, can you tell me how much mileage I would get if I were using the better fuel?

[FastMover]

My TCH is easily the best vehicle I have ever owned. 35K miles and a lifetime FE of well over forty MPG. It is ideal for my 32 mile commute via two lane hiways and almost without stops. The FE indicatior stays above (below?) forty MPG for almost the entire commute. Plenty of reserve power, good cabin comfort (all tho' I agree regards the arm rest), good style and extremely low maintenance requirements, (Brake TSB and matt recall). If I have a knock, I have to agree that it is the straight line tracking, although it improves if you pay attention to tire rotation and inflation pressures.

Like John, I have an April or May, 2007, moonroof, no nav. I have run only Michelins on it, OEM tires in the summer and Primacy Alpins in the winter. The Alpins are good in snow and ice and do not seem to impact FE, although it does drop in the winter due to the simple cold temps.

I see some old friends, here!


It is the ignorant amoung us that will eventually kill us all!