Toyota Camry 2006 and earlier

dekester · September 2003

Picking up the wife's '03 LE-V6 in about an hour. Dealer found a green one in Connecticut with sunroof, black pearl emblems (I can't wait to see that!), JBL stereo, carpeted mats, cargo liner and net, alloys etc.

Turned down the extended warranty once we were told we could buy it at a later date, said forget the alarm, but wife caved in on what I think is "Gap insurance". We're paying cash for the car, but this insurance ($750) will pay the difference in what the payoff is on a total or theft for a total of $25000. Also included "free" VIN etching - I can have that done at the local police precinct for free......

Anyway, looking forward to many years of service from the Camry. Wife's 91 Tercel was a good little car until the small, expensive things started to go. Got 12 years and 72K miles out of it...

So, here's a new member of the Camry "family"! Hope to not have to post in the "problens" section!

Deke

steveb84 · September 2003

with the Black Pearl emblems is very sharp IMHO

manamal · October 2003

Dek,
I am not sure what benefit gap ins has when paying cash. My understanding is it covers the difference in the ins. value and the loan/leas value. Cliffy can probably answer though.

dekester · October 2003

That's what this "insurance" sounded like, and I couldn't get my wife to refuse it! The F&I guy was pissed enough that we weren't getting an extended warranty, alarm or LoJack!

As he explained it, it covers the car for 5 years against an accident that totals the car or theft. If our insurance co gives us $18000 for the car next year, we will get the difference from this other policy to total $25,000.00 so we can replace the car with no out-of-pocket expenses. They also pay all the DMV fees and dealer charges.

Anyway, my wife let me sit in the car in the driveway last night. Maybe tonight I'll actually DRIVE it....

Owner's manual still sits in the glove box. Me? I'd've read it cover to cover last night!

Black pearl emblems on the Aspen Green reminds me of the USAF black markings on the OD Green aircraft...real stealthy!

Deke

ssiu · October 2003

How would you rank the following for side crash safety overall (factoring in both head and body injury)?

Accord sedan with side air bags (NO side curtains)
Altima with side and curtain air bags
Camry sedan with side and curtain air bags
Mazda6 with side and curtain air bags

alpha01 · October 2003

But.... all other things equal having head and chest protection is always desirable to having only one type or none.

I'd put the Altima,6, and Camry with the side/side curtain options above the Accord with only the chest side airbag.

~alpha

dekester · October 2003

Got to drive the wife's new LE-V6 last night. After owning US V8 RWD cars for years and then an Olds Intrigue for 5, I guess I didn't know what to expect.

This Camry is NO comparison at all to the old 91 Tercel she had since new....

First, I couldn't get over how much space I had! The Intrigue, though a larger car, seems to have less "elbow" room. With the moonroof,I was afraid I wouldn't have enough headroom....WRONG! Door openings are wide enough that I don't bang my knee on the dash (like in my Olds) or rub on the weatherstripping....

Engine is TOO quiet! Had to really listen to make sure it started! Smooth power (thanks to the VVT-I and dual cams - but why does the owner's manual state FOUR CAMS?). Tranny is "like butta" and I never felt a shift. Still trying to find out what that fifth gear is...

The cloth interior feels like real quality material that will hold up for quite a few years. May just invest in covers for the front to keep them that way.

Ride is great, no bucking or jouncing on the crappy NYC roads.

Only "complaint" I have is the soft brake pedal. Guess I'm too used to the hard pedal (little travel) in the Intrigue.

Now to start ordering accessories - rain guards for the windows, foul-weather floor mats, dusters....

Deke

canoe2 · October 2003

Congratulations on your new car.
Yes, I totally agree with you about soft brake pedal and little travel. When I made the measurement of the travel distance for pedal, it was within specs.

rcf8000 · October 2003

I've been reading a lot about spongy brakes on the Camry. But on my new '04 XLE the brakes feel fine. Maybe they fixed the "problem"?

dekester · October 2003

I think I just need to get used to the pedal feel. I know when I sold my 88 Crown Vic and got the Intrigue, I had to get used to the "hard" pedal in the Olds, so each car is different. I wasn't worried about not stopping, just that I needed more pressure on the pedal.

When I occasionally drive a friend's 68 Road Runner with manual drums...THAT'S another story altogether! Not having driven a non-power, non-front disc car in a while, it takes quite a few stops to adjust.

Deke

2003sev6 · October 2003

I personally don't notice a difference between the 1999 and 2003 model year except for the fact that I can stop alot faster in the 2003, I guess because it comes with brake assist. Also, stopping distance on the Camry edged out the Altima for Best in Class.

cliffy1 · October 2003

What you have described is not GAP insurance. GAP pays the difference between what the insurance company pays in a settlement and what you owe on your loan balance. I've not heard of a price higher than $500 on GAP.

