Toyota Camry 2006 and earlier

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Comments

  • parnolaparnola Member Posts: 141
    Peter - do you know if they can install the autodimming mirror in a '99 Camry? I'd gladly pay that as my Lexus has it and that's my biggest complaint about driving the Camry!
  • dragonfiredragonfire Member Posts: 39
    Hey Everyone,

    I just bought a new 2002 Camry XLE 4cyl over the weekend and I just love it! Great ride and a even better price at $1444 below invoice! The ad was too tempting to miss, $4000 off MSRP. Thanks for everyone's help over the past few months.

    I did have a question regarding the maintenance schedule. I live in the bay area and I was just wondering if I should follow the 5K or 7.5K schedule. The dealer obviously mentioned 5K, but what do you think? Any feedback is greatly appreciated!!! Thanks again!.

    Rice
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    Follow the 5K or even more frequently. I know what the manual calls for but even though I am on a lease and will not own my truck beyond 3 years, I still do mine every 3500 to 4000.
  • manamalmanamal Member Posts: 426
    Yesterday, as I come home from work, I am walking up my driveway, looking at the trunk and roof of my '02 Camry with about 400 miles on it. I see what looks like a minor "door ding" on the lid of the trunk, then notice several more on the roof. As I am trying to figure out what happened, I hear a sound comming from an overhead tree followed by a Ping...Then I see the rolling acorn....falling from 50 to 70 feet.

    There are also acorn dings on my new Sienna and my Acura Integra....

    And it is my neighbors tree so I can not cut it down!

    What will the acorn dings do to the value of my car?
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    Bummer. Big bummer. I strongly suggest calling a place like Dent Masters who can do paintless dent removal. Most of those can come out without major body work. Depending on how many places he has to access, cost will be between $200 and $500 and it may be worth while to file an insurance claim.

    BTW, as I started to read this, I didn't notice who made the post. I was afraid that Toyota was somehow going to be blamed for this until I noticed it was Manamal who posted it. ;)
  • sam_beaversam_beaver Member Posts: 61
    I've been startled enough to pull over twice in the last two weeks by what sounded loud enough to be a rock hurled violently at my car. I assume they were acorns because there were plenty of them on the ground when I pulled over, but I sure expected to see a broken window or something.
  • manamalmanamal Member Posts: 426
    Cliffy,
    Reasons it could be toyotas fault
    a) Toyota planted to oak tree
    b) a Toyota salesman was mad at loosing the sale
    to another dealer, and shook the tree
    c) Toyota uses metal instead of plastic
    d) Toyota should include armor in the Camry
    e) Toyota sould use the same alloy that my
    glasses are made out of...really cool
    because it snaps back to the original
    location

    Note that, when implimenting any of these options (c-e), the car should be just as strong, paint just as good, and cost less than current model.
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    LOL. Great suggestions. I'll send that through my secret Toyota suggestion box and see that they get right on this.
  • bstone3bstone3 Member Posts: 97
    Automatic
    White - taupe interior
    Sun Roof
    Package #2
    Rear Spoiler
    Carpeted Floor Mats f/r
    Pin Stripe
    Side/Rear Airbag/curtains
    ABS

    $21,459 not including tax and license

    Impressions:

    Nice Vehicle - I'm a die hard Truck/SUV fan and this thing is nice
    Plenty of engine
    Great Stereo
    Cool Dash lights
    Even though the ride is plush it still handles well
    Do not like the DRL feature on the light stock - you can turn it off and easily forget to reset the switch to the DRL position for daytime driving. Celica had a dusk feature which I think is the best safety device I've ever seen - got tee boned once in mid day in a brand new car - driver just "never saw us" we were the only car on the road and we could see him sitting at the intersection 1/2 mile away.

    Drivers seat does feel like the seat cushion needs to be tipped up more at the front
    My wife noticed the exhaust pipe and big ol black mufler - what was Toyota thinking?
    I'm amazed at how much higher the roof line is compared to previous Camry's - I think you actually sit up higher - the car is big - parked next to our Trooper in the Garage it is almost exactly the same lenght. Sold her 2000 Celica and compared to that car the Camry feels like I'm washing a barn.

    First tank of gas = 25 mpg and 200 miles of that was doing 80 mph on a road trip to Birmingham the other 1/2 tank weas in town driving. My wife looks good in it - hell - I look good in it. I don't feel like some old youth looking hazbeen that needs an earing like I did when I drove her Celica.

