Toyota Camry 2006 and earlier

mackabee

the led goes on the left side of the steering wheel, right below the pocket change holder. The system has a gbs and it can be programmed several ways including auto re-arm.

: )
Mackabee

canadiancl

but can the LED be placed anywhere else, so that it can be seen from both sides of the car? The space to the right of the HVAC controls might be good. Also, what's a gbs?

Thanks again.

tomccoy1

Mackabee,

Regarding your post about more four cylinder Camry's becoming available after 2 1/2 months - when would they mostly show up in the dealership? I am looking to purchase a XLE I4, and could only find one such car available in my area so far.

Thanks for your input.

cliffy1

It varies by region. In the Central Atlantic region we have had many I4 SE models but will not next month. For some reason, the "powers that be" have decided to order a bunch of I4 XLEs and not the SE. I think they are out of their minds and will probably alter the build order next month.

cliffy1

Check your e-mail.

karen62

Does anyone know when the Camry with adjustable gas and brake pedals is going to come out?

esqknight

Wondering if anyone had anything experiences with the usefulness or lack there of, of this particular feature. At this time it seems unique to the camry in this class of vehicles, as the new Altima does not have a stability control system.

cliffy1

VSC is very cool. I've written a good amount about this feature on the Avalon, Sequoia and a few other topics. Beyond traction control, it prevents understeer and oversteer in emergency situations. I've played with this and it is remarkable. During a demonstration, I executed an "emergency lane change" at excessive speed. Just at the point when I expected to loose complete control and plow over a bunch of pylons, the car beeped at me and I made a very fast and controlled swerve. It was an enlightening experience.

Front wheel drive cars are known for the tendency to understeer and this can cause a loss of control. With VSC, it would be nearly impossible for this to happen.

qibble

Has anyone tried buying the camry from carsdirect? Their prices aren't bad. I was wondering about delivery time. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

coolguyky7

Have you seen any of the Phantom Pearl Camrys? What are customers' responses to it? I think it looks good with the SE. I saw a Catalina Pearl LE/XLE a while back, looked good but more of an ECHO color. I like the Stratosphere Blue too.

truckdude1

Hi , we still haven't found another car yet. I was wondering would a 1997 camry or NEWER with more than 80,000 miles be excellent? we want a car for our son for LESS than 7 thousand and a Corolla is too small, we only like the 97-01 Camry so were thinking would the engine be reliable for at least three more years with out any major problems like transmission? thanks.....help
Truckdude1-

maxamillion1

I drove by a Phantom Gray LE Tuesday, right before I got to the Toyota dealership, it looks real nice, and is similar to the Grey Lustre color of the current Maxima.(my favorite color) I saw about 3 of SE models in that color at the dealership that day, they all looked nice, and much better than the LE model. Honda might be the number one seller this year, but it looks like Toyota will retain that award next year, because I see about 4 new ones everytime I go into town, they are really selling around here. I was behind a Lunar Mist LE with alloys and a spoiler this afternoon, and later I saw a SEV6 in Stratosphere blue, that thing was so TIGHT!!

canadiancl

Just curious as to why you think the SE that much better-looking than the LE. The SE does not actually have that many visual add-ons. Is it just the rear spoiler, and/or the different alloys?

mackabee

a gbs is a glass breakage sensor/ The phantom grey color is beautiful/ We got and XLE V6 in that color and it was sold the next day. The SE also has the fog lights. What really amazes me is how we get gipped in comparison to what the Japanese get. All their Camrys come with the fog lights, the rear seats have the three headrests, and the frosted white pearl that is now available here on the RAV4 is available on the Camry in Japan. They, however don't get the Catalina blue. They have a Limited edition camry which here is the Se, but theirs doesn't not have the rear spoiler and their chrome around the grille looks more luxurious then ours. Check out the pics at www.toyota.co.jp

: )

Mackabee

maxamillion1

The problem around here with the Le models is the ugly 15 inch alloy wheels they put on just about every 2002 Toyota Camry. They look to small, and have a wierd, muy feo design. The SE on the other hand has larger 16 inch alloy wheels that look sportier, and the headlights are blacked out, I have looked at a LE, SEV6 and XLEV6 side by side, and I think the SE looks the best because of it's rims, I don't know why. I will admit though, the automatic climate control on the XLE is much nicer than the manual control of the SE and LE, but the SE has a better looking interior to me, because of the sporty sliver looking trim. I don't personally hate on the new Camry, I actually like this model, but I don't know, the SE just does something for me...........

coolguyky7

How has the current situation the world is in affected sales of Camry and other models?

