Toyota Camry 2006 and earlier

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Comments

  • wainwain Member Posts: 479
    some salesmen say no its listed on the sticker, we can not change tires.

    last camry I bought the sales lady said sit here and have a cup of coffee we will switch the tires (and rims) in 20 min and they did.
    we drove 3 camrys with different tires and chose those we wanted (quiet ones)
  • sam_beaversam_beaver Member Posts: 61
    I finally had a chance to test-drive a 4-cylinder and a 6-cylinder one right after the other. Maybe it's just the way I drive, but I could hardly detect a difference between them. Both of them let me merge easily onto a highway, get quickly to 65-70, and stay there up and down hills without any real effort.

    Is a 6-cylinder only for people who like to push a car to its limits? If I don't drive over 70 is there any reason for me to get one, as opposed to the 4-cylinder in this particular model year which seems very smooth?
  • raybearraybear Member Posts: 1,795
    If you don't need the 6, don't pay the extra. Sounds like you drive in a sane manner.
  • mjday1972mjday1972 Member Posts: 77
    I have a 2002 4-Cyl SE and I don't miss the extra power at all. Another advantage the 4 has over the 6 is the type of gasoline required. The 4 requires regular unleaded and the 6 calls for premium.
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    Our 2002 4cly LE is very sprightly, in my opinion, ESPECIALLY compared to our previous generation 2000 Camry, which really needs to rev to build serious speed. Note that the gas milage on the 4cyl at 23/32 is very good for this type of car as well. We have been averaging around 25MPG, with a decent amount of "city" type driving...slightly better than the aforementioned 2000 Camry, which most recently returned 24.x MPG in a similar mix of driving. Also note that the 4clyinder uses a lower maintenance timing CHAIN, but V6 models come standard with ABS.
    ~alpha
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    The V6 does NOT require premium. The manual calls for regular but also tells you it gets better performance with premium.
  • the5carthe5car Member Posts: 26
    For what it's worth, I just fired off an e-mail
    to the dealership that sold me my 2002 Camry SE
    with the Turanza tires. You would think that
    a dealership that is located in Western Maryland
    would have the decency to inform it's customers
    that the tires aren't recommended for winter use,
    especially seeing that we get around 40" or more
    of snow a year, on average...and, we bought the
    thing in November, with winter just around the
    corner....

    If I hear from them, I'll share it here...
  • sam_beaversam_beaver Member Posts: 61
    <<If you don't need the 6, don't pay the extra. Sounds like you drive in a sane manner.>>

    Oh, I was happy with the 4-cyl on the test drive. My question was whether there was any need for a 6-cyl that I wasn't yet aware of.

    Sounds like there isn't.

    Thanks!
  • sebring95sebring95 Member Posts: 3,241
    It depends on your driving style. V6 has better power in the lower RPMS, while the 4 has to wind-up a bit more to get the job done. Plus on hills, typically a V6 will pull much nicer without much fuss. Most folks probably don't notice the difference, as long as you can merge into traffic like was mentioned. 4cyl are getting much better, but I still like a V6 better with my driving style/preferences. If you don't really notice a difference, then the 4cyl is fine for you and is surely worth the $$ savings to you.
  • canadianclcanadiancl Member Posts: 1,078
    That was what I read in Car & Driver when they had a road test of the SE a couple of months ago.
  • texvamtexvam Member Posts: 5
    Bweave,

    I'm in Houston as well and have had three problems with my 6 cyl LE (5300 on the odo). First, the lurch. Only happens when engine is cold and then it goes away; dealer said lurch was due to engine not being at operating temp. Sounds fishy to me...a Ford Escort I used to have didn't lurch until it heated up. Second, erratic shifting. I noticed if I coasted at or maintained 50mph or 40mph, the engine would rev for a split second and then downshift. It took the dealer about a month to get the updated program from the factory, but they "recalibrated the ECM" and that has taken care of the erratic shifting. Third, the rub. Both front doors; sounds like it is coming from the lower corner of the window below the seat belt housing. Dealer indicated "leather rubbing, removed door trim and felt to stop noise". Still, more often than not, after I go over a bump of any consequence I hear the rubbing sound. Otherwise, this car is so smooth and easy to drive.
  • canoe2canoe2 Member Posts: 128
    I am planning to get 2002 Camry this March. I have hard time to decide which engine (I4 or V6) that I am going to get. There are pros and cons for both engines

