Toyota Camry 2006 and earlier

ahossa

Brianb22: Those sounds you hear are normal.You should not hear them constantly only when the ABS is activated. One writer described the sound as "aurally intrusive but you know the the ABS is working."

ahossa

Tom 97: If you can afford it, get the lexus.It's better.Better quality materials, Bigger engine (210HP)vs 157 for Camry, sleeker shape and it has the dual susupension.Pressing a button takes you from a soft ride to a sporty ride with stiffer struts.

canadiancl

Not to mention a dashboard which looks 200% better than the one in the Camry.

numbercruncher

Thanks for the info about VSC!

I wonder if you would care to comment on the price offered by CarsDirect. I am considering the Camry LE V6 with packages 2 and 7. Edmunds and Carpoint agree that invoice is $21,931, including destination. CarsDirect offers it $23,756. Seems like quite a bit over invoice - but Edmunds says the True Market Value is $24,022!

sgrstan

I am ready to buy a 2002 Camry. I prefer safety and value over performance, and wanted to focus on the LE. However, I find that many desirable options - side air bags, ABS, skid control - are available only on the V6 model, or are just difficult to get without moving up to the significantly more expensive XLE. What are this group's thoughts on the tradeoffs? (P.S. We have a 99 Sienna which we love.)

sgrstan

Has anyone on this list heard speculation about whether Toyota will offer any incentives as 2002 wears on? The news today is full of stories about what the domestic makers must do to entice buyers after the 0.0 financing, but do you think it likely that Toyota will do anything? When we bought our Sienna in 1999, we ordered it in March with the options we wanted (none were available on the lot), and were pleasantly surprised when Toyota offered below market financing just when ours was delivered (without any limitation to dealer inventory). In other words, perhaps it is worth waiting a few months to see how bad the economy and car purchases get to try to get a better deal.

cliffy1

Right now, Camrys are selling quite well and the numbers you quoted don't seem too terribly high. Remember that in addition to the invoice numbers from Edmunds, the dealer also pays a regional advertising fee on the car so the total invoice can be as much as $500 higher. Right now, on some models you can find them for $500 over but others may be in short supply and $1500 over is more appropriate. The supply and demand conditions in your area will dictate this.

As for incentives, don't expect any soon on the Camry. The last time we had a model change over, it was 3 years before we had any incentives at all. Things could certainly change, but demand would have to slow down a huge amount for Toyota to need to put special incentives on the Camry.

sgrstan

Has anyone on this list heard speculation about whether Toyota will offer any incentives as 2002 wears on? The news today is full of stories about what the domestic makers must do to entice buyers after the 0.0 financing, but do you think it likely that Toyota will do anything? When we bought our Sienna in 1999, we ordered it in March with the options we wanted (none were available on the lot), and were pleasantly surprised when Toyota offered below market financing just when ours was delivered (without any limitation to dealer inventory). In other words, perhaps it is worth waiting a few months to see how bad the economy and car purchases get to try to get a better deal.

8u6hfd

The Camry can get the V6 also.

the Es300 has VVT-i for more power

coolguyky7

Isn't it VVTL-i that gives it that boost over the Camry? Does the Camry V6 just have VVT-i? I really don't feel like going through the site. haha :-)

lasher5

The honda accord is slated to be the best selling car in 2001. The Camry is just shy a couple thousand units. It seems Toyota is going all out to beat the Accord and retain their no. 1 standing. Year end sales close on January 7. I just had a Toyota dealer pleading with me 1/4/02 to buy the Camry and not a Passat on the phone. There must be some good dealer incentives this weekend to move alot of Camrys. I bet you could name your price right now.

terrie3

I am considering buying a 2002 XLE 4 cylinder Camry. For owners of these, what has been your experience on the gas mileage, city and highway?

I have considered buying an Accord, but like the 18.5 fuel capacity of the Camry rather than the 17.1 on the Accord. Thanks for any replies.

sagarwal

Just drove my 2002 XLE 4 cyl on an 800 mile trip. 80%highway, 20% city. Mixed mileage was 31.5 MPG using regular fuel.

beethoven07

Hi everyone. I'm a fellow Camry owner and have started a topic in "Maintenance and Repair" titled "The practices I will use to make my Camry go 1,000,000 miles".

I'd love to have some of your input if anyone is interested. Thanks

sgrstan

I saw a Camry LE on the lot today with the options I want, but it has Continental tires. My brother works at a Mercedes dealership, and tells me that the Continentals are very weak and constantly need replacement. The dealer is willing to swap for Bridgestones from another Camry at no cost, or sell me Michelins at his cost. Is there any reason not to do so?

