2012 Camry best options

I was looking for a new car, without a moonroof/sunroof. It seems that for a Camry, one is limited to only low trims (e.g. LE/SE) and blocked from taking the high trims with all options (fully loaded) unless the moonroof is included also.
I have noticed that the XLE Hybrid does NOT come with a moonroof. It does allow to add the Convinience Package and the basic Entune (no JBL) but anything else will enforce the moonroof package. Then I have realized that the difference (in MSRP at least) between a non hybrid XLE and a hybrid XLE with the above two options is about $2600. Yes, it does not have the moonroof (another $900) but I do not want a moonroof anyway.
Hence I was thinking to start this thread to see what others think. What is the best set of options for the money overall? It seems the difference between the base L model and the XLE hybrid with the two above packages is just $7000 (for which, a lot of additional features are included). It was noted that Toyota tries now to push buyers to buy the higher trims and indeed the different costs for base ones seems to me as getting less for the money.
Ford has a simple solution to the moonroof problem, it offers Moonroof Delete option for their Fusion. Not with Toyota. The cryptic "Special Order" comment if someone preffers different options than listed is not intended to order one that bypasses the restrictions on the various option packages and dependencies. Not sure what it means - was trying to ask Toyota to explain this though.
What do you think is the best configuration for the money? Looking at both MSRP and real cost (after discounts)?
I have noticed that the XLE Hybrid does NOT come with a moonroof. It does allow to add the Convinience Package and the basic Entune (no JBL) but anything else will enforce the moonroof package. Then I have realized that the difference (in MSRP at least) between a non hybrid XLE and a hybrid XLE with the above two options is about $2600. Yes, it does not have the moonroof (another $900) but I do not want a moonroof anyway.
Hence I was thinking to start this thread to see what others think. What is the best set of options for the money overall? It seems the difference between the base L model and the XLE hybrid with the two above packages is just $7000 (for which, a lot of additional features are included). It was noted that Toyota tries now to push buyers to buy the higher trims and indeed the different costs for base ones seems to me as getting less for the money.
Ford has a simple solution to the moonroof problem, it offers Moonroof Delete option for their Fusion. Not with Toyota. The cryptic "Special Order" comment if someone preffers different options than listed is not intended to order one that bypasses the restrictions on the various option packages and dependencies. Not sure what it means - was trying to ask Toyota to explain this though.
What do you think is the best configuration for the money? Looking at both MSRP and real cost (after discounts)?
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I am getting a quote of 23000 + Tax + title + tag + doc fee = $25400 (out the door price). Is this price good?
Gary
Where are you located??
25,400 (out the door, with no options).
23000 with no options XLE.
Out the door price (7% tax) : 25,400
Or if you want the XLE Hybrid without options in Atlanta GA, that will be $25800 + tax (9% off MSRP of $28205) or $2800 more than what you pay for XLE non hybrid. But the Hybrid has more features at the base than non hybrid, and you get it without the moonroof you hate... and.. its a hybrid!
I am asking because I am also planning to buy a XLE 2012.
Thanks !!
I like the driver's seat raised to the highest position and I am not very tall.. 6 feet. But the moonroof takes off the space available and your head will touch it slightly or bump into it when the car hits bumps on the road.
Other problems are leaks and possible extra weight that you really do not need unless you are sure you will use it more than one or two times. I don't like the sun shining on me when I open the moonroof in the summer, nor the rain and snow leaking into the car in the winter. The moonroof used to be a novelty many years ago, and that is why they decided to include such based on old market research I guess. But even Ford now allows in their 2012 (not 2011 ) Fusion model to have a "moonroof delete" option, realizing that people may not like it. I suggest you do a google to search for problems on past Camry moonroof options as well as moonroof issues in general and decide for yourself.
VW 2012 Passat TDI includes moonroof if you want the auto transmision - DSG.. so the best option was for me the XLE Hybrid to which you can add the Convinience package (good value for alarm, backup camera, and to open your garage for $800 or so) and the Entune (have to play with the toy.. though its quite high priced at $1K and will have bugs I am sure but...).
Go for the XLE hybrid if you want...
After doing a lot of research, the XLE Hybrid is the best car with the two options I wanted most (entune and convinience) that has no moonroof.
You can check the moonroof fit for you, on a non hybrid also. You may need to ask the dealer to "preference" an allocation car he gets to have an XLE Hybrid without the moonroof (this is known as "special order" also though the options you specify must be within Camry ordering constrains and packages dependencies, e.g. you cannot get leather without the moonroof).
My dealer has perferenced an XLE Hybrid for me with above two option packages, should get it around 4-6 weeks from now, even with the colors I want.
To do a preference you must deal with the Dealership General Manager. I rank and file sales person most likely will not do it. So do not be shy, ask to speak with the general manager and explain what you want. Also good to contact with are the internet department sales persons. Check what allocations the dealership is expecting to get from the regional distributor and when. Camry cars are built with certain options that are different from region to region. To make a change, within the allowed option packages constrains, you need to ask the general manager to work with you on such and expect to wait 4-6 weeks. The includes not just the colors you like, but also the exlusion of the sunroof package. In my area (NY metro) the regional distributor has configured all XLE hybrid to have the moonroof package so only way to get it here is with a special order or preferencing which the General Manager can help you with. Note the "build your own" Toyota.com tool does not allow you all combinations including legal option packages, as it goes by the zip code region you enter - I have sent a comment on this to their customer relationship email. At least some people may go to buy a 2012 Ford Fusion without the moonroof because their tools and explanations are not clear... maybe in 2013 model they too will allow moonroof delete option like Ford.
Good luck!
I am looking for some opinions from the experts :-)
While I think their conclusion is wrong, and compare messed (top XLE Hybrid trim vs. Passat SE trim only etc...), one comment they wrote:
"...not to mention surprisingly brisk acceleration times. How brisk? With its new 2.5-liter 156-hp I-4 and 141-hp electric motor, the XLE whirred from 0 to 60 in just 7.2 seconds, only 0.2 behind the 274-hp Sonata 2.0T."
The MT also went too much on cosmetics and appearance. Totally missed the features and certain key differences comparing the TDI SE trim with XLE hybrid fully loaded. Even with a 2012 Passat TDI SEL Premium, you wont get some of the features the XLE hybrid fully loaded gives you. I did a test drive for both 2012 Camry (not hybrid) XLE and Passat TDI SEL.. overall, the Camry is way better in most substance. Appearace and cosmetics is for some people to decide but its not so bad to prevent me buying the car unless all of it is black in and out (I wont buy such a car indeed).
Any ideas?
http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/WebX/.ef071a2/8730
Right now, there are several members discussing pricing for the 2012 Hybrid.
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I love the design and layout of the car otherwise. It does beat the present Honda Accord and is so much quieter inside.
Brad
anyone get this option at the dealership?