08 Camry LE V6 Options Questions

[ibgreen]

Please don't shoot the newbie...

I'm already talking to the dealer about the car. After test-driving a number of cars, I know I really want the Camry LE.
Yes, the V6 (see siggy)

I realize parts of these questions are covered in other threads here and there, but I'd appreciate help on several options, please. I'm trying to keep the cost down, but I only buy a new car about every ten years, and I don't want to be unreasonably cheap.

I presume the Vehicle Stability and Traction Controls just make sense, so I'll add them. That also adds a 16 inch spoke alloy wheel, according to the Toyota site's Build feature. Good enough, or are the "16 steel wheels...and full wheel covers" okay? If they mean hubcaps, I'll pass.

Should I go for 17" or larger alloys? Worth it, or just nice to have?

A friend who has a 07 XLE V6 (and no tranny or revving problems, fwiw) didn't opt for the door guard strips. He said he thought 200 bucks was too much for "a couple of pieces of plastic". I noticed in *most* pictures posted here, people chose not to get them, either. I like the look of the Camry without them far better, but I can only imagine what it'll look like five years of supermarket parking lots later if I *don't* get them.

And, I'll really miss having fog lights - I've gotten very used to them in the past ten years, but I'd rather have the LE than SE lines. I'm not a DIY-guy, so I'd have a shop that the dealer recommends install them if there's a reliable after market set, and it doesn't screw up the bumper or the electrical system - as a set did once on another car I owned. (This dealer doesn't install them.)

Your opinions? And, am I forgetting anything else?
Thanks in advance!

[YotaFanBoy]

Sounds like you want an XLE at an LE price.

Just go for the XLE and pay the extra for the options you really want since you are a long term purchaser. Why settle for less for an entire decade?

Wheels are sooooo personal choice .. look around at other camrys that have the different wheels and pick one that fits you.

I am nervous about the no door trim on my car but so far no dents ... but it is nerve racking I admit.

[geoff5093]

I presume the Vehicle Stability and Traction Controls just make sense, so I'll add them. That also adds a 16 inch spoke alloy wheel, according to the Toyota site's Build feature. Good enough, or are the "16 steel wheels...and full wheel covers" okay? If they mean hubcaps, I'll pass.

I don't see the need for stability and traction control, i've heard it causes problems with snow/ice, because it wont let the tires spin, and if it's really slippery then the car wont move at all (vs spinning your tires and slowly moving). Wheel covers = hubcaps.

Should I go for 17" or larger alloys? Worth it, or just nice to have?

I believe 17" wheels are only available on the SE, if you mean upgrade later then I would say do it if you have the hubcaps,

A friend who has a 07 XLE V6 (and no tranny or revving problems, fwiw) didn't opt for the door guard strips. He said he thought 200 bucks was too much for "a couple of pieces of plastic". I noticed in *most* pictures posted here, people chose not to get them, either. I like the look of the Camry without them far better, but I can only imagine what it'll look like five years of supermarket parking lots later if I *don't* get them.

Everyone has their own opinion, personally I wouldnt want the body side molding, it looks a lot better without them. As for dings, sure they may help protect your car, but you are going to be driving around with the dinged up moldings, and if you arent planning on replacing them, whats the difference?

And, I'll really miss having fog lights - I've gotten very used to them in the past ten years, but I'd rather have the LE than SE lines. I'm not a DIY-guy, so I'd have a shop that the dealer recommends install them if there's a reliable after market set, and it doesn't screw up the bumper or the electrical system - as a set did once on another car I owned. (This dealer doesn't install them.)

Thats one thing I dont like about the LE grade - no fogs. I decided to buy them from eBay and I'm really glad I did, the car looks so much better and it improves visibility slightly. I know you said your not a DIY guy, but the dealer would charge you way more then it's worth (if they even do it).

Your opinions? And, am I forgetting anything else?
Thanks in advance!

The only other things I can think of is if you want the slightly stiffer sport suspension on the SE grade, or the body kit of it. If you are planning on getting a body kit for it, just get the SE to begin with.

TBH I wish I got the SE grade for only about $1000-$1500 more, because the money I spent on rims, lowering springs, fog lights, and other accessories, I would have saved money in the long run.