Separately, I have gotten inconsistent information on the actual availability of the Package 7 (side air bags, Brake Assist and traction control) on LE's. One told me they are not being made, but another claims to have located one. Has anyone looked into this?

alpha01

The 2002 Camry V6, just as previous iterations, has no form of Toyota's variable valve timing... not VVT-i or VVTL-i. The ES300, Avalon, Sienna, and RX300 all use the VVT-i version of the engine. Actually, the only Toyota engine that I know of that uses the lift system is the 1.8L in the Celica GT-S, Matrix XRS, and Vibe GT.
~alpha01

pat

Beethoven07's new discussion is here for those of you who'd like to check it out.

Pat
Host
Sedans Message Board

coolguyky7

I have a feeling that the V6 in the Camry will be replaced in a few years with something possibly more powerful and more efficient which uses this newer technology.

kclone

I am interested in people's opinions on the pricing of a used 2000 Camry LE (with 31,000 miles) that I saw at a dealership. When I price the car via Edmund's, the prices for this car are as follows:
Trade-in: $11,937
Private Party retail: $13,291
Dealer retail: $14,691
Certified used car: $15,441

The dealer is willing to go through the Toyota used car certification and sell the car for $14,600. This is cheaper than the certified used car price, but I was wondering if I can get a lower price, given the current economic conditions. What is the general rule-of-thumb for how much you should offer on a used car, given the Edmund's prices (i.e. $1000 over the trade-in value?)? If anyone else has recently purchased a used 2000 Camry LE recently, how much did you pay? Thanks in advance.

sobers

before december Accord was leading by 27,000 units. So do not fall for incorrect dealer info. Accord has won the title for 2001 by the margin of 24,000 units.

sobers

Just for your info. I am in midwest & we do not have too many cars down here in used car market, EVEN THEN my friend got a 2000 Camry LE with 17,000 miles for $13500 + tax tile etc. So, You should be below $13,000 given the miles. & BELIEVE ME The dealer would accept Edmunds Private party price in a heartbit! 2000 Camry Les are doing around 12,500 at the auctions. So beware!! U can ask this questions on the "Real World Trade In values' board.

jrct9454

I concur completely that the Contis are as near to junk as you can get in the OEM market [only the Generals are worse]. If you can get Michelins at cost, do it. You will have a hard time telling this car from its Lexus brethren with Michelin MXV4s on it.

I wish Toyota would adopt the Honda practice of qualifying one, or at the most two, tires for each model in the line. The domestic Camrys seem to come with something from every tire manufacturer still breathing, and no, the car does not behave the same way on the road with each of these tires. This practice keeps Toyota's costs low, but that's about all that can be said for it...

fredvh

Has anyone, including cliffy1, seen the 2002 Camrys coming from Japan? The VIN number would have a "J" in it. I just wondered if any from Japan are coming over to the US.

cliffy1

I have seen a few, but not many.

joedbob

"Has anyone, including cliffy1, seen the 2002 Camrys coming from Japan?"

My 2002 Camry XLE V6, purchased in So.California on Nov 1, 2001, was made in Japan. VIN # starts with JT.....This is my fourth new Camry made in Japan and I have had excellent performance records and no problems with all four.

alpha01

.is an American manufactured vehicle (purchased), however, our 2000 Camry (lease) is Japanese... intermittent rattle (squeak) from the rear suspension is especially annoying... otherwise, flawlessly made. The 2002 seems really well put together in its first 1000 miles, although I wonder if the speedometer is a bit optimistic... perhaps its just that the engine is so noticeablely stronger that it just gets to higher speeds more quickly with less strain.
Happy Camry Owner,
alpha01

george00

The spec differences and prices between the models are listed, but are there performance differences? Is one quieter than the other? Are the turning circles different (perhaps due to different wheel sizes)? Anything else? Of course I will drive both (again) before deciding between them, but 30 minutes or so with a babbling salesperson may not reveal what long-term ownership will, so if anybody can make this comparison from their own experience, it will be very helpful to me. Thanks!

hambone32

I just rode in the my friend's 2002 Camry the other day. I really must say that it is a fantastic car, absolutely unbeatable for the price. It is roomy, quiet, smooth, and has some really nice standard options.

wain

why can not Toyota get the seats right? Consumer reports is really down on the seats. the 94-96 seats were great, then Toy started playing with them.

wonder whose grand ideea that was?

yanker

You are absolutely correct. The 97 seat is lacking in support and downright uncomfortable.
Try an Avalon for a real difference. The 96 has two knobs on the side to help set the correct position. the 97 has only one. the AVAlon has awwide seat and all kinds of power.

tiem

Is there anyone bought 02 Camry LE $200 above Edmund's Invoice price recently??? Is that a fair price for this car in the market?

