Questions on purchase of 2005 SE V6

[Sedan Man]

Hello all,

First, I want everyone to know that I have already extensively used the search feature but haven't gotten the answers to my questions.

I also posted a thread a few months ago for those of you who might remember me, I was trying to decide between a 2003 SE V6 and a 2005 SE i4. Turns out that I got neither, but a 2003 SE i4. It's been a decent car so far but I am really wanting an '05 or '06 V6. I like the upgrades that they added at the refresh and I also want a V6 for the sake of smoothness and power.

All of that considered,

1. I am wondering what sort of gas mileage to expect from the 3.3L V6. I have read of many solara owners getting 30+mpg on the highway, so is it much the same on the Camry? What is the city mileage like?

2. I know that the 3.3L 5AT combo is famous for shift lag, though it affects some models worse than others. I know the ES 330 had it worst IMO, but I didn't think the Solara or Sienna had the lag as bad as the Lexus. How bad is it in the Camry?

3. Are there any other issues with the '05 or '06 Camry that I should know about?

Thanks for the information guys, I really appreciate it

[JSM1284]

They will apply a TSB to take care of the "Shift lag" for you:

Engine Controls - A/T Downshift Lag/Gear HuntingTRANSMISSION & CLUTCH
TC003-05
Title:
ECM CALIBRATION: SHIFT FEELING
ENHANCEMENT
Models:
'04 - '05 Camry (3MZ-FE, 5-Speed A/T)
June 3, 2005
Introduction
To improve the transmission shift feeling during specific operating modes, the Engine Control Module (SAE term: Powertrain Control Module/PCM) calibration has been revised. These improvements include:
^Reduced downshift lag when accelerating at speeds from 10 to 20 mph.
^Less gear hunting when driving on/off accelerator pedal at 20 to 30 mph (for example: during heavy rush-hour traffic).
^Improved response rate during heavy acceleration from a stop.
NOTE :
^Version 12.2a or later Diagnostic Tester software is required to perform this procedure.
^Before proceeding, verify the ECM (PCM) calibration has NOT been updated by checking for the Authorized Modifications Label (shown in step 1 of the Repair Procedure).
^Harsh ATM shifting may result if any Repair Procedure steps are omitted (specifically steps 2 and 4 of "Flash Reprogram ECM").
Applicable Vehicles
^2004 - 2005 model year Camry vehicles equipped with 3MZ-FE engine and 5-speed automatic transmission.

Warranty Information
Applicable Warranty*:
This repair is covered under the Toyota Federal Emissions Warranty. This warranty is in effect for 96 months or 80,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the vehicle's in-service date.
*Warranty application is limited to correction of a problem based upon a customer's specific complaint.

[MrSo0h0o]

hey JSM, how would i go about getting the dealership to do this? and i forgot how TSB's work, do i have to bring in a copy of the TSB? and would i have to pay for it? (I have ~37K on the car)

edit: i just saw the end of your post.. but do i need a copy? and should i call and make an appt with them firsT?

[JSM1284]

Just tell them that you have the concern with shift lag/gear hunting and that you know there is a TSB and to find out if your car has the updated program or not. If not, have them apply it free of chrage.

[MrSo0h0o]

cool, thanks JSM.. now i just gotta find a day to do it lol.. have you had first experience with this problem? im just curious as to see if there really is a difference after the TSB is applied

[JSM1284]

I personally have not had the issue.

[Sedan Man]

I appreciate the TSB!

[MrSo0h0o]

ohh damn, i didnt realize, this TSB is only for the 3MZ? bleh i have the 2AZ.. do you know if there is a TSB for the 05 2AZ?

[DressUpYourPet]

also posted a thread a few months ago for those of you who might remember me, I was trying to decide between a 2003 SE V6 and a 2005 SE i4.

I work with many Camrys at my workplace, along with a bunch of Detroit iron - and these cars are what made me want to buy one. All of them were 4 cyl and they do seem to have plenty of power. However i opted to get the V6 simply because my last 9 cars were 4's and i wanted more at this point in life.
I was determined to have the V6 despite the mpg penalty, and i spent months looking for her. I also looked at Nissan Altima V6 but they were over priced by a couple thousand, and even harder to find. Mind you, i am in So Cal, which is the car buyer's market, and i could not find what i wanted for a long time.

I looked at a few, the V6's are harder to find as i said, and there were plenty of salesman trying to push a 4 on me - and one even offered to throw in a 50k warranty gratis - and this is how i knew the Camry was the right choice. I looked at one or two V6 junkers at the mom and pop shops until i found the one. They let me test drive it with no escort - as all good used car dealers do - and the feeling was right. So i had them put on new tires and made the deal. (2005 This car cost $15k out the door, has air, power all, no moonroof or leather seats (very hard to find on a used Camry). It had 62,000 miles. I could have worked off a cool grand of the price if i had tried, but i didnt - sick of car shopping i guess!

But as for your mileage question, yes you are going to get taxed a bit. I check my mileage often and it seems to be around 22 to 26 mpg. Bear in mind this is in So Cal traffic, the worst. So this is acceptable to me, overall.

If mpg is king for you, i'd skip the Camry and start shopping for a Prius.