2007 Toyota Camry

ieee_raider

It says 25, but has said up to 29.
It's mostly 6 mile trips, part city part hwy.

njerald

25 sounds about right for an average but my trip computer is always 1-2 mpg too optimistic from actual.

tinatina

I did not make it up there. They want to sell the car to another person in line. I could not make it to that dealership because of work. I am usually up in the North Bay over the weekends, and then return to SF. It seemed like they would not bargain a bit on my trade. I was seeking a figure between good and excellent KBB Dealer Trade since I'm paying MSRP ($30,589)plus TTL. I contacted them earlier this morning to see if they can go a bit higher. However, I don't think I will make a deal on it. I may just go with a regular Camry or just sit it out for a bit.

austinman7

I took my second test drive in an LE V6 yesterday and was a little more aggressive with the pedal, though not nearly redlining. The transmission was very smooth and the engine pulled very strongly in every situation. It exhibited none of the quirky shifting problems I've been reading about on this thread. I was very impressed.

This is not to gainsay those of you who are having shifting problems. I've been there -- my '04 Accord has a replacement transmission. It's only to offer impressions from an admittedly brief test drive.

When I mentioned the transmission issue with the snap ring to my salesperson, he gave me a very clipped, "I haven't heard anything about that." My first reaction is, "Yeah, right." It would not be the first time a salesperson (or general sales manager or finance person) has tried to manipulate me by feigning ignorance.

OTOH, if he truly knows nothing about this issue, then shame on Toyota for not keeping salespeople better informed. He could have been reassuring to me that the problem was being solved. Instead, his stonewall silence left misgivings -- what else does he not know about the car?

TMSUSA's comments on this thread have been supportive, helpful, and reassuring. But then you get this total disconnect from that level to the salesperson you are dealing with. Many companies have that problem -- great image at the national level, poor follow through with the person you actually deal with. The thing is, each and every person -- sales, service rep., etc. -- is the face of Toyota to me, and each is important in forming an overall impression of the company. It would be good if TMSUSA's approach were followed by everyone in the organization, and that salespeople at least have a general understanding about issues that customers may ask about.

tinicum

My 2007 4 cyl., 5 speed automatic Camry LE does the same thing. Seems to happen at light throttle around 2,000 rpms. I have 1,000 miles on it now, and it still does it.... very annoying. It's going to the dealer next week for oil change and I'll ask them to FIX IT!! (Doubtful) :mad:

johnnj

Please keep us informed about what they say/do about the problem. It is very annoying and dangerous, again this morning at the like when I started to go then had to brake briefly then in the middle of the intersection I'm appling the gas but not going anywhere with the Pickup Truck in back of me almost hitting me. I live in NJ, you know us drivers here...

Thanks

John

mookie5

For those interested in my Fitzmall purchase: Flew from Houston to Baltimore 22 May, took train to dealership. Picked up at station, taken to dealer, handed them a check from credit union, drove away. They had previously fedex'd the paperwork, so purchase was nearly complete. The purchase could not have been better. Price paid was approximately $2100 below MSRP. Options installed were sunroof, JBL stereo, floor mats. VSC. They also put on wheel locks without requesting it. Spent two nights in DC, did some sightseeing, drank some beer at two local brew pubs.
Now the car. Pros: manual tranny, decent acceleration. Comfortable seats. Bluetooth is awesome feature. Still working with it. Stereo is decent as well. Tight handling, firm ride. Gas milage: 35MPG on second tank, all HWY no A/C.
Cons: wind noise, seems to come from the mirrors and poor B pillar seals. Auxillary jack: HUGE disappointment. Way too much interferance from the proximity of the power jack. Forced me to use FM Modulator for SAT radio. Manual trans: longish throws and notchy. Clutch pedal light though.
Drove the car back wednesday and thursday. Overall, a great way to buy a car. Could have had it shipped and still saved money from local purchase.

alpha01

Congrats! Thats a sharp Camry, pretty fully loaded as well. Keep us posted! Which color did you choose?

