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.
***Updated, purchased the Camry and pics on pg.3***
My GF is actually starting to like the 09 Camry's right now. She was set on the new Jettas untill we saw a camry while driving around and i think she's changed her mind. I have a couple of questions though. I think we might be going with the SE because of the OEM lip kit that comes with it. I wanted to know what type of interior is available with the SE model? A friend's GF has an LE model and i hate the cloth seats, they seem very old model for some reason. I like the gauges but wasnt happy with the dash colors on the radio, a/c and whatnot. I want her to get a dark interoir, charcol if it will be available? Also, when building the Camry on toyota.com it doesnt have any other rim options? is there only 1 rim option besides the TRD's? She's going to have about $8k to put as a downpayment and a close friend works for Toyota and his dad is the sales Manager so he says he can give it to us at a good price. Any help on the interior choices and rim options would be great (with pics would help). Whats the major differences between the SE and XLE models? thanks for the help!!!
My GF is actually starting to like the 09 Camry's right now. She was set on the new Jettas untill we saw a camry while driving around and i think she's changed her mind. I have a couple of questions though. I think we might be going with the SE because of the OEM lip kit that comes with it. I wanted to know what type of interior is available with the SE model? A friend's GF has an LE model and i hate the cloth seats, they seem very old model for some reason. I like the gauges but wasnt happy with the dash colors on the radio, a/c and whatnot. I want her to get a dark interoir, charcol if it will be available? Also, when building the Camry on toyota.com it doesnt have any other rim options? is there only 1 rim option besides the TRD's? She's going to have about $8k to put as a downpayment and a close friend works for Toyota and his dad is the sales Manager so he says he can give it to us at a good price. Any help on the interior choices and rim options would be great (with pics would help). Whats the major differences between the SE and XLE models? thanks for the help!!!
Toyota.com and a brochure (from the dealer and downloadable) can answer your questions.
But I wouldn't waste 8k on a down payment, UNLESS you have the money to do so.
I think its like, for every 1k you put down, it only drops your payment by like 10 bucks or so.
Is your credit bad? If it’s bad, you need the biggest down payment possible because you won’t get a good loan no matter what. If it’s good, keep going.
If you’re buying new, you’ll need at least a 20% down payment on that car, and here’s why. Let’s say you go onto the lot with no down payment, pick out a brand new car, and drive it off the lot. The second you drive off the lot, your car depreciates about 20%. Now, you drive it around for a month and suddenly you lose your job - and you realize you need to sell this expensive new car. The best you’ll probably be able to get for the car is about 80% of the asking price, but if you’ve made no down payment, even selling the car right now will leave you with 20% of your loan unpaid and nothing to show for it. This is called being “upside down” in a car loan, and it’s something to avoid if you can.
On an older car, this effect still exists, but it’s much smaller. You’re in good shape if you can have at least a 10% down payment on that car, because a used car can usually be resold without a major depreciation loss.
Also, remember that what you have saved for a down payment isn’t necessarily what you have to pay. If you have 40% saved up and can get an astoundingly low interest rate with only paying 20%, you don’t have to cough up that extra 20% - keep it for your emergency fund or for saving for the next car you’ll have to buy down the road.
But yes, like Njerald said.....brochure and a salesman will help you the best when deciding options.
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- 07' Camry: LED interior/JDM fogs/Lighted stainless door sills/White cathode footwells front, back & trunk/Kenwood DDX6019/Rockford Fosgate P400-4/TMA T1000/(2) 10" Polk Momo 2104/Polk MM6's front's/Polk db6501's rear's/2.0 farad Tsunami Cap/18" Primax /6000k HID/Tein's
But yes, like Njerald said.....brochure and a salesman will help you the best when deciding options.
No, I never said in this thread, have never said or will ever say that a salesman is best at anything on or for a vehicle.
You can compare the features of the SE and XLE on toyota.com or the brochure and find the available option combos for your zip code on the "Build it" section and see Toyota Accessories under "Accessories".
No, I never said in this thread, have never said or will ever say that a salesman is best at anything on or for a vehicle.
If they were, then Yanki wouldn't have posted here...
