Purchase advice: 2004 Camry SE V6 or 2005 SE I4

[Sedan Man]

Hey guys...the 4Runner is eating me alive in gas and I can't handle 16MPG for much longer, being a college student and all.

I have turned my attention one of these two Camrys, a 2004 SE V6 or a 2005 SE I4. While it may seem clear that the V6 has a ton more power with not much loss in MPG, the 2005 is the refreshed model and has a nicer interior and a few new features, better looking tail lights, and a 5AT on the 4cyl.

The 2004 does have the same 3.3L V6 5AT combo as the '05 and '06, and that many of us are familiar with, but without the cosmetic changes. I know how bad the hesitation issue was with the transmission on many of these cars, but I do not know how bad it was on the Camry.

Also, the 2.4L 4cyl is no powerhouse, but I do actually find it to be an adequate engine especially when mated to the 5AT. It's a torquey power plant which makes it feel a bit bigger in around town driving. The 4cyl also has the added benefit of marginally better fuel economy.

I do really like the upgrades th5at the 2005 has over the 2002-2004 but at the same time, 225HP is a big jump over 154. If they both cost roughly the same, which would you guys buy, and why?

2004:







2005:

[Mgreathouse77]

That green 05 is beautiful...

[moeharri]

Between these 2 cars, I'd go with the 05. I like the gauges better, the rims, the slightly better gas mileage will help, it's newer (including the leather seats), better grille, steering wheel controls, etc. The V6 might be more fun to drive, but the 05 definitely looks better. Also, I don't like the gold color that much, but that'd be up to you.

If you plan on doing a lot of mods (rims, taillights, etc), then the 04 might be the way to go. What's the mileage on the cars? Are both cars one owner cars, rentals, lease, or?

[TRD VVTi]

The '05 looks MUCH better.

I have an '06 2.4L and am perfectly happy with it in every regard.

Good luck with either one. They both look really nice.

[gdanaher]

Similar money and similar mileage? Take the newer car. The I4 is adequate in Georgia. Make sure you give it a fair test drive to see if there are any issues e.g. hesitation. Good luck with the new ride.

[moeharri]

One thing I forgot ot mention, if you are going to use the A/C a lot and also usually have a car load of people, the I4 may not be the way to go...when I had 3 other people in the car with me (all of average weight) with the A/C on, getting up to speed was quite a bit more of a struggle than I would have thought in my 05 XLE I4.

[Punks_Not_Dead5]

the '05 is nice! those rims are sweet looking

[leejinwen]

i didnt even know a green gen5.5 exist

[aSiAnRiCk]

the 05 looks better because it's a better / clearer picture

why don't you go to edmunds.com and look at the rating for the year/trim you're looking for? i did with mine and the only thing i regret is not having the 3 spoke steering wheel and charcoal interior (only SE)

[MrSo0h0o]

def go with the 05.. has a much sleeker look and the optitron gauges are beautiful.. plus the tail lights on the 05 are much more stylish than the 04, not to mention the headlights also

[secrecyguy]

Both are SE? Better decide soon. Those models go fast.

With SE, I go for the V6 but than again, with today's gas prices, maybe you should go for the 4.

[ryannel2003]

You know i'm not really crazy over the Gen 5 Camry's, but that Green SE I4 is one of the most beautiful Camry's I have ever seen. Even thought the V6 power would be nice, the I4 probably has power for most people. Get that 5.5 before it's gone!

[BlackCamSe]

i regret getting an i4.. slow as a snail. Go with the 04.. only 1 year older.. and has a more powerfun engine.

[geoff5093]

Even though I have a V6, I rarely use it to it's full potential. The 2005 SE looks A LOT better, both inside and especially outside. Of course it also depends on how many miles are on both, and how much they cost (i'm guessing their similar since your debating between them).

It can really go both ways, sure if you buy the 2005 you may regret not having the V6 power, but when you get out of your car you will be alot happier to look at the 2005 vs the 2004.

[jaep0913]

i call for the '05 SE =]