2013 and Earlier - Toyota Camry Prices Paid and Buying Experience

1200mk

and the standard stuff like moonroof, rims, spoiler, etc.

for 21800 (out the door)

petrnyc

Carson Toyota in Carson, California often advertises '03 Camry LE/auto for just under $16k. Don't know about availability of ABS on these cars. Others in the area offer similar prices.

masspector

Just a comparison....two clearwater, Fl dealers advertise 03 camry LE/auto (4cyl) (I assume base equipment) for $15,500. There is a $1000 rebate in the SE so I assume the price would be $16,500 without the rebate.

petrnyc

Do you by any chance recall the names of the dealers in Clearwater, Fl ?

lok888

We can get the 03 Camry LE 4 cyl (without ABS) for $16700 (without any incentive) here in MA. It is even lower than the Edmunds' TMV. You can add the different for the ABS ($300 MSRP). My dealer first quoted for $19.7K. For $20500.00, it is even higher than my 03 Camry SE 4 cyl. with ABS, spoiler, 16" alloy wheels, sunroof and fog lights. I bought mine for $20388. I am glad that you are saying you almost bought one. You still need plenty of time.

1200mk - That's a good price for SE V6. I don't think my dealer would sell one to me for an extra $1500. Anyway, I (my wife) wasn't interested in V6.

alguire

I purchased a Camry SE V6 5speed auto last week of May. The MSRP was 27729, I paid 24479. After the deal was made on the car I then traded in a well used 93 Pont Grand Prix, the dealer gave me 1200 for that.
The Camry has been a joy to drive, as of yet I have no complaints.

huang3

Thank you all, it is a great help. Y I said I almost bought that car was the manager gave me that price on July 4, Two days later after I check out 2 more dealers and went back to this dealer and asked hi(I called he D) the price is still good and tell him I will pick up the car the nex tday at 2 o'clock. He said NO PROBLEM. The next day morning I call the dealer and asked for the same manager but he was not here and the other manager told me he could make decision ( I called him M)then I told them I am NOT able to make on that day and Give them MY credit card number and asked he to get the car and papers ready and pick me up the next day and the manager said everything will be ready for me. At the end of the day , D called me up said I did not pick up the car and I need to pay $200.00 EXTRA.
I was furious and told me the deal is OFF. How about that . Sorry for the long story.

mrankin7447

Edmunds.com shows an invoice price of $19,500.
I went to the dealer and met with the fleet mgr and after a test drive of a 4 cyl XLE we discussed fleet price. He quoted $21,689 including floor mats and alloy wheels. Then after adding in these fees to the tune of $15346 and $21.75 for state tax it totaled $23248. My concern is that he's well over invoice with the $21,689 and what fees should I have to pay. He did offer 2.9% financing if I have excellent credit. You can get a 6 cyl Hyandia Sante Fe for $19,500 and I'm wondering if I should pay this much for a V6. Also thinking about the Nissan Altima as another option since I'm not real craze about the 2003 XLE interior. Feedback appreciated on what I ought to get for pricing, what fees I should pay and what you think of Altima vs Camry. Thanks.

b_mx

I am looking for a camery V6 SE with sunroof, Cardirect quote 21200. I do not know what other fee they charge. But is this the bottom price? Also, I am not going to get the car before 8/4 when the rebate ends since I and out of town. anyone know if the rebate will extend? Any history pattern showing that it will extend? Thanks

mackabee

I think you should decide which car fits your needs first. After that is done then do your reasearch and make an offer. The invoice you mentioned is for a base XLE. Try pricing it with options here at TMV and see what you come up with.
              : )
                Mackabee

b_mx

I go to local dealer today, thinking of just have try, they give a Camry V6, 03 Camry V6, ABS, Moonroof, JBL, prefer package for 21700 excluding tax. Is this a good deal? It is $600 lower than Carsdirect, and $100 lower than TMV.

sg97dr45

Other options include: Simulated BirdsEye Maple Molded Dash Applique, Auto-Dimming Mirror, Carpet Floor/Trunk Mat Set (5 Piece). Traded in 94 Sentra. Paid $20,800 (includes the $1,000 rebate without tax and fees).
Does this sound like a good deal or not?
Also, the salesman said the car has a security system but when "alarmed", I can open the doors from inside without triggering off the alarm. I think they just have a fake alarm on but they said it's a real one that only goes off when someone tries to break in. Will double check it with the manager next week. The price of the security system wasn't included in the negotiation. So I didn't pay attention to it until I got it.