And don't try to get aftermarket rims through the dealership... they're overpriced, always 20's and always chromed for some reason... save that money and research rims yourself
My GF is actually starting to like the 09 Camry's right now. She was set on the new Jettas untill we saw a camry while driving around and i think she's changed her mind. I have a couple of questions though. I think we might be going with the SE because of the OEM lip kit that comes with it. I wanted to know what type of interior is available with the SE model? A friend's GF has an LE model and i hate the cloth seats, they seem very old model for some reason. I like the gauges but wasnt happy with the dash colors on the radio, a/c and whatnot. I want her to get a dark interoir, charcol if it will be available? Also, when building the Camry on toyota.com it doesnt have any other rim options? is there only 1 rim option besides the TRD's? She's going to have about $8k to put as a downpayment and a close friend works for Toyota and his dad is the sales Manager so he says he can give it to us at a good price. Any help on the interior choices and rim options would be great (with pics would help). Whats the major differences between the SE and XLE models? thanks for the help!!!
Well, first of all, Jetta is horribly unreliable, so RUN FOR YOUR LIVES away from that.
SE seats come in very unique cloth -- it's far different from what you generally think of in terms of a cloth seat. I sure think it's far better than your average cloth seat. Or, you can go for leather, which will be "perforated," plus optional seat heaters. And I sure prefer leather over any cloth.
SE comes in "charcoal," otherwise known as "black," which I prefer. And, with the black interior, everything is pretty much either "black" or "silver," like the main center stack. SE's with the ash grey interior will have kind of a darker grey top and the ash grey on the lower dash panels -- kind of "a few extra colors thrown in." Again, plenty of reason to "go for black." But, that center stack is standard across the Camry board, with the minor exception of the automatic climate controls for the XLE.
SE only comes with the one wheel design -- you're talking TRD or some other aftermarket wheel if you want something else. Perhaps talk with your dealer before making a deal, and get some kind of wheels that you prefer as part of the deal, if at all possible.
SE seats have considerably better bolstering than any other Camry seats -- I think they are BY FAR better than the other seats, which really don't give you any lateral support whatsoever. Though, don't think that the SE seats will be "too tight" or anything like that. It's just basically about the best seat you can get in a Toyota, unless maybe you would prefer something in top-of-the-line SUV's, which might be good in a different way.
XLE has a more sophisticated "climate control" system, with dual controls and such. Also, it has a "multi-function display" which is fun, but not really necessary at all. Otherwise, you can get most everything else it has in an SE with options -- leather seats, moonroof, JBL stereo, etc.
I recently traded in a very early-built 2007 XLE I4 on a 2008 SE V6, and I don't miss the XLE's "gadgets" at all. I prefer the SE's seats, the SE's three-spoke steering wheel, and the SE's black interior, all of which you can't get in an XLE at all. Not to mention how the SE is the best-looking model, easily. I'm even quite happy with the regular-old SE wheels:
Here are a couple of shots of the SE interior, in black leather -- that's what you get, no real options at all, except for navigation:
This is exactly what I'd recommend to anyone who wants something more than a "low model" Camry -- get the SE, get it in black leather, get the moonroof, and get the JBL stereo, which is very good. So, for mine, that's "loaded," except for navigation. Navigation, V6 or I4, color -- whatever floats your boat there.
wow thoots, thats exactly what i was looking for and thats exactly what i want it to look like. Are the rears seats leather aswell? Im sure they are but just checking?
She liked the color of my Scion tC which is flint mica, and i believe ive seen a camry with a similar color. Her mustang is red and she probally wont buy a red camry. We'll just have to go to the dealership and check the colors out. I ordered a brochure from toyota just to check it out. I dont like to go to the dealerships (even if my friends working) because they dont leave you alone.
She has the cash because she wants a certain monthly payment. She has her own savings and another special savings because were going to New York in August. Shes only 20yrs old and has about $13k total in her name. She's a smart girl and knows to take care of her money. I work at our local credit union and was putting some numbers in our system to see what type of payment she would have if she put down $xx.xx amount and financed it for 54-60-72 months. She's already approved by her credit union for up to $22k i believe? On average, if you put $1k down if will take $20 off (roughly).
