Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
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This color is becoming my number one choice
After driving both, she said that the stereo was awful in both - the one w/ 6sp manual had an upgraded, top-of-of-line (for Honda) stereo. Even the XM sounded read bad (but the system in my Odyssey sounds great for a factory system). We ended up leaving and driving accross the street to a Toyota dealer and spotted the new Camry. This was mid March - advertising hadn't even begun on the new model. It was the test drive of the V6SE that sold us - we still haven't heard one w/ XM working. Ours should finally arrive in mid-June.
To address the interface of the aftermarket pieces, here is the progression in sound quality:
FM modulator (self-contained in most aftermarket models) > easy to connect, but most limiting in sound quality - as good as your FM quality at best, usually not as good because of very limited frequence range caused by the transmitter.
RCA connection > better than FM modulator, but still an analog connection - about as good as good MP3 quality.
Digital connection > limited availability aftermarket - some OEM systems employ this technology. Quality is as good as satellite can get. Odyssey has this connection (so does Accord I believe - but the quality of the Accord stereo is so bad, you get no benefit from it).
One concern I have on the Camry is reception - absolutely no problem in any of my other five radios. (For the record, I was a car audio installer and shop foreman long ago). Placing the antenna on the rear package shelf does not use the roof as part of the antenna - as it should. Also, if travelling directly south, the roof line could block the signal. If this is the case, I will mount it on the roof. I have the same concern for the NAV antenna - it also should be on the roof. I guess I'll find out soon enough. I can't get any good answers on this forum about signal quality for either the XM or NAV. You can be sure that I'll give a detailed report when we get out V6SE - I have a great frame of reference in my Odyssey - and both NAV & XM have absolutely perfect reception. I will expect the same from Toyota.
When I mentioned the "MP3 like (@ 192kbs) sound quality, I was referring to the sound in my home system where the Polk unit is connected to a Harman Kardon 5.1 receiver through a true digital connection. I work from home and have it on XM all day, every day. The low frequency definition is CD like, at higher frequencies you can notice how the compression impacts the dynamic range a bit.
The Accord's stereo was a major turnoff for me as well. If that is your point of reference, you will be overwhelmingly pleased.
It's called the MARC MTA train,.....not Marta, it's the Metropolitan Grove Station. It's about 1/2 mile as the crow flies to Fitzmall, but I-270 runs directly between the station and Fitz so it's just under 2 miles via the roads. Exit 11 off of I-270. Metro-Grove is on the Brunswick Line which runs to Union Station M-F. Do google search on MARC.
Perhaps a friendly salesman will make that 2 miles part of your 'test drive'
True, but running an antenna is no big deal. Most people think you need to place them on the outside of the vehicle, which isn't true. My wifes' HondaPilot has it installed inside the dash where the tweeter goes. On my G35, I just placed it on the rear shelf. For the Camry, Im not sure yet, probably on the dash somewhere. Its only 1.5x1.5 inch antenna.
If you fly into National, you could take the METRO to Gaithersburg. Lakeforest Mall is about 6 miles from the Shady Grove METRO station. A long walk... a short cab ride.
I should add that all of my sound quality responses are based on the upgraded JBL system.
http://www.visualgarage.com/Product_What_Is_It.html
:shades:
Mackabee
About $2100. And its not about saving, its about getting the car I want. Your more than welcome to try and find one for me in Texas. I couldn't, the dealer couldn't. If you read the previous post, you'll see that I searched dealers in Nashville, Memphis, STLouis, Chicago, (Atlanta, Florida as well). Fitzmall had 2, thats it. I could have it shipped and that would be fine, but Ive never been to DC, so there ya go. One more thing, you can't order a Toyota (according to written como from Toyota) If you could, then Id be driving an SE with a MT now.
They had to provide Toyota w/ a copy of my order and deposit check ($500). It is a long wait, but hopefully it will be worth it.
Two questions = 1. Will I be able to use my Ipod in the Camry (compatible?) and 2. If so, what additional hardware will I need to purchase to do so?
thats good to hear... this is what Toyota sent me:
We apologize; we are not equipped to take special orders for specific vehicles. Vehicle allocation is based on the geographical area in which they are marketed. Toyota dealerships and distributors are prepared to take your request and make every attempt to obtain the desired vehicle.
If the dealership is unable to locate the vehicle of choice, they may submit a preference request for your desired vehicle. This preference request does not guarantee you will receive the vehicle with the exact options requested, and may create an extended wait-time
Bottom line is that Toyota Customer Service is programmed to say that custom orders are not possible - but a willing dealer can get it done.
The car is now showing on the list of "allocated" vehicles at the dealership. They were able to delete the spoiler after it showed on their list (about two weeks ago). The new allocation list now shows the vehicle w/o the spoiler.
You may be right, but I'm now feeling comfortable since it's on the list. They expect it at the dealership around June 15th. I negotiated back in mid March before the advertising started, so it was worth the risk to wait. Good price & fair trade value - and they've assurred me that my trade value will not change because of the wait.
I've bought enough new vehicles to know that I should expect the unexpected - my fingers are crossed! But I'm also prepared to fight any deviation from the agreed on deal. I've got dated documentation from every meeting, call and discussion. I've even kept their phone messages on a micro-cassette --- Not that I didn't trust them, but I am covering my butt.
Yes you can plug an IPOD in the new 2007's. Just go to Radio Shack, and buy a cable (male to male) which fits the IPOD. Sorry I don't have the p/n, but I just walked in and said I needed a cable which plugs into the IPOD, and the cable has that same male plug on both ends. Cost just a couple bucks. The store I walked into had both a 1' and a 6' cord, and I bought the 6' which allows the IPOD to easily reach the back seat if desired. Take your earphones w/plug if you want to make sure, but it's a standard plug size.
([grunt] Must ... restrain ... Fist-of-Death...) Thanks for the tip - I've been a posting member on BITOG for over 3 1/2 years.
You are right a willing dealer can work the system a little. A willing dealer however couldn't mix and match items within a couple of packages to create a 'custom' package just for your vehicle. That's just not possible.
They tell me they can enter a "build" order; but moniter what is is the pipeline from both Japan & the US. If they spot my specific car already produced they will try to work a trade with the dealer slated to receive it; and truck it from the port to my dealership.
Not exactly How it works just want my car ASAP.
http://www.stevenvillatoro.com/page30/page30.html