ral2167

in order to see if you have the alarm, try to break in to your car. lock it first. why wait a week to see dealer about this? this is something you can do on your own.

sg97dr45

With the window down and car alarmed, I can open the door from outside without triggering the alarm. This triggers off the alarm on my 2002 Corolla. Another salesman suggested that Camries have an "improved" security system that only responds to real break-ins like breaking window glass and other activities that damage the car. Of course, I don't want to test that. I think the car only has an engine immobilizer, which may (or may not) be standard on LE V6 models.

masspector

It was clearwater toyota and the clearwater area dealer that is an autoway. Hope this helps. That was in mid april. Not sure what the current prices are since I ordered mine locally and have not shopped since the end of april.

gonkraz

In the owners manual there are instructions for testing your alarm. One was simply a rap on the window which should set it off for 60 sec and then reset. I wonder that with the window down the alarm wouldn't go off until someone attempted to start the car without the proper key.

deymayor

Just bought an LE with Automatic with ABS and Preferred Package (mats, net, first aid kit) for $19639 including taxes, reg, etc. I really want the SE but the salesman told me it doesn't ride as smooth as the LE. Not sure if this is a good deal though. Any thoughts?

ral2167

this keeps getting mentioned over and over again...

you need to give the price you paid BEFORE tax/license/fees-- states have different tax rates. then people can better judge whether it was a "good" deal or not.

i don't understand also why you're asking this question AFTER you purchased, not before. but i'm trying to be patient here. am i nuts?

mackabee

It's a good deal! Now forget about what you paid and enjoy your car.
                    : )
                    Mackabee

toledo19

Please!! Give the price before all the TTL! Also indicate if the price is after a rebate.

mione

Bought a Camry XLE 4 cylinder automatic in late May w/ options which I wanted that raised its MSRP to $26,517. After shopping at 4 local dealerships, got my best offer at $23,640 to which was added a $92 doc fee and $96 tag fee. Out the door w/ tax, the total was $25,246.40. I didn't take the rebate - $800 at the time- but got 0% financing w/ nothing down instead I can see many of you of you have done better but I have to say that because of the great info here and tips offered on the site,I negotiated my best car deal yet. By the way, I love the car and just got 31.5 mpg on my last fill up and am averaging a little better than 28 w/ a good mix of city and highway. Thanks again!

deymayor

sorry for posting after TTL price. excluding those stuffs, i got it for $18,102. i thought i got a great deal until my wife told me she really wanted the SE, specifically the mooonroof. i asked the dealer what it would cost me for them to install it and they said it'll be around $1150.

toledo19

Sounds like a good buy to me. Enjoy the car, bro.

ral2167

let's see.. you buy the car first, and THEN ask if you made a good deal... plus you buy the car and THEN find out the wife wants an SE with a moonroof... and i'm nuts?? seems the expression dealing with a horse and cart comes to mind... but hey, life's too short to be all that up tight about it... browns in super bowl this year, baby.

otoluva

Now, you are nuts.

toledo19

About as nutty as thinking my Lions will be there.

tutu8

Hi yengiang ,I read your post. Is $17,400 including tax, fees,.. ,everything?

yengiang

I can't recall the fee I paid for Tag and Title but the tax is 6%.

The drive out price before $1,250 rebate is $18,650.

Yes, $17,400 is including everything. The car doesn't have any additional options.Just the standard feature.

If you're planning to purchase one, try to keep your offer in between $15,000-16800 especially if you live in Ca

Yengiang

lay2

I have a 92 Camry XLE V6 which runs hot whenever I am in city traffic. I have changed the thermastat and the fluid and still have the same problem. I don't have the problem when I am on the highway or the A/C is on. I am lost in terms of what to do..Any suggestions. I have a 100,000 miles on the car right now.

mackabee

You probably have a leaking heater hose. Check all the hoses from and to the radiator. Look for coolant loss and coolant leaks on your driveway. Maybe the radiator leaking also. Check the seams around the top for signs of cooland. Our 92 had this problem around 126k miles.
                : )
                Mackabee

jinsong_liu

Hello:
anyone know a good web site where I can find price information in canada? and any forum talking about buying a new car in canada?

dexterchn

Hi Yengiang,

I'm going to move to Atlanta next week and am planning to buy a 2003 Camry LE. Would you please send some salespersons' contact info to me at michelle_xchen@yahoo.com? I would appreciate it.