What you are describing is a total replacement insurance. I have it on my boat. I have never seen anything like this offered on a car, especially through the dealership. Look over the contract carefully and make sure it is what the guy claimed. If it really does pay the difference between the insurance settlement and a pre-set value of $25000, it sounds like a decent deal.

slov98 · October 2003

the brakes feel the same in our 94 camry as in the 03, I guess we're used to them... I was also expecting the worst after reading about the brakes, test drove the car and didn't notice a thing wrong with them

lapnorm1 · October 2003

Is it possible to get the leather w/o the 6 disk CD changer? I have a MP3 player I want to install but like the leather.

masspector · October 2003

Depending on your location in the country you should be able to get what they call Port installed leather or possibly dealer installed leather if they do that in your region. Just ask a few dealers or check their websites.

lapnorm1 · October 2003

Thanks for the information. I will do that.

alpha01 · October 2003

For anyone interested, the new issue of Car and Driver has an AWESOME, and GLOWING Long Term test of a 2002 Camry SE V6. My only peeve with the test is that they didnt mention the significant upgrades of the 2003/2004 models AT ALL (mainly the standard power moonroof and drivers seat, which lower the MSRP by $10xx dollars, and the new 3.3L 225hp V6/5sp auto).

Check it out!
~alpha

edmund2460 · October 2003

I got my trunk liner and mats from Weathertech.com. I especially like the trunk liner which has a lip around the edge to hold spills.

brwalter · October 2003

To get Vehicle Skid Control on my new Camry would cost me, in essence, about $2200. (I can otherwise get the LE at around $18K without VSC. But to get VSC I need to get a V-6-- more power than I need - and then we're talking $20,242. I'm getting the figures from TMV.) So...
how much is VSC worth? I really want safety, so the question is, how central is VSC if you want safety? Note: I live in the midwest with some bad winter drives sometimes.
Thanks for opinions, insights etc.

alguire · October 2003

I have a SE with VSC and am happy to have it. You might want to check this out..... http://money.cnn.com/2003/09/25/pf/autos/what_is_esc/index.htm?cn- n=yes

rhdroc · October 2003

I was thinking about purchasing a set of mudguards for my 2003 Camry LE V-6 but the salepersons who sold me the car said with the new body design, the mudguards actually aren't necessary. Does anyone know where, on the internet, I could locate a photo of a 03 Camry with the mudguards installed? If they really aren't necessary and they don't look all that exceptional, I may just pass them by.

Thanks ---<Rick

brwalter · October 2003

Thanks, Alguire - great link there. Leaves no doubt that VSC is a necessity, not a luxury (reduces accidents by about a third).

For me, anyway, I'll insist on the VSC. Ditto ditto head-curtain airbags (reduces side injuries by almost a half).

Narrows the list quite a bit, unfortunately. E.g., the Mazda-6 doesn't offer VSC or equivalent. What's left?-- the -v-6 Camry, the Passat, and 2004 Prius are it in the low-20s range. Anyone know any others? (The $30-ish cars typically offer these options, e.g., the Acura TSX... I really wish that car was in my budget range, but ...).

As for the three, I judge the Camry crash tests (if supplemented by head-curtain bags) to probably beat the Passat (the latter was tested with side bags, the Camry without). Too bad you have to get the v-6 Camry to get VSC; I wish they offered VSC on the 4, but they don't. (Passat offers it as a cheap add on right from the base.) The maintenance will probably be cheaper and more flexible on a Camry (since Passats can only be handled by specialists and dealers, while any competent mechanic will be able to work on a Camry. If my goal is a car that will run like a top ten years from now, Camry seems the best bet, no?
The Prius is the most exciting, but there is the risk of buying something brand new, before the crash tests, rollover tests, reliability data, first-year problems, etc. So...it looks like I'll be in a Camry soon. Will let you know. Thanks.

dekester · October 2003

You may have a long search for a Camry with the VSC package. We went looking for an '04 LE V6 with the VSC and Convenience Backage B and the dealer told us Toyota makes cars with various options, but we would probably NOT find one equipped as we wanted.

He also said we could order the car, but there would be no guarantee they would even build it and, of course, no set delivery date. He said he had ordered an '03 Corolla S with ABS in March and they still hadn't built it! This was in late September.

