Camry V6 vs I4

[anodyne]

Folks,
This exact question most likely has been posted, but I can't find it.

I'm looking at a 2000 Camry I4, manual tranny tomorrow and would like some pointers as what to look for. It sounds like struts are a weak spot...anything else. I currently drive a 97 4Runner 6 cyl which is a great vehicle, but looking for a gas sipper and I like Toyota reliability (but can do w/out the rust issues).

Also, what are the opinions of the V6 vs the I4? I4 for economy, but how much more? 5mpg? I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts.

Many thanks.

[ASG14]

V6 vs I4, I'd say less then a 5mpg diff. If your goign to base you choice on MPG, they are close. And I find the V6 as a whole tends to be more reliable.

As for the issues. The Gen 4 has a rust issue on the top of the windshield. So check carefully for rust bubbles since your in Maine. The Struts and mounts are pretty much an issue on any car. If they are newly replaced, they should be fine.

The other big issue wis the possibility of sludge int he engine. So ask how often oil changes were done, and check the dipstick as well.

[anodyne]

Thanks for the reply.

Are the V6 auto trannys pretty much bulletproof?

[ASG14]

Well, you CAN get either a CE or LE V6 with a 5-speed manual. Hard to find, but they are out there. As for the Auto, they are pretty reliable. I beat the everliving shit out of my '96 V6. Got it at 61k miles, now have 138k miles, and have had a TRD SuperCharger on it for around 20k miles I think.

Your other choice would be a Solara. Easier to find with a 5-speed V6. But not sure you want a coupe.

[Deadly Sushi]

A i-4 is not a gas sipper. For a 4 cyl 1992 it gets pretty poor fuel mileage from what I read on some govt website. Heck the V6 1992 gets the same mileage as my 2003 Crown Vic police interceptor!

[Tom 2000]

I own a 2000 Camry LE 4-cyl Auto. I've owned it since 2002 and put 90K miles on it. I've averaged about 26-27 MPG with the Camry in mixed City/hwy drving. If I take it on long hwy trips, I can get 30+ MPG. I've gotten upwards of 33 MPG

For 2000 Toyota Camry

The EPA Est Fuel Economy for the 4-cyl auto is 23/30 (20/28 according to the new EPA rating method)
The EPA Est Fuel Economy for the 4-cyl man is 23/32 (21/29 according to the new EPA rating method)
The EPA Est Fuel Economy for the V6 manual is 20/28 (18/26 according to the new EPA rating method)
The EPA Est Fuel Economy for the V6 auto is 19/27 (17/25 according to the new EPA rating method)

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

It has been a very reliable car.

[bigbird]

id get V6 over 4cyl any day, the gas millage isnt enough to contest the extra umph you get from the V6. plus V6 will las as long or longer then the 4cyl.

[SexieWASD]

Originally Posted by bigbird

id get V6 over 4cyl any day, the gas millage isnt enough to contest the extra umph you get from the V6. plus V6 will las as long or longer then the 4cyl.

My 96 I-4 will be having it's 200K mile anniversary very soon (about 300mi left). It would have never made it this far if it were a v-6 simply because the I-4 is such a pleasure to work on. I don't know If I would have bought it in the first place because it needed to have the motor replaced from the last owner. (had a small oil leak that he decided not to take care of)

With the I-4 there is so much extra room in the engine compartment that if something even smells like it might be breaking or worn I replace it just because I actually enjoy working on this car.

Their is a catch though, the I-4 will never have the power that you want it to have. it's great up to about 40mph, then it just isn't enough.

Get some studded snows and you will love either of them when December comes, they are like tanks in the snow.

[PortugalFocus]

Originally Posted by Tom 2000

I own a 2000 Camry LE 4-cyl Auto. I've owned it since 2002 and put 90K miles on it. I've averaged about 26-27 MPG with the Camry in mixed City/hwy drving. If I take it on long hwy trips, I can get 30+ MPG. I've gotten upwards of 33 MPG

For 2000 Toyota Camry

The EPA Est Fuel Economy for the 4-cyl auto is 23/30 (20/28 according to the new EPA rating method)
The EPA Est Fuel Economy for the 4-cyl man is 23/32 (21/29 according to the new EPA rating method)
The EPA Est Fuel Economy for the V6 manual is 20/28 (18/26 according to the new EPA rating method)
The EPA Est Fuel Economy for the V6 auto is 19/27 (17/25 according to the new EPA rating method)

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

It has been a very reliable car.

I have the 1MZ with a 5speed and I love it. I get about 24-25mph with 80% highway driving and my car has 226,000 miles on it. If you can, wait untl you find a V6 with a 5-spd. You will not regret it.

[anodyne]

Thanks for the input.

I've got to check out this 2000 4cyl and see what it feels like. I have no idea what to expect. I've always driven RWD Volvos, so a FWD car is going to be different.

I'm sure I'll have more questions.

[ASG14]

^ I;m sure one of the questions will be "Why the hell is this car so slow???"