Toyota Camry 2006 and earlier

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Comments

  • mdiver65mdiver65 Member Posts: 31
    Thanks in big part to this board I am a proud owner of a 02 Camry SEV6. I love it overall but have one big gripe. Does anybody find the radio position to just be a little too far away from your reach? It seems like I have to strain my shoulder just to touch the dials! OK, I'm a big guy 6'1", 220, and I have the seat position all the way back but I still find it more far away from than normal. I do admit I like to change the channels quite frequently (ala the remote at home!).

    Maybe I just have to get use to a bigger car. I'm coming out of a 92 Accord EX while the dials sat on top of you seemingly.

    Just wanted to vent that! Overall, a great car.
  • esqknightesqknight Member Posts: 78
    Still deciding whether the price difference between the V6 LE & SE is justified. There seems to be a price difference of about $1,300 between similarly equipped models (nix cosmetic differences - fog lights, alloy wheel covers, spoiler, black chrome, metallic trim inside, etc.). The only major difference worth spending money on seems to be the "sports-tuned suspension." Does this improve driveability in a significant enough way to justify the premium?
  • jimxojimxo Member Posts: 423
    Besides the suspension I prefer the interior sport look and better feel on the cloth seats. SE seems to be worth the extra money long term.
  • tomccoy1tomccoy1 Member Posts: 12
    I am looking for XLE V4 without options. However, all the XLE's seem to be loaded up with $3 to $4 thousand in options (with a large profit mark up as well).

    Does anyone else find XLE's available without the major option packages?
  • h3ybfpfh3ybfpf Member Posts: 16
    I live in Chicagoland Area and so far was not able to find an XLE model with V4. I actually would like to buy an XLE V4 with Package #8 (includes Leather, JBL stereo, 16" alum. wheels and Moon Roof.) plus heated seats. If anyone knows where I could find this car, I would travel up to 300 miles to get it (if the price is reasonable). I was told that all XLE Camry's are being shipped with V6 for now. Is it true? Any information would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
  • thewolverinethewolverine Member Posts: 111
    gd113 - thanks for the info! I grew up in Fairfield so I have an idea where you went - thanks for the info - sounds like you have a great car - enjoy!
  • sbell4sbell4 Member Posts: 446
    You do want the air to be on FRESH not recirculate with the air compressor on to clear up any humidity.
  • canadianclcanadiancl Member Posts: 1,078
    Maybe that's the origin of the old saying "Thank your luckystar" :)
  • sky33sky33 Member Posts: 26
    Could anyone who has driven both the 2002 SE and LE models share their experiences on the handling between the two? Does the SE handle far better then the LE? I'm also curious about the extra horsepower of the 4cyl. Is it really powerful enough to make one consider the 4 cyl instead of the V6?
  • mknmkn Member Posts: 35
    Have a 98 Camry LE, for which I am trying to order tires. There is some snow and ice in the winter here but this place is not flat country. What tires would be optimal if I am NOT looking at winter tires? Any recommendations? Source for tires - Tirerack?? Thanks, guys...
  • vmaturovmaturo Member Posts: 71
    I thought the V6 had audio controls on the steering wheel?
  • canadianclcanadiancl Member Posts: 1,078
    I think on the XLE's 4-spoker there are audio controls. Not sure if the SE's 3-spoker has them. Where would they position the controls?
  • bolivarbolivar Member Posts: 2,316
    I've never owned a Toyota. Can't remember if I've ridden in one, other than test drives.

    So I'm talking about generic car air conditioning.

    You are recirculating the air inside the car, not bringing in outside air. And you do agree that when you are cooling air you are condensing moisture out of it? And this condensed moisture is dumped outside of the car down the drain?

    Therefore, the humidity will be much lower inside the car with A/C and recirculate rather than bringing in outside air (FRESH, whatever is on the dash).

    As I said, I don't know how the Camry climate controls work exactly. But the above is how physics works. And running on recirculate will get the moisture reduced in a car more than on outside air, with the A/C also running.
  • baveuxbaveux Member Posts: 175
    And this is how I use my climate control.When it is very hot I keep my AC at recirculate for about 15 mn to cool down the car faster.
  • mknmkn Member Posts: 35
    Sorry about having to repeat the question yet again but I would really appreciate it if someone could tell me as to which tires might be the most optimal for my 98 Camry LE. There is considerable snow and ice in the winter here but this place is not flat country, which is the worst problem. What tires would be optimal if I am NOT exclusively looking at winter tires? Any recommendations? There is just too much info on Tirerack. com that it is difficult to home in on the right one. Thanks again.
  • crapgamecrapgame Member Posts: 43
    I drive a '98 V-6 LE Camry, and I am on my 3rd set of tires (just turned 112K on the odo). Living near the Catskill Mountains in New York, I have no complaints about the Pirelli P-600's on my ride. For the money ($375 installed, balanced,etc.), they have served my well. They are a hell of a lot better (both wet & dry) than the Goodyears that originally came on it. I don't believe you would need an H-rated tire, so yours would probably be something like the P-400. Hope this helps.
  • sbell4sbell4 Member Posts: 446
    1) This is the Camry thread so I am describing how it works on a Camry. 2) The car automatically will switch from recirulate to fresh on the newer models and will automatically switch the compressor on so you really do not have to remember how it works. 3) I will be happy to refer all physics questions to you (bolivar) and I would be happy to answer any Camry questions that may come your way.
  • mknmkn Member Posts: 35
    Thanks...

