Toyota Camry 2006 and earlier

fredvh

Could anyone tell me what the RPM at exactly 70 mph with their 4-cylinder automatic Camry is?

alpha01

No, the RPM restriction was put in there because its essential information- it is easy to rev an engine like the Camry's higher than 4000 in everyday driving, even if just for the sewing machine like revving sound. (At least to me.) I would agree with jrct on this issue- keep the revs below 4000, vary speed, dont worry too much about 55 MPH.
RPM at 70 will vary with alot with load and altitude (especially altitute), for the record. Ours seems to pull about 2800 RPM in 4th gear at 70 with a driver aboard. I have no idea what our altitude is, but, being in NJ, its lower than say, Denver or Central Pa.
~alpha

4apexs

Thanks for replies - rpm vs speed makes sense, braking easy too.

john339

Toyota has denied warranty coverage to the 3000+ 1997-2001 owners with the sudge problem. What they have done is sent out the SPA letter, which is a special adjustment and not warranty coverage.

The SPA has evidently not satisifed a lot of owners as it has several shortcomings, like only lasts for 1 year. So vehicles that have the problem, but aren't showing any symptoms will be out of luck if they fail next April.

According to CBS-WUSA on March 20th, the Center for Auto Safety is apparently asking Toyota to extend the warranty on the affected vehicles. We'll see what happens.

As for the warped rotors, Toyota could also play hardball and deny warranty coverage on the rotors.

bj02176

I like my 2002 Camry better then my 1999 Passat (1.8), highly over rated. I hated that hesitation when shooting across an intersection, or the engine stumble on the highway, or going up hill when the engine was cold. Or the location of the truck release in the glove box. Or the side mirror adjustment which broke when cleaning the window sill. Oh yes the dash board rattle in cold weather, guess the plastic expanded and contracted, But I did love the blue and red dash lights and of course the brake pedal feel was better. Well I hope the Camry holds up as well as my 1976Corona, which made it home at 6p on 02/06/1978 on regular tires (blizzard of 1978)

herbiedog

I'm looking for some quick feedback on the extended Service Agreement offered by Toyota for the 2002 Camry xle. I know this has been discussed at various times on the board but never paid much attention to it. Now I would like some advice since I decided to buy a Camry. They want $1140 for the 7 year plan. Is it worth it. They said there is no negotiating on the price. Is this true or are they pulling my leg. Any advice/feedback on this issue will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

jimi2

I have a 94 Camry V-6 with 96.700 miles. I purchased the car new and have been religious about mantinance. During January 1999, I discovered that the power steering pump was leaking. The car had approximately 64,000 miles on it at that time. I took it to a Toyota Dealership in East Rochester, NY and the service manager advised that he had never seen a power steering pump fail on a Camry and didn't stock the part. It was agreed that the dealership would pay for the part and I would pay for the labor. Several weeks after the P/S pump was replaced, I noticed fluid on my garage floor and took it back to the dealership for an inspection. They advised that the steering rack was bad and replaced it at no charge. The replacement cost would of been approximately $1400.00. Two weeks ago, I had the oil changed at a local gas station and they advised that the P/S pump was leaking. I took it to a Toyota dealership in Bowie, Maryland (I moved) and explained the previous two P/S pump failures. They inspected the vehicle and advised that not only was the P/S pump leaking, but the P/S pressure hose also needed replacement at a cost of $1053.00. I advised the service manager that this would be the third P/S pump in the vehicle and inquired if Toyota could do a "Good Samaritian" gesture as in the past and pay for the parts. They politely told me they could not because of the age/mileage of the vehicle. The service manager admitted that he couldn't recall a P/S steering pump being replaced in a Camry three times. The service manager suggested I call the 800 number and advise them of the problem. I called, and although the representative was sympathetic to my problem, stated that Toyota could not be of any assistance. This is my second Camry, and both have been extremely reliable. I don't abuse the vehicle and have only logged 32,000 miles in the last three years. I was wondering if any other Camry owner has experienced a similar problem. If you have, were you able to obtain any assistance from Toyota? Any responses would be appreciated. Maybe my next car should be an Accord!

andrelaplume

Well I just test drove a green 2002 LE v4. This was not the actual car I'd get--I wanted white and this one had a nasty vibration/rattle on the passenger side...anyone encounter such rattles?

