5th & 6th Generation (2002-2006 & 2007-2011)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 2002-2006 & 2007-2011
Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving America's favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.
I just joined ToyotaNation about 10 minutes ago after reading posts and looking at competitive user-groups on the net, this one seems to be about the best, with the most knowledgeable members. I've been thinking about getting an 07 SE for a while now (since October last year) for a few reasons: styling, bluetooth, reliability, gas mileage.
I'm looking to replace my Saturn SL-1, which is my daily driver. I also own a Nissan 350Z, which I don't ever plan on selling. Hence, I'm leaning towards the I-4 because I don't need any more speed. Definitely the SE as well; I like the bigger wheels, styling, suspension upgrades.
Now, I have tons of questions, some of which I found answers to in forums. It looks like the I-4 gas real-life gas mileage is a bit worse than EPA (as expected) but not too far off the mark. That's good. However, I noticed that many members here, 52% at the moment, have problems with the hesitant acceleration. It seems the TSB doesn't quite solve it either - and could result in decreased gas mileage. One question I have is this: does Toyota have plans to change the ECU or tranny to fix this on the 08 model? Do some 07 VIN numbers built later not have the problem, as I have read? If so, anyone know how to determine this from the VIN? Does the extra power in the V6 help or is there still shifting problems regardless?
Next, I have an question about option packages. According to Toyota's brochure, the SE is available with a manual transmission. It is hard to find an SE in the NY metro area with manual, but I have come across one or two. The problem is, I cannot seem to find an SE with both manual tranny AND bluetooth anywhere - the local dealer here advised me that they cannot order a car set-up this way in my area (but the brochure leads me to believe it can be done). Does anyone have an SE with manual tranny and bluetooth? If so, where the heck did you buy it???
Last question: it seems every dealer in NY gets VSC / Trac on the car: non-defeatable. Any one know of good ECU mods that won't void the warrantee that give you an on-off switch for it? I'd like to have it on the car for snow/rain in my area but would also like to be able to defeat it. Honestly I have no idea why Toyota would built a car and call it a "sports edition" without giving it defeatable traction control.
I hope members here have the patience to answer some of my questions. I'd really appreciate your help.
If you are willing to wait you can order a Camry with a 5sp man and the JBL. Some dealers don't like to order cars, bottom line they want you to buy whats on the lot. Hope that helps.
Akira751 - do you know that for sure? I have talked to three different sales people at dealerships, explaining that I would be willing to order and wait several weeks, and all three told me the same thing: they can't configure a Camry the way I want it because Toyota NA won't ship it to my area. Even if I give them a down payment! I noticed you're in the MD area - I'm down there a lot for business. Next time I'm there I'll talk to some dealers; I'd be willing to buy out of state.
Akira751 - do you know that for sure? I have talked to three different sales people at dealerships, explaining that I would be willing to order and wait several weeks, and all three told me the same thing: they can't configure a Camry the way I want it because Toyota NA won't ship it to my area. Even if I give them a down payment! I noticed you're in the MD area - I'm down there a lot for business. Next time I'm there I'll talk to some dealers; I'd be willing to buy out of state.
I just sold a Sienna on Friday to guy who was told that this van can't be built in this region. If you can wait it will come.
Akira751 - do you know that for sure? I have talked to three different sales people at dealerships, explaining that I would be willing to order and wait several weeks, and all three told me the same thing: they can't configure a Camry the way I want it because Toyota NA won't ship it to my area. Even if I give them a down payment!
We ran into similar comments from several salesmen when we were looking for a car with a manual transmission and a few other options. Their take on "ordering" a car seemed to consist of checking the inventory of other dealers in the area and getting the best match with what we were requesting. Despite repeated statements that we weren't in a hurry and wanted to order a car made with only the options we requested, they kept coming back with suggestions of specific vehicles that were somewhat close, but never really what we wanted.
Finally found a salesman who agreed that the factory would be willing to make one with exactly the options we put down on the order form and we got the car about 6 weeks later.
Since you are shopping for new and can afford same, i think i'd take one or the other different options to get what you want - either shop for the Lexus model (Es 350 isnt it?) or just get an older car.
The lexus has even better reliability than toyota so maybe you would have fewer or no problems. Also Lexus is a nicer car in a lot of ways.
otherwise i'd consider an older car, like an 2002 or newer. And just add in the blue tooth yourself, it would probably cost you the same or less than factory. Do you really need drive by wire and all the other brand new and untried features that are giving people here fits?
By the way, I need no more convincing. I placed the order for a Super White, 4 cyl 5 MT SE at Fitzgerald yesterday. I can't wait for this baby to come in!
I added a couple options, color-keyed lip spoiler, sunroof, JBL, bluetooth, and some other odds and ends. Thanks for your help guys. TN rules...
By the way, I need no more convincing. I placed the order for a Super White, 4 cyl 5 MT SE at Fitzgerald yesterday. I can't wait for this baby to come in!
I added a couple options, color-keyed lip spoiler, sunroof, JBL, bluetooth, and some other odds and ends. Thanks for your help guys. TN rules...
oh no......for once, i'd like to see an SE w/o the spoiler........
Akira751 - do you know that for sure? I have talked to three different sales people at dealerships, explaining that I would be willing to order and wait several weeks, and all three told me the same thing: they can't configure a Camry the way I want it because Toyota NA won't ship it to my area. Even if I give them a down payment! I noticed you're in the MD area - I'm down there a lot for business. Next time I'm there I'll talk to some dealers; I'd be willing to buy out of state.
I don't know where Camry's are made, but to get a special order Highlander (meaning options that weren't normally packaged together) it was going to be 6-8 Month to have them ship it from Japan.
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