Should I buy Camry or Alima? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

adaptabl · 02-14-2002, 07:56 PM

I have narrowed my choice to the Camry or Altima. Any opinions on what to buy and why. My reasons so far:

Camry SE

reputation for quality
Smother ride
Average power
better interior

Altima 3.5
great Power
5 speed available
sporty ride
lower price
better looking design

Right now I am leaning toward the Altima, but looking for ideas before I finalize a deal. (BTY I am currently a Intrepid driver looking at my first non Chrysler car in 20 years)

***EKam*** · 02-14-2002, 08:01 PM

5 speed is also available on the Camry SE (Not V6).

And welcome aboard. :smile:

***Ratko*** · 02-14-2002, 08:06 PM

Straight up buddy, im not gonna front, I like the Altima better. Expect a better aftermarket for it aswell, as opposed to the newer Camry.

latez.

benyu · 02-14-2002, 08:07 PM

Quote:

On 2002-02-14 21:01, elegantcam wrote:
5 speed is also available on the Camry SE (Not V6).

And welcome aboard. :smile:

On the Canadian brosure SE is only avaiable with V6.

***EKam*** · 02-14-2002, 08:18 PM

You're right Benyu.

As for which is a better buy, yes the altima has better value, but only if you can get over with the interior quality. Performance is also a big plus on the altima.

But if you're looking for a car to keep for long term and to depend on (and performance is not your priority), no doubt camry is better. Price is definitly costy but high resale value is assured.

SpectraBlueCam · 02-14-2002, 10:44 PM

Check http://www.caranddriver.com

They did a head to head comparison test of the cars in this category. The Camry ranked ahead of the Altima (2nd and 3rd, respectively). I don't recall the basis of their decision. In case you're curious, they ranked the Accord first.

Flipside909 [SC³] · 02-15-2002, 01:16 AM

It's all a matter of preference. Quality wise...I would choose the Toyota hands down.

TOM'S CAMRY · 02-15-2002, 09:46 AM

I m not very sure, but I think the resell value of Toyota is better than Nissan! But it is very a hard question which 1 u should buy!

94" Camry LE, Calvin

Jzs147-RR · 02-15-2002, 06:41 PM

If you want power and no chance of surviving and accident get the Altima.I love the power of the 3.5L engine but i have seen a new altima that was in such bad shape it had to be cut and scraped off the wall.The Camry is nice but its no powerhouse and I think the styling is very nice when lowered with nice mags but stock it looks like the put some echo suspension on it.

Lafora · 02-15-2002, 07:01 PM

yeah but did you witness the accident?

how'd u know for sure that the camry wouldn't be in just as bad shape in an accident where all other factors are identical.

Jzs147-RR · 02-15-2002, 08:37 PM

How do I know because my friend and I where hit by a truck and two cars and sandwitched between them and this hapened at way past 100km each car so I think after not even having a scratch I can tell you the gen4 is solid so the gen5 is even more.And yes i witnessed the altima accident it hapend on the 40HW and I seen the torn body of the poor woman after hitting the side wall in the viaduct tunnel.Now remeber this was a semi frontal accident much less then what hapend to me and my friend last year.If you dont want to believe me dont but what I seen just made me remember what my friend(Nissan dealership owner) told me about nissan cars "Yes they are fast but they dont stand a chance in uneven accidents"..Remember im not saying Nissan is all bad just that lately they have cut cost and still beafed up power "HOW THEY DO THAT" Its called cutting corners..

danny67x · 02-18-2002, 08:30 AM

You should also check out nissan forums and ask the same question.

I have test drove both the Camry V6 and the Altima V6, and I must say that the altima is incredible. Camry is very nice of course, but performance wise, the 3.5 just blows the camry away. The interior of the altima is also just as nice as the camry, and the chassis feels just as secure. Both cars are about the same size.

Since you are seriously debating them, I'm also assuming you drove both cars. It just depends on your priorites. I would definitely get the 5 speed altima, as that thing is FAST.

Dan

X cam-tech X · 02-18-2002, 11:17 AM

Hey guys well my opinion on the altima and the camry... well ... its basically like this.... the camry has years of quality background and assurance and safety that I can't even turn my head to look at a altima... power is one thing but living to see tomorrow is another... now yes the altima is a nice looking car now... but camry's are in their own world and thats what I like most about toyota and another thing is that people dont think that we can make our cars look good but I see these camrys online and they just amaze me with the creativity we put into our cars... as for the altima... well I haven't seen many of the older models modified and basically with the new 2002 altima all I've seen on them is rims and tints... but oh well camry is what I'm a fan of for life =)

erfan · 02-18-2002, 05:38 PM

Definetly get the Camry, If you get that Altima you will mess out on all the sludge fun that you get with the new Toyota! Now you wouldnt want to do that now would you?

benyu · 02-18-2002, 06:36 PM

Quote:

On 2002-02-18 09:30, danny67x wrote:
The interior of the altima is also just as nice as the camry.

Are you sure about that? I've seen many Altima owners complaining about the interior, and they wish they have bought Camry.