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New Camry Owner Reports
andrelaplume
Member Posts: 934
to play devils advocate...do we need this forum? It seams there are thousands of negative posts and you are trying to drum up some good will. Yet I do not see similar forums under Honda?
I admit I have a drum to beat. I noticed the fit and finish quality on my then new 2002 Camry was not up to Toyota par and pondered weather mechanical issues were to come. Could this be what we are seeing today?
Rattles aside, (and its crappy traction on wet roads), I feel my 2002 Camry is superior to any other sedan I have owned. Still, after reading the horror stories here I must admit I'd be concerned about buying new one...at least in the short term. Perhaps that is the intent of this forum....I just think its sad one is needed!
(We own a 2003 Camry and 2006 Rav and are not afraid to admit Toyota quality has taken a hit in recent years)
I admit I have a drum to beat. I noticed the fit and finish quality on my then new 2002 Camry was not up to Toyota par and pondered weather mechanical issues were to come. Could this be what we are seeing today?
Rattles aside, (and its crappy traction on wet roads), I feel my 2002 Camry is superior to any other sedan I have owned. Still, after reading the horror stories here I must admit I'd be concerned about buying new one...at least in the short term. Perhaps that is the intent of this forum....I just think its sad one is needed!
(We own a 2003 Camry and 2006 Rav and are not afraid to admit Toyota quality has taken a hit in recent years)
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First, both cars were built in Kentucky and the build quality is superb on both vehicles (3/07 and 9/07). No vibrations, squeaks, or rattles. On the inside, other than the shift gate and shift display on the IP, you cannot tell the difference between the two cars. From the outside, only the dual exhaust tips give away the difference.
The V6 is a sweetheart of an engine; smooth, powerful, and quiet. It is also quite frugal - yes. I said frugal. Over the first 500 miles I have had two fillups and recorded a first tank average of 24.1mpg and a second tank average of 29.4mpg. I drive 60 miles a day on RT128 near Boston, which can vary from stop and go to 75mph on any given day, so I am quite pleased with this so far. My '03 averaged 29.65mpg over three years of use and the '07 I4 averaged 28.38 over 4900 miles of use.
The 6AT is a marvel in that it locks up in 2nd thru 6th gear and you would believe you are driving a manual transmission if you don't hammer the gas and get it to unlock anddownshift. It is not the smoothest shifting transmission I've driven, although still very smooth, but it is crisp (which I like) and still learning my way of driving.
Driving reveals the weight of the V6/6AT over the I4/5AT in that the car "pushes" more when taking corners at speed, but the car remains comfortable and gives the driver a confident attitude for a "family" sedan.
I will keep this forum posted as I get more mileage on the vehicle.
P.S. I moved to the '07 from an '03 I4/4AT which I really liked, and I am very happy that Toyota worked out the problems with the '07 I4/5AT.
I have owned it since 09/14/2006. It now has approximately 1200 Miles on it.
With the exception of a few bouts of herky-jerky gear-changing present in the Automatic Transmission at totally random times, & with no rhyme or reason. I don't notice any constant hesitations on my Camry, that others have mentioned both here and Toyota Nation.
I am smitten w/ my Camry!!!
I came across a very good article by an unbiased source and offer the following excerpt in rebuttal to the naysayers:
"Toyota officials have openly acknowledged that the company's rapid growth, and its increasing reliance on plants around the globe, has strained its ability to maintain a gold-standard quality record. At a news conference in July, Toyota president Katsuaki Watanabe bowed deeply and apologized for the recall troubles.
"I take this seriously and see it as a crisis," Watanabe said at the conference. "I want to apologize deeply for the troubles we have caused."
Toyota may be going through a rough patch, but industry experts say the recall issue has to be viewed in context. Toyota's quality record is still tops in the business; in June, Toyota and Lexus captured 11 of 19 initial-quality awards handed out by industry watchdog J.D. Power & Associates. They just happen to be in the glare of the spotlight.
"They're the guys wearing the yellow jersey, so everyone's watching them," says James Womack, chairman of the Lean Enterprise Institute, a Cambridge, Mass., non-profit think tank dedicated to expanding the principles of lean manufacturing.