    I4 pros: 150 lb lighter, good gas mileage, new engine (hi-tech)
    I4 cons: Can not get rear wheel disc with LE version, optional ABS for LE

    V6 Pros: 18% more torque and horse power
    V6 Cons: Older engine, not VVT-I, gas mileage, 10% higher in price

    Does anyone have more information about I4 vs. V6 Camry (test drive)?
  • stragerstrager Member Posts: 308
    Check out the Jan and Feb issues of Consumer Reports
  • sam_beaversam_beaver Member Posts: 61
    As I mentioned a few posts ago I test-drove both of them. I think you should do the same!

    My personal experience was that I didn't notice any meaningful difference in the drive.
  • canadianclcanadiancl Member Posts: 1,078
    If you use your car for vacations (ie. highway driving), then go for the V6.
  • sam_beaversam_beaver Member Posts: 61
    People keep writing that we should get the V6 but that doesn't really tell me what I need to know.

    WHY should we go for the V6? What SPECIFICALLY can I do with the V6 that I can't do with the 4-cylinder? It may be that whatever it is I can do is something I don't need or want to do!
  • truckdude1truckdude1 Member Posts: 88
    Went to the dealers, there were a few camrys around 11,000 dollars with about 80,000 miles on them and the year was 98' are these still reliable for another 100,000 miles?
    Still looking for cars for our two kids.
    Thanks
  • scoochiroscoochiro Member Posts: 12
    Replaced the tail light bulb in my '96 Camry, but the indicator light on the dash panel won't go out.

    There are no other burned out bulbs, so I'm wondering how to reset the indicator light.

    Neither the owners manual nor my Hayes manual contains this info.

    Thanks!

    Ken
    Yakima, WA
  • jmgarjmgar Member Posts: 7
    All the dealers here in Birmingham have a side sticker with ToyoGard for $620. Is this just a last attempt to get more out of a sucker ? How should you treat this in negotiating ? Is it just a fancy wax job worth no more than $50 -100 bucks ?

    Also, with the 4 cylinder some packages offer 16 inch wheels instead of 15 inch. Does one perform better than the other as far as gearing, torque, etc.
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    This is a hidden holdback issue. If you look at the invoice, the cost is something like $400, but they are refunded a portion of that. Last time I looked, actual cost was $160. Use that figure when negotiating.
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    I think the "jist" on this board is that you SHOULDNT go for the V6. Certainly, considering the information you provided about your driving characteristics and personal Camry test drives, AND upon my evaluation of our LE 4cyl, I suggested that the 4 is fine for you. If you are looking for something "specifically that (you) can do with the V6 but not the 4 cylinder" how bout this-
    REPLACE THE TIMING BELT.
    As far as I can see, thats about it.
    ~alpha
  • wainwain Member Posts: 479
    high mount stop lite bulb
  • sam_beaversam_beaver Member Posts: 61
    << something "specifically that (you) can do with the V6 but not the 4 cylinder" how bout this-
    REPLACE THE TIMING BELT. >>

    Heh. Okay, sounds like a pretty good recommendation. So, timing chains don't rust or anything? I'd never heard of a timing chain until I started looking into the 2002 Camry.
  • jmgarjmgar Member Posts: 7
    What states have this fee. If I'm in one and can go to the next state over and save $500 or more, I'll consider it.

    What's the rationale behind this fee ?
  • scoochiroscoochiro Member Posts: 12
    << high mount stop lite bulb >>

    Not sure what this means, wain. Could you elaborate a bit?

    Thanks
  • wainwain Member Posts: 479
    see if the bulb in therear window hi mount tail lite is burned out,
    if yes the dash lite will come on.
  • scoochiroscoochiro Member Posts: 12
    Thanks, wain, but still got the same problem.

    As I mentioned in my original post, there are no other burned out bulbs (including the high mount) -- I replaced the only one that was burned out, but the dash light is still on.

    I'm trying to find out what the reset mechanism is for the dash indicator, since it still seems to think that I do have a burned out bulb (when I don't).