    Where did you get the tires from? Tirerack? How do they handle in snow and ice? Is the H rated tire a dedicated winter tire or a higher speed-tolerant unit? Thanks again.
  • armtdmarmtdm Member Posts: 2,057
    I like my current set of Goodyear Eagles HP, on my 92 V6 SE. Handle really well as well as wear well, S or T rated I believe. My luck with Bridgestones have been terrible. Yokohamas also a good tire.
  • mknmkn Member Posts: 35
    Thanks...

    Where did you get the tires from? Tirerack? How do they handle in snow and ice? Is the H rated tire a dedicated winter tire or a higher speed-tolerant unit? Thanks again.
  • jasdmwjasdmw Member Posts: 118
    Keep in mind we get our Camrys from Japan. This reduces the option packaging we can get here. It seems in the US you can order lots of different combinations, much like the big 3. However, even in my '01 Sienna, I was stuck getting the XLE pkg 2 (Limited for '02) which has everything available as options in the 'States.

    However, I recall reading a post from someone in the US who said he saw an SE on the lot which was assembled in Japan. Perhaps that was a short term thing to fill the pipeline for the new model launch. Who knows?

    Also, I notice we can't get the navigation system in the XLE, even if we wanted too! I guess they don't produce that in Japan.
  • crapgamecrapgame Member Posts: 43
    I actually got them from a local dealer, whose price was couple of bucks higher than tirerack. However, he throws in free balance and rotations as long as you have the tires. With me putting on 7500 miles every 2 months, that is 6 balance & rotates per year. So it works out about the same.

    I think the P-600's H rating is speed, not dedicated winter. They behave well in the snow, and channel water away pretty effectively. I can't complain in terms of their performance/$$$ spent. Without the V6, you won't need the speed rating.

    Armtdm: I think the Goodyears that came on mine were Eagle GA? They were awful. They squealed regardless of pressure, and I hit the treadwear bars at 30,000. I was pissed about that. I think I got 67K out of the 1st set of Pirellis, all highway miles with proper rotation and pressure.

    Good luck
  • black_tulipblack_tulip Member Posts: 435
    Anybody tried Goodyear aquatred 3 on a Camry 4 cyl? I saw some good reviews on it at tirerack.
  • mknmkn Member Posts: 35
    What were the sizes that you used? And wheel size? Could not find P600 on tirerack. They had a P600 MS. Is it the same one? Thanks again...
  • jimxojimxo Member Posts: 423
    I have seen only one white Camry so far. It seems white is not being produced during this first wave of units to hit the dealers.
  • dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    4 Cyl. vs. V-6. Drive them yourself to see if the 4 is powerfull enough for you. As long as you don't spend too much time above 130 mph or so, the 4 should be fast enough. ;^)
  • jimxojimxo Member Posts: 423
    When did you place your order for the LE? I ordered a White SE w/black cloth on September 3rd and was told 90-120 days. Seems like a long time for a car that is made 500 miles away.
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    They are two totally different cars. The LE has a supple ride, has plenty of body lean on turns and cornerning. The Se is more controlled, stiffer ride. Based on my preference I would take the Se, but I'm used to sport/sporty car ride. (Mr2,Corvette,BMW,etc. Another note on fog lights. I was on the www.toyota.co.jp (Japanese website) and ALL Camrys come with the fog lights. The SE doesn't have a spoiler, which I like better, and the Le's have different nicer looking alloy wheels than the 98 Altima look alike alloys they are putting on them here in the States.

    : )
    Mackabee
  • elgritonelgriton Member Posts: 67
    I'm certain the reason why they don't offer the NAV system for Canadians is b/c the lack of NAV coverage software. Even on the Lexus Nav, it is currently lacking coverage for Canada; however, I heard it's coming for '02? So, perhaps they will offer it later on in the model years once the software is out. Otherwise, it'd be useless to provide the NAV system and you don't have the DVD software for coverage in Canada to use a $3K option.
  • bolivarbolivar Member Posts: 2,316
    The initial person's question asked which worked better to defog a windshield, RECIRCULATE or FRESH.