Womack believes Toyota officials are losing a lot of sleep over the recall issue and will redouble their efforts to have all employees follow the tenets of TPS. "I've been watching these guys for a long time, and they worry more than any group of people I've ever seen," he says.
"You can bet they're poring over their business processes to look for weaknesses. I'd also be willing to place a pretty high bet that Toyota will be able to come up with answers."
Don't forget the statement quoted in my earlier posting where it's noted the guys with yellow jerseys are often dissed by follow on competitors. That's life!
Now if people are just complaining about visibility, trunk space, the dashboard lighting or just general aspects of the car they don't like, then yes, those could be caused by buyer's remorse setting in. But problems acknowledged by the manufacturer, dealers and service people are certainly NOT.
I note a seemingly popular title in the Lexus ES350 section which might be more appropriate for this one "New XXXX Owners-Give Us Your Report"
Seems there are some who don't much like a forum like this one because it only gives one side of the equation.
I did not even test drive the I4, looking at the horsepower to weight ratio I'm surprised it can get out of own way. How could it not hesitate?
My one complaint is that they could not fit the V8 in there. I suppose the I4 makes sense if you are just sitting in heavy traffic everyday, it probaly uses less gas idling.
What I really don't understand is why anyone would get an SE with the four; I mean, it's supposed to be "sporty", but without that 80 to 125 mph boost, what's the point?
Well, whether you understand it or not, a good sports sedan isn't always about flat out speed. Equally, if not more important is the handling and road feel the car posesses which is near absent in the LE/and XLE trims with or without the V6. The other reason buyers such as myself opted for the I4? In my earnest opinion... it looks better and have been extremely happy with it for everyday driving to work and around town. That said, if I want pure speed, I'll take my Porsche Boxter S out for a drive. btw, Have you even driven the SE I4?
Your thoughts on the I4 in an XLE... Anyone have an XLE with the I4?
No rattles, no noises, no hesitation, good acceleration from standing or passing, all the interior/exterior parts fit, quiet ride, good handling and great fuel economy (over 9,000 miles - worst gas tank, 22.71 mpg - best gas tank, 33.14 mpg - avg. since new, 27.41 mpg).
My only complaint is that the trip computer averages 4-5% too high on the fuel mileage but I can factor that as I'm driving.
Never expect to return to the dealer again but I did buy the 84 month/100,000 mile/$0 deductible extended warranty just in case something happens in 6 or 7 years ($880 cost).
I paid $300 over dealer invoice the first week they were out but if I bought one now it would be for $150 max. over dealer invoice.
There are a lot of moaners and complainers about the new Camry but being on 4 Camry forums they are the vocal minority. If there is something that is possibly wrong with a vehicle, they have found it in a '07 Camry.
Go for it!!!!
Do you have to buy the warrnty up-front or can you shop it at any Toyota dealer for a certain period of time? Thanks for the info.
No hurry to buy the warranty. Lots of time to shop around.
I read in another forum that one dealer is only charging $750 for the identical Platinum warranty. It's just like any insurance policy, it may or may not ever pay off.
I would appreciated if you could answer some these questions regarding Camry 07 V6 SE
1) Should I be using gasoline rating of OCT 87 or higher? I have a mix message from Toyota Canada and dealers.
2) I have clucking noise (like a bad shock) from the rear wheel in the puddles? Is this expected since it is a SE version?
3) Should I perform an Oil change after break in period of 1600 klm? I have a mix message from Toyota Canada and dealers.
Thanks
To answer your questions:
1. 87 Octane is alright but you will gain a few HP by using 91 Octane. I run 91 Octane.
2. Have the dealer check out the cluncking sound.
3. Wait until what the manual says. I think it is 7500KM or 6 months, which ever comes first. I have yet to change the oil in my SE and I have about 5300KM and I have had it since mid-May. I will change to Synthetic at that time.
Hope this helps
In my experience, I also own a Porsche Boxter S and a Lexus RX and in comparison, my Camry SE I4 does NOT feel underpowered by any means.
