New Camry or used??????? (aka best year?)

[redgtxdi]

Well, I'm getting reeeeeally tempted to buy another Camry now!! I've pushed this Corolla thing around & around & am noticing that by the time I get OTD with a Corolla I want,(I just can't choke down a CE w/ crank windows) I'm really close to the Camry.........(obviously a LOT more careven Corolla CE vs. Standard Camry).

Since I love my '98.........(having my rear bumper clear-coated to get rid of some sun damage as I type this just to keep her purty)...........I am also considering perhaps just buying another Gen4???

I know insurance/registration/etc. will be less expensive on an older car too, so that is a bit of a motivator for offseting ownership of a 3rd car.......(gonna make the F150 part-time)...........plus.......of all the Corolla's/Elantra's I've driven........still none ride as smooth & soft as my Gen4!!!

????????

[Knailgun]

I'd go with another Gen 4 personally, your automotive insurance co may give you a break due to all the damn safety features, and with a slightly older car you don't run into the "insure it up the ass because you're still pying on it"

[Phi]

After having 4 generations of Camrys ('90-'02) in the family - still have 3 currently, I'd have to say that the gen3.5 was the most solid. If you can find a '96 with low milage, grab it. The next best choice would be a gen4.5 (+2000).

Alot of ppl will also prolly try and persuade you into getting a V6. All of our Camrys are V6 (mine is SC'd ). However, after buying a 2001 I4 for my bro, we found it had more than enough kick for city driving. If you do alot of hwy commuting, then opt for the V6.

Some chronic problems to look out for incl; dead pwr antenna, weak window motors, weak A/C. Otherwise, have your mech inspect it. G/L!

[redgtxdi]

Ya, I actually do love Gen 3's, too, (came soooo close to buying a '95 and then a '96, but was able to hold out 'til '98)..............BUT.........

Remember that in '97 the Camry and ES300 went longer, smoother, quieter, etc. etc. I do give that some serious value since I stand 6'2"!

Any particular reason you like the 2001 especially, in the Gen 4's??????

[Phi]

Originally Posted by redgtxdi

Any particular reason you like the 2001 especially, in the Gen 4's??????

Just that the headlight and taillights are more aesthetically pleasing. '97-99 headlights were single frosted housing with a single H4 bulb. Whereas the +'00 used separate 9005 and 9006 with diamond clear housing. The taillights also look better IMO.

[yosh]

Originally Posted by Phi

Just that the headlight and taillights are more aesthetically pleasing. '97-00 headlights were single frosted housing with a single H4 bulb. Whereas the '01 used separate 9005 and 9006 with diamond clear housing. The taillights also look better IMO.

1997-1999 gen 4 and 2000-2001 gen 4.5

[dario]

1997-99 have better taillights and 2000-2001 have better headlights.

[Phi]

Originally Posted by yosh

1997-1999 gen 4 and 2000-2001 gen 4.5

oopsie. Thanks for the correction I've edited my post to avoid further confusion.

[yosh]

Originally Posted by Phi

oopsie. Thanks for the correction I've edited my post to avoid further confusion.

No problem and I agree with you on the taillights but I know it's not the popular opinion on TN.

[epinionator89]

I actually like the 97-99 headlights better because I don't have to buy double the bulbs for low and high beams. I was planning to get SilverStar bulbs and it's cheaper on your wallet just to buy one pair. I like the 97-99 taillights the best, too. Sorry, a little bias obviously