Debating on a 09 Camry purchase

[aigochamaloh]

So these past few weeks I've been looking into getting a new car, because my younger brother is now getting his license, and my parents want me to hand my 95 Avalon over to him. I've been torn between replacing my car or keeping it, I really REALLY love my Avalon.

Some cars I've been looking at include the new 09 Mazda6 6MT, 09 Camry CE 5MT, and the 09 Altima 6MT. I test drove the Mazda6 yesterday, it was nice, but I'm still wary of all the problems the previous generation had, and it's too new to go out and buy right out.

My dad has the 07 Camry, so I know what it is, how it drives, and the DBW in the 5AT pisses me off. Granted, he didn't have it reflashed yet, so I don't know how that will affect it, but I don't like it. I know the 5MT has DBW too, but I dunno how bad it is. I also didn't like the cushy handling of my dad's car, just so, understeery.

I guess I'm just trying to see what your biggest likes/dislikes about the Gen 6 Camry are. I've just accepted the fact that any new car I get will not be as big as my Avalon, or as comfortable in the back for my passengers, so I guess I'm alright on that front. I've read bad things about interior quality and etc, but just wanted to poll the owners on their daily lives with their cars.

Thanks in advance TN!

[lammydi]

If you lowered the Camry with TRD/Eibach or H&R springs will take care of the cushy/floating issues.
If you like a car as big as the Avalon then have you consider the new Accord?

[tearin]

Well after reading what you said I suppose you haven't test drove the Altima yet. You'll have to get used to uncomfortable seat bottoms. The backseat is really cramped but it is very comfortable. There are some mixed opinions on the Altima's interior quality but I think it's of very good quality and somewhat better than the new Camry's interior in terms of fit and finish. But if your used to a bigger car the 6, Camry, and Accord are close in size compared to your 95 Avalon.

[RedruM7]

If you like sporty rides at all, which seems like you do, make sure you look at the V6 SE model. SE has significant upgrades to handling (not enough for my tastes but perfect for the casual sporty drive) and the power in the V6 is among true sports car territory without any of the gas guzzling. 6 speed ensures better gas mileage and keeps the engine in its power band.

Drives good, feels good, looks good, price's good. So for me.
I've had my 07 SE V6 for 2-3 weeks so far, its got 65,000 kms (40,000 miles)
There are a few things I would improve on but nothing serious.

Just curious your Avalon was not cushy and understeery?

[aigochamaloh]

Originally Posted by RedruM7

If you like sporty rides at all, which seems like you do, make sure you look at the V6 SE model. SE has significant upgrades to handling (not enough for my tastes but perfect for the casual sporty drive) and the power in the V6 is among true sports car territory without any of the gas guzzling. 6 speed ensures better gas mileage and keeps the engine in its power band.

Drives good, feels good, looks good, price's good. So for me.
I've had my 07 SE V6 for 2-3 weeks so far, its got 65,000 kms (40,000 miles)
There are a few things I would improve on but nothing serious.

Just curious your Avalon was not cushy and understeery?

It's cushy, but surprisingly nimble in the corners. I have an 87 MR2, so when I say I'm surprised, I really am.

I've also added to the list, the 08 Subaru Legacy 2.5i. I've ridden in the 2.5GT Limited as well as the 2.5spec B, and they were nice. AWD is nice, handling is tight. Already I'm beginning to lean towards Subaru in this list. They're all about the same MSRP. Although I think that's where the Altima loses, too many options need to be added to match the other cars offerings.

I'll have to wait and see for test drives. Feel free to comment more, thanks for the useful insight so far!

[TX WJ]

I love mine, I can tell you that after driving my Camry for a week, my wifes Honda is very loud (road noise) so don't overlook that when you test drive a car. Leave the radio off and tell the salesperson you want to drive the car on a variety of surfaces and see how loud the car is on the road.

The new Mazda 6 has some killer features that I would love to have as it relates to Sirius.

I would drive the new Accord, a Camry or two (SE and a LE / XLE) as well.

[mcdawgg]

Originally Posted by aigochamaloh

My dad has the 07 Camry, so I know what it is, how it drives, and the DBW in the 5AT pisses me off. Granted, he didn't have it reflashed yet, so I don't know how that will affect it, but I don't like it. I know the 5MT has DBW too, but I dunno how bad it is.

The DBW in the 5 speed manual was a little annoying before I had the TSB done to reprogram the ECU, but now it is fine.

[ben805]

test drive the Mazdaspeed3, it's more fun to drive and handle a hell lot better than our camry.