    Any other help?
  • wainwain Member Posts: 479
    does it have a full size pass through from the trunk to the back seat (rear seat backs fold down?) , like the 94 models
    or is it a small one (a small door)?
  • sam_beaversam_beaver Member Posts: 61
    Each half of the rear seat folds down (60-40 configuration) so you can have a small one and still accomodate a passenger, or a full-width one. Looks pretty nice.
  • ahossaahossa Member Posts: 152
    I had the same problem and it turned out to be an elelctrical problem. So have it checked out by the dealer.Is your car under warranty?
  • sbell4sbell4 Member Posts: 446
    Congratulations on living where you do. Many on this thread will tell you that they have flown into SET to purchase their new vehicles because of the additional available options, great selection and prices. Keep in mind that more then 28% of all the Toyotas sold in the United States come out of your five state distributorship.
    Toyoguard is an option. There are plenty of Camry without Toyoguard in your area if you do not wish to have it on your new vehicle. Cliffy is correct that (PIO XY3)Toyoguard does have built in holdback in the dealer cost and (PIO XT3) Toyoguard does not have any holdback included.
    Southeast Toyota Admin fee on a Camry is $550.00 and it is a fee that is charged to the dealer from the distributor and it is used for regional support programs. In the southeast we do not have any additional TDA or advertising fees on top of the admin fee so it isn't an excessive fee that will make the Camry unattractive compared to other regions.
    At my dealership, we are the very last geographical dealership in the southeast and the number of people in Mississippi (which is serviced by Gulf States Distributors) that drive over the border into SET to purchase their vehciles is substantial.
    If you decide on a Camry, any of the surrounding dealers will take care of you and you are welcome to contact me directly with any questions you may have.
  • bweavebweave Member Posts: 16
    Texvam,

    What dealer did you go to to get the ECM re-calibrated? My transmission is doing the same thing, hopefully that will solve the problem.
  • ecnirp1ecnirp1 Member Posts: 13
    I've started to feel a vibration on my 97 Camry LE 4cyl at around 70-75mph. Tires have about 15K miles on them and just had them rotated but vibration still there. I'm sure this could be many things but is there a common problem with the camry.
  • ecnirp1ecnirp1 Member Posts: 13
    I still have the original brake pads on my 97 Camry which has 75K miles on them. I've had all the service done at a local dealer at 4K intervals. Dealer said the brakes are fine and I believe them. They feel fine but I'm nervous because I've never had brakes last this long. How long are these brakes supposed to last. (mix of highway and local stop and go travel.)
  • sebring95sebring95 Member Posts: 3,241
    I averaged 80K on front pads and 100K on rear pads on my V6 Camrys. Turned the rotors at that time, and then replaced them on the second set of pads. I'm not exactly easy on a vehicle, and my driving style could be called "spirited". I can see someone more conservative getting well past my 80K mark.
  • wainwain Member Posts: 479
    94 Camry 4 cyl
    still has orig front and rear pads at 93000
  • railroad17railroad17 Member Posts: 18
    Just bought a 97 Camry LE with 92K for $7260. It came with four Michelin winter tires and it works great in icy and snow covered roads. I haven't used winter tires before (always used the all season radials) and my question is, do I need to replace those winter tires come spring and put them back again in the fall or can I just leave them there all year long? That seems to be the obvious thing to do but what are the consequences of leaving them there all year?
  • sebring95sebring95 Member Posts: 3,241
    Snow tires will wear much quicker than all-seasons, so that's why most people only run them during the worst months. Alot also will buy nice rims for their summer tires, and then put the crappy factory rims/wheelcovers on for the winter. Saves money on remounting tires every year. Snow tires also don't handle as nice, and are sometimes a lower speed rating. Last I had were Blizzaks that were quite excellent on ice/snow, but handling wasn't very exciting.
  • lsclsc Member Posts: 210
    The V6 is faster and smoother than the I4. You can accelerate faster which equals passing other cars faster. It's also smoother.

    It won't steer the car for you nor will it brake and make turns for you.

    People get the V6 because it's smoother first and foremost - it sounds different. And because it is faster. NO other reason.

    You don't have to get the V6 if you don't want to. The I4 is an engine too and it'll get you where you want to go.
  • railroad17railroad17 Member Posts: 18
    Thanks for the info. I may just leave it there for the year since it is a second car and I only use it when I am the only one in the car. I also have a 98 Sienna which I use when I drive with the family so I figure there won't be much wear and tear on the tires.