Thanks

numbercruncher

The new Consumer Reports says:

"The XLE handled better and had better tire grip than the 4-cylinder LE we tested last month, primarily because of different, wider tires."

Unfortunately, the XLE wheels/tires are not listed as an option on the LE. Anyone know if they can be put on the LE anyway, and about how much it might cost?

8u6hfd

LE uses 205/65 r15 rim/tires (25.492" tall)
SE & XLE uses 215/60 r16 rim/tires. (25.921" tall)

Yes, you can use beause the SE/XLE rim/tires are 1.7% taller. The threshold is +/-3%.

A difference is the 16" tires has a thinner sidewall, so you may notice a slightly harsher ride. And those 16" cost more.

My best recommendation, if you want 16" tires, get a nice set of aftermarket ones (www.tirerack.com) and keep the LE 15" ones for winter tires. Buying OEM rims will be pretty expensive. You can get a nice set of 16" rims in the $200 range per rim.

A set of "H" rated Michelin Energy MXV4 will run you $118 each.

ralpi

tiem: just purchased LE 5 speed, with ABS and mats, for $18022 plus tax. I added keyless for
$200. I believe this is about $150 under invoice. You probably cannot get this type of deal
with an automatic. I am in NY.

raybear

Heck of a deal!

rutger3

I have a 99 4 cyl Camry LE with 83,000 miles. Any others out there in similair situation? Tough to figure when to trade or how long to keep. Will have 100k in 6 months. Perhaps it is better to keep until it 'dies',but I drive 50 miles each way to work and do not want any problems. Still have 18 months on loan. Payoff is about $8000. Any suggestions? One option is to keep it and 'sell it' to my son who will be driving in 8 months.

amazon

I'd keep it if I were you. It's probably a hell of a lot more car than you'd get paid for if you sold it. I have a high milage Accord that I'm tired of. It's working great and I wouldn't get anything for it if I traded it or sold it.

210delray

I'd vote to keep it too. I have a '97 Camry 4-cylinder with 80K miles and love it.

4apexs

Comments please - About to get a '02 Camry - will do 30-40K per year, 90% interstate @ 70-75mph - would greatly appreciate comments on "real world" mileage for both I4 and V6 with automatic. 80% + is with cruise on. Thanks!

sebring95

I've had a couple V6 Camrys and used to do similar driving. Routinely would get 28mpg, and on long trips would get upwards of 32-34mpg. On long trips, I'd get my best mileage running in the 80-85mph range. Seemed to have a sweet spot and I had a regular 600 mile trip I could run without tripping the "low fuel" light. Even though in the past I've seriously disliked 4cyl's, the new Camry 4cyl looks pretty good and I'd probably seriously consider it for that type of driving as the power seems to be much better. I would hope it would get better mpg. The V6 drops to around 24 when you mix up the city driving and my lead foot.

wilcox

We have been very satisfied with it. It is now seven model years old and due to the careful treatment we give it, it looks 2.5 years old on the outside. Although I don't think the bluish/green paint job is one of it's strong points. It seems a tad thin to me. Since we do not eat drink or smoke in it, and we use deep well floor mats, and clean the inside, the interior looks almost brand new.

Surprisingly, no rattles, and wind noise is acceptable. Once in a while the windows get a little foggy and we have to run the defroster. My guess is that there's some water...somewhere...just don't know where. Perhaps it is in our breath.

With over 70,000 miles on it, the only things I've done to it is change oil, filters, change transmission fluid twice(just drain and refill), install new battery (old one lasted 5 years). No brakes put on yet, but we have the "click" noise when brakes are applied the first time after backup braking. Toyota told me this was normal....

The original Michelins weren't too good, lasting barely 17K miles. A set of Yokohamas didn't do much better. The Pirelli P400's have been very good. They track nice and straight too...which was a problem for the other two brands. I love the looks of the V6 hubcaps on this model's 15 inch rims.

The door hinges on these cars have a solid (Audi) look to them. They are different than the 2002's. (Just a little observation on my part). Underneath the Camry looks like it was built to be rugged. Perhaps that's why many have had such great ownership experiences with the 92-96 models.

I really like the smooth shifting V6. And it uses 87 octane most of the time (except when I want to give it a treat: ^ ).
When it's time to go, it scoots! Like the previous poster stated, it does well in the mpg category at speeds of 75mph+.

I dread the thought of changing spark plugs and wires and may let Toyota do that when I go in for a timing belt in another 10,000 miles. I have a couple of manuals bought from retail outlets. Each one has some conflicting information in them. If I have time I might tackle the plugs, especially if Toyota wants $275.00 to change them!

