Buying advice- 2011 Camry XLE v6 or 2010 Altima 3.5SR V6

[Lkdog]

Both loaded. Both new.
Both V6. Both fine cars.
pretty much same price on them after haggling down form MSRP's.


I can likely get either through work as my company car.

The Altima seems sportier and better handling. I actually liked the CVT tranny on it also as opposed to the sometimes lurching Camry 6 speed ( I have a 2007 XLE V6 right now).
The Camry rides smoother and is quieter.

Probably is the difference mostly between the 16 versus 17" wheels and sport suspension on the Altima.

Any thoughts welcome.

Related question- Any info out about build quality on the 2011 Camry's as opposed to previous last few years? The 2007 I have is nice, but some dodgy build issues in cabin. FWIW-I have owned Camry's since 1994.


Thanks.

[Glenn8963]

well i gotta tell you, i have only been on these boards a short time myself, since i bought my '10 camry LE. it s the best darned car i could have ever owned......... but you wouldn't know it from these boards however. guys with new '10's, new '11's, and all they seem to do is find "issues" with one thing or another.

i think you'd be better off going for the nissan.........this way..........you won't have to read what some of these guys are complaining about.....!!!

[Joe B]

This is a a Camry forum.
What answer do you think you'll receive?

[willt]

Originally Posted by Joe B

This is a a Camry forum.
What answer do you think you'll receive?

camry of course

[Cartang]

Camry SE V6

[gdanaher]

You drive both cars for a half hour on bumpy streets and freeways. Find a color you like for both cars. Look at it hard. Check trunk space, head room, rear seat room. Look at the dash lighting at night. If you can't decide then you flip a quarter and hope for the best.

[arabianobsession]

Compare the Altima with the Camry SE.....if you're looking at sport suspension the XLE definitely is not the one.

[canderton01]

Originally Posted by Cartang

Camry SE V6

x2

If it's XLE vs Altima I'd take the altima. I'm sorry but the XLE really is a old people cruiser(I would know, I drive one). The Altima will be more fun to drive and looks better imo. I would take an SE over an altima though because the SE bodykit is hella sexy, and it's a little bit more engaging to drive with it's firmer suspension setup. It's all about what you want though. If luxury and comfort is your thing, then the XLE is perfect for you.

[Howler]

to lkdog: Buying advice- 2011 Camry XLE v6 or 2010 Altima 3.5SR V6


You may want to drive the 2011 Camry around for some time and check out the crappy transmission that "jake brakes" when you slow down. It's a real nussance when you drive in stop and go traffic, shifts gears from 2nd to 3rd, and feels like you crammed on the brakes below 25mph when stopping. I've taken mine in 3 times and nothing was done except say sorry that's just the way it drives now. I also have a Mixima with the CVT, wish I had gotten the Altima with the CVT. I wish I had driven the Camry around more before leasing it. It does drive great on the highway though.

[thrawnis]

I haven't driven the Altima in several years but Nissan's 3.5 V6 engine is pretty awesome with plenty of torque and pulling power. However, my wife has a Infiniti G35 with practically the same basic engine and the thing leaks and burns oil constantly. This has been the case since we bought the car several years ago and the repairs cost a good chunk of change. The build quality is pretty mediocre, but honestly, not much different than my Camry.

The Camry has not had any major mechanical problems other than the transmission flare but it has had a bunch of electrical issues (head unit replaced, ECU replaced, ABS replaced, etc. all under warranty).

Overall, I would say it is a wash. Get whichever one you like more as far as aesthetic appeal, handling, and fits best with your driving style.

[arabianobsession]

Howler: That's why I bought the manual I hate that trash automatic too.

[thrawnis]

Originally Posted by arabianobsession

Howler: That's why I bought the manual I hate that trash automatic too.

No option of a manual V6. If only......

[Musicmansell]

Check out my thread I posted up here a couple weeks ago.

Tried them all, ended up with another Camry.

I test drove a bunch of different vehicles including the Altima and Camry in both XLE and SE V6 models. I went with Camry but I explain why and it could just be my personal choice. There were differences between the two for sure. The XLE doesn't compare to the sportiness of the Altima or the handling. The SE V6 sure does though. Also, the main differences I felt between them were road noise and handling. The Altima Hugged the road a bit more and cornered better but I also felt every bump n crack in the asphalt. Camry had good power and good handling but was also way quieter and to me was roomier and looked better. Just my opinion. Good luck.

[deuce106]

i know this might be off topic but i took my camry to get it service and the dealer gave me a Maxima to drive for a day...if you want sport and comfortness i would go with Maxima. if you look around you can get one witha price that is similar to a loaded camry or altima...

[arabianobsession]

Thrawnis: I hear your pain. I think it's ridiculous Toyota doesn't match their V6 to a manual. The Maxima had that option at one point, so did the Accord. And the older Camry's (Gen 4) had the option too. It's a shame.