Anyway we've dealt with this dealer for service for a while and they claim they "want to keep us as customers so we'll give a price $300 over our cost"--which I am not convinced is anything that great based on what I am seeing on the Edmunds TMV pricing but I said nothing. I asked the price then on a 2002 White LE v4 automatic with the only option being Keyless entry. Edmunds invoice is 18,500 with a TMV price today of about 18,700. They came back with 19,333! I mentioned the invoice and he brought back a paper (not even sure it was the invoice) It showed a dealer cost of 18,500 + 245 for the keylees entry + 179 for for floormats and a cargo net + 300 destination charge.

I immediately pointed out I did not want the $179 floor mats but was told they all come that way. I also pointed out that even deducting the $179 the price still did not jive with what I was seeing elsewhere (I did not specifically mention Edmunds. I can not help but think the destination charge was bundled into the invoice price and added again as a second line item.

What do you guys think? I did not burn any bridges as I left. They said they could get the car with in a week. I did not even get into hold back.

My feeling was that if the TMV is the total of what the average person was paying I should be able to get the car for 18,700 and if the really wanted to keep me as a customer 18,500 would not be unattainable.

andrelaplume

A saleman told me there is a Toyota extended warraty that refunds the contract price if you choose never to use the contract or never need to use it. He claims he has the contract and is paying his warranted work out of his pockets but saving his receipts. He says that at any time you can turn in your receipts for reimbursement OR get a refund on the contract if unused. If the contract expires and you never use it your money is refunded as well.

At first I thought this was hard to believe but then I figured that with a 3/36 bumper to bumper, a 5/60 on the engine and tranny and a once (pre-sludge) impecible repair record; pehaps Toyota was not selling many contracts and figured they'd live off the interest paid for the contracts rather than get nothing at all.

What the story out there?

andrelaplume

I do not think Edmunds includes advertising fees. If the dealer tries to push them on me I'd assume I'd say no way....am I wrong?

3pointstar

DOn't waste your money on the extended warranty. Engine sludge aside, the typical repair cost of an item out of warranty is more than likely not worth spending the $1000 or so. Maybe if it were a Mercedes-Benz or a Lexus, but a Toyota? It's worth the risk. My camry had a leaking drive shaft seal covered under the 60,000 mile drive train warranty. It freaked me out so I willingly paid to have it covered to 7 years (?) and 100,000 miles. Needless to say, the car has ran flawlessly past 125K and still going. It would have been better to put that $1000 back in 1997, in a stock like ORACL (ORCL) and sell it later for a nice gain. Enough to cover most major repairs.

4apexs

Just went through this last week buying XLE 4cyl for $21,400 - Business manager started at $1250 for 7yr/100k with free oil changes and road side assistance. We said we were to far away from their dealer (35 miles) to want oil changes with them, plus we already had AAA coverage. My wife said we're hungry and tired ( we had waited 45 minutes for business manager), so it's $700 or nothing. Same story abount couldn't drop price until we said no three times. Then she dropped price to $800 - after 6-8 more no's we settled on $725. After we agreed on $725, the business manager said they had to sell a certain number before they made any money - so sounds like they are on a volume incentive program - so.... hold firm at $700. I see value @ $700 due to travel distances; plus $700 is 3% premium on $21,000 purchase.

mfjj

Hi, I appreciate all the postings about extended warranty as I'm about to go through the same process. Is the 7yr/100k plan for powertrain or bumper-to-bumper? Are there other plans? I assume these plans are offered by Toyota and not by individual dealers, but I can't find any info on Toyota's web site.

Since the dealer's location is very convenient for me the free oil change is of some value. But I've decided to use synthetic oil. I wonder if the deal can be upgraded to synthetic, and what would be a fair premium. Also, does anyone know what kind of synthetic they use? I understand there is a Toyota branded synthetic so I assume most dealers would be using this same oil. How does it compare to Mobil 1?