    We tested Accords, new Beetle, Misubishi somethings, and VW Passat - the Camry was a hands down winner - very open airy feeling car - the dash/console design does'nt make you feel pinned in. Certainly am happy.
  • petercrasepetercrase Member Posts: 19
    Patrick,
    I don't know if you can get that in your 99 or not. Cliffy could probably find out if you talk nice to him. : )). Or you could call your parts dept at your local Toyota dealer, they should be able to tell you. Good luck, it is a nice feature. It's one of those things you don't know you need until you have one.
    Peter
  • appletapplet Member Posts: 4
    To bstone3 - Was that a 4 or 6 cyl you just bought? Anyone else get a good deal on a Camry 03 LE-V6?

    I drove an XLE-6 the other day (b/c there were no LE's). Nice, but the driver's seat DID seem short w/little thigh support, and I'm only 5/5"
    (The 03 Accord has similar issues)

    Will appreciate help with LE-V6 pricing.
  • ecarmackecarmack Member Posts: 161
    I know everyone is different, but I'm surprised you thought the 03 Accord seats were short. I am 5'11" with longer legs, and the Accord's seats fit me like a glove (EX power seats anyway). I like the Camry, but I could not get the seats back far enough, and the shorter bottom cushion was uncomfortable/annoying. I have had cars in the past with uncomfortable seats and have been miserable, so I refuse to compromise on that feature now. Just read back and see what poor george01 has been through to get comfortable seats, although I believe he posted the new Accord didn't work for him either.

    It is definitely worth it to rent the model you are interested in before purchasing.
  • bucjimbucjim Member Posts: 1
    Just purchased a white 2002 manual transmission Camry LE with Convenience package #1, ABS, side curtain airbags, carpet/cargo mats and spoiler for $18471.50 (plus tax and tags) and 3.9 % financing for 5 years.

    I am very pleased and smile when driving.

    Now I would appreciate comments and suggestions from Town Hall Members to help spruce up my new Camry. Specifically:

    1. Where can I locate the fog lamps like on the SE and XLE models? My LE is Japanes made and has the removeable cutouts where the fogs lamps go. I tried www.toyotaparts4u.com but they do not carry the foglamps.

    2. I would like to put on some attractive wheels and tires. Would 17 inch wheels hurt the quiet ride or handling characteristics? Any suggestions on a quiet tire with a little bit crisper feel? While I am generally satisfied with the way the car handles now, I am wondering if/how it can be improved since I will be replacing the wheels.

    3. Any suggestions on protecting the piant/finish? Is the additional layer of clearcoat with TOYOGAURD worth it? Are there alternatives to TOYOGUARD?

    Thanks in advance for any help.

    Jim
  • omo79omo79 Member Posts: 5
    #4228 by anonymousposts - quote "Isn't a Camry XLE
    V6 upwards of $29,000? Why yes it is. By almost $3000. Base MSRP on a XLE V6 Camry is $26,000 then you have to add navigation, leather, moonroof, and side curtain airbags.-unquote
    - - - - -
    Not true. Base MSRP on an '03 XLE V6 is $25,405 to be precise. Spouse and I just bought one 7 days ago (09/26/02) and we didn't pay UPWARDS of $29,000 as you so eloquently put. Our '03 is loaded. Options include dual side & curtain airbags,6-disc in-dash CD changer 8JBL speakers and power tilt/slide moonroof w/map light. Purchased at $24,000+TTF. (Dealer said he didn't make any money out of our sale, but we didn't buy that for a minute.) Interesting enough: Edmunds priced same trim w/options at $27,290. Dealer refused to give us the special financing alloted for the '02s (3.9%) so we're stuck with a slightly higher rate at 5%. It's a smoooooooth ride indeed!
  • bstone3bstone3 Member Posts: 97
    The LE I mentioned is a 4 cyl. 4 cyl sedans today are not like they use to be. Variable valve timing and 160 hp is plenty - the smoothness of the engine - even at idle is pretty impressive - and quiet at highway cruise - I swore years ago I'd never have a 4 cyl again - but times have changed - I just felt for the additional $3K or so the V6 wasn't worth it - although if money wasn't an issue I'd go for it - and if I didn't have a wife I'd go for the five speed. But for a family sedan with some degree of sportiness the 4 cyl is fine. One thing about being an American - the world is yours if your willing to pay for it. My god I even have hub caps - but they look O.K.