    Your answer, in general, was FRESH.

    I, knowing nothing about Camry climate control, but thinking the defog could run in either mode because of how the question was asked, disagreed with you and described why.

    Now you tell me the system in defog will only run in FRESH and turns the A/C on automatically. (Which is how most/all of the American built cars I am familiar with work.)

    Why didn't you say this in the first place? I responded to what appeared to be your misunderstanding about what would be the most efficient method to defog a windshield if both options were available.
  • canadianclcanadiancl Member Posts: 1,078
    I was thinking that they didn't offer it in Canada because they figured we don't have enough roads here to have to spend the money on a nav! :)
  • rdrkrdrk Member Posts: 4
    If anyone is familiar with these three cars would you compare them for me? Camry Le Altima S and base Maxima.
  • sebring95sebring95 Member Posts: 3,241
    So what you are saying is that the carmakers are not allowing us to use the most efficient method (defrost on recirculate, in you opinion) for clearing fogged windows? I completely disagree; the reason they now build them this way is because fresh air is better to clear the window on a rainy/cool/snowy day which is when the windows normally fog up. In years past, people would bring their cars into the dealer complaining that the windows would not defog only to find they were running the system in constant recirculate. Many mid-90's chrysler products were initially released with the option to recirculate in defrost mode. Chrysler even issued TSB's stating that the system needs to be run in fresh mode. I had a 95 Chryco Sebring that was this way and running recirculate in defog mode on a rainy day basically did nothing to defog the windows. Soon after I bought it, my wife took a trip with her friends and she called me because she couldn't see out the windows they were fogged over so bad. I told here to switch off the recirculate and all was well.

    Physics or no physics, your problem leaves out the fact that the human body along with exhaling puts a ton of moisture into the air. Ever notice that when you have a car load of gabbing people the car will fog up easier?

    Many newer vehicles I've driven only have the recirculate available for max-AC. The system automatically selects fresh-air and runs the ac when any other setting is used. When it's hot and not raining, the recirculate is definetely better than bringing in hot-humid air. But I've never had my windows fog up on a 90 degree clear, sunny day either.

    If someones having a problem with fogging windows, I've found many that are running on recirculate and when they switch to fresh everything is fine. But whatever works for you, I don't have any problems with fogging windows.
  • crapgamecrapgame Member Posts: 43
    After looking at the sides of my tires this morning, they are P600 (no mention of M+S) on the sidewall in size 205/65 R-15. Per my invoice, they cost me 350$ including tax, install, balance, stems, lifetime rotation & balance and 1 yr puncture warranty included. I am not sure if they are the same tire as the M+S. I can tell you they have gotten me through the past two winters with no complaints, they have to be pushed fairly hard to squeal, and they have pretty good wear characteristics (much better than my Eagles that came on it originally). I actually am getting a rotation & balance tomorrow am.
  • dbh990dbh990 Member Posts: 2
    I own a 2000 XLE V6 loaded and have 15,000 miles on the car. About a month ago I noticed "blue smoke" at startup after the car was sitting for at least 2 days or more. I know that bad valve stem seals can cause this but before I go into the dealer and raise cane I thought I would see if anyone else has experienced this.
  • crapgamecrapgame Member Posts: 43
    I have 112K miles on my 98 V6, and I have never had any blue smoke at startup. The engine has been a dream, 150 miles per day @ 70-75mph avg, delivering 26-28 mpg like clockwork. I'd have it checked out while you're under warranty.
  • mknmkn Member Posts: 35
    Interesting. The dimensions of the tires that I looked at are different:195/70 R-14. I still could not find the specs that you gave me on tirerack. I will ask around. I presume I have to change the wheels too in order to use these tires. Thanks again for the response..
  • crapgamecrapgame Member Posts: 43
    I wouldn't go throught the expense of changing wheels to use a specific tire. I would e-mail or call tirerack and see what they recommend as a comparable for your size. They seem to have quite a solid recommendation among the boards, so I wouldn't hesitate to take their advice. From my recollection, the place I bought mine from had initially recommended the P400 for my Camry until they noticed it was the V6, when they said I would need a speed rated version, hence the P600. I think that would be the easiest.
  • tomccoy1tomccoy1 Member Posts: 12
    Can anyone comment on the new V4 engine in the 2002 Camry and the overall ride?

