I plan to buy a camry for a every day car but am unsure which one

[susanring]

I plan to buy a camry for a every day car but am unsure which one.

Is a 5 speed manual better for a every day car in terms of GAS?
Also, they are FWD so there is a timing belt. How often and how much do they cost?

What are the maintenance and costs? Is it high?

Which year should I get?
What are the mpg’s

[Zviator]

5 speed mannual will be slightly better in gas, it's all up to your footgas. Though the main reason it's recommended is the lost of power of auto gearbox (performance demand). However, since ur living in LA area, auto gearbox might be a better choice (I hate driving stick in hilly terrain).

Maintenace requirement and cost is minimum. The more often u do it, the longer it lasts.

Since u asked this in gen3/4 section, I personally will chose 00 and 01 just for the modding sake.

MPG is mid 20' for both I4 and V6.

[Tom 2000]

If you are stuck in traffic a lot, automatics are nice to have. Gas mileage is slightly better on a 5-speed, but not by much.

On gen3s (1992-1996) timing belt replacements are recommended every 60K miles.
On gen4s (1997-2001) timing belt replacements are recommended every 90K miles.

For detailed EPA estimated mileage figures, just go here.

http://www.fueleconomy.gov

I have a 2000 LE Automatic with 4-cyl engine. I get about 26-27 MPG in mixed city/hwy driving.

To get the timing belt changed, figure low $200s just for the timing belt job for a 4-cylinder, more for V6. However, depending on what else you may need to have serviced in the same area at the same time (like water pump, cam seals, front main seal, etc..) prices go up from there.

It has been a very cheap car for me to own. Aside from regular maintenance, I think I replaced 1 sidemarker bulb and a gas cap o-ring.

I would recommend 2001, that was the last year of the gen4 Camrys. However, do take into consideration of the condition of the car and odometer mileage.

If you're concerned gas mileage, get the 4-cylinder.

What is your budget anyway?

[susanring]

which camry is lowest cost in maintainence and which has the strongest engine?

[Zviator]

Any from 92 - 01 with 4 cylinders (5sfe).

[bigbird]

as long as it was taken good care of id say the 97-01 4cyl. but they did have sludge problems if they were not taken good care of. the V6 would be my choice since its got nearly as good gas millage, the engine is just as or more reliable then the 4cyl and you have that extra power for getting out of tight spots which the 4cyl lacks.

[susanring]

what is the v6 mpg? how much more is it over the 4cyl

['_']

If you're concerned about MPG that much and do a good amount of city driving, go for the i4. The V6 doesn't get significantly less MPG on the freeway when compared to the i4, so I've heard. And the manual would be more efficient and a little faster than the the automatic.

[bigbird]

hes right, city is where there is a differance, especially if you find a manual of either. highway is close to the same. but one thing ive noticed, people dog the i4 a little more just to get it to do simple manuvers the V6 has no issues doin with a little throttle.

you can find the MPG rating on edmunds.com or otehr auto info site.