Buying a used Gen 4 - get the V6 or the I4?

[fonebone]

I'm looking at Gen 4 Camrys with < 70k miles. So far the top contenders are a 2001 CE with 52k miles and a 2001 LE V6 with 67k. The CE has a lot of options (no keyless entry, but no problem to add that later, right?), though the LE has traction control and of course the more powerful engine. I will only need the car for 2 years or so, but I plan to put 20k -30k miles/yr on it during that time.

I'm hoping to do mostly highway driving with the car and I'm mostly concerned about the mileage difference between the two engines. Some people seem to think that the difference isn't very significant. I drive pretty conservatively, use cruise control religiously, and plan to keep it around 75 on the highway.

[toyomoho]

There have been posts on the MPG difference between I4 and V6, suggest a TN search. The I4 will get 26-27 MPG overall, around 35 if X-country. It uses regular gas.

If driving on flat lands and the car is not overloaded with weight the I4 will do nicely and cruise at 75 MPH with no problems. The I4 is also easier to work on and may have more resale value given the smaller engine and higher MPG.

If you need more power get the V6, it should get around 21 MPG overall and may require 91 octane.

[xet]

I would say v6, i had/have a 98 v6 and it has never used anything but regular for 150k miles with no problems. gas mileage is also very good and i can get mid/high 20s average and even better just cruising at highway speeds.

[gladis]

If mpg is your main concern, then go with the I4, without a doubt. I would pick the V6, since it's a nicer package overall, but like toyo said, the I4 is easier to maintain, and will undoubtedly give you better mileage (you should expect ~30-32 if you do all highway ~75)

[Zviator]

either I4 or v6 wont put u in the same class with GTs or SEs, so go for I4 and spit on others at the pump, lol.

[felonyr301]

I would take the V6 since you are driving in the highway most of the time the extra power could make a difference for an emergency...

Take the V6 when mostly driving highway the V6 and I4 are not that far apart in mpg from what I seen.

[xet]

^i agree

i can easily get 400+ miles per tank with mixed driving. my dad who i dont understand how he gets such great mileage drives more freeway than me but gets more like 500 miles per tank. That puts you right up close with the i4 and you have a much more powerful engine.

[blainer]

I'd get the V6 if its mainly highway. I personally love the mid-range punch you get with it. I own both I4 and V6 gen 4s, and both of them have pros and cons. On the highway, the I4 is great for crusing but it don't got much punch sadly. On the other hand, the V6 will just pull you away and leave you with a nice exhaust note as a touch!

[bigbird]

they both have good gas millage, the actuall differance on the highway isnt much since at higher speeds the v6 works less to speed up or just cruise but in the city is the big differance. if your just using this as a DD commuter car and jsut plan to sell it in a couple years then id get the I4. hundreds of thousands of people get by jsut fine with it and so can you.

however, the gen4 I4 was prone to engine sludge so have that checked if ya can before purchasing or at least find out if it was properly maintained.

[eyeball96]

I've owned both and I agree with all comments stated above.

I personally prefer the V6....the slight decrease in MPG is a small price to pay for the extra power. They just seem to drive better IMO.

1MZ FTW

[Tom 2000]

If you live in an area where there are a lot of hills, you will definitely appreciate the V6. However, I noticed you're from Chicago, which is pretty flat.

I usually get 26-27 MPG mixed driving with my 4-cyl. On steady highway, I can get 33 MPG.

Go here and you can compare fuel economy and annual fuel costs between a 4-cyl & V6 Camry.

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm

[islandboy57]

What is the price difference between the I4 CE and V6 LE?

Personally, I would go with the V6 but you really can't go wrong with either. In my view, LE trim + V6 + TC will help resale value but as it's already been mentioned..those who are concerned with gas mileage will only look at I4s. I like the V6 because it's easier to drive on the highway when you're merging or changing lanes; it doesn't require as much thought (can I make it?) and the 1MZ is just a smooooth engine overall.

Test drive both and pick the one that drives/feels/looks better.

[Albuynp Ryeno]

The v6 is def better on hills but thats not really a concern for you. What it really comes down too, is how do you drive?

I'm a risky driver, like everyone here in la. The v6 gives you better acceleration which is really useful IMO. Also the rear disc brakes on the v6 provide better breaking, especally at highway speeds.

I have both the 5s-fe and the 1mz-fe. Whoever said the gas millage is similar on freeways is right. Its very weird. In city is terrible milage but highway is great.

I personally like my v6 a lot more.

[chullen]

personally I own a 1999 LE V6 and would go with that I use nothing but 87 octane with the occasional tank of 93. It is better for hills and helps if you need to pass someone

[via.reality]

dood get an i4... ihave one and its slo az fukk but i live in miami, FL. crazy place and i pump 50 buks of gas every 7 days.

the v6 might b able to keep up with sum altimas and maxima's but never lik an srt4 or a gsr.

so think economical...and mine still looks nice.