fredvh

Thanks for all your useful information in previous posts. I am considering a new car also but will probably delay my purchase until spring of 2002. Has there been any discontenting on the 2002 Camry? It seems in the past a lot of manufacturers seem to be making little things in their latest cars a little cheaper with each new model. I hope that is not true with the new cars from Toyota (Camry) or Lexus (ES300). What is your opinion on this question? Thanks in advance for your response.

elgriton

Has anyone have/had experience with Dunlop SP Sport A2 on their Camry? I'm mostly concerned with 1. quiteness 2. Handling 3. Treadwear; in that respective order. I have '00 Camry XLE V6 with a hole in one of the rear tire; so for peace of mind, I'd prefer to go with a set of 2 new tires rather than patch it. I've had a bad experience with a patch job blowing out on my previous car resulting in it being totaled. Would appreciate any input regarding this tire and any others that may assist me in my process.

coolguyky7

From what I've heard, and it has been consistent, the 2002 Camry is a much improved auto over the last generation. Economic factors forced Toyota to cheapen the last generation of Camrys but this one is much improved, seen to have the utmost quality of the 1992-1996 generation.

camryv6

I have a 1999 camry le v6. I just scraped my left front rims on the curb. Does any no how much one rim cost.

tiny6

I'm thinking of getting a 2002 Camry. What's the best price going for an extended warranty? I know Honda has a 7 year, 100K miles and 0 deductable that goes for as low as $850. Does Toyota have something similar. Besides responding here, if you wouldn't mind letting me know via emai I'd appreciate it; jamesavery2@earthlink.net. Thanks.

coolguyky7

personally I don't think Honda and Toyota vehicles need extended warranties, unless you keep cars for a VERY long time.

ravvie4me

Toyota and Honda cars really don't need a warranty, period. Maybe just as a backup policy, though.

-RAVvie4me

wanna2002

Just bought a 2002 Camry XLE and did buy the extended 100,000 mile warranty. The cost was $1090. I am sure better deals could be made, but I was satisfied with it. I previously had a Honda and experienced enough problems in the 80-99,000 mile range to merit having such a warranty (power window motor had to be replaced, stereo, etc.) Plus, with the Toyota warranty you do get roadside assistance, free towing for any length to the nearest Toyota dealer, reimbursement for travel expenses, etc. I believe Toyotas and Hondas are both excellent cars that don't need much beyond regular maintenance, but some things do simply need repair or replacement after extensive use, so I think the $1000 or so is worth it if you keep the car for 100,000 miles.

3pointstar

DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY.

I purchased an extended warranty for my '96 Camry a few years ago. It was a 6 year 100,000 mile warranty with no deductable. The only catch is you pay for the labor. I NEVER NEEDED TO USE IT and TMC got $1000 from me for free. I don't drive it as much anymore, but it already has 116,000 on it.

The only reason to possibly consider one is if you are going to run the car until it dies. Also, since this is the first model year for the new Camry, it may be a good backup. However, I have yet to be disappointed by a Toyota.

wanna2002

My 2002 warranty states I do not pay for labor, and in fact that was one of the selling points. I believe and hope the car won't need a lot of mechanical assistance, however, I bought the warranty with more of the electronic issues in mind... so many electronics could mean problems later (6-cd changer, power windows, power seats, etc.). Fixing any of those things could easily pay for the extended warranty - just my opinion. I could have "wasted" the $1000, but for me it is an insurance policy for peace of mind.

raybear

Patrick, just make sure the car you configured has the same specs as those on dealers' lots. Like many websites, including my own, you can create a car that really does not exist.

There is a carsdirect link off of Edmunds to facilitate shopping.

ravvie4me

I just came from watching Motorweek and they tested a 2002 Camry. They said the V6 will go 0-60mph in 8.1 seconds. They said they did they're measured tests on an SE-V6 but for the majority showed an XLE (if anybody saw this show, please tell me what color that XLE was), and showed a few shots of a red SE and interior. An XLE was used to demonstrate the navigation system.
They said that they liked it overall, and that current Camry owners should like it as well.

One complaint though, could somebody please tell Motorweek to learn how to draw a Toyota symbol! They really messed it up, especially noticeable at the end where it's the size of my TV screen!

-RAVvie4me

im_brentwood

A 97 Camry for under $7,000? I'd be very suspect of the car or, if its' clean...

Either one of the following (Assuming a 4cyl LE Automatic in clean condition.

1) It has 140K+ Miles and is a cheapish deal ona retail level.

