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Toyota Camry Owners: Meet the Members
Please take a moment to introduce yourself and share some details about your Camry!
My name is KarenS and I am the host of the Edmunds.com Owner's Clubs. Please let me know what discussions you would like to see in your Club folder. I will create them ASAP. You may want to take a look through the other clubs to get ideas for discussions.
Looking forward to meeting everyone!
KarenS
Host
Owner's Clubs
My name is KarenS and I am the host of the Edmunds.com Owner's Clubs. Please let me know what discussions you would like to see in your Club folder. I will create them ASAP. You may want to take a look through the other clubs to get ideas for discussions.
Looking forward to meeting everyone!
KarenS
Host
Owner's Clubs
0
This discussion has been closed.
Comments
I like the car very much.
Only defect so far is a rattle in the dash while driving in high wind conditions. Anyone else encounter this problem?
I can usually be found lurking and posting on the Sedans message board.
: )
Mackabee
: )
Mackabee
Any input would be appreciated.
Now I looking for a nice little hatchback (for my 100 mile daily commute), a Golf TDI (something about 600 miles before the need to fuel up again is appealing, and yes for the price of a loaded Golf, I can get a Camry LE for the same price, though I prefer a SE with a moonroof, 5-speed manual of course, 4 banger)
I've seen these cars on the road for years and didn't think twice about them by their "common" styling. But as they say, "you can't judge a book by it's cover".
This car is awesome!
I have one question for the members here, though.
Does anyone know what the button marked, "ECT" stands for? And what is it's purpose?
Unfortunately, the only thing the car didn't come with was an owner's manual. So I have no idea about this button.
Which I guess leads me to another question. Does anyone know the best way to track down the right owner's manual for my year and model?
Just a small difference in shifting patterns. Power mode shifts a little later.
I hope to be able to return the favour sometime.
Thanks again!
I just purchased a sweet '95 Camry Le V6 Wagon with 45K for under $9K... White, Leather, 3Disc, third seat, slider and very sharp.
It's a classic
Surprisingly, no rattles, and wind noise is acceptable. Once in a while the windows get a little foggy and we have to run the defroster. My guess is that there's some water...somewhere...just don't know where. Perhaps it is in our breath.
With over 70,000 miles on it, the only things I've done to it is change oil, filters, change transmission fluid twice(just drain and refill), install new battery (old one lasted 5 years). No brakes put on yet, but we have the "click" noise when brakes are applied the first time after backup breaking. Toyota told me this was normal....
The original Michelins weren't too good, lasting barely 17K miles. A set of Yokohamas didn't do much better. The Pirelli P400's have been very good. They track nice and straight too...which was a problem for the other two brands. I love the looks of the V6 hubcaps on this model.
The door hinges on these cars have a solid (Audi) look to them. They are different than the 2002's. (Just a little observation on my part). Underneath the Camry looks like it was built to be rugged. Perhaps that's why many have had such great ownership experiences with the 92-96 models.
I really like the smooth shifting V6. And it uses 87 octane most of the time.
When it's time to go, it scoots!
I dread changing spark plugs and wires and may let Toyota do that when I go in for a timing belt in another 10,000 miles. I have a couple of manuals bought from retail outlets. Each one has some conflicting information in them. If I have time I might tackle the plugs, especially if Toyota wants $275.00 to change them!
I'd like to own a 2002 SE. I think they look just great! My fear is that because our 96 has been such a great car for the family, that my expectations may too high for our next one...thereby causing me to grumble and say how I should have gotten something else...like an Acura.
wilcox
Good - Trip to Las Vegas (one trip with all high way so far) returned 33.1 mpg. This is with two adults and little bit of luggages. Using synthtic motor oil (and trasnmission oil).
Very quiete and smooth.
Bad - From day number one, whistling wind noise coming from rear right door. Took it to the dealer and changed window sealent but still appears at 60 plus mph.
Car always pulls to the left at high speed (50 plus mph). Took it to the dealer and after two trips, dealer blamed on tires (General Brand).
This is my fifth Toyota and has the most number of annoying problem/issues.(Corolla, Tercel, Tacoma, Previa)
This is Japanese made Camry.
The car has been a joy. The Silver beauty has let me down once in 10 years with a bad igniter.
Original exhaust, rear brakes,alternator, all electrics,and most other components. If you folks only knew what you are driving. These cars wear like Iron. I run it on Mobil 1 synthetic oil in the engine and transmission and it gets yearly fluid flushes, (Brake,coolant,Transmission, etc...) Plugs are done every 60,000 ,miles along with air filter and fuel filetr and brakes are serviced every 6 months and I KEEP driving her. She will see a 1,000,000 kms in my hands.
