Shopping for Gen5 camry - what to look out for? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

grandeyota · 10-28-2010, 10:59 AM

I've got my eye on a 2003 LE, so I've done some searching for common problems to look for before I buy. I've came across a TSB about sloppy steering linkage in some of these, so I'll keep an eye out for that one.

Anything else specific I should pay attention to when looking to see which Camry will get the spot in my driveway?

Thanks for any advise

***Punks_Not_Dead5*** · 10-28-2010, 12:02 PM

Can you give more info on the Camry you're looking at? mileage, etc etc etc.

grandeyota · 10-28-2010, 12:33 PM

I was changing a water pump in my 90 pickup and stopped by a dealer to get some toyota red antifreeze. When I came out from the parts section, my wife was chatting with a sales guy. We need to get her out of her current Buick century so I guess this was a good thing.

I was running out of daylight for my waterpump swap and we left in a hurry so I don't have many details other than what is on the dealers website.

47k miles
2.4L 4 cyl
automatic
Power locks/windows

***Punks_Not_Dead5*** · 10-28-2010, 12:35 PM

wow low mileage. That could be good and bad. Check if they did regular oil changes and if they have maintenance records.

The gen 5 is a solid car, not many issues if you keep up on regular maintenance.

I'm running late for an apt. When i get back i'll give you a run down on anything i have encountered with my 02

tengiday · 10-28-2010, 01:33 PM

IMO, you should choose a V6. I'm kinda regret not buying a V6 (gen 6). It's a mistake! I want to buy it, but my dad refused, telling me that I won't be able to handle that extra power! :-(

***Punks_Not_Dead5*** · 10-28-2010, 02:44 PM

Ok, so problems i have had with my car. ZERO! Though it is a V6. the Gen 5 is probably one of the most reliable and stable Camry's. The Gen 6 and 6.5 have had a lot of issues..i wouldn't own one ever.

That said we do own a 2010 XLE

But it's mine so i can't say that "I" own it.

slamycam · 10-28-2010, 03:08 PM

I had a 2002 Camry V6. I have owned 4 Camrys. The stuff to look for
1. Make sure the engine is COLD when you get their to test drive. See if it smokes when you first start the car. If so the valve guide seals need to be replaced. VERY common in Gen 5 for folks that did not change oil regularly.
2. If power windows roll them up and down a few times and take the highway. Another common issue is windows that don't close correctly.

Other than that no other issues I can think of. O yea, I had to get a timing belt at 90K it was bout 900 by the time they did all the other stuff.

O yea, my 2011 Camry totally blows away my 02. The power, comfort. I think the 02 may have been a bit more quiet but I had Michelins on it.

***Punks_Not_Dead5*** · 10-28-2010, 05:22 PM

I4 has a timing chain, not belt. no need to worry about that.

workerant · 10-28-2010, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slamycam

The power, comfort. I think the 02 may have been a bit more quiet but I had Michelins on it.

Isn't the '11 get more visit to dealer for major fix than '02?

I know my V6 '07 got many many MANY more major fix than the I4 '96. It seems the I4 is a lot more reliable too.

***Punks_Not_Dead5*** · 10-28-2010, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by workerant

Isn't the '11 get more visit to dealer for major fix than '02?

I know my V6 '07 got many many MANY more major fix than the I4 '96. It seems the I4 is a lot more reliable too.

That is what my point was. The Gen 5 I4 and V6 is more reliable than the Gen 6 and up models. It may have more power, but can't beat reliability of the Gen 5

***zythr*** · 10-28-2010, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by workerant

Isn't the '11 get more visit to dealer for major fix than '02?

I know my V6 '07 got many many MANY more major fix than the I4 '96. It seems the I4 is a lot more reliable too.

It is and uses less fuel too.

grandeyota · 10-29-2010, 07:56 AM

Awesome info, thanks!

I'll keep an eye out for those valve guides also when we head back that way.

Timing chain/belts are maintence items anyway, so I know it's coming one day no matter what

workerant · 10-29-2010, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Punks_Not_Dead5

The Gen 5 I4 and V6 is more reliable than the Gen 6 and up models. It may have more power, but can't beat reliability of the Gen 5

But Gen 6 look much better.

I agree, reliability is at the top of my list too. I will sacrifice look for reliability but it would be better if I can have BOTH. And that's why I sold my Camry.

Quote:

Originally Posted by zythr

It is and uses less fuel too.

True. But unable to accelerate and change lane quickly was a downside for me. And than the occasions that I was unable to close the gab to proven some dick cutting in. (the kind that drives on the emergency shoulder during a traffic jam and cut in front)

BlackCamSe · 10-29-2010, 10:41 AM

STRIPPED HEAD BOLTS!!!! on the I4 engine are inevitable

slamycam · 10-29-2010, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by workerant

Isn't the '11 get more visit to dealer for major fix than '02?

I know my V6 '07 got many many MANY more major fix than the I4 '96. It seems the I4 is a lot more reliable too.

I never buy first year model anything. Just asking for trouble. They will be changing the body from 2012 from what I understand, I won't get one till at least 2015.

have to consider the shear number of cams on the road. So of course going to hear about probs, but you will NEVER hear from owners with no probs.

I had an I4 and it was reliable but kind of slow and not that great on gas. The V6 in my 2011 is so effortless. Great ride overall.