2) Its' got 90K+ and is around wholesale

(High-Mile Camry wholesale prices remain quite strong as the export market loves them)

I sold the following 2 1997 Camrys lately at auction:

75K mile LE 4cyl. Light Gold/Beige Cloth. No paintwork, Automatic. 4cyl.
Did $8,200
56K mile LE 4cyl. White/Beige CLoth. Similar to above, also a nice car. Gold Pkg, CD and tint. Needed tires badly. Automatic.
Did $9,350 and I could have done a little better I think...

You'd be a LOT better off looking for a nice 94-95LE 4cyl I think...

Bill

eblue

I think Toyota makes only certain option packages and their combinations in large volumes. Which option packages are more commonly manufactured by Toyota? For example, I am interested in Option Packages #7 and #2. Will this combo has to be specially ordered. Thanks.

maxamillion1

I remember watching that particular show, and wondering why I didn't tape it!! But I think the Camry XLE you are referring to was the Desert Sand Color.

wanna2002

Still very happy with my 2002 XLE V6 (bought 4 days ago), but I am curious about a sound I hear. This "clunk" sound occurs after putting the car in Drive and then depressing the gas pedal. It does not occur until I hit the gas pedal, and it only happens after putting it in Drive. I previously owned a 5 speed manual, and am not sure if this is a fairly normal sound that occurs upon intial engaging or what? Should I take it to the dealer for inspection or get used to this "normal" sound? Thanks!

clhawkins01

Does anyone's 2002 Camry with Nav system feel like the JBL stereo has too much bass at normal levels? I typically lower the bass all the way down to keep the car from booming. I didn't purchase the subwoofer option (unless it comes with the Nav system?). I asked the dealer's service department about this, they in turn contacted Toyota's technical hotline ... apparently, it's supposed to sound this way.

wenyue

Folks: I'm definitly going out for car shopping this Friday. Just got a few questions, trying to get a feel for what's the market like on Camry LE's.

(1) is it possible to get a 2002 Camry LE with 5-spd manual, or are those not in production yet?

(2) I just want the base Camry LE + ABS + keyless entry. Has any one seen those, or do they all have option packages on them?

(3) Can everyone who recently bought a 2002 Camry please let me know how much over invoice they paid for it. Since the car has been out for more than 2 months, now, I think the market should have stablized. So is $500 (3%) over invoice unreasonable?

(4) Can everyone tell me if they encountered advertising fees or other fees? My experience tells me that sometimes you encounter them, and sometimes you don't (I didn't have to deal with advertising fees on the last Toyota I bought).

Please, any opinions or advice would be most welcome. Thanks in advance.

canc

Time to start shopping around eh? Glad to know you're considering the Camry. The redesign looks great, and the interior looks comfortable. Will you be taking a look at the Sentra?

mymaxima

There is always some ABS testing sound when the car is started and reached the speed of about 4 mph. Just my 2 cents.

cliffy1

Long time no see. I don't know about your region, but we have already sold a few 5 speed LE models. Things may be different in Michigan.

The advertising fees vary by region. Its pretty steep here at 2.1% of invoice, but other regions may be less. I think the mid west is something like 1% but capped at $250.

Pricing will depend on demand where you are. $500 over is a very low price in this area.

wenyue

Yes, long time no see. Edmund's townhall is rather addictive. I back in the graduate school again, part-time, working full time. So not much time left for other things. So I had to quit the townhall.

But yup, finally decided to get a new car. The 2002 Camry seem to have more luxury, more room, more comfort, with added pep, sounds good to me.

Sorry Canc, can't consider the Sentra. Planning on adding a baby next year, so that sort of exclude that option. Since my parents live nowhere near me, I don't think we will be needing something quite as large as a minivan. Camry sounds good.

Cliffy1, good to know that they are making those 5-spd LE's. Now I will see if I can find one around Ann Arbor. Are they pretty common? How about those option packages? I don't really want any fancy stuff like power seats (don't need them, and would be a pain if they break down the road). So I'm trying to stick to just ABS (can't do without them here in the cold cold Michigan) and keyless entry (would come in handy if you are holding a baby). So whacha say? Is that configuration possible, or am I stuck with option packages?

$250 for advertising fee. Thanks for the info. That's a lot of money for advertising though. A bit much in my opinion, but not toooo bad.

Carsdirect is pricing the car at $800 over invoice. So I figured I could do a little better at $500 over invoice. Especially now that the economy is kind of slow.