Did you have ant problem setting your Home Link (garage door openr)?
I first tried the method for Canadian users and then the other two. None worked. I know we have the rolling code door openers, so I tried that method again but instead of pressing the button twice at the end I pressed it 3 times and it worked (like Hondas).
However, It reset the door opener and I had to reprogram all my other remotes again.
Ps. Can you customize the message on the stereo (Welcome to Camry)?
...maybe if you are ignoring the "marginal" rating it received from the IIHS in the rear impact portion of its test. Considering one is much more likely to be rear-ended than broad-sided or hit head on, I would give some weight to that result.
BTW, I have an '05 XLE with the 4-cylinder, and it's not underpowered by any means (unless you're used to big V8s or high-strung sports cars). A teenager can still get into trouble with the 4 but not as quickly as with the V6.
Yes, I had all kinds of problems with it. First, as you said, setting it and it only works when the car is right in front of the garage door. MY Infiniti G35 has Home Link and I can open the door about a 100 feet before I turn into the driveway. I have to have the dealer check that out.
I never tried to change the messages on the radio but I will look into it.
If you have any other questions, let me know. I am taking it in for the first check up in about 2 weeks and I have a list of things that they have to fix including re-aligning the trunk lid. This American assembly line is a bunch of crap. I had a 2003 Corolla that I traded in on this one and it was made in Canada and the "graps" were as tight as my Infiniti.
Toyota is trying to be the new GM!
The method in the manual doesn't seem to work.
Got in to drive, shifted out of Park, snap went the door locks as before-no speed locking.
Try as I could, no more double clicks for Park or Speed activation. What next? The dealership is new and they are clueless.
Hope this doesn't take too much room.
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Some Detroit products are doing better though.
http://www.detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061109/AUTO01/611090364/- - - 1148/AUTO01
I am now at 1100 km ( about 700 miles)and so far, fingers crossed,have had no hesitation issues; in fact the car is beautifully responsive. I have been cautious about the kinds of situations that others describe (merging into very fast traffic,for example)but am feeling more confident.
I am really happy with the car.
I think the question now is whether they are still building as high of quality and just how serious the transmission problems really are. I think there is little doubt, even in Toyota's mind, that they do have a problem. I for one think Toyota will step up and get the problem fixed but I am thinking seriously of waiting for a few months or even a 2008 model.
There are some other alignment problems in other parts of the dash. Anybody have this problem?
I've owned several Camrys over the years, each from a separate generation, and the reason for choosing them is reliability and quality construction. I think one can spend too much for a Camry and then expect it to rival a 5 series BMW or a Acura TL-S. That won't happen.
My experience with the 2007 model has been extremely positive. I don't expect the car to be a rice rocket on the Interstates or carve up a curvy road with unabated power and handling prowess. My new unit handles better than previous Camrys by far.
It also has better seats and returns the same mileage in the 24-31 mpg range. And I don't think there's another car out there that can rival the '07 Camry for looks, interior room, and the entire reliability package for under $18K. Interesting to note that the CE with MT was far more fun to drive, tighter suspension and far improved handling, than the LE with AT.
Then again, one tends to find justification for saving, in this case, about $2500 for choosing the MT.
What kind of mpg do you get on pure highway driving?
I also assume the cruise contol and shift hesitation noted by others are a non issue in the MT version, as the driver is in control of the gears.
The MT requires you to stir the gears for various driving conditions such as pulling hills, passing, etc but the throws are precise with a quality snick with each shift. I've been getting about 32mpg on Interstate driving and around 28mpg on mixed which is about what I expected.
Having driven sticks before, but many years ago, it took me about 3 days to transition back to a MT. On the test drive loop, I killed the engine a couple of times which was frustrating but the salesguy that accompanied me said this was normal and I would get re-adjusted to the MT quickly. He was right.
The LE with AT was, in comparison on the same test drive day, almost a different car in terms of handling and simply not having the nimble characteristics of the MT. That AT transmission DOES search and hesitate unless you run it in fulltime 4 speed mode but even then, the car drove like a Buick if you know what I mean?
