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Toyota Camry 2006 and earlier

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Comments

  • dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    I should have said LE w/ manual The sunroof on the SE makes the headroom too tight - also don't like the white gauges, or the spoiler that most of them have. I do like the interior better though.

    Masspector - hopefully driving the Camry will cure you or your SUV desire. ; ^ )
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    Toyota just announced pricing for the 04 Camrys- good news- there is no price change for LE and XLE models, and a modest increase, of $50 for the new 3.3L SE V6, to $23,315 before destination charge.

    ~alpha
  • dekesterdekester Member Posts: 322
    The XG350L comes with dual power heated leather seats, moonroof, traction control, ABS-4 wheel discs, Shiftronic 5 speed auto, full power with heated outside mirrors, auto air, front/side/curtain airbags, 3.5 V6 (although rated a little low at 192 horses; IMHO they could get more out of it), AM/FM/CD/cassette with 8 speakers and 16 inch alloys.

    This, and probably more that I don't recall right now, comes in the "L" model with the only option being a 6 disc changer in the trunk.

    I've seen comaprisons done with it against the Toyota Avalon, but even I can see they're worlds apart.

    We've ruled out the Nissan Altima, and the domestics as well as SUVs (which we don't need). The warranty makes the Hyundai real appealing, but the Toyota quality can't be overlooked, either.

    We just got rid of my wife's 1991 Tercel which she bought new; had 72K on it but was starting to nickle and dime us to death. Only major repairs were timing belt at 62K, front struts, brakes, two sets of tires and a battery. We were facing a non-functioning cooling fan - short in the relay box - EGR valve replacement - $250 for the part alone - and a possible plugged catalytic converter.

    Thanks for the honest view. Right now it comes down to which rides better, looks better and is priced better. Looking for a 2004 model - the XG is out already with more of a Benz look than before.

    Deke
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    The Camry rides and handles better than the XG350L, at least according to the reviews by mags like Consumer Reports and Car and Driver. I believe the V6 Camry will outaccelerate the XG, moreso in SE trim, and its EPA estimates are better as well. The 4 will be slower than the XG, but it will trample the XGs fuel economy. On Hyundai's website, it doesnt say anything about Side Curtain Airbags, so either I looked too fast or you are incorrect, and the XG offers only seat mounted head/chest side airbags. If you're looking at a V6, it also offers Vehicle Stability Control. Personally, I think the XG is weird looking, but there are people who find the Camry hideous, so where styling is concerned, its a personal preference.

    Pricing:
    Carsdirect.com shows the 04 XG350L at $26,189 MSRP, invoice of $24,149, and carsdirect.com price of $23,324, including the $1000 rebate incentive.

    Carsdirect.com shows the 03 Camry XLE V6, equipped with the following options: Premium Pkg, VSC/Side Airbags Pkg at $28,260 MSRP, invoice of $25,482 and carsdirect.com price of $24,482.

    If you can swing the extra $1100 for the Camry, I think you might do well to do so.

    You'll get: More power and torque, significantly better fuel economy- (Camry V6 is 20/28 vs. XG 17/26), side curtain airbags and vehicle skid control (not just traction control), better resale value, a 6 disc changer in dash, wider 16in. tires, bigger trunk, etc.

    Like you said this is a Camry board, but I just wanted to make sure you weighed the PROs of the Camry :)

    I dont have time right now, but please be sure to check out Edmunds True Cost to Own, I think the Camry will have lower cost per mile in the long run.

    ~alpha
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    03 XG350L w/ no options, true cost to own: Average 52 cents per mile.

    03 Camry XLE V6 w/Premium pkg, TCO: 45 cents per mile. even add 2 cents per mile for VSC/Side airbags, you're at 47 cents per mile.

    Advantage: Camry, by 5 cents per mile.

    NJ area codes used.
  • dekesterdekester Member Posts: 322
    Off by a nickel? Still real close, but if my house is like everyone else's, the wife wins and she likes the Camry....
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    over 60K, that nickel means 3 grand. over 100K, that nickel means 5 grand.

    Have you driven both? You should really let that be your determining factor- how you feel driving the car. I think the Side Curtains/VSC thing is a big advantage, personally.

    ~alpha
  • i_luv_toyotai_luv_toyota Member Posts: 350
    The 2004 Camry appear on Toyota's website? As of today, August 5th, the 2003 is still on there.
  • masspectormasspector Member Posts: 509
    I am very pleased with my camry so far. It is missing a few features I was looking for, but like I said before it meets about 98% of my wants and needs.