Thanks for all the info.

cliffy1

I've got to admit I don't know the option packages like I used to. I am no longer on the sales end of the business, but have moved into the finance office so I don't have day to day info on packages. I do know we've sold a few and have at least one here now, but I think ABS is being packaged with the power seat deal. Again, these decisions are regional so things will be different there.

wanna2002

Yes, I have my bass set at zero and can still see the rear window booming when I am "blasting" the stereo -- I don't have nav, but I believe I have the same stereo: 6-cds with 8 speakers... it's a bit much, but sometimes it's just right! Perhaps there is a "perfect" setting between the bass, treble, mid and fader to lessen the booming? I keep fiddling with it to try to figure it out... But don't get me wrong... I am not complaining - love the car!

fickle

I posted here a while ago about a thunk sound I hear when I turn my car off. (2002 SE) I also had that slight "shudder" that was mentioned. I told my salesperson about it (and the mentioned link to the article about the shudder) and my salesperson said that the service department did not know anything about a technical bulletin about it. I figured out my "thunk" sound was my speaker, if I left the radio/CD on when I turned off the car.

My salesperson said that there is no fix for the "thunk" except to turn off the car slowly (which doesn't work) or to turn off the radio before turning off the car, which I do. As for the shudder, he said that my car was made in Japan (I live in Hawaii) and that there was no technical bulletin about a shudder on Japan made cars. Another interesting point is that on my sales form, my color is listed as a dark mica green, not the alpine listed on the Edmunds page.

I guess I'll have to live with these "imperfections".

(Got my first flying rock scratch on the car today.:( Very traumatic....)

cliffy1

Try moving the treble to +5 and the mid range to +1. You should be able to move the bass up to +2 without too much booming. The high treble seems to mitigate the bass overload.

daveq

Have the Camry XLE for over a week now and I absolutely love it! I know some people are concerned about horsepower but I have absolutely no problem with my 4 cyl, even on highway. Only regret is that I wanted leather but 4 cyl XLE doesnt come with leather as yet. Anyone ever had leather put on their car? Are they as good as the factory installed?

bweave

My 2002 SE V6 also makes the same clunking sound when I put it in drive and press the accelerator. I plan on having the dealer look at it when the car goes in for it's first oil change. 1700 miles, no other problems.

jimxo

Will be picking up 2002 Camry in late Nov. Can/should wax my car right away? If safe to do so, what wax is good?

afty

The bass booming is also there in our 2001 Tundra pickup. Perhaps it's just the way Toyota tunes its stereos?

canadiancl

There's been some posts about lack of punch in the
V6. I would appreciate some comments from any and all new owners of '02 Camry. Is the V6 lacking something off-the-line? Low-speed passing situations? High-speed passing?

Thank you to all.

clhawkins01

I traded in a 99 Maxima for my 02 Camry SE V6 and have no regrets about the lower horsepower rating. I really liked the smoothness of the Maxima engine. The Camry performs just fine in all acceleration duties. I'm not an engine expert, but I don't expect the Camry to jet like a Mustang Saleen. It has plenty of go when I need it.

parump

Our 2002 SE V6 shifts somewhat abruptly at times (occasionally) - "thunk" seems to be an appropriate description. One of the shop foreman test drove the car and confirmed that the shifting was "normal." Furthermore, he determined that the "latest" software had been installed in the electronic control module (total time for evaluating the problem was approximately one hour). He provided a thorough and excellent evaluation, in my opinion, and did not just dismiss my observations.

This is our first Camry. I was somewhat surprised about these occasional, abrupt shifts, that are inconsistent with the overall quality and performance of the car. I do not consider this to be a major problem. Instead, it is an opportunity for improvement in the 2003.

The booming bass is easily remedied by reducing the bass and midrange settings using the equalizer. Again, another opportunity for improvement in the 2003.

The Camry is a very fine automobile. These complaints are somewhat trivial. If the overall build quality and very good driving characteristics were not a part of the Camry, then our expectations would not be as high.

jrct9454

First, to answer the easiest question: wax the car whenever you want. It is always part of my new car ritual to wax it and detail it thoroughly within the first week. All myths to the contrary, the paint doesn't need "aging" or "curing"...it's as set as it is going to get by the time it gets to the dealer.

Second, I have to tell you that the stories of V6 automatics misbehaving DO NOT SOUND NORMAL to me. Toyota's automatics are second only to GM's for being butter-smooth. Something is amiss, but I am also not surprised that the dealers don't have a clue yet...that's the potential problem with being an "early adapter" when a new car comes out. I predict 3 months from now there will be a TSB and an acknowledgement that there is a problem, but first it has to filter back to Toyota and they have to investigate. Sigh....