We might just have to stick with those rims. I doubt she cares anyways. She says they all look the same.
Thanks for the help so far, any more keep posting!
wow thoots, thats exactly what i was looking for and thats exactly what i want it to look like. Are the rears seats leather aswell? Im sure they are but just checking?
She liked the color of my Scion tC which is flint mica, and i believe ive seen a camry with a similar color. Her mustang is red and she probally wont buy a red camry. We'll just have to go to the dealership and check the colors out. I ordered a brochure from toyota just to check it out. I dont like to go to the dealerships (even if my friends working) because they dont leave you alone.
She has the cash because she wants a certain monthly payment. She has her own savings and another special savings because were going to New York in August. Shes only 20yrs old and has about $13k total in her name. She's a smart girl and knows to take care of her money. I work at our local credit union and was putting some numbers in our system to see what type of payment she would have if she put down $xx.xx amount and financed it for 54-60-72 months. She's already approved by her credit union for up to $22k i believe? On average, if you put $1k down if will take $20 off (roughly).
We might just have to stick with those rims. I doubt she cares anyways. She says they all look the same.
Thanks for the help so far, any more keep posting!
If you get leather, its leather all around. There has never been leather seats in the front but cloth in the back. Its one or the other.
As for color, Magnetic Gray is Toyota's version of the Flint Mica.
Dealers wont leave you alone? I think its the other way around. If they can see that you're not interested or you just tell them that you're looking, they wont bother you because its not a sale. They'll see if you need help but if there is no sale, they wont hound you unless you're in their booth trying to talk a deal.
didnt know on the leather, reason why i asked and dont want to be suprised when we go buy it.
Yes they wont leave us alone. Went to Toyota, VW and Honda, all said "Im just looking". Doesnt matter to them downhere. Always seem to walk right behind us, we talks amongs ourselves and the salesmen butts in with trying to answer. Always asking questions on what exactly were looking for, are you planning on tradding in or something. Always have to reply, just looking. So yes, they dont leave us alone. The past couple of times we go at night when only the security guard is there.
Apparently you are interested in buying a Camry and you have questions regarding the vehicle. In my opinion, it would have been easier to have the salesperson answer all your questions, especially since he came to you and you didn't even have to track one down. But that's just me.
Apparently you are interested in buying a Camry and you have questions regarding the vehicle. In my opinion, it would have been easier to have the salesperson answer all your questions, especially since he came to you and you didn't even have to track one down. But that's just me.
Agreed.
"Just looking"
...as a salesman myself (Toyotas, of course) I hear that line all the time. People are trained to put up a wall. People are trained to resist. Its human nature. I say it too when I go into a store. But if you are truely curious and asking questions, thats a salesmans job, let them do it. I enjoy talking to people, and most salesmen do too...I love when someone comes in for a Camry. I get to talk about a car I own and love.
You might actually get someone like me that really enjoys what they do.
wow thoots, thats exactly what i was looking for and thats exactly what i want it to look like. Are the rears seats leather as well?
She liked the color of my Scion tC which is flint mica....
I dont like to go to the dealerships (even if my friends working) because they dont leave you alone.....
She has the cash....
We might just have to stick with those rims. I doubt she cares anyways. She says they all look the same.
Yes, of course, it's leather all around. And it's a very nice, supple leather. Very nice.
Colors.... I'm generally not a "red car kind of guy," but I think the SE looks very good in red. Black and Magnetic Grey are good, as is Blue Ribbon, though these are "dark" colors that will show swirl marks in abundance, compared to lighter colors. Aloe Green and Barcelona Red were pretty much what I was looking for, and the red was what they had at the dealer I wanted to go through. So, it's red, and I'm happy with it.
Yep, it's against the nature of dealer sales folks not to try to sell you a car, so you can't really blame them -- it's their job. Though, work with them honestly, and hopefully you'll find some that'll work with you honestly, too.
As for the money plan -- it sounds fine to me. The more you can pay in cash and the less you have to borrow, the better off you are in life. Sounds like she's got more sense than most folks!