~alpha

mookie5

Grey.... which seems like a popular color. There are 3 07s at my work now, all grey. Two are SEs. Comparing this car to my G35 Coupe seems crazy, but the G is now for sale. The seats in the G are the most uncomfortable seems Ive ever sat in. The dash is a button circus, an anoying experience just to adjust the fan level. Stereo is horrible. Seat controls are horrible. Tire wear was always a problem, every 20,000 miles if your lucky. Handling and accelertion....well no comparison.

jkltkd75

i picked up the car on saturday, and i didn't drive the car until wed. my wife drove the car from the dealership and used it the next 2 days. when i got in the car i noticed all the problems that everyone else stated that they had. i brought it into a local dealership where they quickly dismissed it since it was a wire transmission as opposed to the conventional cable accelerator that it would lag like that. then went into how the new cars these days all do that. completely unsatisfied and experiencing the downshifting again, i drove my car back to the dealer where i bought it from. hoping to get a different answer, but no. apparently this is how the camry drives. period. no TSBs or anything. thats it. i'm just waiting for a tsb. just waiting. until then i guess i'll just have to live with it. does anyone know if i can return the car?

jkltkd75

i've been to 2 different dealerships and their service stations and i think that this is the way the camry is built. which is way sad.

andrem

Looking for a V6 Camry and it seems that the right package is not available for me - my first choice would be an LE with leather. While some posts suggest that some of you bought an LE with leather, this option does not seem to be available in California, except for a dealer installed option quoted at $2,500. At this price tag, an SE with leather is the better choice as I like the stiffer suspension, but I don't find the body kit attractive at all. Also, the SE does not come with the 60/40 split rear seat that folds down.

Any suggestions? Is it at all possible to get an LE with leather or an SE without body kit (i.e. remove the body kit)?

lmacmil

"Is it at all possible to get an LE with leather or an SE without body kit"

I don't think so.

njerald

I would shoot the dealer who wants you to pay $2,500 in install a leather kit on the LE.

Go to another dealer or two.

kdhspyder

I've had 4 Camry's and I sell them. I too notice the difference in the drive of the electronic throttle/trannies. It's different from what I've been used to driving for 17 yrs.

Now is it wrong or bad? I don't know. I do find it different enough to notice it but I also think that there is a learning cycle both on the part of the vehicle and on the driver.

On the vehicle:
There are 'intelligent' chips for the throttle control and for the tranny. These learn the characteristics of one person's driving under the most common situation, highway? city? stop and go? If the vehicle is used in a different manner it may have to adjust to the new conditions ( hypothesis ).

On the part of the driver:
I do notice the difference as I noted but I can make it go away and disappear. A sudden sharp acceleration will cause a hesitation momentarily and then it will take off. However, with a smooth steady acceleration I don't find any hesitation.

I've noticed this on the Solara's, RAV's, Avalons, Highlanders and now the 4c Camry's. This is why I think you're getting the answer that nothing is 'wrong'. It may very well be an characteristic of the electronics vs the mechanical.

With all vehicles going the electronic route it seems that this is an annoyance that needs to be addressed to keep the fun in the driving.

lzc

Take a look at toyota.com to see the available options for each model. No, leather is not available from Toyota on the LE model. And, yes, the (ugly) plastic body attachments are standard on the SE model.

Limiting available options is a long Toyota strategy that apparently pays off in gains in manufacturing efficiencies and/or additional profit.

njerald

Leather is a PIO or dealer installed option in the SE or Gulf area:

Seat Trim, Leather Surfaced (PIO)
L2 • LE, SE, XLE w/4-Cyl Engine in Gulf States $1,114.00 1,399.00
LA8 • Models w/4-Cyl Engine in Southeast Region $1,170.40 $1,467.00
(Available Only in Gulf States & Southeast Region) (N/A XLE w/V6 Engine) (Last Character Refers to Supplier -- See Dealer For Details) Includes Liquicell Comfort Technology.

A number of other dealers will put it on or have it done.

tidewater

I just picked up my new 2007 Camry XLE in desert sand with the bisque interior, option combo #1, plus mats/carpets,net in SE Virginia.

I must say, the bisque interior looks dynamite, it is far better in person than any pics I have seen online or anywhere. (I definitely prefer that over the grey). I got the XLE fabric seats/interior which is very comfortable, and very attractive.

I find that actually driving the Camry, you find its far more attractive exterior than the pics online. I find the new Camry very similar to the new Avalon in many respects – but much easier to handle for the city type driving I often do. IMO, the bar is now raised for all cars, and new vehicles generally available today are far superior to those of just 3 or 4 years ago.