    About that drivers seat - it could use a little pitch up at the front - but it is certainly not uncomfortable - with cruise control I can hit the button and move my butt/legs around plenty. The seats got oodles of cushion because I keep having to readjust the rear view mirror as I settle in.
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    omo79: What's your point? A base Camry XLE is $25,930 with destination. Just like I said .. $26,000. Once you add all the stuff to make the Camry the equivalent of the Accord w/ navigation (exept the Camry doesn't have a 240HP option) the MSRP is just over $29,000.

    Per www.carsdirect.com you can purchase a 2003 Accord EX V6 for $23,900. Your Camry was $24,000 and is still 40HP short, it doesn't have heated seats, it doesn't have dual zone climate control, and it has a 2 star side impact safety rating.
  • dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    I notice several people have mentioned that the front seet needs to be raised a little at the front. Do the Camrys that have power seats have an adjustment that lets you do this? Most power seats allow independent up and down adjustment of the front and back of the seat bottom. Do people with power seats have the same problem?
  • omo79omo79 Member Posts: 5
    You initially quoted $29,000 for the XLE V6 WITHOUT mentioning destination price; henceforth your discrepancy. And what's an Accord got to do with it? It's fine for some ppl but we didn't want one; we wanted a Camry because our previous car is a Camry also and was overrall pleased with it's performance over the past 16 years. (Stick with a good thing.) Besides, we got the '03 at a price we could afford, plus the Camry's roomier. Who cares about additional 40HP when you got a 9-month old and 5-yr old in the back seat? And as far as heated seats, that's a luxury we certainly can live without; otherwise just pump up the heat when it's cold. Now,... where did I put that baby's bottle?
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    A so-called $400 discprency isn't that big of a deal when you are talking about $29,000. What about your "discrepancy when you said the base price of a XLE V6 is $25,500 and you didn't include destination. Don't argue like a child and get into semantics. Like I said, $400 either way isn't a big deal when you are talking over 20 grand.

    If you don't care about performance why did you buy a V6 Camry instead of a 4 cylinder XLE? And you might not care about 40 extra HP with a 9 month old and a 5 yr old in the back seat but shouldn't you care about safety? The Camry only scored 2 stars in side impact tests.
  • bstone3bstone3 Member Posts: 97
    Ours has the power seat - and maximum tilt up could use somewhat more "up". Side impact crash data is a curious thing - the lower impact (pelvic) region was outstanding - the upper thorasic was dissappointing. Rear occupant side impact was outstanding. Toyota is a big time great performer in the crash data across almost all of its product line - so the Camry number leaves me wondering whats happening here - to me it was a good reason to go with the side airbags.
  • dragonfiredragonfire Member Posts: 39
    Hey Everyone,

    I was hoping to get some input on getting an extended warranty. I have researched the topic some and I found toyotawarranty.com which seems to have the factory extra care program which was at $740 ($0 deductable for 72 months/ 75K miles). It seems like a good deal, but I would be interested if you have any more information on the topic. Would it be better to call local dealers and have them provide quotes? Thanks in advance!

    Cliffy, Thanks for your input about maintenance!
  • doudoudiddoudoudid Member Posts: 76
    hey guys,

    seems like people can early get 02 for invoice and $200 over for 03. are they best deal in town? i live in N Cal.

    I've been quoting for my friend through costco, but i made the mistake telling them that's the deal the other dealers can offer, then the guy said okay. so it makes me wonder can i do better if i push harder......

    any feedback is appreciated,
  • lilybeanlilybean Member Posts: 18
    No, The protective film does not chip when something hits it. The area it covers is just over the top of nose about 18" (or so - maybe more) onto the hood and down around the grill. I honestly cannot tell if mine covers the front bumper or not! I certainly can't see it, but I think it does, as I can feel a tiny rim just inside the curves of the metal. You may have to purchase bumper guards separately. I know this must be hard to visualize, and I'm having trouble describing it to you. Check out the web-site again. I think there is a picture of just what areas are covered. (See the "Schematics" section). You could also discuss this with your dealer. It comes in sections that form-fit around certain areas that are by necessity, not straight, such as the hood - since that must open and close. I'm really happy with it, but YMMV, of course. :-)
    "Lily"
  • xbbusterxbbuster Member Posts: 145
    We bought an '02 LE V6 with moon roof, mats and alloys in August, I offered $22,300 and the next word out of the dealer's mouth was, "Sold". Makes me think I could have done better. I'm 6'3" and I drive with the seat low and all the way back, the only thing I would consider uncomfortable other than the tilt wheel not up enough, is sitting on my wallet and my knee bumping the hand brake. We didn't buy the extended warranty because after talking to several Toyota owners they said it wouldn't be worth it. Has anyone installed the chipguard themselves? There's no dealer in NW Ind. that handles it.
  • dragonfiredragonfire Member Posts: 39
    I also live in N. Cali and I just bought a 02 camry last friday and got $1444 under invoice. It was a sale so this is a little irregular. I think it depends on what Model you are looking for and what options. I saw a few ads last week for LE's auto 4cyl at around 17,688 (before tax and lisc). Pretty good price. Fremont Toyota was clearing out their 02 camry's at 4000 of MSRP. When I was looking at and LE with ABS and side airbags (and alarm, floor mats, cargo net), I was looking at 19,685(before tax and lisc). But when I saw the sale, I upgraded to an XLE with side airbags, alloys, wheel locks, floor mats, trunk mat, and vibration sensor for 19925(before tax and lisc). So shop around and look at the ads if you want an 02. Otherwise 200 over invoice for an 03 is also a great deal! Hope that helps and wasn't too long!

