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I didn't have Internet resources like this in 1997! Nice forum....
I have a 1998 Camry LE V6 since new and it has 190K miles on it. After several expected repairs throughout the years, I'm now at a point where they occur too frequently for me to keep the car. I currently have an oil leak with two cracks in the engine. My car runs fine, but smells like oil all the time.
I'm looking to buy another Camry, but finances don't allow for a new one. And according to what I've read about the transmissions, I don't want a current gen anyway. I did sit in a new 2009 Camry at the dealer, and didn't like it at all. I know the interior dimensions should be bigger than my '98, but my hair scraped the top of the ceiling easily. It wasn't as comfortable (I'm 6' 4")
Though I haven't gone searching yet, I thought I would try a previous gen Camry instead. How are the 2005-2006 models? Are they any better? I would be interested in an LE V6 or XLE V6. I was hoping all the bugs would be worked out since these are later years in that generation. Yes, no?
Is there anything in particular I should look for in a used 2005-2006 Camry? Any particular Mfg Date better than another? Was this a good generation to even consider?!
My other choices are a Hyundai Sonata or Azera. I don't like the Accords, but I'm not sure I like the seat comfort or handling of the Hyundai's yet. Nissans don't have enough rear legroom (for the family). Can't bring myself to buy a Ford or Chevy.
My advice to you is to look at as many as you can. Considering that it was the best selling car in the U.S., there should be plenty to choose from - private seller or dealer.
Rate each one you look at for condition, mileage, price.
In 2002, I was looking at buying a 2000 or 2001 Camry and that's what I did. I must have looked at 30 Camrys. In the end, I ended up buying a 2 year old 2000 LE with only 14K miles in excellent condition. I even got the color I wanted.
I still drive that car today and it's at 100K.
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Tom
2004 Prius Touring Edition
2003 Corolla Luxel
2000 Camry LE - Lunar Mist Metallic
I too was in that similar situation as you last spring. I had a 97 Cam LE with 199,000 on it. Car still runs as, I sold it to a family member and he is still driving it, but we were just ready for a newer car. We had an 04 Cam LE 4cyl and wanted a Gen 6, but couldn’t afford one at the time. I came across an 05 SE with low miles and the price was right so I bought it. Both 4cyl by the way.
From what I have read here @ TN the Gen 5’s are some of the best.
Good luck with it. I wish I could have found a V6.
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2004 Camry LE-87,000
35% Tint
Last edited by exploreco97; 01-31-2009 at 09:56 AM.
From what I have read here @ TN the Gen 5’s are some of the best.
Good luck with it. I wish I could have found a V6.
Within 2 weeks on Autotrader, I found one that I liked. It wasn't hard. If you still wanted one, there are a lot of XLE V6's around. LE V6....yah, that is a little more rare. I really wanted an XLE, but after sitting in one, my hair scrapes the top of the ceiling because of the lowered sunroof. Darn height!
Within 2 weeks on Autotrader, I found one that I liked. It wasn't hard. If you still wanted one, there are a lot of XLE V6's around. LE V6....yah, that is a little more rare. I really wanted an XLE, but after sitting in one, my hair scrapes the top of the ceiling because of the lowered sunroof. Darn height!
Yeah, I found both of ours on Autotrader too. It is a great tool to use. At the time I was more concerned with finding one with lower mileage as we do a lot of driving and for some reason there weren't many V6's in our price range. I was actually looking at LE's and stumbled accross an Infiniti dealer that wanted to move this SE so we jumped on it. We don't usually have more than two adults with us, so the 4 gets us by. Maybe next time the V6. But I have a good 100k to put on these, so that will be awhile
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2005-2006 used Camry buying advice
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