Toyota Camry 2006 and earlier

manamal · March 2003

I own a 4 cyl 2002 camry. I have no problem with performance. Prior to this car, I had a Accord v6. Yes, it had more power, but the camry has enough.

My in-laws have a 99 camry with the 4 cyl. That did not have enough power, in my opinion.

camrysev6owner · March 2003

I've got a 2003 Camry SE V6. It says in the manual that I can use Octane 87 Fuel for it. However, it also says that for better performance, use Octane 92 (premium grade) gasoline. As you know, gas prices are skyrocketing nowadays and I am still using Octane 92 (because they say it gives you better performance). But it's getting to a point where I can't afford such high gas prices. I am considering switching back to Octane 87.

Would like to know if it would be a really big difference in performance when using 87 instead of 92 (or higher). And would Octane 87 fuel be harmful for a 2003 V6?

Thanks for reading and would appreciate it a lot if you give me some feedback regarding this topic.

alpha01 · March 2003

You are 100% correct. The previous generation Camry 4 cylinder models were underpowered. The current 4cylinder is refined, quick, and, in my experience, gets 2-3 MPG MORE than the prior generation. I certainly dont NEED the V6, I have found the 2.4L to have good pep off the line and when passing.

That said, for those who can afford the V6, and want one, I'd go for it. The car is simply quicker with this engine. Resale value increases as well(though perhaps in proportion to excess fuel expenditure).

~alpha

ralpi · March 2003

In response to denatz, the display on my 4cyl XLE has been overly optimistic in my first year of ownership. Recently, showing 23.6MPG, in reality this is 2-3 MPG more than I am actually measuring between fill-ups. I am averaging 19.5 to 21.5 MPG, in mostly stop and go traffic, in the winter.
I have yet to take a long highway trip, I will expect MPG to be much better, and possibly display accuracy to improve in more consistent highway travel.

stnick · March 2003

I have done quite a bit of testing on this subject because I had the computer in both of my previous trucks. You might be surprised to know that the computer can be more acurate than your figures, because when you fill up, how much fuel you put in the tank can vary significantly. Things that affect your fills can be the temp outside, and of the fuel, as well as how much you continue after the first nozzel click off. About the only time I found my figures varying that much from the computer, was when I "stuffed" the tank too much. At least that has been my experience on the trucks. I will be checking the new Camry 4cyl against my figures also to see how it does. As of now it has been hanging around 32mpg mostly highway at 60mph in mostly cold weather. Very good compared to what the trucks got. Nick

kybill · March 2003

We purchased a 2003 Highlander AWD with the V6 and I had similar concerns. Especially with the weight of the vehicle, I thought premium fuel might be a necessity. I have run premium, mid-grade and regular fuel in this vehicle and if there is an appreciable difference in performance, I haven't noticed. This being the case, I have been using regular(87 octane) rather than pay additional for the higher grade stuff. Hope this helps.

1violinist · March 2003

camrysev6owner:

In 2001 I bought my Camry V6 Collector Edition, and for a year I used premium gas (octane 92). Then I switched to regular (octane 87). The difference in performance is very small and certainly worth the money you save.

Regular gas (octance 87) is absolutely safe and will NOT harm your car's engine in any way whatsoever.

Some people say that the recommendations for higher octance gas are "supported" by gas companies for their own profit!

Here's a good article on the subject from the AAA:

http://www.aaa-calif.com/westways/0302/overdrive_1.asp

Good luck and drive safely...
Tony

sky33 · March 2003

Thanks for all the feedback. I have driven both the 4cyl and V6 Camry and I really like the smooth acceleration and power of the V6. However, the 4cyl is more economical and less expensive. I used to own a 95 Altima that really seemed to have a lot more pick up than the Camry 4cyl. I was considering the Camry because I thought withit's newer design it might be as quick as my old Altima.

dudleyr · March 2003

The 4 is plenty peppy, gets better mileage, is as smooth and quiet as many 6's, and is much less expensive to purchase. It has plenty of power for the highway, after all the darn thing goes well over 120 mph - how fast are people driving these days if that is not enough.

hawks1 · March 2003

I purchased my '02 XLE Camry (4cyl) in May '02. The car was built in April of '02. After 21,000 miles, I can honestly say that I have not experienced any of the negative issues regarding build quality that has been referenced in previous posts. My mileage includes some very rough city and two-lane highway driving. This car remains remarkably tight and I'm exceptionally pleased with it. As for gas mileage, I've gotten a best 33 mpg which occurred during a strictly interstate trip last summer. Generally, a mix of city and highway driving will yield in the 25-27 mpg range. I compute my own mileage from fill-up to fill-up. I've found the computer calculated mileage figure to be on the high side by between 2-3 miles per gallon.

alpha01 · March 2003

I'm kinda surprised that you found your 95 Altima stronger than the current Camry 4.
-alpha

camrysev6owner · March 2003

Hey thanks for your input on the fuel octane problem I had. Guess I will be going with Octane 87 from now on and use the money I save for something else.

