3rd & 4th Generation (1992–1996 & 1997–2001)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1992-1996 & 1997-2001
Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving America's favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.
Originally Posted by TRD VVTi A statement made by an obvious meth addict.
Gen 5.5's are the refined version of the Gen 5.
Gen 6's are a failed attempt at improvement over the Gen 5.5.
All previous generations are owned by poor people who can't afford a nice car.
Case closed. Those are the facts. You can dispute them all you want, but it's the truth.
I know that TRD loves controversy as noted in his above post. Gen 3s are a good student's car because they are cheap to maintain, rarely breaks and are fairly easy to fix. As for me, I purchased my 95 NEW and paided for it in 3years. So if my math is correct, I have not had a car payment for about 8 years. I have continued to put that money in a "special car account", and I now have enough to pay cash for a nice Lexus. My Gen 3 is parked inside when not being driven and is perfect. When I visit the Toyota dealer to look at new models, the owner tries to purchase it for himself. Bear
I was thinking about buying a Gen 5.5 when I handed my '95 LE down to my son. My dealer had a used black Gen 5.5 V6 SE with the body kit, spoiler, leather, "black chrome" wheels, etc.. I went back to the dealer several times when they were closed to look the car over on the exterior. It was really sharp and in very good condition. I was seriously considering it. Then I got a Gen 5.5 as a loaner car when my Sequoia was in the shop. That ended the fantasy.
After I drove it, it was all over. I hated the interior. I particularly disliked the dash treatment with the sloping dash and the stereo pointed up at a 45 degree angle. I decided I couldn't live with the interior no matter how good the car looked. Not for that money.
Long story short, I ran across a low mileage, fully loaded '95 V6 XLE, and bought that instead. Couldn't be happier with my decision. Saved myself $20k over the price of the used Gen 5 and got a car I really like.
As far as Gen 3s only being owned by poor people, that's total BS. Alot of them are owned by people who simply know a good value. When my son inherited the LE, it was "Dad gets to buy a new car" time. I could have bought any car I wanted. I was looking at BMW 3s, Lexus IS, Infiniti G35 coupe and Sedan, Audi A4, the new crop of VWs with the DSG transmission, etc.
When I found my XLE, I couldn't pass. It was a minimum of $20k less than anything I was looking at, and $35k less than some. I knew I could easily drive it for a 100k miles, which for me will be several years. I paid cash for it and barely put a dent in my wallet. Insurance is next to nothing on it. Yada, yada, yada.
That isn't poor, that's just smart.
No offense intended to the Gen 5 community. I'm not saying that there's anything wrong with Gen 5s. I hope you LOVE your cars. That's the way it should be. But don't assume somebody drives a Gen 3 just because they can't afford anything else.
BigBird... the point is that I was insulted by his comments. I am far from poor as are many of the Gen 3/4 owners. I purchased a Camry because I wanted a trouble free auto and with a little care it runs and look like new. Ever month that I don't have to make a car payment, the cheaper my car was to buy when new...thats all! Plus, I don't have to deal with slips, flares and hesitation.
Now on to Honda, never owned one, except my Honda lawnmower that is now 24years old. I have worn out two sets of wheels and 12 spark plugs. I was taught to take care of your stuff and repair, not throw away.
Bear
I was thinking about buying a Gen 5.5 when I handed my '95 LE down to my son. My dealer had a used black Gen 5.5 V6 SE with the body kit, spoiler, leather, "black chrome" wheels, etc.. I went back to the dealer several times when they were closed to look the car over on the exterior. It was really sharp and in very good condition. I was seriously considering it. Then I got a Gen 5.5 as a loaner car when my Sequoia was in the shop. That ended the fantasy.
After I drove it, it was all over. I hated the interior. I particularly disliked the dash treatment with the sloping dash and the stereo pointed up at a 45 degree angle. I decided I couldn't live with the interior no matter how good the car looked. Not for that money.
Long story short, I ran across a low mileage, fully loaded '95 V6 XLE, and bought that instead. Couldn't be happier with my decision. Saved myself $20k over the price of the used Gen 5 and got a car I really like.
As far as Gen 3s only being owned by poor people, that's total BS. Alot of them are owned by people who simply know a good value. When my son inherited the LE, it was "Dad gets to buy a new car" time. I could have bought any car I wanted. I was looking at BMW 3s, Lexus IS, Infiniti G35 coupe and Sedan, Audi A4, the new crop of VWs with the DSG transmission, etc.
When I found my XLE, I couldn't pass. It was a minimum of $20k less than anything I was looking at, and $35k less than some. I knew I could easily drive it for a 100k miles, which for me will be several years. I paid cash for it and barely put a dent in my wallet. Insurance is next to nothing on it. Yada, yada, yada.
That isn't poor, that's just smart.
No offense intended to the Gen 5 community. I'm not saying that there's anything wrong with Gen 5s. I hope you LOVE your cars. That's the way it should be. But don't assume somebody drives a Gen 3 just because they can't afford anything else.