I really wanted the VSC for the sloppy Winter roads here as my Olds Intrigue has Traction Control and I haven't gotten stuck even once.
I talked the wife out of an SUV because of the VSC in the Camry... Now I look like the bad guy...:-)

He did find us an LE with most of the options in the Convenience Pkg B, but no VSC/airbags.

Whether or not he was pulling our leg, I can't tell you.

Deke

alpha01 · October 2003

So you settled for a car that wasnt what you wanted? Seriously, Toyota sells ~400K of these cars each year, if you couldnt get what you wanted from one or two or even three dealerships, there had to have been SOMEONE out there who could have helped you. Don't settle.

~alpha

alguire · October 2003

The dealer we bought our 03 SE from did not have any cars on his lot with all the options we wanted, which included VSC, but located six for us to chose from. For us, getting a Camry with VSC was not a problem.

dchopp · October 2003

A good set of winter tread tires is a lot cheaper, and driving sensable under adverse weather conditions would prove to be better.Had it on my Buick and it sucked when it came to ice.

ssiu · October 2003

Questions on 2004 LE V6 sedan:

Does it have child seat tether anchors and/or LATCH on all 3 rear seating positions? If not, on which positions?

What brand/model are the tires, and are they good?

Does the V6 model feel noticeably more nose-heavy compared to I4 models?

Is there a button for the driver to lock out (disable) all power windows, so that a child seating at the rear cannot play with the window while the car is moving?

Can I set the (base) audio system to have sound coming out from the front speakers only (i.e. not to disturb sleeping passengers at the back)?

When I turn off the (base) CD player (or the car), does it remember the exact track and location to resume playing next time? (If not, maybe the beginning of the track?)

Thanks.

steveb84 · October 2003

My wife has a 2002 model with the mudguards (we live in MN) and they help keep the car cleaner.

I highly recommend them to all of my customers buying Camry's. Not sure where to find a photo online, but your dealerships parts department should have a brochure with a photo.

steveb84 · October 2003

The two outside spots have the lower LATCH anchors.

I've heard no comments on "nose-heaviness"

Tire brands vary depending on the build cycle.
Size is P205/65HR15

Yes, there is a window control lock out button.

Yes, you can adjust the stereo to the front speakers only.

The CD player does pick up where it left off.

dekester · October 2003

Maybe I should have stated that the wife was anxious to get the car since she'd been without since May. I would have waited until they located one with at least the VSC package...

Anyway, the only complaint I have is that I don;t get to drive it often enough! Smooth, quiet, but a REAL touchy throttle...need a light foot.

Car has Continental Touring tires, and I hope they're decent performers in slop.

Deke

motownusa · October 2003

I own a 03 LE V6 that came with Continental Touring Radials. I must say I am somewhat disappointed with the tires' constant road noise. Engine noise is virtually nonexistent, wind noise is minimal so you hear the road noise even more. Wonder why Toyota put such a tire on a car this good.

vs4 · October 2003

Any info what will be changed on 2005 Toyota Camry, beside introduction of hybrid engine.

What I was wondering if they will be changing the instrument cluster (LCD or elctroluminscent -- like Honda Accord or Chrysler Pacifica) or the dash?

Any info will be greatly appreciated.

alpha01 · October 2003

Its too early for any specifics to be mentioned with any certainty.

As per Toyota's typical 4th year freshening, the 05 Camry can be expected to have revised front and rear styling, though what it will look like is anyone's guess. Recent iterations of the 4 cylinder engine seem to be producing 160/161 hp (as in the 04 Highlander and RAV4)so perhaps there will be some tweaking of this same engine in Camry/Solara for 2005.

3 or 4 hp is not likely to be noticeable through the seat of the pants, FWIW, it would likely just be a change to put the car on even par with Accord/Galant/6, which all produce 160hp, but less torque than the current Toyota 2.4L.

I'd guess there would be some trim/equipment upgrades as well. I personally would like to see ABS standard finally, but we need another 9 or so months for any real information.

~alpha

austinman7 · October 2003

I've had my 03 V6 XLE about a year now and would give the car very high ratings in most every department (except for rattles).

I've been away from this board for awhile, so forgive me if this has been discussed. The one thing I've never quite adjusted to is the short seat bottoms -- I've love another couple of inches of extension to help with thigh support. I look with envy on cars that have a little extender you can adjust to your comfort, or just longer seat bottoms to begin with. Has anyone had any success with modifying these seats in that regard, some kind of an extension piece, whatever, or another seat entirely?