As for the wheels, I like them. Nice and "bright" -- a good contrast to the car's color. A lot of other wheels are "darker," which I don't like at all -- wheels should be "bright and shiny," as far as I'm concerned.
Apparently you are interested in buying a Camry and you have questions regarding the vehicle. In my opinion, it would have been easier to have the salesperson answer all your questions, especially since he came to you and you didn't even have to track one down. But that's just me.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Black08SEV6
Agreed.
"Just looking"
...as a salesman myself (Toyotas, of course) I hear that line all the time. People are trained to put up a wall. People are trained to resist. Its human nature. I say it too when I go into a store. But if you are truely curious and asking questions, thats a salesmans job, let them do it. I enjoy talking to people, and most salesmen do too...I love when someone comes in for a Camry. I get to talk about a car I own and love.
You might actually get someone like me that really enjoys what they do.
I use to work in retail (not for cars) but if a customer says "just looking", let them be. No need to shadow them or hound them. Just ask if they need help, if they say no, just tell them that if they have any questions, that you'll be walking around the floor and to look for you. This gives the customers time to think, relax and think.
When I walk in, I'm just looking and getting a feel for the car. If I have a question, I'll ask when I have gathered all of them or thought of some. Thats what I liked about the dealership near my gfs. We walked in, the two girls in the front desk asked us if we needed to talk to a salesman and we said no. Just wanted a Camry booklet. They said if you need to talk to one, just let them know. So we walked around, looked at cars and once we were done, we asked for a sales rep. Told her we wanted to test drive, and she asked what color, what model. Came back with the I4 and V6 and we talked about price even though I said flat out that I wasnt getting until end of year or same time next year. Although they tried to push financing they werent too forceful and were nice. They even gave price even though I'm getting the car in a year.
I went to a different dealer and the sales person was so rude. Asked why I was looking to find out price if I wasnt purchasing within a few weeks. It dont matter if I'm getting tomorrow, next week, or in a year. If the price is right, I may buy and this also gives me a approximate price value. This also shows me who is willing to help me out even if I wasnt going to buy on the spot. I know who I'll be going to when I buy my car.
I don't pressure and annoy. I always put myself in their shoes and know how I'd want to be treated. I use the "I'll be hanging around if you need me...just give me a shout" line all the time. I know when people really want to just browse. Some people just can't help it and say it. You can always tell. Would you rather have someone at least greet you, or have you roaming the lot? I hated that, I always felt when I was younger that I was being judged. "He's young, he has no money..." and no one would talk to me. Little did they know I was at a dealership to buy. If I didnt get greeted, I would leave after 5 minutes.
I start with "How ya doing?" if they say "Good, Fine, etc." then I know to let them be if they say they are just looking. If I say "How are you doing?" and they say "Just looking" I say, "Thats great, but how are you doing..." and then end up helping them further at that point.
I must say, I really hate that; "How are you doing?" - "Just looking"...ok, fine, but be human and be polite. Thats my pet peeve. And thats what I mean by people putting up a wall of resistance. No need to be rude. Always remember, a salesman (unless he's rude) is just doing his job. We all have jobs (unless your are rich/ heir to the throne/ etc.), and we all have to make money, and everyone works to make money.
Enough of my "rant"...just remember, a car salesman is a car salesman becuase 9 times out of 10, they like talking to people. Very few are scum bags. Please, dont go into it thinking the salesman is a scum bag, becuase you might get someone like me that is human, has a true passion for cars and just might actually know a thing or two about what they sell.
I actually come from a technical background - I used to work for Ferrari of Washington working on the Ferrari Challenge 360 race cars. When someone thinks I'm 'car-dumb' becuase I just sell them, they are sorely mistaken. I have been working on cars since I was 18, and I'm now 30. I've restored triumphs, had cars in magazines, completely took a Miata to a shell and put it back together in one day. I've done motor swaps, etc. I just decided one day that I like people and I was tired of being dirty. Car sales was apparently my calling and I really enjoy it. Just remember, you might get a guy like me. We are here becuase we seem to be enthusiasts (albeit, we dont drive your typical enthusiast car)...your car salesman might actually be a pretty cool person. Give them the benefit of the doubt. Thats all...
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