Seattle Mom Wants a Camry - Thoughts? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

nullptr · 05-13-2003, 08:07 PM

Hi all, my mom's Dodge Stratus just died, and she is considering getting a Toyota Camry (probably new or slightly used). Just wanted to get your recommendations on things to watch out for with the Camrys. Would you all suggest getting a new body style model, or the previous generation? Any packages she won't be able to live without?

Also, any dealerships / salesmen in the greater Seattle area that you can recommend?

Thanks all, much appreciated

Stealth · 05-13-2003, 08:22 PM

Get the v6 (she'll want the extra power when passing cars) and don't get a spoiler (not like the car will need it). I think the Gen 3 (92-96) looks the best but your mom probably wants something newer than that. If you getting something slightly used then I don't think there's much to look out for, not many rice boys drive Camrys, especially the newer ones.

speedemn · 05-13-2003, 09:50 PM

First start with a budget. If her budget can accomodate a newer Camry then go with the newest possible. But if it is borderline budget of a gen 3 and gen 4, I would recommend that she gets a nice low mileage late gen 3 (1996). The gen 3 body was stronger than the gen 4 at least (body). I am not too knowledgeable about the gen 5 because I got out of the Toyota family just as they came out.

I'm sure performance isn't a concern of her's but a V6 is always good to have.

Structureboy · 05-13-2003, 11:12 PM

If your mom's looking for a gen3 v6 camry, she could probably find a fairly decent, low mileage one for about $10,000.
I believe the only issue, as stated by our camry experts, with the gen3 camry was that it was prone to transmission over-heating. Just meaning that the design of the tranny was a lil' compact, and didn't allow for good heat escape. So there is a bit of concern there.

Oh, gen 3= 92-96 yrs.

Stealth · 05-13-2003, 11:44 PM

10k for any Gen3 Camry seems a bit high to me. But then again the BB value of my car is about 5k. V6 would add maybe 1k tops, low miles 1 or 2k... oh well. I think lower miles is more important than having a newer year.

***Phi*** · 05-13-2003, 11:53 PM

Whatever Camry she decides to get, I strongly suggest she gets a V6 unless you're really concerned about fuel costs.

Her most economical choice would be to try and hunt down a 94-96 with the 1MZ-FE engine and low milage. 92-93 had 3VZ-FE iron blocks. This generation Camry (3rd) didn't have any chronic problems really worth noting.

If your budget is alittle higher, try and get a 2000 as opposed to a 1997-1999. The minor body details makes the car look much better. The only thing to be concerned with here would be strut mount issues. These cars have been known to have pre-mature strut mount failures resulting in a rattling and knocking noise when going over small bumps. They've since re-designed the mounts.

If the budget is even higher, get a late 2002-2003 with the new VVT-i engine and 5spd auto.

I've (or my parents) have owner all generations of Camrys from 1990-2002. IMO the Gen3 (92-96) were the best.

kgasso · 05-14-2003, 02:34 AM

I'm gonna agree with Phi here. I really like the Gen3 look, if you get a really nice clean 94-96 V6, it seems more Lexus-ish on the outside than the newer generations to me.

I can personally vouch for the safety of my Gen4 (2001) Camry. I was hit by a red-light runner in a mid-size truck at 50mph and walked away without a scratch, even though it totalled the car.

I like my Gen5, but it can be a bit pricey to get one with all the options you want. I have a non-VVT-i V6, so I'm not sure how the VVT-i and 5AT equipped ones drive compared to mine..

BenG · 05-14-2003, 08:39 AM

Gen3.5 or gen 4.5 are the way to go....Toyota has this stupid habit of redesigning their cars to look great just before a generation change, and the 3.5 and 4.5 gen camrys look amazing. Also, I believe that the strut mount problem with the gen4 camrys were fixed by the time the 4.5 came out.

Personally, I'd rule out the current Camry because it feels like you're driving a van rather than a car. It's too floaty, too tall, and there are too many squeaks and rattles from a brand new car. The only reason I'd recommend the new Camry is that there will be warrenty and you are really buying the drivetrain. If you can ignore the ergonomic issues and what to me seems like quality control and material quality issues, then go with the current Camry. If you can't, go with the 3.5 or 4.5 generation models.