My new friend,
Someone else knows the difference between wealth and worth.
Bear
BigBird... the point is that I was insulted by his comments. I am far from poor as are many of the Gen 3/4 owners. I purchased a Camry because I wanted a trouble free auto and with a little care it runs and look like new. Ever month that I don't have to make a car payment, the cheaper my car was to buy when new...thats all! Plus, I don't have to deal with slips, flares and hesitation.
Now on to Honda, never owned one, except my Honda lawnmower that is now 24years old. I have worn out two sets of wheels and 12 spark plugs. I was taught to take care of your stuff and repair, not throw away.
Bear
oh ok, didnt know u were insulted. dont take stuff said here personally, people say dumb stuff all the time. hes proly just trying to ruffle feathers. but if u want to argue it with him then do it there or over pm. im "poor" money wise too, ive just gotten lucky with cars. glad u love ur gen3, i know i loved mine.
The choice is yours. I take Gen 4 and slam it down on 18" wheels
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Restoring '65 Chevy Impala Super Sport w/ 327-300 small block, Edelbrock carb/intake and T-5 tranny that will probably blow up.
Black '98 Camry LE 4Cyl Auto, 188 000Kms and counting
Black '98 Camry CE 4Cyl Auto, 295 000Kms and counting - SOLD
I was thinking about buying a Gen 5.5 when I handed my '95 LE down to my son. My dealer had a used black Gen 5.5 V6 SE with the body kit, spoiler, leather, "black chrome" wheels, etc.. I went back to the dealer several times when they were closed to look the car over on the exterior. It was really sharp and in very good condition. I was seriously considering it. Then I got a Gen 5.5 as a loaner car when my Sequoia was in the shop. That ended the fantasy.
After I drove it, it was all over. I hated the interior. I particularly disliked the dash treatment with the sloping dash and the stereo pointed up at a 45 degree angle. I decided I couldn't live with the interior no matter how good the car looked. Not for that money.
Long story short, I ran across a low mileage, fully loaded '95 V6 XLE, and bought that instead. Couldn't be happier with my decision. Saved myself $20k over the price of the used Gen 5 and got a car I really like.
As far as Gen 3s only being owned by poor people, that's total BS. Alot of them are owned by people who simply know a good value. When my son inherited the LE, it was "Dad gets to buy a new car" time. I could have bought any car I wanted. I was looking at BMW 3s, Lexus IS, Infiniti G35 coupe and Sedan, Audi A4, the new crop of VWs with the DSG transmission, etc.
When I found my XLE, I couldn't pass. It was a minimum of $20k less than anything I was looking at, and $35k less than some. I knew I could easily drive it for a 100k miles, which for me will be several years. I paid cash for it and barely put a dent in my wallet. Insurance is next to nothing on it. Yada, yada, yada.
That isn't poor, that's just smart.
No offense intended to the Gen 5 community. I'm not saying that there's anything wrong with Gen 5s. I hope you LOVE your cars. That's the way it should be. But don't assume somebody drives a Gen 3 just because they can't afford anything else.
Well said,
Even though I wanted a different car, the gen 3 camry is by far the best commuter car ever. Just because its a older generation doesnt mean I'm broke, it just shows that I am saving for better things to come.
I agree Tuner, Bear, and Eddie..(Birds a good dude too)!! I could easily afford a Newer Gen Camry,(now) but there no vehicle I like better than a Gen 3/3.5. I fell in love with one in 92, when a friend (finance manager) let me drive a Camry off the Show room floor for a test drive. I wasn't until 97 that I could afford to buy one for the Family. We drove that car for 9 yrs trouble free,and my daughter still drives it today.
Then I found the V6 Coupe..It was if I died and went to heaven! I love this Car. I've put alot of money in it, new leather, valve cover gaskets, rear calipers...it gets what ever it needs. I have no plans to sell it, I'll own it till they shut the casket!! The wife has strict orders never to get rid of the Coupe even after I'm gone!
About Hondas...I (the wife) drives an 04 Accord EX, and it been dead on reliable since day one..She likes it, it makes her happy, and thats good, if u get my drift.
I have a Third Vehicle...my Yard truck! An 03 Chevy Silverado...same as the Accord, reliable, no complaints, lots of aftermarket for it...but it loves FUEL!!...hungry some-bitch!!! If something should happened and I couldn't afford 3 Vehicles. I wouldn't have a truck or a Honda!!
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96 Camry Coupe LE V6
98 Honda CRV
08 GMC Crew
11 Kia Sportage EX AWD
I wouldnt be suprised if they banned Venom_5 for posting too much. He posted about 200 comments a week. He's been a member since may 07 and he already has 3,300+ posts.
About the gen argument, i like all camry's regardless of the generation.
One car that i love and am going to soon get is a civic hatchback years 96-02 , those cars have sooooooooo much potential, sooooo many aftermarket parts are available.
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