I contacted only two dealers, and I feel I got a good price (same as Fitzmall pricing), with a very well-handled, quick transaction, handled with integrity. This included trading in my 2000 Camry. Dealer had exactly what I wanted on the lot, and did everything the same day – no ordering, waiting, etc... For simplicity, I chose one of the two standard configurations from Toyota.com, and color. Definitely would have preferred to get Navigation, but hassles with preferencing a vehicle, waiting, and getting the related required options I did not want made the Navigation not worth it. I’ll probably purchase the Garmin Nuvi shortly, using Jaxs1’s set up. Have not thought about XM radio yet. Perhaps may go with the new INNO or similar setup where an MP3 player is combined with XM. I can’t wait to try out Bluetooth phone use and the MP3 player.

Thanks to everyone for your feedback through this process, especially Mackabee.

Tidewater

tidewater

Sounds like you are having fun Mookie with your new Camry. I'm enjoying my new Camry as well. BTW, You must be quite a driver to make it from DC to Houston in 2 days if I understand correctly. I find the Camry to be extremely high quality. Its hard to imagine the Lexus could be much better in terms of quality.

I called Fitzmall as well, and they told me they ship to Florida (as they have a store there) for about $450 -- and can ship elsewhere, for a price. A trip to DC sounds nice though.

210delray

Considering seat-mounted side torso airbags are standard now in all Camrys, I would not consider having a dealer farm out the leather installation. So, if it's not a Toyota part (the leather, that is), I wouldn't do it.

fatrap

There is no reason to buy premium gas for your Camry. (I know the 4 calls for 87 octane, and I'm pretty sure the 6 does also.) Premium gas does NOT give you better mpg, a cleaner engine, or longer injecter life. The octane rating is not really how much octane is present in the fuel, but rather a comparison of how well the fuel protects against pre-ignition from compression and heat (commonly called "knock".) The rating tells you the gas you are buying has roughly the same knock protection as gas with that much octane. It's a comparison to a standard, nothing more. Only engines with higher compression need the higher rated fuel because they are "more likely" to knock. If you manual calls for 87, then 87 is all you'll ever need. Don't waste your money.

spiff72

That is a good point, but it should also be emphasized that if you manual DOES call for the higher octane, you should follow this guideline. Using lower octane fuel in an engine designed for premium fuel can cause the engines knock sensors to adjust for this lower grade fuel and reduce horsepower/efficiency.

I recall seeing a test where Car and Driver magazine dyno-tested a car with premium fuel, and then ran two tanks worth of regular unleaded (to make sure that all of the premium fuel had been purged), and re-tested on the dyno. It made a significant difference.

blindmantoo

Not sure if this feature is still in Toyota engines, but my old 4-runner had an octane sensor in the engine. If you used regular grade, it slightly retarded the timing to prevent knock (at the expense of performance), but if you used high-octane gas (particularly Sunoco 260), it advanced the timing and you realized a very noticable increase in performance - particularly at low rpm's.

doug52

Thanks Mookie for sharing your Fitzmall experience. Colo dealers are not yet very negotiable, and as I have never been to DC and could visit family on the way back, it is quite tempting. Like you, prefer a MT (especially given postings here re AT issues), but curious about the long throws and notchy engagement, any further comment would be welcomed. Also, if you or anyone else know, are MT Camrys built in Japan, and is there a way to determine origin by serial number?

Again, thank you for your helpful post.

poorcruzer

You got that straight. If your getting knocking with your manual tranny on 87 octane, your lugging the engine and shifting too early. The only time I even considered going with a higher octane fuel for my Toyo manual was in high heat and humidity situations where the air was less dense. :shades:

desertleo24

Mookie5,
I have a question regarding the "Auxillary jack" which you called a "HUGE disappointment." I took the '07 Camry for a test drive and the sales person told me that you could plug an Ipod directly into the auxillary jack and play the Ipod through the car's stereo system. Is this true? Have you tried it? Is that part disappointing, or just the satellite radio part?
Thanks!

parnola

I'll add some input in the AUX jack - I've had my XLE for 2 weeks now and have been very pleased with the sound quality from the AUX jack. Yes, I also noticed that if you are charging the iPod while playing back, there is noticeable "buzz" on the line from the power adapter, however this has been my experience in any car. Since the iPod goes a good 10 hours without charge, though, I have no problem charging it up at home and then using it in the car. I keep the car charger in case it runs out. A quick 30-minute charge will keep it going for hours again. FWIW, I'm using the Monster iCarCharger. It doesn't matter if you use the audio out jack on the Monster adapter or the headphone jack on the iPod, you still get noise on the line when charging.

