Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/22 for details.
Options

Toyota Camry 2006 and earlier

1103104106108109165

Comments

  • drmpdrmp Member Posts: 187
    which I will welcome very much because that translates to a better off-the-line response and more fun to drive around town.
  • lexus_addictedlexus_addicted Member Posts: 24
    The specs have been updated. But one big difference between Canadian Camry and US Camry.
    Canadian Camry gets the 5 speed automatic for both 4-cylinder and V6 VVT-i engines.
    US Camry only gets the 5-speed with the V6 VVT-i configuration.
  • rutger3rutger3 Member Posts: 361
  • rutger3rutger3 Member Posts: 361
    Why would anyone want larger tires. The car is made to run perfectly fine and safe on the ones it came with. Kind of like premium fuel. You will pay a price to get a bigger tire,especially if they are 17". The selection is less and the cost is usually quite a bit higher. It may not be worth it for the minimal benefits you get from a larger tire.
  • rev4rev4 Member Posts: 38
    Has anone purchased the new camry 6cyl engine...and if so....what are your comments...
  • sergeymsergeym Member Posts: 284
  • nippononlynippononly Member Posts: 12,555

    2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)

  • lapnorm1lapnorm1 Member Posts: 16
    I cannot find a dealer in San Diego that has the SE 4 cyl manual, black w/ charcoal int, ABS and JBL. I know I could go thru Carsdirect or try to special order thru a dealer. Any idea how long each of these would take?
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    You might also want to check out columbiafleet.com. You can order directly from there, and posters on the 04 Sienna board seem to be reasonably happy with this service.

    ~alpha
  • andrelaplumeandrelaplume Member Posts: 934
    I have not seen anything like this since the heater core went on my '75 Firebird many many years ago.....I have noticed a film build up on the inner windshield of my 2002 Camry. I assume there is no anti freeze leak on such a new car, I smell nothing and I think the resevoir is where it should be. What would cause this film to appear. I cleaned the windows but over time it comes back. It does not stop you from seeing out but it is there, all you need do is swipe your finger over it and it 'wipes' away.....
  • jrct9454jrct9454 Member Posts: 2,363
    ...sounds like a pinhole leak in the heater box. The fact that it might be one in 100,000 chance doesn't mean that isn't the right answer.

    You're not inadvertently running the climate system on constant recirc, by any chance? My mother used to insist on letting no outside air into her Accord, for reasons I was never able to discern - it's dangerous, and also can have the side effect of causing a buildup of the chemicals that are always bleeding from the plastics in the interior.
  • 02camryseowner02camryseowner Member Posts: 20
    I swear by buying cars over the phone. Sounds like you know what car you want--just use consumerreports to find out what the invoice cost is and call around outside SD to see who has one and what they'll sell it for. Being in Southern Cal you must have hundreds of dealers within a six hour drive. (I lived in San Diego for 11 years).

    My experience has been that dealers over the phone won't waste your time--they'll tell you what they'll sell it for because you're too far away to come in and "chat" for an hour.
  • andrelaplumeandrelaplume Member Posts: 934
    I don't think I have the recir button on---the light would be on right? Is there a test the dealer can do to determine if there is a leak?
  • jim112jim112 Member Posts: 12
    Just purchased a 2003 XLE. In the glove box I discovered what is apparently know as "torque box body plugs". The salesperson says they are not needed and offered to discard them for me. Toyota Technical Service Bulletin #PG00901 (see NHTSA #621986) says these are to fill holes used to secure the vehicle during transport. Failure to do so, according to the TSB, may result in "road (tire) noise .. transfer to vehicle interior through the torque box holes and rust may occur inside the torque boxes by water entry."