    I took a hard look at the Highlander, but was not as impressed with its build quality vs the camry and a few of it's features I did not like, like the rear cupholders. Also to get the features I wanted I would have to get the ltd V6 with some other options that are hard to find in my region and that makes the price go way up over the camry. I think in 5 years there will be enough changes and new models to give me a good suv choice then. The reason i want an suv is because I have a 60lb dog I like to take with me sometimes and I have been in situations where I was out shopping and bought a large item and had to come back later to pick it up because it would not fit in my car.

    I think the camry xle is the best value in the market right now if you want a near luxury 4 dr sedan. I think it is superior in just about every category.
  • dekesterdekester Member Posts: 322
    Wife says it's gonna be the Camry XLE.

    After all the research I've done, why does it always come down to the woman's choice? :-P

    I think we'll wait until the '04 models are out so we'll have a better chance of getting the color and options we want. She likes the Catalina Blue....

    How much headroom does the moonroof deduct? I'm 6' even, but long in the torso. I've driven a friend's Olds Aurora and Bravada (old body style, both) and my head was right up on the headliner and the seat was fully depressed.

    Thanks for all the opinions and research. Now that the choice has been made, I'll be a regular here - hopefully NOT posting in the Problems thread!

    Deke
  • dougb10dougb10 Member Posts: 185
    We have an '03 XLE with leather power seats.
    I am also 6 feet tall and long in the torso. My wife is 5'3". She has the seat higher than me and I have to lower it to avoid hitting the sunroof... there is still room to lower it more, but you should try it and see for yourself.
    We have the silver with grey leather and it is one of the nicest cars we have ever owned. The JBL sound system is awesome!
    Enjoy!

    Doug
  • pkboi24pkboi24 Member Posts: 2
    I bought a 2003 Camry LE a couple days ago. The dealer made me a killer offer of $18,400 drive-out that I couldn't refuse. However I've noticed that the LE version of the Camry has poor suspension. Does anyone know of a way I could maybe upgrade my suspension and tires and for how much? Thanks!
  • brozhnikbrozhnik Member Posts: 172
    hi, pkboi24. I'm getting close to a purchase (and if it's a Camry, it'll be an LE), so i'm wondering if you could say a little more about the suspension--what is it that's bad? Thanks.
  • sandman46sandman46 Member Posts: 1,798
    Was that $18.4k really out the door? If it was, what a great deal you got. One would think the price would've been higher with just the tax and tag alone.
    All I can say is great job!

    The Sandman :-)
  • pkboi24pkboi24 Member Posts: 2
    The suspension isn't horrible. There just seems to be more bodyroll than I would like. The tires are also a little cheap. I think if I replaced these two things it would be a great car. If I had the money I think I would have gotten a SE instead. I've never test driven it but I hear it has sports suspension and 16 inch wheels. Yeah I did get it for $18,400 out the door. I lucked out because the day I went happened to be July 31st and they needed to meet quota. Anyways, if anyone out there knows how I would go about upgrading my suspension and tires please let me know. Thanks!
  • canoe2canoe2 Member Posts: 128
    Maybe tryout 17" rims (use tire size 215-50R17)and leave suspension alone. This should give you less bodyroll, improve in handling.
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    I think its a bit unfair to say the LE has a poor suspesnsion- ride wise, its one of the best in the midsize business. For those looking for roll control and handling prowess, the Camry LE is not the model of choice, but then, it never claimed to be, and overall handling dynamics are well within the performance envelope of the midsize class. Canoe2 makes a very good recommendation, however, before you mess with rim and sidewall height, MAKE SURE your current tires are properly inflated. A cheaper upgrade then moving to 17 inch rims would be to buy a better tire than the Continentals that seem to be most prevalent on LE Camrys. We chose the Pirelli P400 Tourings, and they have incredibly improved grip and wet braking (at least in my opinion). It won't fix the body roll, but it is more reassuring should you take an exit ramp too quickly. Overall, for those wanting a tighter suspension, either look at the SE, or choose the Accord LX/EX, which are fine automobiles as well.

    ~alpha
  • brozhnikbrozhnik Member Posts: 172
    This is great to hear that i could improve the grip and handling of the LE by using Pirellis, or--if that turns out not to be enough- someday adding 17' wheels/tires. But here's another pre-purchase question: Vehicle Stability Control (VSC).

    To get this on a Camry LE I have to get a V6, which greatly ups the price. For the LE with the options I want, with holdback included, I come up with an invoice of $18077 at Edmunds; for the V6, it's $21713. Ignoring whether the number is exactly right, the difference is huge: 20% extra.
     
