Still can't decide between Gen 5.5 and Gen 6 - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Sedan Man · 04-02-2008, 04:16 PM

Hey Guys,

I have posted on here a few times here and there but lurk for the most part. Before the end of this year I will be looking to purchase a new car and I've really narrowed it down to two with all things considered:

2005 or 2006 SE V6

or

2007 (Maybe 2008) SE V6

...and I still just cannot make up my mind.

Obviously this is a Camry forum and I know that many of you are fully aware of the quality problems that the Gen 6 has seen, and yet it seems like few of them are disappearing. There are still so many posts on here regarding rattles, shakes, squeaks, etc. I am a stickler for quality and if I buy a car that shakes, rattles, and roles I will be furious and I don't want to go through warranty trips to the dealer. Additionally, the interior gaps and the quality lapse of the materials is indeed a problem for me. All of this is what has me thinking so much about buying the older car. The Gen 5's (or Gen 5.5) were pretty much rock solid and I am sure that buying a car towards the end of it's model cycle would pan out as very reliable and solidly built. While the interior was a bit drab, it was also higher quality and well put together. I own a 2003 SE 4cyl now, and the interior is still great and I am very happy with it. I have even parked it next to the newer car and touched, knocked, and pushed on the interiors of both and mine is far superior to the new one when considering build quality.

Then again, the gen 6s are better looking, more powerful and look to be more moddable.

I just can't really make up my mind here...does anyone have any insight? If I could afford a used '08 (which i might be able to at the end of the year) I would feel more comfortable with that than the '07 which was obviously the first year model, but I am still just not sure.

Thanks for the replies.

***Yazovets*** · 04-02-2008, 04:19 PM

OK I know I may be stepping on people's toes here, but the answer is a no-brainer: Gen6. Why? Because it's got more power, it's newer, and because it looks MUCH better.

skyxliner · 04-02-2008, 04:26 PM

didn't read what you posted but i read some good stuff about gen5s being indestructible pretty much or something along those lines...

but just for the improved classy exterior, honestly i'd opt for gen 6 without a thought. just pray you don't get one with transmission flare or go for i4

njerald · 04-02-2008, 04:41 PM

Gen6 unless you like the exhaust pipe dragging look.

Sedan Man · 04-02-2008, 04:48 PM

I am guessing I will hear a lot of "GEN 6 IT'S FASTER! DUH!!!!"

Truth be told, I have driven a 1997 4 cylinder Camry, an '01 4Runner, and now my 4cyl '03 Camry so even the 210hp of the 3.3L would be a big bump for me. I don't really need an additional 55 horsepower and it doesn't mean that much to me.

Is there anyone who owned a Gen 5 and went to a Gen 6? What are your experiences with quality between the two?

moky-tron · 04-02-2008, 06:25 PM

well if you have the money for a used 08 gen 6, why not buy a used 06 es330 instead?
if you dont really care about the speed, and are more in-tuned for the quality and luxury, just get a used es330. some members on board here like jsm1284 and thepranksta have these and i havent heard any complaints about em.

***fdexclpl*** · 04-02-2008, 06:31 PM

Not everyone has issues with their V6 Gen6.

white07cam · 04-02-2008, 06:45 PM

it sounds like you would be happier with a gen 5.5.. i love the gen 6 but like you said the gen 5 is rock solid and doesnt have issues like the gen 6 has had. but if youd like an I4 definitely go for the gen 6..

going with what moky said... JSM is selling an ES too, haha

sky03 · 04-02-2008, 06:55 PM

gen 6 looks better

***Yazovets*** · 04-02-2008, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fdexclpl

Not everyone has issues with their V6 Gen6.

Right on. I have a 2007 SE V6 (very first model year) and my transmission shifts properly. I don't have any reliability issues.

Netforcer · 04-02-2008, 07:24 PM

gen 6... get the 08

Trojan · 04-02-2008, 07:54 PM

def. go for the gen 6 08. shares the same engine as the lexus es. make sure you go for a thorough test drive if you're worried about the tranny/flare issues.

Sedan Man · 04-02-2008, 08:04 PM

I had thought about the ES330...but I don't much care for the exterior styling and it's too softly sprung for my tastes.

If I can spring for a used 08 I will likely do that, but the 08 MY ran for such a short time that I am unsure if one will be available. Plus there will likely be few of them used at that point, and it will probably still be a bit expensive. I'm betting it will likely still be between the 05/06 and 07, but we'll see.

***CharmCityES*** · 04-02-2008, 08:41 PM

go for the gen 5.5
better, proven quality
not as fast or as "stylish" but i love the classic simple lines of the gen 5 myself.

if you love your 2003 SE, youll love a gen 5.5 SE V6 just the same.

Alloy · 04-02-2008, 09:02 PM

I am one of the owners switching from Gen5 (04 SE) to Gen 6 (07 SE). Performance wise, I personally prefer the Gen 5 because it is not Drive-by-wire and it has no hesitation problem. My Gen 6 occasionally has hesitation problem while sudden acceleration. Although the interior quality of the Gen6 may have deteriorated, I think it is still better than many other manufacturer's' standard and it does look classy. Unlike you, the style and look of the car are the priority of mine. Therefore, I still love my Gen 6 and have no regret.