Rustproofing and fanatical attention to simple maintenance and easy driving when it's cold and you should ALL have cars that might outlive you!!!
Thanks
So. I resolved the situation myself. I traced the streams of water and found that it was getting in through the open seam at the top of each tail light. The solution was simple... apply silicone caulking along those seams and voila! No more wet trunk!
I am new for Toyota cars. Last August 2001, I bought an used 24,547 miles Toyota Camry 1999 LE, 4 cyl.
Now by May, the remaining factory warranty will end. As I do not know if extra warranty would be a good deal because great folks tell ghost stories about ulcers when you need them, I would appreciate your insights to care my car by myself.
Thank you so much in advance for your excellent ideas.
Guillermo Rivera
Thornton, Colorado
I went after this car after a Volkwagon dealer severely low balled my trade in for a Passat. I teach Weather Forecasting at Keesler AFB to our up and coming weather warriors. Im married and have two kids.
Cheers,
Scott
I bought it for $3500 (Toyota dealer offered $3k) from her in July of 1999. It's Dark Blue on the outside as well as big plush Dark Blue cloth seats on the inside. It only had 70K miles at the time (only used for getting to in-town job and the grocery store), it now has 105k miles on it. Still runs like a top. I use it as my commuter vehicle (20 miles round trip) every other day and gets good fuel economy (25 mpg hwy.) for a V6.
It still looks good after 11 years. Paint still has a shiny luster. No rust (unheard of in the NorthEast) or moldings falling off. Washed every week (or atleast every-other week) by hand for it's life by my family and now myself. Waxed every 6 months or so. Always garaged. It still looks and shines better than most of the newer Camrys and Corollas out there today. It literally looks like a brand-new car! It looks better than my 2000 RAV4!
It has alot more power than my 2000 RAV4 which I bought for carrying larger items and foul weather, and alternate commuting (every other day) with the Camry.
It's loaded with Power windows, locks, moonroof, everything but leather. I have since added tinted windows, security system, CD player and am ordering upgraded 16" Tires and rims (from 15"). It has VentVisors, too.
I love this car and firmly believe that the 2nd generation Camry was the best ever built. The 2VZ-FE 2.5 V6 was the best V6 ever made, better than the 3-liter 1MZ-FE that's around today. This is also a Japanese-built Camry and has yet to develop a rattle, squeak, or a shake. This car has got me hooked on Toyotas since before I could drive (mother bought it when I was 11), and couldn't wait to get a license just to drive it.
My first car (I was 17) was a baby-blue 87 Corolla. Had it for about two years and change and never let me down. A great car that cost only $1000. It was a great car, but lacked power (carburetor) and the body developed rust problems. Sold it for $750 and bought the Camry. Kept Camry and bought RAV4 and have both to this day.
I bought it off my parents when I went to college. I was 13 when my parents purchased it in mid-1989.
When I got it in 1998, it had 70,000 miles on it, now it has 106,000. Used primarly for commuting.
I believe my Camry and other 2nd gen camrys were the best made, due to the reliablity and styling.
I plan on getting a new car, but I really dont want to let go of this life long companion.
Thanks.
Observations:
The original tires were crap (28K) and the seat can be uncomfy for a large guy. At times I wish the driver area were bigger, but then it wouldn't be so nimble...and when I step on that pedal it justs feels good. Hard to tell when it shifts, it's so smooth!
I'm not thrilled with the (normal service interval) idea that I'm supposed to take it to the dealer @60K for a (300.00+) timing belt. My intuition tells me that if it ain't broke...
Oh...AND...My toyota was made in the USA...my Dodge Ram pickup was made in Mexico!! Weird, huh?
Anyway, it's a 2002 Camry XLE 4-cylinder. Lunar Mist/Stone Cloth. Options are: side/curtain airbags, JBL with CD changer, 16" alloy wheels and the floor mat set.
No moonroof though, that's my only regret...
Anyway, it rides like a wonder and is a beautiful car. Except for the paint I took off trying to squeeze into a stall that a Thunderbird was hanging over. It was stupid...consequently I don't drive the Camry much these days...but it's okay I guess. Anyway, we just hit 3300 miles a little while ago.
As much as I love the XLE though, I've been thinking recently maybe we should have gotten an SE. Oh well...
I just crossed the 30K mile mark and had the rather expensive service associated with it last week. I live in SE Michigan and this is my 2nd Toyota. My first was a 1999 Camry Solara that was stolen 6 months after I bought it. (boo hiss) :-( I bought this car to replace it and decided on a sedan instead of another coupe. That Solara was a beautiful car though .....