    Rice
  • sandman46sandman46 Member Posts: 1,798
    Please let's keep the tone civil in this forum. Don't forget about what happened in the Protege forum. And lastly, this forum is about the Camry and not the Accord, ok?
    Moving right along now...

    The Sandman :-)
  • doudoudiddoudoudid Member Posts: 76
    your post is not long at all, but this one is short..... and thanks God, we have forum.
  • manamalmanamal Member Posts: 426
    look up cliffy's profile and send him an email.
    He is an F & I guy, and may have some help on
    warentee. His price may very well beat the one you were quoted.
  • bstone3bstone3 Member Posts: 97
    Forget it - these things are intended to add profit to the dealer and the company providing the warranty. They price the cost of the extended warranty based on (calculated and history) repair costs that occur after the basic warranty expires. Even Consumer Reports says to avoid this marketing scheme - if you took that same money ($1000 or so) and stuck it in the market (maybe not) or your bank and let it mature for five years (the lenght of your basic warranty 5/60 on the drive train) you would be far better off - and if something major happens - unlikely within 100K miles) - you would have the cash to pay for it and change left over.
  • dragonfiredragonfire Member Posts: 39
    I saw the ad this morning again.. If you are in the region.. give them a call to check if they have the vehicle you are looking for.

    fremonttoyota.com is their website

    have fun shoping : )

    i'm surprised that they still have cars available!
  • dragonfiredragonfire Member Posts: 39
    Thank you for the input bstone and manamal. I was looking into the toyota extra-care warranty because i read somewhere that you would get your money back if you did not use your warranty.

    Cliffy.. can you confirm this.. are there any tricks?

    thanks again!
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    It is not Toyota's policy to refund unused warranties. Some dealers offer this, but generally, you pay a good bit more for this type of refund policy. Warranties are an individual choice. Like any insurance, you always hope to NOT use it. Should you need it, you'll be glad you did it. Something as simple as a CD player can cost well over $1000 if you get the genuine Toyota system that came with the car.

    Your price of $740 is very good, although not unbeatable. It is much lower than most dealers will accept but still has some profit left for the selling dealer.

    If you are to choose a warranty, the Toyota Platinum is the way to go. Aftermarket ones really are a scam in many cases and making claims is usually much more difficult than with Toyota.
  • dragonfiredragonfire Member Posts: 39
    Thanks for the info. When I bought the car.. they showed me pamphlet showing a 100% money back guarantee on the contract. The only fishing thing is that it does not mention Toyota anywhere on it. She even showed me a form for getting the refund if the contract is not used. What do you think Cliffy? Is this a marketing scheme?
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    As I said, it is not Toyota's policy to refund unused warranties. The dealership may be offering this as incentive to buy the warranty (and thus, charge a higher price) or they may be using an aftermarket company for their warranties. Make SURE the warranty they are selling you is the genuine Platinum plan. Everything else I have seen does not cover as much as Toyota.
  • marjokermarjoker Member Posts: 10
    Does the Toyota Platinum Warranty replace or repair something like a CD Player if it was damaged by sheer stupidity such as a child pushing a foreign object into the CD player?
  • 3nikki3nikki Member Posts: 2
    I bought a brand new 2003 Toyota Camry LE V6 on 28 th september evening. The very next day when I took it out for a drive it started showing transmission problems.

    While driving at low speeds we can feel a significant jerk in the car while upshifting and downshifting.

    This car seems to be poorly built. I hear a distinctive hissing noise when I drive with the A/C on. Also there seems to be too much wind noise while driving at around 80 MPH.

    This is especially frsutrating considering we insisted on buying a V6 Camry as it is known for its reliability and smooth transmission.

