Gen 5 basic engine and tranny questions...

[MG-70]

Hello,
Newbie here planning on buying a “new” car and leaning towards a fifth generation (’02-’06) Camry but also considering a BMW 330 and a Mazda 3 (hatch). I plan on doing as much of the upkeep I can, am pretty good around cars and have maintained a ’94 Mustang GT for the past 10 with no problems (including timing chain, clutch, suspension, exhaust, brakes, ignition, etc.). I don’t plan on souping this up, other than possibly suspension and a decent sound system (and a good tune up, of course).

Although I haven’t compared all the combinations of engines and transmissions, ideally I’d get a manual I-4 with sunroof. With that said, I’m not opposed to the automatic if it’s more reliable than the manual transmission, or equally fuel efficient. I don’t care for the trunk lid wing and chrome interior trim. The only model I’ve driven was an ’04 XLE V6 (auto) and despite liking it, found the suspension way too soft.

Questions:
Q1. From my preliminary research the engine choices are either a 2.4L I-4 and a 3.0L V6. Is either more reliable, or trouble-free, than the other?

Q2. In terms of reliability, is one transmission more reliable or durable than the other? I prefer the manual but realize some cars’ automatics are lower maintenance than their manual transmissions. Also, were there really no manual V6s?

Q3. I like a stiffer suspension. I’ll drive an SE as soon as I can locate one near me, but in your opinion, is there a big difference between its suspension and the others? Is it pretty easy to find either new or used springs and dampers to stiffen up, say, an XLE’s suspension?

Q4. What’s the interval for replacing the timing belt and what’s a realistic cost for having this done (either in dollars or labor time and parts)? I assume it’s an interference engine and interval is 65-80K mi.

Q5. What should I look out for, in terms of possible “issues” with this generation car with an estimated 65K mi on the clock? I’ve already found mention of possible problems with the intermediate steering shaft and windshield clips, both apparently very easy fixes.

TIA and also for allowing me to participate!

MG-70

[carlo$]

search, your questions have been answered already.

[MrObvious]

Yeah you'll get raped for not allowing to search. Just be glad njerald hasn't shown up yet. lol

If you try to answer a few of your own questions with a search and share your results maybe we can then clear it up as people rape new members here too much.

[MG-70]

I appreciate the obvious "use the search function" reply and should have stated on my initial post that I'll be searching after posting (my Q5 actually hints that I've done some limited searching).

Helpful replies are still welcomed!

[MrObvious]

Originally Posted by MG-70

Q1. From my preliminary research the engine choices are either a 2.4L I-4 and a 3.0L V6. Is either more reliable, or trouble-free, than the other?

Q2. In terms of reliability, is one transmission more reliable or durable than the other? I prefer the manual but realize some cars’ automatics are lower maintenance than their manual transmissions. Also, were there really no manual V6s?

Q3. I like a stiffer suspension. I’ll drive an SE as soon as I can locate one near me, but in your opinion, is there a big difference between its suspension and the others? Is it pretty easy to find either new or used springs and dampers to stiffen up, say, an XLE’s suspension?

Q4. What’s the interval for replacing the timing belt and what’s a realistic cost for having this done (either in dollars or labor time and parts)? I assume it’s an interference engine and interval is 65-80K mi.

Q5. What should I look out for, in terms of possible “issues” with this generation car with an estimated 65K mi on the clock? I’ve already found mention of possible problems with the intermediate steering shaft and windshield clips, both apparently very easy fixes.

1) By now Camrys have reliable trannies and engines. I personally have an 06 i4 w\ 121k miles (I bought used last June). Some here will say go for a 6 because of the extra power but I say test drive both and just see which you prefer. If you have any plans of nitro or boosting a 6 will give you more power to start with and output.
2) I have no clue why they don't make manual 6s but I have an auto and it seems fine. The 5 speed tranny is amazing as far as delivering power. I'm blown away. Just get your preference in auto or manual after comparing engines.
3) I won't touch this one too much but the one thing I have noted reading these forums is the SE won't produce the nice soft ride the LE and XLE do.
4) RTFM. It wouldn't hurt to check whatever car you get for every possible problem and if there were oil changes done or not. Either way give it a few good oil changes within the first 10k miles and maybe even a tranny flush at that point (60k).
5) Read the TSBs and most of them have been covered by now. If the tranny is sound (some lemon trannies have slipped by it seems) and shifts through all the gears smoothly I think the most problems you will get are general maintence (oil changes, brakes, tranny flushes, tune-ups, etc.).

Most of my opinions are just based on my experience. And like I said these are opinions. I bought a car with twice the miles you are looking for and it runs great. The key is how well the previous owner(s) maintained it. If it was treated well the car will treat you well.

Also, lower it!

[MG-70]

MrObvious,
Thanks for the welcome and good info.!

I have no intentions to bottle feed this one. Question, with 120+k mi. on the clock, what kind of mileage are you getting with an auto transmission, assuming oem tires?

So, the SE suspension is a cause for discussion? It may just be what I'm looking for...

Thanks again!

[MrObvious]

I get what the EPA says I should. Of course my car is 3 years old so that's probably to be expected. If you keep with maintence the car will still do good. My mom's car (98 Corolla) still gets mid to upper 30s MPG and is running great.