    NOW... I could just get a Mazda6i at about the same price as the LE (approx 18K), and it has traction control standard along with head-curtain bags.

    So my question: I live in the midwest, sometimes have to drive on snow or wet. Will an LE with good tires/wheels do me? Or do i need traction control or VSC? Is it important enough that I need to scrape together an extra $3500 for a v-6? Or would I be better off in a Mazda6 than an LE? (the lower price certainly is appealing; the Maazda handles amazingly. It's not as comfortable as Camry, on the other hand.)

    Opinions welcome. Thanks!
  • andrelaplumeandrelaplume Member Posts: 934
    Anyone buying a new Camry should negotiate for tires other than the Continentals that come with it. To be blunt, they are junk. They spin out in wet weather and I am sure are in part responsible for the meak Camry performance in the snow. If you have the opportunity to opt out of these tires, take it...or make it!

    PS: Shame on Toyota for putting such cheapies on the car!
  • dougb10dougb10 Member Posts: 185
    My '03 XLE was delivered with Michelin Energy tires (16"). In Canada, the cars sold are made in Japan, so perhaps there is a difference in U.S. built cars.
    I am very pleased with the Michelin tires.

    Doug
  • jlsextonjlsexton Member Posts: 302
    dougb10,are these cars exportable to the USA, that is do they meet our standards. If so I will drive north to purchase my next one. I am not pleased with the American built models (check Unusal Problems Posted 8/7/03) and it would be worth the drive. Please list your car dealers name and is that ever an oxymoron, "car dealer".

                                        J.L.S.
  • dougb10dougb10 Member Posts: 185
    J.L.S. I am certainly not an expert in this area but I am aware of the following....U.S. buyers were coming to Canada last year and buying cars just across the Canadian border, primarily because of the low value of our lousy Canadian dollar. The gap has narrowed somewhat recently, but there is still a difference.
    However, the car manufacturers have pretty well put a stop to this practice following complaints from the U.S. car dealers...and voided the warranty on Canadian purchased cars.
    There is a difference in Canadian vs. U.S. cars.
    We have the metric system and the speedometer and odometer are shown in kilometers instead of miles. Daytime running lights are mandatory in Canada but I don't think it is yet the law in all states.
    Before you hike up north with a wad of cash, I would talk to some car experts in your area..asking about the relevant import duties, what has to be done to switch any instruments, etc. and what the warranty situation is. You could get stuck with a car that is difficult to sell, if the need should arise.
    Hope this helps. Sorry you are not to happy with your car.
  • kennyg5kennyg5 Member Posts: 360
    Good advice! From reading jlsexton's post, it appears that he is not really too concerned about the price differnce (U.S. vs. Canadian exchange rate), but the quality of the Japanese vs. U.S. made cars.

    By the way, if you drive your car to the U.S. (say to visit your friend on vacation) and it happens to break down here, are you saying that the U.S. dealers will not honor the warranty? Does your warranty booklet specifically indicate that warranty work is limited solely to those done by Canadian dealers?
  • dougb10dougb10 Member Posts: 185
    No, my car is covered by any Toyota dealer in North America. Check your manual too....I bet your car is covered by a Canadian dealer if you need any warranty work.
    What is happening, is that U.S. buyers were coming to Canada and returning with a brand new vehicle, getting it registered in the U.S., and then asking the U.S. dealer to handle any warranty work.
    The U.S. dealers were losing all kinds of business to the Canadian dealers and were naturally squawking big time. I would too, if I were in their shoes.
    Canadian buyers of "hot" cars (like the T-Bird last year, and the new Mini) had to sign an agreement that they would not turn around and sell them immediately in the U.S. To my knowledge, this also stopped the flow. But the big stick came from the manufacturer... know it was being done with Toyota, Acura and Infiniti.
      That doesn't stop Canadian cars being sold in Canada and exported for sale in the U.S. when they are USED though. In Toronto there is a big antique/classic car auction each Spring and Fall.
    There are many U.S. buyers there who take these cars back to the U.S. for sale. The U.S. buyers are so prevalent, that the bids are shown on the screen instantaneously in both Canadian and U.S. dollars.
  • kennyg5kennyg5 Member Posts: 360
    Are you saying that the difference lies in whether the car is used or new when it comes to warranty service? So, if I buy a used Canadian car in Canada and register it in the U.S., I should not have any problem with the U.S. dealers when I need warranty work in the U.S. Right?
  • dougb10dougb10 Member Posts: 185
    Don't let me lead you astray here. The "used" cars I was referring to were old cars that were not warranty issues. (antique and classics)

    I just do not know about a car that is one or two years old and bought in Canada for use by a U.S. owner in the States. I strongly advise that you get some expert opinion from others knowledgeable in this field. There is more than just buying it....for reasons stated in my previous message about the metric instruments, etc.

