03 Camry XLE to 09 Camry XLE - Anything I should know?

[SIrMack]

I have LOVED my 2003 Toyota Camry XLE since I bought it way back in 2002. I only had a few issues (All 4 window motors replaced, CD Deck Replaced, O-Ring Replaced, Mass Air Flow Sensor Replaced, Map Lights/console replaced, A/C Sensor Replaced), but it was all covered under warranty. Besides those issues it has been great. There are no squeaks, rattles, or creeks and drives solid. Although there is a slight rattle in the engine, which I have been told is either a loose heat shield or catalytic converter.

I am looking to possibly trade it in for a 2009 Toyota Camry XLE. I am curious if there is anything I should be made aware of, or should watch out for. I have heard rumors of Toyota's build quality faltering in recent years with tranny/engine reliablity perhaps faltering, as well as interior build quality issues. Are there any truths to these?

I have searched the forums and I can only seem to find issues with interior creeks and squeaks.

I have no issues with my 2003 XLE, and I wonder if I will be disappointed with the 2009 XLE, and should possibily keep the 2003?

Any personal experiences, advice, or issues I should be made aware of would be highly appreciated.

Thanks!!!

[BlackCamSe]

Originally Posted by SIrMack

I have LOVED my 2003 Toyota Camry XLE since I bought it way back in 2002. I only had a few issues (All 4 window motors replaced, CD Deck Replaced, O-Ring Replaced, Mass Air Flow Sensor Replaced, Map Lights/console replaced, A/C Sensor Replaced), but it was all covered under warranty. Besides those issues it has been great. There are no squeaks, rattles, or creeks and drives solid. Although there is a slight rattle in the engine, which I have been told is either a loose heat shield or catalytic converter.

I am looking to possibly trade it in for a 2009 Toyota Camry XLE. I am curious if there is anything I should be made aware of, or should watch out for. I have heard rumors of Toyota's build quality faltering in recent years with tranny/engine reliablity perhaps faltering, as well as interior build quality issues. Are there any truths to these?

I have searched the forums and I can only seem to find issues with interior creeks and squeaks.

I have no issues with my 2003 XLE, and I wonder if I will be disappointed with the 2009 XLE, and should possibily keep the 2003?

Any personal experiences, advice, or issues I should be made aware of would be highly appreciated.

Thanks!!!

if the 09 is a V6.. go for it.

[SIrMack]

Originally Posted by XxTrD_ToYoTaxX

if the 09 is a V6.. go for it.

I drove both the V6 and I4 and I didn't notice much of a difference. I currently drive an I4 and I love the gas mileage I get (33 MPG) and was going to probably go with the 2009 I4 as well.

Are there problems with the I4 engine that prompt the suggestion of the V6 instead?

Thanks for your input!

[BlackCamSe]

bring a few friends with you on a test drive, so you have the car full. Take it on a highway on ramp, or a place you need to merge quickly. You'll notice the I4 feels underpowered. I get about 25-28MPG with my V6. And i love the power

[hendrix8989]

Originally Posted by XxTrD_ToYoTaxX

if the 09 is a V6.. go for it.

They had alot of trouble with the v6 with the 6 speed trans...go for the 4

[SIrMack]

Originally Posted by hendrix8989

They had alot of trouble with the v6 with the 6 speed trans...go for the 4

Are they still having problems with the 2009 model? I thought they got it worked out in 2008?

I have also heard of the new "drive by wire" system and how it takes some getting use to. Any thoughts on that as well?

[Punks_Not_Dead5]

You'll regret going to a Gen 6

Gen5 FTW!

Why not wait until the Gen 6.5 comes out?

[hendrix8989]

Originally Posted by SIrMack

Are they still having problems with the 2009 model? I thought they got it worked ou in 2008?

I have also heard of the new "drive by wire" system and how it takes some getting use to. Any thoughts on that as well?

no at all....they fixed the bugs..they had no problems with the 4 just the 6...the transmission was always hunting for a gear. The only thing you need to look for is...if you needing the car to go into passing gear on the freeway...the car has a little hesitaing problem..because the car is (driving by wire)

[SIrMack]

Originally Posted by Punks_Not_Dead5

You'll regret going to a Gen 6

Gen5 FTW!

Why not wait until the Gen 6.5 comes out?

Are you just a Gen5 Fanatic? or are there specific reasons that you recommend staying with the Gen5?

Also, when does the Gen6.5 come out and what improvements/features will there be to make it worth the wait?

Thanks!

[Punks_Not_Dead5]

i pleased the fifth lol.

Nah they're both great cars. You won't go wrong with either. But deffinately get the V6 no matter what trim level you go with.

Gen 6.5 comes out sometime next year..minor changes. I don't know specifics but i'm sure someone else can say if there is any info on it yet

[Tobeit]

Originally Posted by SIrMack

I drove both the V6 and I4 and I didn't notice much of a difference.

Must be your driving then...if you don't feel the difference between these two - you probably should stick with the I4.

[SIrMack]

Originally Posted by Tobeit

Must be your driving then...if you don't feel the difference between these two - you probably should stick with the I4.

Well, I rarely, if ever, put "pedal to the metal" and I am usually the guy at the stop light who gradually accelerates rather than stomping on the gas.

I average 33mpg with the 2003 Camry XLE I4 I drive now. I also am the guy that usually goes the speed limit or 4 over at the max.

I don't tow, nor do I usually have passengers with me. The only time the car is ever loaded is when we are going cross-country and it is then I can sometimes notice the car struggling to make it up those mountain passes, but it isn't too bad.

Honestly, I would love to have the V6, but the price difference ($4k more) puts it out of reach.

[98CamryLE]

Originally Posted by SIrMack

I have no issues with my 2003 XLE

My question for you: If you like your 2003, and you have no issues with it, why don't you keep it?

Why not take the money you'd spend on the 2009, put it in the bank, and earn interest on it until you get sick of the 2003, or it breaks?

If you were planning on financing a 2009... Put the $450 you'd be spending each month into the bank, and then when you get sick of your 2003 or it breaks, take the money out to make a larger down payment.

Don't get me wrong, the gen 6 Camry is nice, but unless you really want or need it- I don't see the point in upgrading if your current car is working fine.

[njerald]

Originally Posted by SIrMack

Well, I rarely, if ever, put "pedal to the metal" and I am usually the guy at the stop light who gradually accelerates rather than stomping on the gas.

I average 33mpg with the 2003 Camry XLE I4 I drive now. I also am the guy that usually goes the speed limit or 4 over at the max.

I don't tow, nor do I usually have passengers with me. The only time the car is ever loaded is when we are going cross-country and it is then I can sometimes notice the car struggling to make it up those mountain passes, but it isn't too bad.

Honestly, I would love to have the V6, but the price difference ($4k more) puts it out of reach.

Purchase price for the XLE V6 over the I4 is $1,776 more invoice.

The I4 is fine with 4 golfers and golf bags, is less expensive, gets better gas mileage (6-9%) and maintenance cost is less.

[CharmCityES]

id have no qualms upgrading from an 03 XLE to an 09 XLE.....theyre both great cars, but i still love my gen 5 so i havent really looked too deeply into an upgrade to a newer camry
id say stick with the 4cyl myself....if youre someone who has a passive and calm driving style, then the I4 should suit you just fine...i dont need to go fast so i stick with the I4 myself...plus the fuel economy is nice, and the 4cyl has lower maintenence costs. do your own tests and make your own decision, but if you feel your 03 is getting a little tired, dont hesitate to upgrade