Thanks!

cliffy1

Unless the warranty is a genuine Toyota warranty (and there are MANY dealers who sell aftermarket warranties) and unless it is the Platinum level Toyota warranty, it generally isn't worth it.

Toyota sells three different warranties. They offer a powertrain only, Gold and Platinum. Neither the powertrain nor gold covers those things that can realistically become an issue in seven years. The platinum on the other hand, covers everything except for belts hoses, brake pads, floor mats and shiny metal objects (I'm not kidding about that one). Dealer cost for the 7/100 with $0 deductible is $770 and most stores will not bother to process the paperwork unless they can make $300 on it. Retail price is $1425 as listed on Toyota's web site.

parnola

I've got a black '99 Camry. When I wash and wax it, I still have swirl and streak marks left on it. I don't have this problem with any other car I've had - it seems there isn't much (or any) clear coat on this car. I'm using Meguires products for washing and waxing. Any suggestions on how to obtain a cleaner/shinier looking car?

john339

jimi2 - I reviewed the Government's database of consumer complaints on your year Camry and found some other owners who have had power steering pump problems.

However, while I think your 3 repairs for a similar problem is excessive, if the company refuses to offer to pay for the repair I don't think you have much more you can do.

For the 1994 Camrys, the overwhealming complaints listed in the Gov't database regarding steering had to do with a steering wheel nut that may not sufficiently tightened at the factory. It says this could lead to steering vibration and looseness with a consequence that could eventually lead to "loss of vehicle control".

Apparently, the complaints to the Gov't eventually led to a recall (#98V155000) in 7/9/98 for cars built 04/1993-08/1994. While 5 years might seem like a long time to react to a steering problem, sometimes is takes many years for a company to address problems reported to them.

mfjj

Thanks for your insight, cliffy1!

For those as inept as I was, the information is on Toyota's web site under FINANCIAL SERVICES

After reading up on the details, I agree that the Platinum 7/100 is the best deal. I also noticed that it's eligible up to 3/36, so I wonder why anyone would buy it earlier than necessary. Am I missing something?

sam_beaver

I assume one reason to buy the extended warranty at the time of purchase is to guarantee the price. Obviously the price could go up any time.

Besides, assuming you CAN negotiate the price at all, you've probably got a lot more negotiating power at the time you're buying the car than you would when it is a month or 1,000 miles away from the end of the original 3/36.

I suppose another reason is to just get it done. Some people forget to do things later.

william00

I special ordered my 2002 SE V6 without leather because: at 6'4" I feel either the cloth (w/power) has slightly longer seat cushions and/or your rear end sits IN them, rather that ON them, as in the leather. With a "bad back" seat comfort is critical to me. Glad to hear that SE owners like BOTH. Reasuring while I await delivery. Good thing we don't have to rely on car mags and dealers for information.

andrelaplume

Have any of you heard about this refundable warranty I described above. In other words if you buy and don't use it you can get your $$$ back....ie Toyotal lives on the interest for the duration.....

canadiancl

I think you will find that problem with all black cars. Black is just notoriously tough for maintenance. I had a black car once and I swear never again no matter how good it looks in the showroom. If it's a daily commuter it's just too hard to keep scratches off, and I don't have the time to fuss over it.

cliffy1

I've heard of refunding warranty money, but not on a Toyota warranty. There is one company called First Extended which offers such a program. Here's the trick with them though. The warranty company is a shell. That company actually sets up an account in the dealer's name and pays claims against it. If the money is not used, the dealer is given a portion of it back. The selling dealer actually makes the calls on what is and is not covered. Some dealers have a policy to refund the customer is the warranty is not used.

cliffy1

It is true that you probably have a better negotiating position at the beginning. If you wait, the dealer will know that they have you at a disadvantage. "So, you've only got 1000 miles left on your warranty and you're nervous about coverage for the next 4 years? Sure I can help you. It will only cost you $1425." You may get lucky down the road, but if you can get a reasonable price now, you take away the risk.

andrelaplume

These are ot included in the Edmunds Price....should anyone be paying this or should it be the dealers responsibility.

cliffy1

They are not included in the Edmunds price info, but they do tell you that it exists and is real. The fee varies by region which is why Edmunds and the other services don't have a dollar amount figure for it.