I'd like to own a 2002 SE. I think they look just great! My fear is that because our 96 has been such a great car for the family, that my expectations may too high for our next one...thereby causing me to grumble and say how I should have gotten something else...like an Acura.

wil

sebring95

The factory plugs alone will cost you $55 from a normal dealer. I believe I paid upwards of $200 for them to be changed by the dealer, but it was in for a timing belt. They also changed the wires and they are approx $80. Aftermarket ones were actually more expensive than OEM, go figure.

I changed the plugs myself after that mainly because it was difficult to take time out to stop at a dealer, get a ride, etc. My closest dealer was 1/2 hour away and didn't have loaners, no saturday service. You can get plugs on-line from various Toyota dealers that "wholesale" their parts and there is significant savings.

The actual job itself wasn't that hard, but you need to have a very good selection of ratchet extensions, swivels, etc. Took me about an hour or two. The front plugs are a breeze, but the rear middle plug is where you'll spend most of your time. If you have small hands it might be easier. I couldn't get down in there at all but my wife could have easily. And no I didn't make her:)

BTW, 70K-80K was right around where I would start getting problems from the plugs. Everytime I knew what was wrong because it would start then immediately stall first thing in the morning. Might do that a couple times then run fine. New plugs fixed it everytime.

sam_beaver

Well, I just test-drove a 2002 XLE four-cylinder and I must say that those spongy brakes are a real problem! Someone earlier said they were only a problem on the LE's because of the drum brakes, but an XLE is supposed to have all disk brakes with ABS, and I was NOT happy with the brake feel.

I had to push the pedal all the way to the floor to get it to stop rolling at each light. Is this normal for other cars? I can't remember this sort of problem in any rental cars I've driven in the past few years, nor is it an issue in the Crown Victoria I now drive. Would the size of the engine matter for some reason (i.e. if I tried a V6 would there be some reason to believe the brakes would feel better)?

I don't want to waste any more time looking at Camrys if I'm not going to be able to stop the car comfortably.

Then again, I suppose I'd get used to it....

sam_beaver

Does anyone know which car agencies might be likely to rent me a 2002 Camry, and whether there is ANY chance of renting an XLE or if they'll all be LEs?

I want to do an extended (as in 2-3 days) test drive of this car before I make a final decision, and I can't imagine I'll find a dealer willing to let me try that. I had a hard enough time today getting a dealer to let me drive an XLE around the block (their demo models are only LE and SE), and they didn't even want me to take the plastic off the seat.

wilcox

Thanks for the information sebring95. You've got me thinking now...

If I fore-go plug replacement @$300, and timing belt replacement @$250, and belts and hoses @$200, and a new set of tires in another 10,000 miles @$350, and new brake pads @$150, then I have avoided around $1250 in expenses.

If I sell the Camry for say $13,000 and add the savings above in, then that makes $14,250. All I would need to do is come up with $10-11K+ more and we'd be driving a brand new SEV6 w/leather and sunroof under warranty!

Tempting...

wil

bcleepe

My 2000 LE-V6 has over 40K on it. I use it mostly for my commute (100 miles daily in the Bay Area) that includes city streets, busy highway and hilly roads. The car was rated 19-27 mpg. When it was brand new I got around 26 mpg on average. Lately, it has been around 30 mpg. I use regular gas of 87 octane all the time. Occasionally when I tried to accelerate hard, the engine hesitated for a second or two before it fully responded. Otherwise, I love it.

slbond1

Sam - Enterprise does carry some Camry's in stock, but most won't guarantee one will be there when you go pick up your "mid-size" rental. Suggest you try your local Toyota Dealer. One close to me will let me rent one by the day/weekend for a fee ($40 day/$80 a weekend). Unfortunately, they only rent 4 cyl. so if you want to try the six, you'll have to get a salesmen to let you test drive.

wain

Hertz in South Carolina rents Camrys

Wonder if there will be a recall on the brakes?
Why didn't they check that out before the new model came out

maxamillion1

as well as new Altimas. I think this company is called Thrifty, if I am not mistaken. I live in South Carolina BTW. I plan on renting one to go to the Raliegh Autoshow in Feb. I will likely rent the Altima though, since that's the car I really want, but when we go to the Autoshow in Atlanta, I will rent the Camry. I want to see how each rides and the quality of them both. I think the Camry will win in quality and ride alone. I can't wait to go.

fickle

I own a 2002 SE and the brakes are not spongy at all! In fact, when I first test drove it, I had a bit of a time getting adjusted to the quick grab compared to my former Maxima. (That may be due to the fact that the brakes on my old car weren't that great.) Maybe if you are seriously considering the Camry, you should test drive another car or trim line just to see if they all feel "spongy" to you. (just my .2 cents.)