Also, the stereo handles MP3/WMA CDs great. I'm fine switching over to one of them while the iPod charges.

caddyjohn

Am in Chicago and the dealers are cr@p out here. The ones that actually have Camrys don't stock 'em with Nav in Barcelona Red. So I got everything but Nav in my XLE.

So, instead of buying some out-of-place P.O.S. Nav addon, is there anything holding me back from simply buying the PART from the dealer and installing it myself? It will certainly fit physically into the hole vacated by the JBL stereo. My guess is that the unit will also have jacks in the back that match all of the connectors to the JBL.

It would certainly help to have the 2007 Camry shop manual, and I may be able to get my bro-in-law, who owns a body shop in the area, to order the unit for me and save a few bucks over walking into the dealership myself.

I did something similar before to my wife's 2004 Freestar and retrofitted both Homelink and memory seats into the car.

Does anyone have any information from the 2007 Camry Shop Manual as to whether I'm barking up a wrong tree?

Thanks
J

enka

We all like the 07 camry its good cuz its toyota but the front styling is kind of messed up like the new honda civic but I think most popular middsize right now is Hyundai Sonata than Camry and seems like people forgot about the accord

faldoc

They are probably selling 40,000 Camrys a month.

I like the Sonata and the Azera but I don't think they sell a fourth as many of them compared to the Camrys. Hyundai as a whole had flat sales of about 41,000 cars between March and April.

Toyota continues to grow, at a 4.5% rate over last year, and sells about 220,000 units a month.

accordian6

So, I guess that was 4 sentences to say the exact same thing! So the Japanese build them better than the Americans, I think is what you are saying. Have I got that right? The Americans don't build them as well as the Japanese. Oh, now I get it.

210delray

Please, let's not start that up again, but good luck with your new car!

maryann1752

I need some help on the 2007 Camry. I want to purchase the XLE but I absolutely hate the wood grain trim. I like the SE with the silver trim. Is it anyway to get the XLE without the wood grain? If I have to get wood grain in the XLE, is it a big difference in the SE and XLE Model?

Thanks for anyone help on this matter.
Mary

andrem

There another question for the forum: I am considering buying a new V6 and since I may take the vehicle overseas to a country without a general speed limit (Germany that is) and significantly higher travel speeds than usual in the US. I am wondering if the 2007 Camry V6 has an electronic speed limiter. And if yes whether that can be overruled by a software update that is readily available. I know that other tires may be necessary.

Also, does anyone know whether a supercharger kit already exists or is to be expected for this new engine (be it TRD or aftermarket).

andrem

P.S. All camrys I saw on dealer lots in the US were eqipped with tires with a "V" rating, good for 240 km/h or 149 mph

lmacmil

Road & Track reported an electronically limited top speed of 143 mph. I doubt that you'll see a supercharger kit. Not something most Camry owners would be interested in.

ray_h1

Germany has speed limits on the autobahn.

ieee_raider

There are a number of differences:
Features that I can recall that the XLE has, but SE doesn't:

Dual Electronic Auto-Climate Control with rear seat vents (this was the deciding feature for me)
"Enhanced" Message Display
Wood-grain trim
Upgraded leather
standard heated mirrors
optional smart-key
standard power passenger seat
standard upgraded audio
rear window sunshare
sliding center armrest
standard moonroof

SE has:
sport suspension package
17" wheels
body kit

alpha01

Have you considered the two color schemes for the Camry? Although I would agree that I do not like the light color wood of the XLE with the grey interior, I find that it looks quite sharp with the beige ("Bisque") interior.

Have you considered both?

Also note that ieee raider is correct, there are several lux items you cant get on the SE that are available on the XLE... but... you can get some of the major items like perforated leather, moonroof, heated seats, etc.. on the SE.