    Speaking of V6 vs I4, I agree with Isc that V6 is a much smoother ride than the I4 and you can tell the difference between the two since I feel it each time I switch between my I4 camry and the V6 Sienna. I am not so sure how it handles on a lighter vehicle but it works great on the van.
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    What year is your I4 Camry? I feel that the new 2.4 is much smoother (in addition to being more powerful) than the former 2.2L 4clyinder.
    ~alpha
  • wainwain Member Posts: 479
    Is the new block aluminum?
    I thought the old one was iron.
    Why the change?

    Hope its not a bad move - I thought every time General Motore tried aluminum they had a problem.
    Is Honda aluminum?
  • 8u6hfd8u6hfd Member Posts: 1,391
    The new I4 is aluminum block. The old I4 is iron blocked. The V6, since 1994 is aluminum block also.

    Of course aluminum is lighter, so that's basically why they changed it.
  • sebring95sebring95 Member Posts: 3,241
    The 2.4L is definetely more powerful than the 2.2L. I've been in many a rental camry, and despised getting one because the 4cyl was too anemic for me. I was pleased to get a 2.4L LE about two weeks ago in Boston, drove up into lower Maine. It was a big improvement, had good power, and very refined. However, it still needs to rev quite a bit higher to get in the V6 performance territory. Excellent 4cyl, but still not a V6. Most probably wouldn't notice or care. Alot say the 2.2L was peppy, so that tells you where the majority are when it comes to performance.
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    I have never heard anyone call the 97-01 Camry 2.2 I-4 peppy. For that generation, the quickest 0-60 time I have seen for this gen. 4cyl was in Car and Driver, at 10.5 seconds, which isn't terrible, but isn't great. I will agree with you that it borders on anemic........when loaded. I think it is adequate for everyday use, but FAR from the new 2.4 VVT-i Aluminum block. I have driven the V6 02 Camry... the difference isnt shockingly apparent to me, I really only felt in in passing situations. The V6 is comparatively old tech- no timing chain, no VVT-i and is much weightier than the 4 clyinder.
    ~alpha
  • sebring95sebring95 Member Posts: 3,241
    Ok, maybe not alot say the 2.2L is peppy, but I do know a couple that have told me that. My prior Camrys were all V6 so when anyone asked me which model to buy I told them what I thought of the 2.2L. However, couple people I know bought the 4cyl anyway and said that it had plenty of power for them. To me it was day and night between the two. They sold I think 80% of Camrys as 2.2L so it was apparently good enough for the majority to plunk down their money.

    I'd say the 2.4 is fine (more than adequate) for most. It is very close in performance, but in a very hilly area such as I live, a 4cyl will show it's true colors. I don't like a car down-shifting constantly to maintain speed, and I believe the 2.4L would on the roads I drive regularly. That's where you'll see a big difference, which is why I've never been a big fan of 4cyl. Even when they are close in numbers, you've got to keep the 4cyl wound up a to get the same hp as you would a V6. I'm not looking at buying anymore Camrys anyway, but thought I'd throw out my perspective. There definetely isn't a huge difference anymore. Can you get rear disk brakes with the 4cyl? That was also a nice addition on the V6 that you couldn't get on the 4cyl in the past.

    I don't know if I'd call a timing chain new technology. Been around much longer than the belt, just comes down to logistics of the engine. Some need belts, some can take a chain. In the past, some V6's and most V8's had chains, 4cyl's usually had belts that were a part of routine maintenance. Not sure what the long-term effect of constant high-rpm running will have on a chain, hopefully the engineers get it right first time around. The old 22R 4cyls had chains and that was the weak link on them. Would last forever, but had a habit of throwing chains if you didn't keep up on them. Pros/Cons either way.
  • canadianclcanadiancl Member Posts: 1,078
    must have a life expectancy too. I'm thinking of metal fatique.
  • sam_beaversam_beaver Member Posts: 61
    <<Can you get rear disk brakes with the 4cyl?>>

    Yes, on the XLE, which is what I plan to get (and that is one of the reasons).
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    are Standard Fare on all SE and XLE models, and the LE V6. So as far as I know, only the LE 4cylinder features rear drum brakes.
    ~alpha
  • railroad17railroad17 Member Posts: 18
    My Camry is 1997 and has the 2.2L 4 cylinder engine. It is not as smooth as my 98 Sienna but since I use it for short hauls, it is more than enough.
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