    Doug
  • skyhawk5skyhawk5 Member Posts: 3
    When I recently inquired about purchasing a 2004 Camry, a Toyota dealer in Vancouver, BC informed me that "based on information provided", Camrys sold in Canada will no longer be manufacured in Japan and, starting with the 2004 model, all Camrys sold in Canada will be supplied by the Kentucky plant! Can anyone corroborate this news? I am not sure if this is a ruse to clear out the last of the 2003 models or whether the story is, in fact, true... Based on the reported problems (faulty interior trim, squeaks, rattles, etc.) of the US-produced 2002 models and, to a lesser extent the 2003 models, I am very tempted to buy a Japanese-manufactured Camry rather than hope, after two years, that the North American plant has its act together for the latest version of the Camry...! I know this concern may re-kindle the long-standing debate about perceived differences in quality between plants located in different geographic regions of the world, but it seems to be, based on the number of complaints originating from US consumers compared to the lack of complaints from Canadian owners, that, insofar as the Camry is concerned, there is a difference in quality between the US plant and the Japanese plant. I could be wrong but that is my perception at this point in time!
  • xshaderxshader Member Posts: 3
    Hi there, sorry I'm asking this question here. But there are few people around the maintenance board.

    Camry's manual says that the maintenance interval is every 5000 miles (severe condition) or 7500 miles (normal condition), INCLUDING oil change. But a service guy at a Toyota dealer said it should be 3000 miles or three months. Besides, I also heard 3000 miles / 3 mo. was "outdated" and not right for modern cars and oils, even non-synthetic ones. I'm totally confused... So who is right? Thanks!
  • onlyimportsonlyimports Member Posts: 29
    I don't know what year is your car. The toyota dealer over here in Canada recommemded 8000km(5000 mi) or 6 months oil change for my 03 Camry. My friend's 01 corolla has being doing that same interval too. I think Toyota has stopped doing the 3 mths/3000mi over here a long time ago. I don't know why your dealer still told you that. Try to check with a few more dealer to see what they say. I know Acura is beginning to do the 5000mi/6mth things too.
  • brozhnikbrozhnik Member Posts: 172
    Hi folks,
    Haven't seen any replies on #5990, so let me ask again: how much is VSC worth for a Camry LE buyer in the upper midwest? Is it worth the extra $3500 for a V6 model to get VSC? Or instead is it worth getting a Mazda6 with traction control at about the base LE price? (Or would a set of good tires on an LE do the job fine?)
    Thanks for opinions!
    Brozhnik
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    Very nice feature to have. I don't know about $3500 nice but nice none the less. And if you wait for a 2004, you'll loose out on the current rebates but you will get the new 3.3 engine and 5 speed automatic. I don't know if that has been discussed yet.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Hi cliffy - welcome back, haven't seen you around for a bit. : )
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    I developed a couple of new hobbies and just lost track of the TH. I'll still hang around.
  • rhdrocrhdroc Member Posts: 22
    Need suggestions on dealers who offer competitive pricing on camry accessories such as floor mats and mud guards. I once had a good line on a company somewhere in the Pacific northwest that dealt with Camry/Toyota accessories -- Roman, Rumanian, something like that.

    I look forward to your recommendations!!
  • rhdrocrhdroc Member Posts: 22
    Need suggestions on dealers who offer competitive pricing on camry accessories such as floor mats and mud guards. I once had a good line on a company somewhere in the Pacific northwest that dealt with Camry/Toyota accessories -- Roman, Rumanian, something like that.

    I look forward to your recommendations!!
  • junepugjunepug Member Posts: 161
    We have owned a 2002 Camry LE V6 for one year and 12,000 miles and have not experienced any problems with rattles, squeaks or any other problems. My sister-in-law and her husband purchased a Kentucky mfg Avalon over two years ago and have not had any rattles, squeaks or other mechanical problems.

    Hopefully this will ease your mind concerning cars built in KY.

    BTW, I am not an employee of Toyota. I am retired after 40 years in the distribution, transportation field.
  • masspectormasspector Member Posts: 509
    I toured the KY plant and I was very impressed.