    I want to replace this car with a new one, but the dealer , Toyota of Stamford, has been very unhelpful.

    Naveen
  • cannondale1cannondale1 Member Posts: 6
    My 2002 LE V6 suffered from hesitation at steady speeds between 35-45 mph. This is a known transmission programming problem for which there was no cure. I lived with it for 12,000 miles. My dealer contacted me last week - a new TSB had been released for the problem. The ECU was reprogrammed per TSB EG017-02 and seems to be noticeably better - more like a normal car. Just thought I'd pass this along to anyone else with the problem.
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    Warranties do not cover user abuse. Proving user abuse is another matter entirely. The Platinum warranty will replace defective stereos and CD players. My suggestion is to remove any incriminating evidence (ex. partially inserted CDs, double loaded CDs, Cheerio crumbs) and take it to the dealer. "I have no idea why it isn't working. It just suddenly stopped taking CDs. This is covered right?"
  • fredvhfredvh Member Posts: 857
    In regards to the hissing sound with the a/c on I heard that too when I drove a 2001 ES300. It was not loud but it bothered me. I do not know for sure if it was the a/c but I thought it was. I did not like the sound of it. It sounded like it was coming from the right side (passenger side) of the engine compartment. I have heard this complaint before. Good luck with your new car!
  • hecephecep Member Posts: 10
    Does anyone out there know who's the actual manufacturer of the LE's standard, 6-speaker sound system? I know JBL is responsible for the 8-speaker, upgraded system
    ...but the 6? Thanks, all!
  • dragonfiredragonfire Member Posts: 39
    well. the warranty in question was the toyota platinum warranty. The situation is very confusing but i will try to call toyota and the dealer directly to sort this out. Thanks!
  • et94et94 Member Posts: 1
    I'm sold on this vehicle, but a little tight on cash flow. Does anyone know of clearance sales on 2002's in the Maryland area?

    Thx
  • 8u6hfd8u6hfd Member Posts: 1,391
    Fujitsu-Ten and Panasonic are the primary radio suppliers for Toyota.
  • omo79omo79 Member Posts: 5
    Spouse and I live in the MD area and we just bought a Camry at Darcars Toyota in SS. Basically, Toyota dealerships in that area are running rebate and incentive specials on the 02s until October 14, 2002. (Just saw it advertised on TV 2nite.) If it wasn't for my husband, I would have gotten the '02 Camry LE, but he insisted on the LE V6. BTW, did you try Toyota's website or http://www.darcars.com and click Toyota? That would be a good place to start. Anyway, all the best in your search.
  • jacks12jacks12 Member Posts: 2
    Highway driving as you get off exit ramp car stalls wait a few minutes starts up and runs ok

    Any suggestions
  • hecephecep Member Posts: 10
    Thanks, 8u6hfd!
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    Did that happen shortly after filling up your tank? Some times, if you overfill your tank, you will stall. Don't ask me what causes this because I don't know. I do know that here at the dealership, we had to talk to our PDI department about not over filling the tanks because new cars were stalling on test drives.
  • shirleysshirleys Member Posts: 2
    This past weekend I "ordered" an XLE 2003. With option packages #8 and Extra Mile Package D. Checking with Edmunds I settled for what I thought a fair price of 27,500. They said it would take 20 days to "BUILD" my car for me. This seemed all hype to me especially yesterday when they called again and said there would be one "in port" now in 10 days and I can have that one on a dealer match. Package "D" would be put on in port. Never heard that term and wondering if that will be a problem other than factory built. Just seems like they're starting to change their story and I'm getting nervous. Plus the salesman I started with (Mine was off when I purchased), said we could balloon payment it, not a lease, and not sure if that's the way to go either. I had leased once and decided not to this time. Any comments would be appreciated.
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    What happened is that your dealer was able to divert a car that was already built that matched your order. The "port" is a processing station. Cars are sent from the factory to this distribution center which was call a port.

    Balloon loans are nearly identical to leases. Each has some advantages and disadvantages. If you plan on purchasing at the end, the balloon is better. If not, the lease is the way to go because it does not have a fee to turn it in at the end.
  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,242
    A major weekly magazine would like to talk with recent Toyota buyers who are under the age of 35. If you fit this description and care to share your story, please respond to me at jfallon@edmunds.com with your name, daytime phone number and city/state of residence before Wednesday, October 16, 2002.
    Thanks!
    Jeannine Fallon
    PR Director
    Edmunds.com

    MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
    Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
    2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
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