~alpha

tidewater

I saw the SE (metal trim) and XLE. Metal trim does look more attractive in the Toyota pics. Yellow wood grain with grey interior XLE looks unacttractive in the pics I have seen. But, the yellow wood trim goes very well indeed with Bisque trim. The Bisque XLE interior looks great in person - you really have to see it up close, as there are no pics online to see. I find bisque interior fairly similar to equivalent Avalon with wood trimmed model. (Although I guess its somewhat in the eye of beholder).

Wood trim is obligatory on any Camry XLE. The only way to get Bisque color trim is by order on of the few exterior colors which include Bisque interior.

Tidewater

enka

Yes man i dont know how toyota does it selling 40.000 camrys thats alot. I think that Hyundai sales will increase when the new santafe and elanta comes out because I see the current elantra and santa fe everwhere. People got bored probbly they would buy the new ones.

johny641

The car is electronically limited to a 149mph and the tires on the SE V6 are capable of handeling at thoose speeds. There are going to be aftermarket parts available soon im also looking inot them so ill let you know whats up when I come upon something

maryann1752

Thanks for the info. How do you order a car? Would I do that online?? Also if I order a car, is it more money? Are you able to still talk the dealer down with the invoice price?

brentski1

Went to look at the new Camry. They had folks lined up for demo rides so I was just able to look and sit in one. First, the new exterior desing is very very nice!!! Much sportier and aggressive looking than past Camrys. However, I would opt for NO spoiler as I think it makes the rear look like too much is going on. The front is great and I prefer the XLE version. All around the exteriro gets an A+ IMO.

Now to the interior. First, what in the h*ll is with every carmaker and the higher waistline for windows? I'm 6' and had to move the seat to the lowest position so my eye level could be somewhat close to the middle of the windshield. I still felt like I was in a tunnel looking out. Granted I've been driving a big ole pickup where window space is optimal. Also, I guess it's the side airbags, but the front and back seats seem narrower than my mom's Camry. Ok, saw the gray leather and the black. Black is much much better. The gray is too light and looks washed out, especially with all the gray dash. The black is very classy looking IMO. One other thing, the back seat is roomy but again my mom's Camry feels bigger in the back.

All in all, A+ on exterior. Interior B, but the narrow windows and the tunnel vision may be a deal breaker for me.

dretep

How the heck do I get Sirius in my car? I've got the "Sirius ready" radio, now I need an antenna kit or something? Is through Toyota dealer or can I get aftermarket, can't find a clear answer on the forum. Thanks.

Hot car BTW...Titanium SE V6, black leather.

kdhspyder

Now to the interior. First, what in the h*ll is with every carmaker and the higher waistline for windows? I'm 6' and had to move the seat to the lowest position so my eye level could be somewhat close to the middle of the windshield. I still felt like I was in a tunnel looking out.

Good question. I have a feeling only that it has to do with the IIHS and the side impact crash tests. Steel and the doors are more protective than glass. I don't know this for a fact but it does seem that all midsized vehicles seem to have a high waistline. It assists them in getting good marks on the IIHS side impact tests.

If it is this would you trade safety for style and some interior adjustments?

kdhspyder

You have to have the receiver and antenna installed aftermarket unless by chance it was installed at the 'Port'.

njerald

XM kits - http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/TOYOTA-CAMRY-2007-XM-SATELLITE-RADIO-KIT-FROM-FAC- TORY_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ43956QQitemZ8050001742QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWD1V

http://toyotapartspeople.com/SearchProduct.asp?Model=Camry&catid=335106663779859- 9&year=07&productdesc=XM+Satellite+Radio

Don't know about Sirius

pat

Please use the "URL" button below the post box when you want to post a URL. First you click the button, then you paste in the URL, and then you click the button again. Then all you need to do is type the name of what you are linking over the text that says "link title".

This will keep very long URLs from skewing the page to the right, making the page difficult to read for all.

Thanks!

jrct9454

Sorry, but the high waistline is just the latest styling trend that is afflicting the industry right now. Side impacts may be a small ancillary benefit [I have my doubts about that], but in reality, this is just the most recent "trendy" design "thing" [like the unfortunate trunk bustle, aka the "Bangle butt"] that sweeps through the design studios like clockwork. I hate it, but the slab-sided look seems to be another of those things we will just have to endure until the next "big idea" comes along....