    I have no doubt that their quality is just as good as the japaneese built cars. It is an amazing oeration that's goal is turning out 2000 cars a day. From what I can tell they have very strict quality control and use that pull line that stops the line a good number of times a day.
  • masspectormasspector Member Posts: 509
    this is from a previous post. Hope you do not mind lok88:

    #5770 of 6009 Mudguards by lok888 Jun 13, 2003 (4:51 pm)
    Beside ebaymotors, I would try www.camelbacktoyotaparts.com in AZ. I just ordered several OEM accessories for my 03 SE. like all-weather mats ($65), mudguards ($55), wheel locks ($31) and cargo net ($25). If you local dealer cost you less than $60, go for it. $55 is the lowest I have found.
  • dougb10dougb10 Member Posts: 185
    We have an '03 Camry XLE which was built in Japan. The car has been excellent to date (6 months old and 8,900 km.)

    We traded in a '99 Toyota Sienna after having it 4 years with 117,000 trouble free km. This van was built in the U.S. (Kentucky, I believe).

    I would second the statement that the U.S. quality is just as good. We also have a '97 Subaru Outback that was made in Indiana, and it has been problem free too.

    It is just a matter of the math....not every car is perfect. But they are a far improvement from what was made 20+ years ago. I am now 64, retired, and have driven almost everything over the years. Believe me, I have experienced my share of lousy cars!

    Doug
  • i_luv_toyotai_luv_toyota Member Posts: 350
    My mother's 1999 Avalon XLS Platinum Edition has a whole lot of squeaks and rattles in it. No mechanical problems with it, however, but over $30 thousand for a car it should not have these problems. It's important to note the car was less a year old when all of this started, and the Toyota dealer's "fixes" have been useless.

    From this experience, nobody in my family or my friends and their families will ever buy a KY built Toyota again. Only Japanese made or any of the other NA Toyota plants (my father's Indiana built 2002 Tundra with over 11K miles (going on 2 years old in Oct.) on it and NO problems with it anywhere, perfect inside and out), is what they and I will buy.

    Oh, BTW, have you noticed the Kentucky plants winning any awards of late? I haven't either.
  • bronzemaxellbronzemaxell Member Posts: 55
    speaking of rattle, i only have one toyota out of total four, 93 camry that has vin# starts with 4T, not sure if the car is old, or poor supspension, but the vehicle is rattling everywhere, i just either roll down the window or turn up the music to overcome the noise. it is a great car after all, take me from point a to point b reliably.

    i also think the same way like some of you as mentioned above, look for toyota vin# that didn't start with 4T.
  • andrelaplumeandrelaplume Member Posts: 934
    I don't think it matters where built....look in the 'rattles' messages....2002 rattles seem to afflict cars made hin US and abroad...I am told it is because of the cheaper manner in which parts are fastened.
  • skyhawk5skyhawk5 Member Posts: 3
    Cliffy, is it official that the 2004 model will get the 3.3 liter V-6 engine? If so, it would probably be worth waiting for it as opposed to purchasing a 2003 model. BTW, the local Toyota dealer told me that the 2004 model won't arrive in Canada (from Kentucky) until the end of September.
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    I have no idea. Sorry.
  • slov98slov98 Member Posts: 112
    the 3.3L engine will be available in SE only from what I've read
  • maxamillion1maxamillion1 Member Posts: 1,467
    Yes, it's true....the SE V6 gets the 3.3L 225 hp, 240 torque engine.

    No other models get this engine.

    I am really feeling the Limited Edition LE model.
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    C'mon man, have you no faith in me? I told you I was listing the changes straight from the 2004 brochure!! Anyway, many thanks to the good folks around here, I've learned quite a bit in many areas of the Townhall, and am happy to have been part of this thread, in particular, but I'm not going to be around much anymore, so every, take care and keep driving.

    Best regards,
    ~alpha
  • maxamillion1maxamillion1 Member Posts: 1,467
    I just wanted to let everybody know that the Camry website was updated.
  • motownusamotownusa Member Posts: 836
    For 2003 Toyota has two V6 models. One is the old 192 Hp with a 4 spd auto and a new one borrowed from the Avalon and Lexus ES300 which has 210 Hp with a 5spd auto. Unfortunately, when I bought my Car in November 2002, the higher output V6 was not available. Doh!!!! My question is, is there any noticable difference in performance between the two engines? Has anbody actually test drove both cars? If the answer is yes, I might actually sell my car and go for the new car. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
  • rhdrocrhdroc Member Posts: 22
    Thanks for the info, masspector!! I contacted my dealer to see if he can match the prices and install them when we pick up the car.

    By the way, does anyone have any experience with those aftermarket interior wood grain trim kits -- as those sold on Ebay?? Are they the same as those sold at the Toyota dealerships?? Just how difficult are they to install??

    Thanks ---> Rick
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