[islandboy57]

1) Both the 2.4L and 3.0L/3.3L should be great if maintained. There's been some mention of leaky water pumps with the 2.4L (the 2AZ-FE) which you might want to read up on. I haven't had a problem with mine yet. My mom's Camry has the 3.0L V6 and it's a fantastic motor.. My opinion? Don't over think the I4 vs. V6, they're both good; just find whatever Camry is in the best overall shape.

2) No MT V6s unfortunately. I don't have experience with the MT but my 5spd AT on my gen 5.5 is a bit quirky sometimes (there are many threads on the Drive-By-Wire system) - despite that, no problems at all. I plan on doing a drain/refill of the ATF every year.

3) I've got an LE but test drove the gen 6 SE. I like the stiffer suspension but the roads where I live are awful so in that case, the The LE/XLE suspension is a better choice for me. I don't find it overly soft but my car only has 30K miles on it so it's not like the struts need replacing.

4) You should probably search around. I'm sure it's every 60-90K miles. The 2AZ has a timing chain just FYI, so you'll just be replacing the drive belt(s) and water pump.

5) Yes. The steering intermediate shaft seems to have affected a lot of gen 5 Camrys, including mine. It will run you $450-500 if OOW. I just posted in a thread regarding the replacement of the climate control bulbs - seems like it's not a really common thing but it's not unheard of either.

Just my $0.02, but you should consider specifically looking for a 5th gen with side airbags. From '02 to '04 side torso and side curtain airbags were separate options, and from '05 to '06 side torso + curtain airbags were packaged as one option.

Keep us updated on your search for a Camry, hopefully you find a good one. I love my gen 5.5 with the 2AZ, especially after getting rid of the POS OEM tires!

[MG-70]

islandboy57,

Thanks for the great info.!

I was thinking I-4 for fuel economy and manual transmission because I like it and because I can probably squeeze another couple of miles per gallon out of it, compared to the same car equipped with an auto trans. I haven't compared miles per gallon for the combinations of engines and transmissions. I thought the automatic transmission on the 4cyl was a 4-spd, whereas on the 6cyl it was a 5-spd.

I'm not sure what a generation 5.5 is or what "OOW" means; sorry.

If you happen to know the code (on the door jam) for the '05-'06 torso + curtain airbag package please let me know.

Questions:

1. Do you know if all SEs came with the rear spoiler?

2. Do all XLEs come with the fake wood trim?

I'm not set on a specific model just yet but with so many of them made, you can always mix and match parts after purchase. At this point, the lowest mileage car with my engine/transmission combo of choice is what's most important.

Btw, I have a brother who lives in Honolulu.

Mahalo!

[carlo$]

You are trying to decide BMW or Toy? Those cars are in different leagues. If you want a true sports sedan go BMW. If you want reliable transportation with no "thrills" go Toy. The 330 is the ultimate sports sedan.

[MG-70]

Carlo$, with all due respect, you sound like a BMW ad. Yes, and as the post states, a Mazda 3. I doubt anything short of another coupe will handle like the BMW, but in the end, they’re all medium-sized, four door vehicles with engine sizes running 2.0L (actually 2.3L)-3.0L. Since I’m not gung-ho for any of them, I’ve grouped them together, and am finding it hard to justify paying $3K+ for a comparably-equipped BMW, when a Camry is less expensive to purchase, maintain, and insure, apparently more spacious, and way more reliable; specially important when since discussing cars with as much as 4+ years of use.

I appreciate the feedback, though.

Cheers

[MrObvious]

And you can tweak the Camry to be sportier. Just lower it, add a couple mods, and call it a day.

[islandboy57]

Gen 5 = 2002 through 2004. Gen 5.5 = 2005 through 2006. There's always a mid-generation facelift with minor revisions so TN folks refer to them as half generations. OOW = Out of Warranty.

I think you can actually get the SE without a spoiler but those are far and few between.. I've only ever seen one or two gen 5 SEs (I think it was the I4) without alloys and without a spoiler. I didn't like it at all. The XLE does come standard with the fake woodgrain trim - I don't care for it. I like the SE's trim the best, but the LE's is nice and plain and unobtrusive.

I don't know what code there'd be for side airbags (unfortunately my Camry does not have them) but there will be a warning label for them there, it'll say it on the A-pillar, C-pillar, and seats [if equipped] - and I'm betting you can tell by the VIN too. Good luck!

Did your brother tell you how "cold" it was here in Honolulu for the past few days? It stayed just under 70 degrees all day (when I went home @ 3p my car read 69 degrees) and it was in the mid 50s at night. That's cold for Hawaii!

[MG-70]

Understood.

I haven't driven the SE yet but if I end up with one, one of the first things I'll do is get rid of the wing and whatever chrome I can easily access. The XLE I'd have to get rid of all the fake wood (don't care for the two tone either). I guess it's still easier than to change the bumper and add the driving lights to an LE. I've only seen one or two Toyota wheel designs I like, so I may have to either search for Lexus wheels, assuming same hubs, or go aftermarket.

Mid 50's at night! We were in the twenties for a high for almost two weeks straight!

Thanks again!

[islandboy57]

If you can get a Japan-built gen 5, installing your own fogs shouldn't be too difficult. The Japan-built Camrys have foglight covers you can remove (on the USA-built ones, the bumper is one piece and the foglight cover is actually just a part of the bumper) and they should be pre-wired IF you can find an OEM signal stalk with foglight controls.

2005 Camry SE V6 on CL > definitely my all time favorite Camry. The gen 5.5 SE V6 is one good looking car.