    I am hoping that the small increase in power might make the acceration somewhat better than the older V4. I have a 2000 Camry LE, with I believe 133 horsepower. I would like some extra power, but I do not want to pay $2,000 to $3,000 exra for the V6 and the required allow wheels.

    Any comments on the new engine would be appreciated?
  • tcdenvertcdenver Member Posts: 18
    I posted some comments on those three cars in Redesigned 2002 Altima. Go to message 1565 for comparisons.
  • dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    dbh990
    Blue smoke is a very bad sign. Could be bad valve seals or rings, at any rate the car is burning oil. Can you tell if there is any sludge under the valve cover (look under the oil fill cap)? How much oil does it use? How often did you change your oil? Some people have had problems even if they stuck to the 7,500 interval Toyota reccomends. Go look at the maintenance and repair board. There are several topics on this. Sludge may be rearing its ugly head. I have a Honda 2.2L engine (that my mechanic thinks the previous owner never changed the oil on in 42,000 miles) that was severely sludged, but there was no damage yet. I changed oil every 1,000 miles for a while, and now it is fine, but it never did burn much oil or have blue smoke. I fear once you are at the blue smoke stage you will need expensive repairs.

    side note: The Honda engine is more primative than the Camry engine and has mechanical valve lifters that need to be adjusted manually every 30,000 miles or so - a real pain. The Toyota has automatic hydraulic lifters that don't need adjusting. My mechanic says that if my car had self adjusting valves it would have been toast because of the added complexity.

    tomccoy1
    The new engine has significantly more power. Give it a try. If you really want to scoot get it with the 5-speed, and you will save yet another $1,000. :^) The 5-speed 4 cyl is comparable to the automatic 6 cyl for acceleration, and much much cheaper.

    As far as the 6 cyl being smoother and quieter - if you can't even tell the 4 cyl is running at idle why do you need the extra isolation of the 6 cyl.

    I guess it comes down to how many mattresses you need over the pea. ;^)
  • canadianclcanadiancl Member Posts: 1,078
  • frank125frank125 Member Posts: 3
    Hi,

    I received an offer from a dealership on a 2002 Camry LE V6: $21,063 + tax and Tags, which is about $768 above invoice listed by Edmunds.

    However, the salesman said that I would have to pay for $404 non-negotiable advertising fee, which brings the deal to only $364 above invoice.

    My question is: Is there a true $404 advertising fee charge to the dealer? Does the Edmunds invoice price already include it? How could I negotiate around it?

    Thanks,

    -Frank
  • tomccoy1tomccoy1 Member Posts: 12
    frank125,

    I found the same thing with the advertising fee on CarsDirect - about $404 to $408 additional 'advertising' charge. I believe that Edmunds did not include this for the 2002 XLE V4 in their invoice prices, however, Edmunds appears to have the correct invoice pricing for a 2002 SE V6.

    I believe this is a real expense to the dealer in the price of the car, and I can see why they would require the customer to pay for it (or it would come out of their own modest markups).

    How do you get around it? I cannot think of a way, beyond simply negotiating the best price possible.

    Additionally, see the Edmunds SmartShoppers web board, "2002 Camry price, what did you pay?" discussion on prices.

    I would be interested in other people's comments on advertising fees.
  • coolguyky7coolguyky7 Member Posts: 932
    I remember a few weeks ago I was traveling south through Cincinnati, and this Daewoo that was 2 years old at the max, started smoking like crazy! It was coming out of the hood and I couldn't see what kind of car it was from the thick smoke, but when I passed it, I saw it was a Daewoo from the front.
  • ravvie4meravvie4me Member Posts: 110
    Camrys don't come with V4's. It's an inline 4 (4 cylinders "in a line") cylinder engine. In fact, NO current production cars come with V4s, the last were old SAABs from the early seventies. Some motorcycles have V4s, too. But not Camrys or any other current model car.

    -RAVvie4me
  • ravvie4meravvie4me Member Posts: 110
    You can't mistake a Daewoo for anything else. Has the 3rd ugliest front end of any modern production vehicle behind Aztek and Avalanche.

    What were you driving? The Solara?

    -RAVvie4me
  • elgritonelgriton Member Posts: 67
    I have a similar generation Accord as you but a '93. Do you adjust the valves yourself? I'm thinkin of adjusting my valves this w'kend. Can you give me some pointers on how to go about doing such adjustments?

    Thanks =)
  • tomccoy1tomccoy1 Member Posts: 12
    rawie4me,

    Thx - I was just looking for an easy way to designate the 4 cylinder model Camry - to avoid being confused with the V6.

    How is your car shopping going by the way? Do you buy anything?
  • c0kec0ke Member Posts: 44
    I think the usual designation is I4 as in "In line" four.
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