longo32

This must be the place to come with this question....what were Toyota Camrys Golden Years?
We are considering buying a used XLE for a family member. From the posts here and around the net, Toyota now seems to be under attact about inherint engine design problems and gaining a diminished reputaion for good consumer relations.
So, all things considered, with a/t, and air, essential, what would be the best years in an older XLE, to look for?

alpha01

You certainly are correct in saying that Toyota's customer relations are wanting of late. However, the problem with sludge is not INHERENT in the design of the engine, but rather was a manifestation of modifications made to the water jackets in order to burn fuel at a higher compression ratio to allow for cleaner exhaust. (this is at least what I have gathered from the information I have read). The engines (both 2.2 and 3.0) are very solid and reliable otherwise, and even the "sludged" engines are seemingly statistically insignificant given the number of these engines produced.
That said, I liked the the looks of the 92-94 models as opposed to the 95-96, and the 00-01 as opposed to the 97-99. You should use Consumer Reports Reliability Tables in the current issue to ascertain a feel for which components may or may not pose problems, and how the Camry compares to other makes. CR may have a few flaws, but overall, a good source for reliability info.
~alpha

andrelaplume

Well I got a invoice 'report' from a dealer. It's odd how it stacks up against what Edmunds shows. I asked for it for a base LE v4 automatic w/Keyless entry. Here is what I got.

Vehicle Base Model 19800.00 17127.00
50 STATE EMMISSIONS
KEYLESS ENTRY . 245.00 196.00
PREF OWNER'S PORT 6.00
PREF EQUIP PACK 1 227.00 141.00
CARPET/CARGO MAT,
NET,CARGO --------- ---------
Total Accessories 472.00 343.00

Dest Charge 485.00
TDA 377.00
Gasoline 6.00
Dealer HoldBackdback 396.00
Whsl.Fin Reserve 198.00
--------- ---------Total 18932.00 $20757.00

Forgetting the options Edmunds says the Invoice is $18206. If you add up the dealer Invoice (17,127) plus the Delivery Charge (485) plus hold back (396)that the delaer has pulled out of the Invoice of the car plus the Whsl Fin Reserve I do indeed come to the 18,206.

So Edmunds appears to add in hold back as part of the Invoice cost (which it is) whereas the dealer list it separately as a charge for me! (even though Toyota will reimburse them the $396). It makes it look like it's something they have to pay in addition to the invoice when in actality it is simply part of the price of the car they are selling for which they are eventually reimbused...very tricky. Again I am not going to debate the issue, I just think on cars moving as quickly as the Camry's that this is pure profit that should be considered in making an offer...again it's what the market will bare.

I guess, If you feel this is negotiable you should always subtract down the Edmunds Invoice price by the hold back amount for the delaers REAL cost.

I'd also love to know what the Whlsle Reserve is and why I should have to pay $377 for advertising? I have to believe the advertising is also up for negotiation.

Anyway, I just thought I'd share this with you all. At least this particular dealer was forth coming with what information they did provide.

herbiedog

Just picked up new Camry last evening. Driving it home I noticed a significant scratch in the windshield. Took it back to dealer this morning. They said they will have to order a new replacement windshield. I am concerned about this--should I be. My concern is that all the original factory seals around the window will be broken. Will this cause problems in the future. Do I have any other recourse. Also have an anoying rattle that they will take a look at once they replace the window. Not off to a good start. Car is one day old and I am not a happy camper with it already.

cliffy1

You're missing the point of finding out the invoice price. It is only a measuring device. Subtracting holdback from invoice does not give you dealer cost. To arrive at that, you would also need to know the average floorplan interest paid by the dealer, divided by the number of cars sold each month, the salary of the salesman, manager, finance guy, and clean-up guys, taxes, utilities, mortgage interest and several other variable expenses that you have no concern about.