    Anyone have an opinion, anyone have plugs in the torque box holes, anyone have 4 rubber plugs in the glove box and no idea what they are??
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    The little rubber plugs that some of you find in your glove box are not the same plugs that are referenced in the TSB jim112 posted. Those "plugs" are what I have always called spacers. The are only in Japanese built cars and are inserted into the suspension springs to prevent them from holding a compressed position. They should be removed before they are sold. If they are not, you will note a much harder feel in your suspension and you will often hear squeaks when going over small bumps. Fortunately it is only annoying and not damaging.
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    This is common but annoying. It is from the plastics in the interior. It happens more in warm weather and needs to be cleaned off every few weeks. If you notice a haze on the inside of your windshield and you don't smoke, this is what it is.
  • andrelaplumeandrelaplume Member Posts: 934
    this is cold weather...think it's the same issue? Also, will it go away by leaving the windows cracked over the summer? Is there a test to be sure there is no pin-hole leak....don't want to get stranded on vacation in June...THANKS!
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    I really doubt it. It happens more in the summer but can happen anytime. My current Tundra is worse than my old one and you've just reminded me that I need to clean my windows tonight.
  • stnickstnick Member Posts: 177
    I agree with cliffy1. I am seeing it my new Camry and also saw it in both my last 2 Dodge pickups. Also I honestly think it will continue for a very long time, but will lessen with age. I read a report once that said if you knew all the chemical fumes being released from all the plastics, carpet, wiring, etc in new vehicles, you would probably walk. Also antifreeze leaves a VERY greasy film on the glass that's pretty unmistakable. Nick.
  • jim112jim112 Member Posts: 12
    Cliffy1 - I'm not sure what plugs you are referring to but.. the TSB mentioned states "The 2002 model year Camry will arrive at your dealership without the torque box body plugs installed. Four (4) rubber body plugs (P/N 90950-01259) are placed in the glove compartment at the assembly plant. During transportation, these holes are used to secure the vehicle." It then suggests installing these plugs into the torque box holes during pre-delivery. The two sealed plastic packages in the glove compartment each contain two, new and un-used, oval-shaped plugs and insturctions in multiple languages which state, "To Pre-Delivery Inspector: Insert these rubber plugs into the holes of the center floor side member extensions." These plugs fit nicely into the holes described, and pictured, on the TSB.

    Any '02 or '03 Camry owners checked about 5 inches behind the front wheels and approximately 11 inches from the outside of the car for oval-shaped holes which may or may not contain rubber plugs??
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    Nevermind. That's what I get for skimming a post.
  • lonesomeduvlonesomeduv Member Posts: 50
    Does the V6 Camry have 210 or 192 hp? All the literature says 192 but I've read and heard that there is a 210 hp V6 engine available. And if so, how do you tell?

    Also, are V6 Camry's in general in short supply or do they just fly off the lots? The dealers here (Austin, Texas) don't seem to have many. I'm talking maybe 2 or 3 V6's on the lot, total.
  • 1violinist1violinist Member Posts: 338
    All V6 Camries produced after mid January 2003 have 210 hp. It should say "VVTi" on the engine.

    I wouldn't say V6 Camries are in short supply, probably just the time you looked around. In general, dealers usually get 4cyl Camries as twice as many V6's.

    Good luck!
    Tony
  • filodfilod Member Posts: 189
    http://www.toyota.astra.co.id/car/toyota_car_gallery_camry05.asp

    I do not know if this will post, but I found this in one of Toyota's other sites and the tail light is different from the US.. Anyone knows if this can be added to the US version? Thanks
  • petlpetl Member Posts: 610
    Looking at purchasing a 2002, 4cyl. XLE with leather. It's in decent shape with 18,000 kms (11,000 miles). The interior needs a major clean-up. There are scratches on the wood-grain trim and the dash has a cigarette burn that hopefully can be repaired. Also, by the smell inside it is apparent that the person who owned the vehicle was a heavy smoker. It looks like the oil was changed at least once. Is $20,000 cdn. ($13,000 US) a good price?