By the way "1violinist", are you really a violinist? I play the violin too!

1violinist · March 2003

Hey Richard!

You're welcome! Enjoy the savings! :-)

Yes, I'm a violinist, but not professionally. Music is my first hobby, then cars!

Have you seen Yamaha EV-205 Electric violin? It has 5 strings compared to the regular 4 string violin -- kinda like V5 engine instead of 4cyl. LOL

Take care and drive safely...
Tony

xbbuster · March 2003

Is there any way to reprogram the keyless remote? A half minute after pressing the unlock button on the remote the doors automatically lock whether your keys are in the car or not. It's an '02 LE.

1violinist · March 2003

The remote control factory default is set for security so that when you press UNLOCK you have 30 seconds to open a door, otherwise all doors will be automatically locked again. But if all doors are automatically locked even after you open a door, I would say you have your dealer reprogram the system.

Do you have an alarm system or engine immobilizer installed? Because usually these systems override the default set up of the keyless remote.

Does it happen after you start the engine or before?

If you give us some details, maybe we can figue it out.

Tony

xbbuster · March 2003

After pressing UNLOCK on the remote, the doors remain unlocked as long as a door is opened within 30 seconds. This is before the car is started. I just wanted to know if it could be reprogramed to any other options, something like what is available on the automatic door locking functions ( with automatic transmission)

junepug · March 2003

Check page 18 in your users manual. There are 4 different modes that can be set by the end user.

1violinist · March 2003

I have a 2001 Camry V6 Collector Edition (based on LE trim) w/automatic trnsmission. If I get in the car, close all doors and start the engine, all doors automatically lock after 3-5 seconds. If I start the engine while a door is open, then close that door, the automatic door lock does not engage. In the first case, when I switch off the engine, all doors automatically unlock.

As far as I know this function is not programmed from the keyless remote unit, but from the module in the car itself; and since the owner's manual does not mention it, I guess it has to be done by the dealer (if it's applicable in your case).

Good luck!
Tony

camrysev6owner · March 2003

Ya, I'm enjoying the savings right now. Just put in my first tank of fuel with Octane 87 today. Guess I won't be feeling any difference in performance. It has 192hp and I think it will stay that way, ha ha. But I've read in other discussions that using Octane 87 will make the engine less efficient, hence, higher gas consumption. Is it true?

Yup I have seen the Yamaha Violin with 5 strings! Really cool! Don't know if you have heard of them, but it reminds me of violins used the the group named "BOND".

1violinist · March 2003

"...using Octane 87 will make the engine less efficient, hence, higher gas consumption. Is it true?"

I don't think so because the difference is very small. Let's say your car averages 25 mpg using octane 92, it would probably drop to 24 mpg when you use octane 87 -- that's a 4% decrease. On the other hand, octane 92 is at least 12% more expensive than octane 87.

By the way, your 2003 car has 210 hp @ 5,800 rpm as compared to the 192 hp on previous models! Here you go: 18 hp more just for you! :-)

If you add some 'rosin' to the gas your engine will sound like a violin! Just kidding :-)

Tony

alpha01 · March 2003

the 210hp depends on whether or not it was produced after mid January of this year. If its got, 210hp, then it should say "VVTi" on the engine, if you'd like to check, Camrysev6owner.

~alpha

camrysev6owner · March 2003

Nope, I am sure mine has 192hp because I bought in November last year. And nope, it doesn't have VVTI... darn. Only if I had wait 'till this year to buy the car I would have 18 hp more! Does the new one have 5 speed auto too? I find that at high highway speeds the engine becomes quite loud. When cruising at 140km/h, my engine growls. It's not loud compared to other cars, but I am sure if there is a 5th gear there wouldn't be such a problem. Well, maybe the growling goes away when going faster than 140km/h, but I have never tried it.

alpha01 · March 2003

that you are mistaking road noise as engine noise. I have NEVER heard, or observed, any Camry engine since 92, whether 4 or V6, as having a noisy engine.
-alpha

1violinist · March 2003

I agree with "alpha01", I've driven a number of Camries, old and new, and never noticed any unusual engine noise.

