Buying a 2004 Camry, seller says it's an LE but it looks like a standard base model

[c627627]

The seller claims his 2004 Camry is an LE model because he bought it new and "the dealer told him it was an LE." When I looked at it, there was no LE on the original sales receipt, there was no LE silver sign on the trunk (just Camry) and it has no keyless entry. He has two payments left on it so Toyota Financial has the title.


He now comes back to me and tells me that he spoke with the Toyota dealership, provided them the VIN# and asked them if this car is an LE or standard and they said it was an LE. (I have the VIN# too.)

He also claims he pays taxes on the LE model and insurance charges him for an LE model. I suppose the title would be conclusive proof, I asked him to see if any of the Toyota Financial papers have LE on them, how can I know for sure if it's an LE or a Standard base model 2004 Camry?

[islandboy57]

There is no "base" or "Standard" Camry trim for the 2004 MY. Was the car purchased here in the US? Canada may differ in trim levels slightly.

As far as the title, I suppose that depends on the state. I just looked at the title to my 2005 Camry which is an LE, and it's not indicated on the title anywhere.

[LoudCamry]

same here, on my title it don't say se, as i have a SE.

i dont think insurance gonna charge more or less because it a LE,SE, or XLE

[c627627]

"The 2004 Toyota Camry returns this year with few changes to the interior and exterior. The Camry is available in three trim levels: LE, SE, and XLE. The STD base model will be added mid-year." http://www.intellichoice.com/reports...4/Toyota/Camry

So how the heck are we supposed to tell if it's an LE or not *assuming* there was a 2004 standard base model released mid year?


The car I looked at doesn't have LE anywhere in its documentation, it has no keyless which came with all 2004 LE Camrys, didn't it? Why's there no silver "LE" sign next to "Camry" on the trunk. I don't know how I'm supposed to take a dealer's word for it if no documentation or circumstantial evidence support that this is an LE...

[c627627]

Kelly Blue Book lists only three models for 2002 and 2003 (LE, SE, XLE) but for 2004, they do list
• Camry Sedan 4D
• Camry LE Sedan 4D
• Camry SE Sedan 4D
• Camry XLE Sedan 4D


So it does appear that a 2004 Standard Base Model existed, but that's weird that you guys say it's not on the title, how else would you know, and it is important since the car is *valued* off of this stuff...

[islandboy57]

I trust Edmunds more, as this goes with what I've seen on the road.

2002-2006

In contrast to some automakers that add trim levels in an attempt to stir up buyer interest, Toyota continued to keep confusion and manufacturing complexity to a minimum by simply offering a few versions to suit buyers' needs. As such, the base CE was dropped, as Toyota realized that nobody buys a car with manual windows and sans air-conditioning anymore, leaving three Camry models from which to choose: LE, sporty SE (which returned after a five-year hiatus) and XLE.

An entry-level standard model was added to the Camry lineup for 2005.

http://www.edmunds.com/toyota/camry/history.html

[islandboy57]

Was the Camry you are looking at purchased new by the seller? Something seems odd.

[Asteroid]

I'd assume the standard grade must have appeared with the mid 04 facelift? So have you got a gen 5 or 5.5?

[Timbits93]

Originally Posted by islandboy57

Was the car purchased here in the US? Canada may differ in trim levels slightly.

Ever since Generation 5, Canada only offers the LE, SE and XLE Models [Hybrid if you want to count it].

Could be a Base model but you could always check based on the standard features list for a LE

[c627627]

This car is still with its first owner who purchased it brand new in the middle of USA.

Keyless Entry System comes with all 2004 LE, this one doesn't have keyless. No sign of LE on the trunk or on any document whatsoever. There's got to be a way to officially tell...

[gdanaher]

The car is 6 years old for goodness sake. How much difference could the value be in a standard and LE after 6 years? The LE will have a power driver seat. If not, then it is standard. The VIN should tell as well, and although the guy says he called the dealer and was told it was an LE, did YOU call the dealer as well???

If you like the car, buy it. If you don't, keep looking.

[c627627]

It's a $425 difference (after all these years.)

[njerald]

Originally Posted by c627627

It's a $425 difference (after all these years.)

HA.

More like $100 (private party value) for comparable cars in KS per kbb.com.

The original invoice price was only about $500 difference between the two.

[c627627]

With 41K miles, here

[islandboy57]

Originally Posted by gdanaher

If you like the car, buy it. If you don't, keep looking.

+1

OP: The lack of power seat and keyless entry doesn't seem to bother you as much as whether the seller is misinformed about the trim level. If the car is nice, buy it, if you'd prefer an LE - I'm sure there are lots of 2.4L Camry LEs out there.