    Thanks, Peter.
  • 1violinist1violinist Member Posts: 338
    It's very cool! This is the Asian trim, as you see the pic came from Toyota Indonesia. I don't think it can be "added" to the US version. Check with your dealer, it might be an accessory that they can special order for you.
  • ystressystress Member Posts: 25
    Maybe it's just me but those Camry tail lights are huge!! I am in the market for a new sedan and I love Toyota's products generally but....it's hard to get past those red monster tail lights....Also have found Toyota dealers to be slicker than snail slime in the rain...3 different dealers I visited each refused to give me a "lowest price" quote...they wanted me to get a written quote from another dealer then they would "see" if they could beat it. Went to a Honda dealer, was allowed a no pressure test drive, no hassle, best price was immediately given to me and more importantly, I was introduced to the wonderful Honda Accord. IMO, both cars are more or less equal for the majority of people out there, only the incredibly anal will go on about the differences between tthe two. I ended up buying the Accord because #1, like the Camry, it's a great car that I like and #2, I was treated like a criminal by the Toyota sales & management personell.
  • dougb10dougb10 Member Posts: 185
    Peter.....the Camry 4 cylinder is an excellent car...I have a 2003 XLE and love it. The miles are not too much for a 2002...is this a private sale?
    I would be worried about the obvious lack of care for the car judging by your comments about the dirty interior and cigarette burn hole...how did that happen in the dash?
    You "think" the oil was changed at least once...I would sure hope so. Price is not everything, especially when you buy used...I would try to see where the car was serviced and get the dealer records on this. The car could even be a daily rental from somewhere and I would not touch that one with a ten foot pole.
  • much2loozmuch2looz Member Posts: 1
    Just took my first lengthy drive (100 miles) in my new '03 XLE v6. So far so good. The car is well appointed and the new engine is just what the doctor ordered.

    Butt :>), I found myself sinking real deep into seat cushion to the point that my fanny was sore and the lumbar support was hitting me mid-back. Didn't notice the mushy seats in my numerous test drives. I am considering taking it to a custom interior guy to see if they can firm things up.

    Anyone else find the seats too soft? If so, what did you do?
  • coolguyky7coolguyky7 Member Posts: 932
    It may be possible that the Asian Camry's design will come to the US as the refreshening in 2005. The front design of the car is much more different in variation than the tail of the two models. It also has some features the American Camry doesn't have, including Lexus-like optitron (bright) gauges. Toyota probably held off on that until they can shift the Avalon further upscale.

    Camry sold more than 38,000 units in March! Wow! That's about 10,000 units more than in February.
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    Thank goodness March was that much better than February. I couldn't handle another paycheck like the one I got for Feb. March was a near record setter for us.
  • filodfilod Member Posts: 189
    The dealer incentive given by Toyota last March and the good interest rates helped a lot I think. I guess, Toyota will have to think of other incentives again because the market is really low.

    Plus of course Camry as a product I think helped a lot
  • lapnorm1lapnorm1 Member Posts: 16
    I have seen conflicting info regarding the JBL option. Is it possible to get the JBL with the 8 speakers without the 6 cd in-dash changer? I have a Kenwood MP3 receiver that I want to install after I purchase my Camry but I would like the upgraded speakers as an option.
  • toyotafan10toyotafan10 Member Posts: 2
    I am shopping for a New Camry LE with Auto, ABS, Side Air Beg, Leather and Floor Mat. The Price I got from a dealer is $20,600. Is anyone here has any idea this is a good price or not? How much bargain room do I have?

    Thank you in advance for any advice.
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    Leather on an LE? I didnt think Toyota factory equipped them as such. Are you talking 4cyl? If so, which transmission? (Your price of 20,600 is very decent in either case). Personally, I dont think the plastic wheelcovers are nice, so I'd prefer alloys over leather, but thats just me.

    ~alpha
  • kenbbkenbb Member Posts: 38
    Yes, you can get the 8 speakers without the 6 disc changer. I know this because it is what I have. I think list price was about $290. Problem was trying to get the color I wanted with only the the options I wanted. Did not have it on the lots so I ended up waiting about a week for one to come in. From what I could tell the stereo upgrade usually included certain other options. Let the dealer know what you are wanting on the car maybe they have something coming in if it is not already on the lot. What I got and what I paid is on the What did you pay? thread.
  • toyotafan10toyotafan10 Member Posts: 2
    It is a 4CYL and Auto transmission. Leather will be added at port or service station. It is cost about $1000. There is only 1% leather from factory.
  • matt00matt00 Member Posts: 32
    Does anyone know what the current Dealer incentive is on an LF? Its not listed on Edmounds site, but I see the car advetised for less then invoice.