The dealer isn't charging you the advertising fee. Neither is he charging you the holdback. That is because he is not selling you the car at wholesale price unless you own a Toyota franchise. You are buying the car at a retail price. The question you need to ask is, "Is the price he is offering consistent with the supply and demand curve in my area?" Because equipment varies by car, so does the invoice. By knowing the invoice of your car, you can make a more educated decision on that question.

andrelaplume

Are you a salesman? Actually I understand what you are saying. I just resent the fact thay hold back, advertising etc etc are thrown in and bandied about. It should be real simple. Here is what the car cost the dealer. Here is what we the dealer is selling it for - aprice that allows them to stay in business. If the difference is in line with other dealers in the area then they will likely have a sale. I just find it insulting when I am told I am paying $377 for advertising when it is really just the profit they either need to run their business or can get because of demand. Just tell me that this is the profit up front. I'd rather buy from a dealer who tells me that up front than one who quotes a price $400 less than everyone else only to add in the advertising fee last minute and then play dumb. This has been a good learning experience for me.

raybear

Andre-that's a fee Toyota charges the dealer, and is a genuine part of the invoice. Go back and read what Cliffy said, you're buying the car for retail, not wholesale. The trick is to find the best retail price you can.

cliffy1

Take a look at my profile. I am not currently a salesman, but I do work in a dealership. It sounds like you found a dealer to deal honestly with you when they showed you the detail invoice. If you want to verify that their asking price is good, ask another dealership to tell you the invoice and price of one of their cars.

alpha01

Shortly after she got it, my Aunt's 2000 Accord needed a new winshield due small ping that spread. No problems that she has mentioned to me. Replacing the windshield doesnt strike me as a major issue; at least not one that would cause concern for me.

On another note, can anyone propose how to educate people as to the fact that no vehicle in America currently has a "V4?" Perhaps the manufacturers should start reffering to vehicles explicitly as I-4s in literature and on the web. just a thought.
~alpha

cliffy1

Good question. I can't tell you how often I heard the term V4 when I was on the sales floor. I always tried to politely correct them. Most appreciated the education. FYI, there are a few V4s out there... but they're all hanging off the back of boats. Yammaha, Mercury and Honda all make them in outboards.

talon95

... some are between your legs, on Honda and Yamaha motorcycles.

cliffy1

Good point. I stand corrected.

dog2wolf

I am a hopeful buyer of a new Camry...but with a concern: I have noticed that recent model-year Camry (incl. 2002) all have exhaust pipes hanging low under the carriage - pretty weired. Is there any reason that the car is designed like this? Is that something that can cause durability issues? such as passing high road bump...does anyone have every had any issues on this?

surekha

I just bought a new Camry. I booked the order with Keyless entry and security system. Since it was not on the car, the salesman told me to come to the shop and get it fitted, which I did. To my surprise instead of original toyota parts, they added something called prestige aps-255 system.

When I placed the order I believed I was buying toyota keyless entry and security system. Now I feel quite cheated. Any advise on what I should be doing?

canadiancl

Someone had previously posted that he actually wrote to Toyota to ask about that low-hanging pipe, and the official reply from Toyota (if you can believe this) was that it was designed that way to optimize airflow!

I share your concern about the pipe. Just imagine if one wheel dips into a fair-sized pothole. Bye bye exhaust pipe.

armtdm

I have had several replaced over the years. Absolutely no problems, the seals work fine afterwards, no leaks etc.

cliffy1

This is nothing new. It has been like that since at least the '92 model year. If you look closely, you will note that it is done this way to clear the independent rear suspension. If they moved it over the rear suspension, they would need to move the back seat and trunk sheet metal up, thereby reducing interior capacity.

jbollt

We recently bought a used 2000 Camry LE with keyless remote, but it only came with one remote...A relative had an extra one, gave it to us..same year, same exact remote, same FCC code on back...anyone have instructions to program? Dealer wants too much $$$. I have done some searching, but to no avail..any help? Thanks in advance

parnola

I had a Lexus ES that let you program the remote by doing a combination of opening and locking the doors on it while putting the key in the ignition. Really strange, I know, but it worked. Don't know if the Camry would follow the same instructions.