For whatever reason as it relates to suspension, having the chassis/engine/transmission more tightly dialed in, the MT was, for me, the far better car. It's not a speed demon, as noted in my initial posting, but, with all the impressive list of standard features in addition to what's been said here, is the absolute best VALUE for any comparable car out there.
You may have already learned that a 07 Camry MT is in rare supply! They're hard to find on a dealer lot but if you get one, I'm pretty sure you'll be glad you did.
We have not noticed any hesitation problems at all, and the engine is very powerful - we wanted the acceleration because we do a lot of interstate driving.
No squeaks or rattles, and the performance of the stereo is great. It is nice having MP3 capability - one MP3 disc lasts 8 hours or so.
I HAVE noticed that the engine surges during accelerations, usually when I'm pulling into traffic, really get on it to get up to about 50MPH (which you have to do occasionally here (Naples, FL) to keep from getting run over), then let off the gas to maintain speed. Weird, but I figured it might be my problem, not the car's. however, I will take it back to my dealer to get the TSB applied (I think there is one for the 6 speed).
In general we're delighted with the car. BTW, I'm 6'6" and fit into the car just fine. There are some problems with visibility - -the front posts seem large and driving on really curvy roads (mountains) might require care. I rationalized the wide posts by thinking they might have required some room for the side airbags.
The car doesn't look it, but it is quite a bit larger inside than the 98 V6.
Even the dealers don't have them.
No rattles and I'm a rattle nut.
The car has a tendency to gyrate as if the shocks were old. Maybe they wanted to introduce a softer ride, but I might get some stiffer shocks.
As has been expressed in other posts, the car is not a 'driver's car' so to speak in terms of handling, acceleration, etc. But what it is (so far) is comfortable, reliable, and roomy transportation for under $20K (plus TTL).
Have you called the Service Manager, spoken to him directly, rather than take a legalistic tack, with demand letters, and such?
I had so much problem with moon loof, which I had to go to the Longo Toyota twice (still it has same problem, where loof goes up then comes down half way).
Toyota used to be reliable, but then it looks like they don't care about manufacturing quality cars anymore.
I miss my old Honda.
Given the mileage being so close to the cutoff limit, I would expect that it should be corrected under warranty.
It's not the best reason to swear off buying any make of vehicle, but that's your prerogative.
FWIW, there are lots of completely satisfied Toyota owners out there, and we're included in that majority. Our 07 is great, and we are completely satisfied that reliability is still as good as any other make--and maybe better.
As for the moonroof, I can tell you how I fixed mine in my 2004 Camry after I replaced the battery. It seems you have to follow the "initialization" procedure EXACTLY, as explained in the owner's manual. (I didn't, and my moonroof wouldn't work properly.)
One way to do fix this (without disconnecting the battery, which will mess up your radio presets and clock as well as temporarily affect your engine's idle speed) is to pull the "power no. 1" fuse in the lower left instrument panel.
Easier said than done, however. I had to use small pliers and ended up destroying the fuse. So have a replacement (30 amp) on hand before you start. Before you pull the fuse, make sure the keys are out of the ignition and the moonroof is fully closed and flush with the roof. Once the fuse is out, drive around for a day or two. Note: both your moonroof AND power windows will be inoperable, so if you have to pay tolls or otherwise open your window, this won't work.
Then re-install the fuse, turn on the ignition, and follow EXACTLY the procedure in the owner's manual. It worked for me -- no problems since I did this in early November. Good luck!
The one thing that detracts from this possible awesome car is the positioning of the gas-brake pedals in relation to me. Iam 6' and about 230lbs. The pedals seem abit off center to the left and as such my knee is hurting. I constantly move and reposition my leg etc. and its bothersome and noticeable. Iam getting ready for a 1000 mile round trip this Weds. to Sun. from PA to NY. Dont want the wife to know I have this issue as the car is great.
Also the brakes need a 'pumping' to get the great solid pedal feel, if I dont pump them once then the pedal is a little weak and lacking.
Any TSBs on the brakes? Any suggestions on the seat comfort?