Thanks.

dexter

new2camry

Hi ,
     I am really new to purchasing camry and could anyone give me an idea about the price for LE and XLE with no options. Also please let me know the price before the taxes and other charges. Any other tips/advice will be really helpful. I am planning to buy the car in Wisconsin area or if possible in Chicago/Schuaburg Illionois ares.

fryingbologna

Sorry, no prices, but maybe some help.

www.where-can-i-buy-a-car-online.com/data/ca/

Karen_S

This article may be helpful.

http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/990219.htm

There are several archived discussions concerning Canadian purchase. Enter Canada in the Keyword search to your left.

This is a current discussion in Smart Shopper.

U.S. vs. Canada

sagman

I've looked over postings from the last few months and haven't seen this approach addressed:

Instead of going nuts from the getgo trying to figure out a price the dealer will be comfortable with, what's wrong with this tactic: do your homework, sure, and then e mail, say, ten sales managers and tell them

1. I intend to buy a particular vehicle with particular options within a week. This e mail inquiry is also going to nine of your competitors.

2. It will be cash; there is no trade in.

3. If you're interested, quote it clean and e mail me your rock bottom OTD price, I repeat, the complete OTD price, within four days. Rebates are a separate issue. Identify existing rebates but do not include them in the OTD price.

4. If you make an offer that interests me, I'll ask that you fax me a fully itemized invoice covering every charge, every fee, every tax. Then we'll talk.

5. If it turns out that no one offers an appealing price, I will abandon the Camry and go to my backup choice.

mackabee

OOOOHHHH! That will scare them. Normally these end up in the circular file. Sales managers pass them off to one of the salespeople to work them. Sales people see an instant mini-deal. Customer is not in front of them so the urge to follow up on it is not there. Also most of these "fax blasts" and "e-mail" blasts are for option combos that are not normally built by the factory. For example: 5spd Camry Le with abs, moonroof package, and side curtain airbags. Good luck!
                          : )
                           Mackabee

sagman

Well, you are on the inside and you ought to know--no disputing that. I hadn't given enough consideration to the availability issue that you raise at the end of your post. Useful point.

I do know one person who tried the approach I mentioned and had some success. I figure it this way: It's July. The vehicle I'm interested in may very well be sitting in some lot, costing the dealer money. I send an e mail to local dealers, identifying myself, saying that I'm buying within a week if the price is right, and I'm keeping it simple--no financing, no trade. The no nonsense tone conveys, I think, seriousness of purpose. I mean, why would a manager with a product to sell blow off what appears to be a serious prospect?

I don't need the car, so I won't be played like a fish. I can walk away in a heartbeat. So the question becomes, do they want to try to do a deal with me on my terms or huff and puff and say, yeah, we got the car, but we don't like your attitude and we don't want your stinkin' cash?

mackabee

What I'm saying is and I've said before on other threads. Fax the exact options on the car you want. This is easily done on toyota.com "build your own" section. All you do is put in your zip code and it will come up with what option(s) are available in your region and also availability. It even points you to a dealer of your choice to request a price quote. You have no idea how frustrating it is to receive and e-mail or fax that reads: "Give me your best price on a Camry." or "I'm submitting this to every Toyota dealer in 5 states. Whomever or whoever gives me the lowest price gets my business. This is what I'm looking for: Toyota Camry LE 5spd in Phantom Gray with abs, sunroof, rear spoiler. No other color. I know your invoice is $xxxx, I know you get holdback of $xxxx, and other manufacturers incentives. I have financing pre-approved but may use your financing if rates are favorable. I have a trade in that I expect to get $xxxx for. It's a 89 Expenso Minulta in excellent condition. Respond with your offer to fax 1-939-0039-3903 or e-mail at iwanttobuy@right.com
                    : )
                    Mackabee

sagman

I can see where the kind of e mail you cite would drive you crazy. The request I've constructed specifies that I'm contacting only locals and lists just two option packages and four color preferences. I take financing and trade-in completely off the table. And I don't even pretend to know what the dealer knows about his costs. All I'm saying to dealers is that I am in the neighborhood, I am motivated, I have some pretty basic requirements, and are you interested in trying to get my business with an above-board, competitive bid that reflects reality. I'm not trying to get into anybody's face.

Well, we'll see what happens. Thanks for the dialogue.

deymayor

ConsumerReports.org came up with the REAL maximum price that a dealer pays for a Camry, excluding options, now through 8/4/2003 (for the $1,000 rebate):

LE - Manual $16,147
LE - Auto $16,873

SE - Manual $16,774
SE - Auto $17,498

XLE - Auto $18,879

These prices reflect holdbacks, etc. Reasonable price to drive one should be around 4-8% over the TRUE invoice price.