If you're doing 140km/h (87mph)that puts your RPM between 2,800 and 3,300 depending on the road condition and the car load -- that's an average load on the engine and shouldn't make it louder than usual. If you switch off OVERDRIVE, the egnine will revv up higher rpm's, but still within acceptable noise levels for the Camry.

Tony

camrysev6owner · March 2003

1Violinist: Yup trust me. I have tried it a couple of times and it was noisier than usual. But compared to other cars going the same speed with RPM at that range, it might still be quieter.

However, I remember my old 97 Camry 4 cylinder was quieter at high speeds like that.

dougb10 · March 2003

Not sure where you are driving 140 km/h, but in my area, the noisy engine you are experiencing may drown out the sounds of the approaching police car. That will be one very expensive ticket when the speed limit is 100.
Around the Toronto region, they are really cracking down. Be careful.

canc · March 2003

I've also read the article that was provided on this board about octane requirements for the Camry. Did you notice that the woman asked if she could use regular fuel in her Lexus ES 300? If you didn't, I'd like to point out that the ES 300 is using virtually the same engine as your Camry, and the reporter said that her engine WAS designed to run premium fuel? If you look in your owner's manual, it will say that your car will run fine on 87 octane, but to use 92 octane for "improved performance". Using a higher grade octane will increase your mileage, make your engine run smoother, and startups will be quicker. I personally put 89 octane in my car, and it runs fine with it. Enjoy your Camry, and slow down a bit...

vmaturo · March 2003

Maxima on top again for 2003. The Camry was eighth. Even Hyundai Sonata came in ahead of the Camry. And the Altima in it's first year was aheah of the Camry.

It's now eleven years straight that the highest reliability in the bigest category of cars is a Nissan/Infiniti. It's been Maxima/G20/I35/J30 for each of the eleven years. Interesting that it's always a car built in Japan.

Now that the Maxima is built here, it will probably fall down a few notches.

I expect the Camry will move up quickly as Toyota addresses issues. They better soon. I plan on buying one as soon as they do.

armtdm · March 2003

Does anyone know for certain if this RED coolant they placed in my 92 (which has been green ethelene glycol since new) is compatable with the green stuff or the Dexcool long life orange stuff? Dealer people have mixed opinions. Amazed me how dealer employees don't have the answers to simple questions!

Service rep says only Toyota can be used, Parts dept and technician say the green stuff is compatable not dexcool.

Does anyone know???????

stnick · March 2003

As I understand coolants, any ethelene glycol antifreeze, green stuff, can be used in Toyota. They call theirs Toyota long life e g coolant, but the color is red/pink. Dexcool on the other hand is orange and has a completly different base than e g coolants and cannot be mixed with e g type coolants. Toyotas manual states theirs is e g based, so I would thing the green e g coolant should be ok. You should always though, drain and comletely flush the system before as per service interval. Sounds like they put in Toyota brand e g coolant tome. Regards, Nick

1violinist · March 2003

Switching from the green coolant to the Long Life Red Coolant is perfectly ok. They are compatible, and both contain ethylene glycol (which protects the aluminum against corrosion).

By the way, it does not have to be Toyota brand name. My manual says "use Toyota Life Long Coolant OR EQUIVALENT..." -- any ethylene-glycol coolant would be ok.

According to my dealer, the Dexcool long life orange coolant is not compatible with Toyota, but with GM cars.

Good luck!
Tony

alpha01 · March 2003

Any V6 VVTi owners out there? Are you pleased with the performance of the engine/transmisson? Comparions to the 192hp/4sp?

~alpha

charld · March 2003

Looking to buy a 2003 Camry XLE4 with one option side airbags. I have visited 2 dealers in the Boston area so far, best offer approximately $21,000 not including title, taxes etc. Based on Consumer Reports and Edmunds info this seems high. I'd appreciate hearing from others who have purchased or are in the procees of purchasing a Camry in the Boston area. Good dealers, approaches or any other advice.

Thanks

cancam · March 2003

2002 Camry XLE, we get an almost instant odor of windshield wiper fluid when spraying the windshield. The factory spray is perfumed and Toyota suggests getting un-perfumed spray if it bothers us. The point is that we don't want any of the product coming into the vehicle. Never before have we had a problem with any other vehicle. Anyone else notice this?

jtbruin · March 2003

I just got an '03 camry le and am considering adding 16" or 17" wheels to my car. First, can the camry fit up to 17" wheels. Does anyone know how bigger wheels affects the ride quality, performance and longevity of the tires? any help, would be great, thanks.