sky33

I need some clarification on figuring the actual cost of a new car. I've been told two different stories of how dealers deduct customer and dealer rebates from the sticker price. One person said (dealer) they deduct dealer and customer rebate from the MSRP. I was then told that you determine the invoice cost plus options and then deduct the rebates from this figure and then factor in 3% to 5% over dealer invoice plus options. If a car is $20,000.00 base invoice including options, are you to then subtract $2000.00 rebate from this ($18,000.00) then figure 3% above this price ($540.00) Total price $18,540.00??? not including destination,taxes, etc??? Help!

sebring95

I've had 3 V6 Camrys since '92 logging over 500K miles. I never had any exhaust problems with any of them, including the low-hanging pipe. It does look strange, and appears like it would hit the ground, but again, I'm not aware of the pipe touching the ground once. I drove quite a few miles of very rough roads on one of them. Some of the Lexus are like that as well, I've noticed. I think one way to guage this is to look at how many Camrys are on the road. If the exhaust pipes really were an issue, you'd see the miles deep posts on the issue.

alpha01

Where are you finding a $2000 rebate on a 2002 Camry? My best recommendation for you would be to use Edmund's TMV for which ever model you are looking at- it is very useful in finding actual price.

Camry fans- I didnt realize, but this month's Motor Trend (admittedly I prefer Car and Driver of the "mainstream enthuisast" publications) has an interesting comparison between an LE I4 automatic and SE I4 manual tranny. Both were equipped with ABS, pkg. 2(keyless, pwr. driver seat, JBL) and the Side/Curtain Airbags. The SE also had the alloys. MSRP on LE: $22109 and on the SE about $23,3xx. Basically, the report stated that the Camry 4s are much improved over the previous 4s, and that SE is decided performance step up over the LE/XLE models they have tested.
Performance info of interest:
LE I4 auto 9.2sec to 60.
SE I4 manual 8.4sec to 60.
LE 60-0: 146ft.
SE 60-0: 126ft.
Certainly, the larger, grippier tires on the SE and the 4 wheel discs make a big difference. I bet that the discs are mostly responsible. (All SE and XLE models, and LE V6 models have discs.)
Anyways, interesting read. Check it out.
~alpha

hawks1

I was told today by a dealer that the MSRP on a 4Cyl XLE was $23,569 (included delivery, excluded tax & license). The only options I wanted were alloy wheels, carpeted mats, and a six-disc changer on the JBL radio. His numbers checked with Edmunds exactly. After much questioning, he told me his absolute bottom line price was $22,369 - only a $1,200 deduction. I asked for $2,050 off ($21,519)and was flatly refused. Looking at Edmunds TMV price, I was right on with my offer. Just curious, what kind of discounts are you folks being offered out there on the '02 XLE? Incidentally, I live in the midwest (Iowa).

sam_beaver

I got almost exactly the same deal that you were offered on almost exactly the same car (except I wanted the side airbags instead of the alloy wheels -- prices are about the same). We have a couple of extra wrinkles in the agreement (extra key, service discounts, auto starter) but for the base car as optioned, I'm getting about $1,100 or $1,200 off the MSRP and that was as low as I could get them to go.

Maybe if I'd shopped their price elsewhere I could have gotten a lower deal, but I liked this dealership the best in other ways and I didn't want to waste a whole lot of time on this. It seemed like a reasonable deal and my time is worth something too. I'm in the Northeast (Boston).

I wonder whether discounts are less for XLEs than for LEs because of the perceived "luxury car" buyer. Certainly there seem to be much lower discounts on a Lexus, BMW, Rolls Royce..., at least according to Edmunds TMV. So maybe Edmunds has the TMV wrong on an XLE? I don't know how those are calculated or whether they adjust for regional variation accurately. And again, maybe if I'd been willing to shop every dealer in a 5-state area I could have saved another $1,000. But how much billabile time would I have wasted on the search? I dunno .

4apexs

Bought a 4cyl XLE on 3/19 - only option was cargo mat ($179). MSRP was $22959. Paid $21,359 - $1,600 under list - invoice was $20,700. Main thing was taking printout of CarMax pricing on EXACT same model - the two dealers that had exact model in stock said they would match CarMax - I would not have considered this model but saw a number listed on Carmax Baltimore site - best value for what I need - business use, high miles. I'm in Chicago area.