FYI

mackabee

Unfortunately for the consumer, CR doesn't sell Toyotas. Toyota Dealers do. Also "invoice" price don't reflect the true cost of getting the cars out to the consumer at the dealership level. Cars still have to be pre-delivery inspected and prepped for delivery. Mechanics and detail personnel do this, they have to be paid for their work. At my dealership the average cost for pre-delivery inspection and prep is $144.00 per car. Gasoline per car averages about $25.00 per car. There are also other expenses such as lot insurance to guard against vandalism, lot damage, etc, etc, I think today's car buyer have this obsession with invoice prices that gets in the way of the total picture. Just my .02
                  : )
                  Mackabee

curlyrip

Ok, I will share. After months of shopping the passat against the camry, it really became a no brainer when toyota started the 1000 cash back.

Here's my price:

4cylinder SE manual with ABS, alloys, convienance package (JBL 6 CD stereo, rear shade, etc.) sunroof, spoiler)

18,800 + tax and tags.

Whether this was a good deal or not I do not care. This amount of car for less than 20 K is mind blowing given that my 1995 Accord cost me 21K. By comparison, a stripped PASSAT would have cost me 19K based on competing quotes from 4 dealers. I love the Camry SE. It has to be one of the best values going now with the rebates and end of year incentives.

deymayor

That's why i said that the reasonable price is 4-8% on top of it. We know it takes another few hundred bucks to make it ready to sell but I'm also aware of volume discounts you can get from manufacturers. I never said that you're supposed to sell it at cost, otherwise why even bother to put up the business.

tk02

Just purchased my Lunar Mist 2003 SE (auto) in Southern NH. Moonroof, Spoiler, Alloys, ABS, 3-in-1 JBL (Single CD), cargo net, Mats, First Aid Kit. After Rebate, price paid was $19,174.00. Also managed to get 3.5% financing for 60 months through Chase Bank. Looking forward to many years of trouble free driving!!

ral2167

when i bought my honda accord, i first test drove the exact car i wanted (dealer had it in stock, in color i preferred).... i then went back home, looked up invoice, read town hall to see what was being accepted by various dealers...then emailed salesman with the price i would pay (invoice +$200 profit). they accepted.

of course, when they accepted, i thought i might have paid "too much" compared to emailing 5 different dealers and asking for their best price...but to me, it worked better for me to give them MY bottom line price, and having them say yes or no, as opposed to them telling me what their price was.

toyotas might be a bit different since they seem to have more option packages (accord ex or lx set-up is a bit simpler).

thus in summary, wouldn't it be easier to just email one dealer and tell them what your bottom line price would be and let them say yes or no? or am i nuts?

lok888

Your price is good. Mine was $20388. It has the same color and options but without the cargo net and first aid kit. It was back in June from Expressway Toyota. I took the 0% APR for 36 months. So I couldn't take the $750 cash back. I also bought the cargo net, all-weather mats and wheel locks through internet. I like the custom fit all-weather mats very much.

toledo19

Don't I wish you did business in my area. Your comment " have a trade in that I expect to get $xxxx for. It's a 89 Expenso Minulta in excellent condition" hasn't worked at all for me. They all say "no price till we see it". Then they try to rape you on your trade! I have a pristine, 01 Highlander, v6 23K miles and I've been offered anywhere From 15500 to 16400!! The WHOLESALE blue is 18,625! They claim the Camry's are such a good deal, this all I can get for the HL. Give me a break!

tk02

Hey Lok888 - you have once nice looking car .. Unfortunatly, I was upside down on my trade, so I had to carry over some 3K which prevented me going with the 0% 36 months. Where did you get your all weather mats? I was going to get a set this weekend. This is my first Toyota, so I'm hoping they are as reliable as they claim. I owned a couple of Honda's before. Great cars. Never had any major problems with them, but the extra size and styling of the Camry won out.

mackabee

Put yourself in our shoes. Would you give me a figure on a vehicle sight unseen? I just put in your V6 Highlander in KBB under good condition, came back with $16,065.00 excellent with $17,075.00 I don't know what options are on your Highlaned but those numbers are pretty close. Most consumer cars fall under the "good" condition. In our area kbb trade values are within $500.00 either way.
         : )
         Mackabee