Need Help Deciding...LE V6 or SE 4 cyl

[boatbuilder]

I am in a buying decision and need some thoughts around an LE V6 vs SE 4 cyl.

I had my eye on an 11' SE 4 cyl. Black...but went back to the dealer a few days later and she was sold. Having Black color is a must for me and there is an LE V6 on their lot but I hate the interior cloth (bisque) on the LE. And one option that I can't get over is the non-leather wrapped steering wheel in the LEs. It feels like you are holding on to a rubbery mountain bike handle bars.

Now I know the LE V6s are "rare" so to speak and that they can help a bit in resale at some point... but I'm thinking that may change due to gas prices. If you had a decision between and LE v6 vs. the 4cylinder what would your pick be... and is there ANY alternative if I choose the V6 to get some other option for a steering wheel. I found replacements on line for ~$150 but it involves removing the steering wheel and airbag insert...(none of which I would like to tackler just to get leather wrapped steering wheel).
Please advise. I need to make a decision here soon.
TIA!!!

[Kycamrymaker]

I would just wait for the one that you're wanting, rather than settling for the one they have. You can also ask the dealer to try and locate a 4cyl. SE for you, they are quite common in many years.

[boatbuilder]

Yeah they are offering an extra $750 off though for cars on their lot due to a hail storm. There is not visible damage but they are able to take that amount off on their insurance policy for the cars that were present on their lot. If they get me one from another dealer then they can't take off the extra $750.

I like how the exterior of the LE V6s look with the dual-exhaust and could eventually put in aftermarket leather down the road at some point... but I worry about the fact gas prices will ever increase and the "V6" option will no longer come into play at resale down the road.

[Normco]

Don't settle. Shop around. There is more than one dealer in the world. Some of them even check other dealers' inventories!

I have a 2011 with the 4-cyl. Absolutely no complaints.

Originally Posted by boatbuilder

I am in a buying decision and need some thoughts around an LE V6 vs SE 4 cyl.

I had my eye on an 11' SE 4 cyl. Black...but went back to the dealer a few days later and she was sold. Having Black color is a must for me and there is an LE V6 on their lot but I hate the interior cloth (bisque) on the LE. And one option that I can't get over is the non-leather wrapped steering wheel in the LEs. It feels like you are holding on to a rubbery mountain bike handle bars.

Now I know the LE V6s are "rare" so to speak and that they can help a bit in resale at some point... but I'm thinking that may change due to gas prices. If you had a decision between and LE v6 vs. the 4cylinder what would your pick be... and is there ANY alternative if I choose the V6 to get some other option for a steering wheel. I found replacements on line for ~$150 but it involves removing the steering wheel and airbag insert...(none of which I would like to tackler just to get leather wrapped steering wheel).
Please advise. I need to make a decision here soon.
TIA!!!

[Hennessy Hek]

If u don't like that interior I would say don't get it. I have a black on black V6 SE and I love it. I could have gone with a white 4cyl SE but u can't compare. If u want it in black I'd say go for black on black with the silver trim. You'll love it!! An I'd go V6 the extra power makes driving it fun. Yea Gas prices r going up but they always go up and down through out the years so I wouldn't let that play a big role in ur decision if it was me. I've never owned a 4cyl and when I drive one I hate the lack of torque and power

[arabianobsession]

I have a Camry SE 4cyl. It is very peppy, when people ride with me they swear up and down it's a V6 until I pop the hood

IMO, SE>LE. I think the LE Camry looks to plain and boring, no personality......but the SE looks sleek and sexy

[Punks_Not_Dead5]

There is not much difference in the MPG for the V6 and I4.... I have an 02 SE V6 (125k miles) and 2010 XLE V6..

I can easily do 35mpg average on both cars.... Whereas on the 06 Matrix i had i could barely get 28mpg with it's I4.

As far as styling, that one is up to you. I'd wave that 750$ and have them find a car that suits you and has the options that you are looking for. When it comes to car buying $750 isn't really that much of a deal.

[GeoKooL Hawaii]

How about a black V6 SE? Get the best of both worlds.

[boatbuilder]

Yeah I'd love a Black SE V6 but it's a definite jump in price compared to the LE version. And I also like the styling on the back of the LE V6 with the exhaust and no "ground-effects". Like I mentioned earlier... and I know this is nit picking... I hate the standard non leather wrapped steering wheel. Does anyone have an alternative that they've seen/used for the LE steering wheels to get them wrapped in leather?

[glenn14]

Originally Posted by arabianobsession

I have a Camry SE 4cyl. It is very peppy, when people ride with me they swear up and down it's a V6 until I pop the hood

IMO, SE>LE. I think the LE Camry looks to plain and boring, no personality......but the SE looks sleek and sexy

^+1

I would buy what you like, not what you don't like. And remember you spend a lot of time in your car so you better like the interior and exterior.
My 2009 SE suites me perfect, Its sharp..stiffer ride..better handling 17''
wheels ..leather steering wheel, body kit fog lamps and spoiler not to mention that the 2010 and 2011 have the 2.5 ltr engine that makes 179 hp and has dual exhausts where as my 2009 has the 2.4 ltr. that makes
158 hp and has a single exhaust and if you went V6 the gas milage is not
much different from what others here have stated. 750 is not much considering you are buying a $25,000 to $30,000 car. It sounds like to me you would be much happier with the SE.

Glenn

Glenn

[Joe B]

Between the two,the SE I4.
The SE I4 looks much better now with the dual exhaust.

[arabianobsession]

Only thing is, guys, the LE V6 has dual exhaust too. Just not the same rear fascia.

[Joe B]

Originally Posted by arabianobsession

Only thing is, guys, the LE V6 has dual exhaust too. Just not the same rear fascia.

True on the LE V6 but the dual exhaust on the SE I4 is fairly new.I believe it started in '10.

[arabianobsession]

^Yes, that is true.

[Hennessy Hek]

To expensive??? R u planning on buying ur Camry new or used. I got my Camry V6 SE for 18k 2 yrs old. I just bought 5 yr and 60k bumper to bumper for 1,400 more. If ur talking about it being to expensive try used. Just as good as new. I love my black on black SE.