My car has been flawless and you can't ask for a smoother, quieter ride. That V6 is sweet, it can go, go, go when the pedal hits da floor!! I love it, it's like a power rush. This car is a "sleeper", I see astonished looks on other drivers' faces as I zoom past them (when I decide to let 'er rip). It looks so conservative, elegant and unassuming, but has some awesome power and a lion under the hood.
My only wish is that it had slightly better handling, without compromising the smooth ride too much. Earlier this year, I thought about trading it for something sportier, or with more unique styling. I even thought about getting some smaller to save money. Every car I looked at fell short in one area or the other, so I've decided to stick with my silver bullet and try to refinance it to save some $$$.
Prior to buying my 1st Toyota, I was loyal to American cars, mostly GM and Ford. Being born and raised in this area, I felt obligated to support the "Big 3". I always admired Toyotas and their reputation for quality and reliability is what won me over. My Camry was a good choice for me and I have buried my "buyer's remorse" that I once had. I did consider the Accord back in 1999, but I just wasn't as comfortable in the driver's seat (the steering wheel was too low). The Camry simply felt better to me and I felt at home right away.
I expect to continue enjoying troublefree and happy motoring for years to come. I am happy to meet other Camry owners here on this board.
Also.......I rented a 4 cyl '02 Camry for the last few days and drove it over 500 miles in IA, NE and SD for work. I noticed that it was also an awesome car, built very tight and the 4cyl was very peppy! In fact, I believe it would beat out the 6 cyl. '02 V-Tech garbage Ford Tortoise they rented me a few weeks back! I know it was faster than my old '90 Ford Tortoise 3 liter V-6...I had no trouble hitting 110 mph out here on the prairie w/ the Camry 4 cyl...I rent cars every month for work, I try to get a Honda, Toyota or Nissan...I have yet to drive a bad one! I was a dedicated American car owner until I replaced 3 trannys in my Ford Tortise and was abused by the dealer and company. I'm sooooo glad I've seen the light!! Check where your so-called American car is actually built and where the components are made! It may surprise you as much as if you check the sticker on the seemingly "foreign car" as well. Hammer down!
Previously, I had a white 4-cylinder 1997 Camry that was the best car that I have owned with only the following services over the course of 100k miles:
1) Oil & filter changes every 3k miles (by self)
2) 60k maintenance (included timing belt)
3) One new set of Michelin tires
4) One new battery as preventative maintenance
5) Brake pads replaced once at 91k miles!!!!
That's it. Nothing ever broke or leaked. It was a very early production model from Kentucky. In fact, it was the first 1997 Camry that I had seen.
I thought for years that I would eventually upgrade to a V6. However, when the time came, I felt that the 2.4 liter I4 was more contemporary as compared to the aging but still very nice V6. Plus, after having timing belts fail prematurely on 2 Hondas (which I bought new), I was attracted to the idea of a timing chain. Had the 2.4 liter I4 not been introduced, I would own a V6 today.
Personal observations of 1997 versus 2003 models:
I disagree that the newer model is quieter. In my experience, the less complex cast iron 2.2 liter engine was more subdued (though not as responsive)during acceleration. At highway cruising speeds, both engines approach comparable refined sound levels.
The ride of the previous generation was indeed floaty - and I enjoyed it after owning an Integra with a rather firm ride. While no sport sedan, the current Camry is no longer floaty. Some Camry critics have not caught on to this fact and are erroneously applying 1992-2001 ride qualities when describing the current model. Obviously, they need to take a ride!
The interior of my 1997 was rattle free. Unfortunately, my 2003 is plagued with several creaks and rattles. Some are thermally sensitive and others are not. Oddly, most rattles are on the passenger side. Toyota has been aware of the interior rattle issue since the 2002 model year and has in fact not corrected the assembly quality control problems for the 2003 model year. My 2003 was manufactured in Kentucky during September, 2002.
The annoying rattles have spoiled my 'new car experience' to the extent that even if they are eventually corrected (doubtful), I will not buy another Camry. However, I am not against buying another Toyota product assembled in Japan...in white!
ET
ET
I told the dealership your story, but they don't seem to believe me. I have escalated to the "customer advocate," but have not heard back from her as of yet. Hmmmm? I don't see how they are my advocate if they work for the dealership?? Anyway they are still trying to adjust the doors and add weather striping they seem unwilling to try the fix that was successful for you. Anyone have any good methods to push them along?
Thanks for all of your help!!
Anyways, if your dealership don't believe you, they can call up my dealership Regency Toyota in Burnaby, British Columbia to confirm the repair. If you need more info, feel free to ask.