1violinist · March 2003

jtbruin,

Please read the following article; it should answer some of your questions.

http://www.edmunds.com/ownership/howto/articles/43860/article.htm- l

Good luck!
Tony

toydriver · March 2003

Had my wife's '01 camry in for oil change and on the way out the service manager says ---"Oh, by the way the mechanic wanted me to tell you that your shocks are leaking and need replacing". Well, this car has 7000 miles on it. My reaction was to tell the manager that if they leak it's because they sold me a defective car or he intentionally damaged them. Was I too defensive or should I drive past this dealer next time I need service??

1violinist · March 2003

Toydriver,

Your car should still be under bumper-to-bumper warranty. Toyota is under obligation to fix/replace the shocks.

jtbruin · March 2003

for people that just bought the camry le, did you guys buy the alarm that is part of the options. mine had it pre-installed and i am wondering whether i should keep them or buy a better alarm? anyone know how good this factory alarm is? they are offering it for $350?

cliffy1 · March 2003

I would thank the guy because it is covered by the warranty. You just got yourself a new set of shocks.

toydriver · March 2003

Thanks cliffy and violinist. I guess the reason I was upset (I didn't mention b4) was the guy said that shocks aren't covered under warranty - that they are routine maintenance items.?? Are you sure they are warranty items?

1violinist · March 2003

You're kidding! So this brilliant guy expects that every 7,000 miles you show up to change oil and change shocks?! What a shock! ;-)

My schedule maintenance log book goes up to 120,000 miles and there's not a single mention of 'shocks'!

I'd speak to the manager of the dealership, or even Toyota headquarters!

cliffy1 · March 2003

See the service director. Shocks are covered under the 3/36 plan unless they can show it is due to abuse.

bronzemaxell · March 2003

i think most of the VIP alarms on camry are PPO (post production option), which mean dealer installed them after they took delivery of the vehicle. The VIP3200 Plus GBS, and i believe dealer want $500 to $600 for it. but factory alarm sucks, it doesn't have vibration sensor or auto auto-start, but if you dont' need any of those function , and don't want to possibly void vehicle warranty if aftermark wiring messup the circuit, then keep the factory alarm.

you can also get the same factory alarm the dealer put in your car on ebay or internet for around $200, and install it your self for about 3 hours. no wire cutting, it comes with pre-wired harness, just take apart the panels around dash, and plug and play.

astorey1 · March 2003

The carpeted wall next to the gas pedal keeps falling down and just hanging. This has started happening on a regular basis? It takes forever to push it back in and get it like it should be. Should I contact the dealer about this or just deal with it?

pat · March 2003

Join us tonight, 6-7pm PT/9-10pm ET for another
round of automotive trivia and member-to-member chat.
Test your skills (or multiple choice guessing ability)
against other Town Hall members.

http://www.edmunds.com/townhall/chat/townhallchat.html

Hope to see you there!

tester2 · March 2003

I have a 2002 4 cylinder Camry LE with factory P205-65-R15 tires. I am in no rush to replace them till they wear out but I'd like to know what other 6 cylinder owners have on their SE and XLE models. I understand that the tires are different and larger.
I was wondering if I could use slightly wider tires (P215-P225) for better handling without fear of messing up the car or if it would be OK to "copy" the tires from the SE or XLE.

nippononly · March 2003

on the other two trim levels are 16" tires, meaning they are on bigger rims, so you could not copy them exactly without buying new wheels, but you could plus-1 the tires on your car when the time comes. 225/60/15 would work, although I do not know what kind of selection there is in that particular ratio...

jtbruin · March 2003

I don't think that my car alarm is the VIP plus alarm, the manual says it is a F30/F35 "OEM keyless entry upgrade security system".

There is no auto window button, only a 1)lock, 2) unlock, and 3) trunk button. Is this considered the "cheap factory alarm"? should i get the VIP plus or the Viper alarm that everyone is talking about? thanks.

canoe2 · March 2003

In canada site, the 2003 Camry specification for fuel consumption has been changed from 11.6 l/100Km to 11.9 l/100km for V6 VVT-i (city).
Compare with ES300 with the same engine / 5 sp transmission, the Camry has higher fuel consumption (11.9 vs 11.4 l/100km).
Does it make any sense ?

Toyota Camry 2006 and earlier

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