Camry or Lexus es300 - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Gamble · 06-04-2009, 03:48 PM

I have a few choices on what to get. I'm kinda of set on this camry by me, but was also just thinking about the es300. I know it's pretty much the same, but it seems like all the lexus cars has a sunroof and leather. And the camry v6 engine.

How good is this engine? I know the I4 cyl is a ROCK solid motor and go 500k. But what about the v6?

Is the tbelt and water pump a PITA to do on the 6cyl?

Steer me in the right direction please!!

PortugalFocus · 06-04-2009, 04:03 PM

I have a 00 Camry with 226k+ on it and runs uber quiet. I love the good power the V6 has with the manual trans.

Water pump and timing belt are a bit of the PITA to do but it's not impossible.

Gamble · 06-04-2009, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PortugalFocus

I have a 00 Camry with 226k+ on it and runs uber quiet. I love the good power the V6 has with the manual trans.

Water pump and timing belt are a bit of the PITA to do but it's not impossible.

Sweet. I think I may go look into the lexus because of the options. Parts shouldn't be expensive, they are same car.

As long as the timing belt and water pump are easier than the 2000 plymouth voyager 4cyl i did. That sucked completely

Supra469 · 06-04-2009, 04:23 PM

You can't loose with either car and the tbel and water pump does not come around too often.

Gamble · 06-04-2009, 04:28 PM

Yah I read 60k on the v6 motor for the lexus. Not bad, I really dont care as long as it's not an interference motor, but if it is I want to change it for piece of mine and if it breaks no big deal, no damage to the block then.

Seems like camrys are a lot more money than the lexus's around me.

bigbird · 06-04-2009, 04:34 PM

the lexus usually will cost more...it is a camry

but upgrades include a slightly faster tranny due to a smaller final drive, power evrything, beter look(personal opinion) and depending on years better motor.

personally id shoot for a 94 up so you get the 1mz.

Gamble · 06-04-2009, 04:45 PM

By 1mz I assume you mean one of the motors that was top 10 best? What changed from the v6 in 93 to the v6 in 94+?
Was it only 94 and up or some late model 93s have them?

PortugalFocus · 06-04-2009, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gamble

By 1mz I assume you mean one of the motors that was top 10 best? What changed from the v6 in 93 to the v6 in 94+?
Was it only 94 and up or some late model 93s have them?

94+ Have the 1MZ, older ones have the 3VZ

Gamble · 06-04-2009, 08:08 PM

Bah, I guess the es300 I was going to look at the guy lost the title. Oddly enough a friends friend just put up a 97 camry for sale. Auto 4cyl. Minor fender bender so the hood, bumper and fenders were changed but need paint.
130k miles and timing belt was done at 80k.
2k obo, what do you guys think? No idea how much paint would run me though.

***CharmCityES*** · 06-04-2009, 08:19 PM

try and get the V6 for the camry.....the 4cyl is stout but lacks in power.
personally id go with the lexus since the V6 is standard and it has better styling and options.

can't go wrong with either car...
i like both the V6 camry and the ES300, but i personally have an ES300 because of the options and better ride quality.

JCamry94 · 06-04-2009, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharmCityES

try and get the V6 for the camry.....the 4cyl is stout but lacks in power.
personally id go with the lexus since the V6 is standard and it has better styling and options.

can't go wrong with either car...
i like both the V6 camry and the ES300, but i personally have an ES300 because of the options and better ride quality.

+2

The lack of power of the 5s-fe can be downright frustrating at times

Lightning Blue · 06-04-2009, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JCamry94

+2

The lack of power of the 5s-fe can be downright frustrating at times

When you're used to Neons the power isn't so bad, and the ride more than makes up for it

I do want a v6 camry someday though.

Zviator · 06-05-2009, 12:16 AM

Camry v6 1mz + MANUAL or ES300

bigbird · 06-05-2009, 04:07 AM

if ya dont need the extra power then either motor will be great. but the biggest argument between the two...gas millage...is not very different. the v6 is only a little worse then the 4cly. mostly id say because your doggin the 4cyl so much to get it to move...but it can take it.

Slooooooow · 06-05-2009, 07:30 AM

Love both cars.
I think you're better off with a 6-cylinder whether it's a 3VZ-FE or a 1MZ-FE.

(Guess some folks prefer the 1MZ just in case they manage to get a hold of an old TRD supercharger?) Otherwise the 3VZ is incredibly capable and rock-solid.

You're in a win-win here.
If I had a Camry and an ES300 to consider, in identical condition, with fairly close histories, I guess I'd pick the ES because I barely prefer the sculpting on the ESs over their counterpart Camrys, and even a few extra options is a win.
I wonder, given the situation with the 2 cars I just described, which one would maintain the higher resale? (Not to sidetrack, but that's always a purchase consideration...)