Just wondering. Thanks.

rcf8000 · October 2003

I totally agree with the sentiments about Camry seats. My wife is only 5ft2, so they're fine for her. My solution to the problem has been to drive the car as little as possible. If anyone has a better solution, I, too, would like to hear it.

slov98 · October 2003

I'm 6ft tall, the seats are fine for me but I use a small rectangular pillow behind my lower back to fill in the gap,
no problem with the seat being too short though

drmp · October 2003

If you relcline the seat back very slightly and adjust the lumber support all the way back, it will somewhat make the seat bottom a little longer and have some degree of thigh support. At least it worked for me.

austinman7 · October 2003

Yes, those are both good ideas, which I did as soon as I got the car last year. That does maximize the seat length you have. Of course, it's not that I'm not being supported by the seat as it is. It's partly physical -- seats in my other cars have been longer -- and partly psychological, the feeling of sitting on the edge of the seat inside of "in" it. I've thought of eventually trading up to an Avalon -- wonder if they have bigger seats.

rcf8000 · October 2003

You can always go up to the LS430, with its adjustable seat bottom length. Too bad you have to pay that much to get a car with a comfortable seat.

dchopp · October 2003

Another alternative and a bit cheaper would be to lose a little of the behind so the seat will fit better.

motownusa · October 2003

I have no idea how VSC actually works. If you live in the snowbelt area of the northeast and midwest it is suppose to make a world of difference in icy, slippery roads. But my question is what if you live in the South say in Florida where it never snows but rains a lot during Spring and Summer; Does VSC make that much of a difference?

russianguy13 · October 2003

My car in the mornings always starts to shake and the RPM's would bounce around like 100 up or down. I think this is because of the Idle Air Control Valve. I am wondering how do I clean it. I heard it is very easy but where is it and how do I take it apart and clean it. Please help me as i dont want to pay dealer's rediculous prices

yrneh · October 2003

I have the same problem...I thought tune up would fix it but it didn't. I would like to know how to fix this problem as well. I appreciate any help.

cliffy1 · October 2003

VSC will help you any time you are in an emergency maneuver. Even on dry pavement, it will keep you from plowing forward in an understeer situation.

jiamin · October 2003

Camry was LE V6 and SE V6, Avalon was XL. Since the purchase is for my friend, I only test them very briefly on highway and city. Rough impression is:

1. Avalon definitely has more room. The driving feel and quietness is about the same as Camry.

2. SE V6 3.3 liter engine does not seem to have noticably more power than LE V6 3.0 liter engine. Some people say they can feel the difference. I drove one in the morning the other in the afternoon, not one immediately after other maybe that's why.

3. When I sat on back seat, at highway speed like 60 MPH, I heard more wind noise than I espected from Camry. Maybe I've been reading too much of how quiet Toyota/Lexus are therefore my espectation is higher than it should be.

motownusa · October 2003

The 04 SE V6 is suppose to have 15 more ponies than the LE and Xle V6. The torque rating is 240 at 3600 rpm vs 220 at 4400 rpm respectively. Toyota claims that the 3.3 engine is suppose to accelerate to 60 nearly a second quicker than the 3.0 engine. In fact, C&D(I think) test drove the 04 Solara V6 and got a 6.9 sec 0-60 time. The Camry SE same engine and transmission should match the Solara's number. The 3.0 engine found on the LE and Xle typically does 60 in about 8 seconds.

I think Jiamin, you feather footed both cars during your test drive which is understandable. If you nailed the pedal I think you definitely would have felt the difference.

jiamin · October 2003

Yes, from the engine data (HP and torque) I'd think I could feel the difference. I'd go back and try again. By the way, when I pulled the SE V6 out the dealer lot and drove to the highway entrance, I felt the car didn't move so quickly and proportionly with the acceleration pedal, as if this car is much heavier. At first I thought I didn't release the parking brake completely. But it was not the brake. I don't think it's the warming-up time being too short either.

Toyotas' options are more flexable and confusing than Hondas. I'll let my friend decide what he wants first, then get down to price from carsdirect.com or other sources, and compare among dearlers.

motownusa · October 2003

It might very well be the drive by wire thing. Personally, I am not a big fan of it but more and more companies are putting it in their cars. Some people claim that their is a slight lag before the car accelerates when the pedal is depressed. Could be that's what you felt.

jiamin · October 2003

Thanks motownusa for mentioning this. I though only more luxury/expensive cars have that. Yes, to me the tranditional cable works just fine. Only one or two times I adjusted and reduced the cable slack on my cars, just to make sure it would respond to my right foot more quickly. Actually I didn't need to adjust them at all.

dekester · October 2003

I was going to post about buying the car through a service, but since this is Edmund's board and they have their pricing services, I figured it would have been deleted by our host.

Apologies, Karen.

Deke

Toyota Camry 2006 and earlier

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