V6 or V4

[stewardship]

This is the first time I post to this forum. Appreciate all of your help.

We are in the process of buying a new 2004 Camry for our son who is going to college in Los Angeles. We have owned a V6 Camry in the past and my wife still drives a V6 Avalon, so we never had any experience with a V4 Toyota. We are wondering if we should just get a V4 for our son. There are so many good deals around for V4 models, but hardly any on the V6 models.

Other than the cost difference, we also heard that on V6 models oil leak is a common problem. My wife's Avalon has been leaking oil for a few years although it runs great.

We are also wondering if V4 has enough power for the freeways in LA.

Your input would be appreciated.

[Sportivo Concepts]

Welcome to the forums, just a little info, it called a I4 for inline 4 cyl. If the car is gonna be strictly for your son you might want to consider the Corolla or maybe the Scion tC (found at Toyota dealerships). They are both alittle bit cheaper and really great gas mileage, not that the Camry has bad mileage.

No matter if you go with the Camry or the other two that I name you can't lose.

[Deuce]

its actually an I4 or L4. My 4banger handled 50,000 miles of freeway with only 1 problem (hose collapsed one day). It'll have enough power to get him around, but he's not gonna be able to tow jetskis or do burnouts.

If the 135hp (92-01 4cyls) seems too weak for you, a few companies offer a bolt on turbo or supercharger setup for 5SFE Camrys for around $3000.

Personally, however, I would get him a V6 since they have enough power to make it over the grapevine in the fast lane.

[Aussie Ed]

the inline 4 camry should be enough for your son, unless he is going to be towing something behind him, then i'd go for the v6.

but the 4 banger should be fine. if you are still not sure, return to a toyota dealer and ask them about the specs and other information you'd like to know about the camry

[stewardship]

We considered both the Corolla and the Scion. Both are a bit small and we are concerned about safety on freeway. I showed a picture of Scion to my son last night and he did not like the look. We all like the look of Camry (even though some people still consider it boring).

[Talisman]

Yeah, I would go with that new Scion tC. It iwll cost you a lot less, has the same I4 that is in the Camry, will get great gas mileage, and because it is a lot lighter, power won't be an issue. Also it looks cooler and as a young guy, he will appreciate that.


If you have to get a Camry, the I4 is an okay choice. They upped the power in the base model when they switched to the new models so it is adequate. Before it was just waaay too underpowered. You should really just take all of the car out for a test drive and decide for yourself.


EDIT: I missed the post above. Well don't worry about the Scion then. I personally would only get the V6 Camry becasue ithe I4 would not be enough power for me. I am guessing you are getting him an auto? IF so, the 4 will probably fell pretty sluggish. With a 5 speed, it is fine though.

[Nick]

if i had kids, i'd get them the 4 cylinder, harder to get excited

but it can certainly merge quickly enough

[Deuce]

i grew up wanting a gen 3 camry, so i understand the feeling.

My family has had 3 of the last 4 corollas, all of which have been in collisions and kept injuries insignificant. My 89 Corolla took out 10 ft of guardrail on US 50 at 95mph - worst injury in the car was a bloody nose by someone in the back seat, and thats with hitting so hard on the driver side the right fender bent. The steering column didn't move, the driver door, which was smashed, stayed closed until I opened it, no glass shattered, and my seat disconnected from the bottom of the car and I didn't go flying anywhere.
After that, Corollas always have a place in my heart as tops for safety.

[jaguar]

^^ i 2nd that !

even the 4 banger is fast enough for kids!

is that his first car ? are you sure it has to be a brand new one ?

[stewardship]

Yes, this is the first car for a 19-year old. Mother was going to give her the 1997 Avalon but lately has changed her mind. She wants him to get a new car so he will not have to deal with all the little problems that come with a used car. There are deals that go for a little over $15K for a brand new LE. I thought about getting him a 2-3 year old Camry but with the special deals on a new one the cost difference is not all that much.

[jaguar]

I'm not here to judge you or your family,

but a brand new car for a 19 year old kid... isn't that a bit exagerated ? I would get him a gen 3 or so, very good cars, low cost...
just do a complete tune-up and the car will be just fine

are you even sure your kid wants a camry ?

[jhbhatia]

When i went to college, my dad got me a Celica. That i4 was the sweetest thing on my life. When i got married, i eventually outgrew the car...and needed more room. The car when sold had 154K miles and was in SHOWROOM condition and was sold for $3900 (US dollars for you canadian friends). i4 engines are reliable and suffice for a college student. They will be cheaper for insurnace on the 19yr old as well. As far as v6 and oil leaks...not really a concern. If you upkeep with new seals (when needed) thats is all the upkeep besides basic maint. needed for these cars.

[MykeLefty]

Originally posted by jaguar
I'm not here to judge you or your family,

but a brand new car for a 19 year old kid... isn't that a bit exagerated ?

it all depends where you live. all the cities around me, i'd say more than 50% percent of 16 year olds get new cars....

[MykeLefty]

by the way, are you posivitve you showed him the new scion, and not the older two models? i'm talking about the one which has yet to be released (at least i think it hasn;t yet)

[kasimmmmm]

Originally posted by Sportivo Concepts
Welcome to the forums, just a little info, it called a I4 for inline 4 cyl. If the car is gonna be strictly for your son you might want to consider the Corolla or maybe the Scion tC (found at Toyota dealerships). They are both alittle bit cheaper and really great gas mileage, not that the Camry has bad mileage.

No matter if you go with the Camry or the other two that I name you can't lose.

I completely agree with him. The Tc or Corolla is something you should consider. The corolla XRS/S are excellent cars and they'd be perfect for him as a first car!