    Thanks,
  • matt00matt00 Member Posts: 32
  • 1violinist1violinist Member Posts: 338
    Hey Matt, how about "buy one get one free"? :-)

    Actually, they have a $1,000 rebate during the month of April, and in some areas low APR financing.

    Tony
  • dcmikedcmike Member Posts: 53
    I purchased a 02 XLE V6 in October and find that closing the trunk is the most ridiculous process I have ever seen. It's pretty embarassing having to slam it time and again to get it to close. Also, does anyone else with notice that the driver's seat wobbles a tad when braking?
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    Lots of little things goin on here today-cool.

    dcmike- I have not heard of your trunk issue, but ask Toyota to check it out next time you bring it in. As for your driver's seat- I have noticed this on our 02 LE (pwr seat) as well- I wouldnt call it a wobble, but rather slight shift. It seems to annoy my dad more (he runs on the portly side) than me, my mom, or my sister. Funny thing- our 97 Camry had an issue with the drivers seat as well- much more pronounced though, and made a distinct clicking noise. That one wasnt even pwr., I dont think. Please let me know if you resolve either of your issues.

    The cash back incentive in the Northeast is $750, not $1000.

    ~alpha
  • stnickstnick Member Posts: 177
    Some time ago, someone on this board complained that the avg mph computer in their Camry was always reading higher than when calculating yourself. I had responded that how you fill the tank can make a difference. Now, after 4 fills on my 03 XLE I also know that the trip computer is about 3 to 4.5 mpg high every time. Both my Dakota trucks had mpg computers and were never off by more than 1 mpg. Talked to a service mgr and he said he's been with Toyota since 1973 and had never seen any of their MPG computers be very accurate. Seems odd to me that theirs is so far off when they all use the same criteria to calculate mpg. Not that important, but those who care might want to check mpg's yourself before you brag to friends and relatives about your mileage :). Oh, service guy also said when gas gauge says empty ,you have 4 gallons left.
  • coolguyky7coolguyky7 Member Posts: 932
    The 2003 Avalon has the same trunk issue, too, where you have to slam it shut. It's actually not such a bad idea, because sometimes people won't shut them hard enough and they won't close completely. Then you have to unlock it again, then reshut it. The way the Camry's trunk is now (and Avalon) just cuts out another step. It doesn't exactly require "slamming" to get it shut, though.
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    In the Central Atlantic region, there is no rebate at all. There is only the 2.9% for 36 month financing or 3.9% for up to 60 months for tier 1 and 2 customers.
  • dougb10dougb10 Member Posts: 185
    On my '03 XLE, the sales rep specifically showed me that if you tried to close the trunk by pushing down on one of the edges (instead of the centre) of the lid, it would not close all the time. It may have something to do with the flexibility (aluminum) of the trunk itself, because it certainly is very light. Try closing it with your hand always centred on the decklid to see if if makes any difference.I have no problem at all when I do it this way.

    Doug
  • canoe2canoe2 Member Posts: 128
    I checked out yesterday the new SE V6 with VTT-i and 5 sp transmission, the price has been increased by 4% ($1300 CAN)but they add in:
    - In dash 6 CD Changer
    - Heated driver's and passenger's seat
    - Leather seat surfaces
    - Simulated leather door trim
    Do you think it's reasonable price ?
  • ficklefickle Member Posts: 98
    I had a passenger seat that felt wobbly/shifted. The dealer fixed it for me and there's no problem now.
  • jtbruinjtbruin Member Posts: 40
    I just bought a camry LE and I'm 23, i guess i don't really fit in any age category. I guess i should get a civic or corolla, but i already had a protege and they felt too cheap and weak. if i wasn;t constrained by money, I'd get a c230 or a 325. just my opinion.

    btw, the camry is great, its handling doesn't build confidence on turns, but the ride is amazing and very comfortable!
  • jrct9454jrct9454 Member Posts: 2,363
    ...the rebate just announced is $1000, but only on the Camry 4 cyls.
Sign In or Register to comment.