[SIrMack]

I have a 2003 Toyota Camry XLE with 103k miles on it. I currently need about $2,500 in suspension and other work done on the car. The car is book valued at around $7k, give or take. Besides the suspension issues/struts/rotors/brakes/tires/etc the engine, transmission, and A/C all run fine along with everything else on the car.

I am wondering if it is worth it to upgrade to a 2011 Toyota Camry XLE? Are there that many improvements/changes? Or are the newer cars worse than the older ones?

I hate having a car payment but I also hate dumping money into a car that may not be worth it or not. But if there are multiple improvements that make it worth the upgrade in the long-term then it would be something I'd definitely consider.

Here is all the work that I am needing on my car. A new set of springs would be around $215 shipped in addition to the total below, but I have been told I don't need to change them unless they are damaged, rusted, or broken.

$73.94 - Monroe 71490 Sensa-Trac Struts and Cartridge for select Lexus/Toyota models
$75.98 - Monroe 71491 Sensa-Trac Struts and Cartridge for select Lexus/Toyota models
$94.46 - Monroe 71492 Sensa-Trac Struts and Cartridge for select Lexus/Toyota models
$96.33 - Monroe 71493 Sensa-Trac Struts and Cartridge for select Lexus/Toyota models

$55.89 - Monroe 904989 Strut-Mate Strut Mounting Kit
$55.89 - Monroe 904989 Strut-Mate Strut Mounting Kit
$40.20 - Monroe 903904 Strut-Mate Strut Mounting Kit
$40.20 - Monroe 903904 Strut-Mate Strut Mounting Kit

$13.94 - Monroe 63619 Strut-Mate Boot Kit
$13.94 - Monroe 63619 Strut-Mate Boot Kit
$13.94 - Monroe 63619 Strut-Mate Boot Kit
$13.94 - Monroe 63619 Strut-Mate Boot Kit

$41.74 - Moog K90345 Rear Sway Bar End Link Kit
$41.74 - Moog K90345 Rear Sway Bar End Link Kit

$36.31 - Moog K90344 Front Sway Bar End Link Kit
$36.31 - Moog K90344 Front Sway Bar End Link Kit

$52.98 - Wagner BD126059 Front Brake Rotor
$52.98 - Wagner BD126059 Front Brake Rotor

$28.46 - Wagner BD126087 Rear Brake Rotor
$28.46 - Wagner BD126087 Rear Brake Rotor

$31.45 - Wagner QC828 ThermoQuiet Ceramic Disc Brake Pad Set
$39.90 - Wagner QC908 ThermoQuiet Ceramic Disc Brake Pad Set

$ 73.25 - 94-08 Toyota Water Pump 1610029085 Camry 03

------------------------------
$1,052.23 PARTS TOTAL
$ 650.00 LABOR
-------------------------------
$1,702.23 SUBTOTAL
+ $775.00 - Four New Michelin Hydro-edge tires
-------------------------------
$2,477.23

Below is additional work I *might* need to have done if the work above does not fix my creaking/clunking/metallic chattering/excessive tire wear issue.

$65.95 - Empi 80-6245 100% New Constant Velocity Premium Complete CV Half Shaft Drive Axle Assembly
$75.95 - Empi 80-6246 100% New Constant Velocity Premium Complete CV Half Shaft Drive Axle Assembly
$15.93 - Moog K90347 Front Lower Ball Joint
$14.64 - Moog K90346 Front Lower Ball Joint

-------------------------------
$172.47 PARTS TOTAL
$200.00 LABOR
-------------------------------
$372.47

 

[Joe B]

Why not just go test drive an '11 and see what the changes are and if you like them enough to buy one?

 

[MJZ]

... brand new suspension including springs = $800
Tires = $500
brake job = $1200?

Oh and don't forget, that $2500 sounds bad but you'll probably pay that in sales tax and excise in one year on a new XLE.

 

[catric69]

I have a 2003 Toyota Camry XLE with 103k miles on it. I currently need about $2,500 in suspension and other work done on the car. The car is book valued at around $7k, give or take. Besides the suspension issues/struts/rotors/brakes/tires/etc the engine, transmission, and A/C all run fine along with everything else on the car.

I am wondering if it is worth it to upgrade to a 2011 Toyota Camry XLE? Are there that many improvements/changes? Or are the newer cars worse than the older ones?

I hate having a car payment but I also hate dumping money into a car that may not be worth it or not. But if there are multiple improvements that make it worth the upgrade in the long-term then it would be something I'd definitely consider.

What does "other work done on the car" mean? Please give details or a break down what the car needs in order to better help you.

 

[SIrMack]

... brand new suspension including springs = $800
Tires = $500
brake job = $1200?

Oh and don't forget, that $2500 sounds bad but you'll probably pay that in sales tax and excise in one year on a new XLE.

brand new struts, mounts, boots, springs, front/rear sway bar link kits come out to around $1,000. New Rotors/Pads for all four come out to around $250. Labor is about $650 to install it all so that comes out to $1900 for that. I also need new tires which is another $600 or so.

I may also change the water pump as my coolant for some reason is a little "low" in the reservoir and I was told that the pump may be going ($75). If all that does not fix my issues then I may need to also get front driver/passenger CV joint half axle complete assemblies ($150), center link tie-rods ($80), and front ball joints ($40). I'm sure labor will be as much as the parts if not a little more.

You're right I suppose, even if I spent $5k getting the car up to like new it would be cheaper than dropping $25k on a new car i suppose.

I do wonder how Toyota's quality is nowadays, as I have consistently heard it has fallen. Last test drive I took was a 2008 Camry and the seats were uncomfortable, the build quality inside felt cheaper and the acceleration was doggy. When comparing it to my 03.

 

[Joe B]

I do wonder how Toyota's quality is nowadays, as I have consistently heard it has fallen. Last test drive I took was a 2008 Camry and the seats were uncomfortable, the build quality inside felt cheaper and the acceleration was doggy. When comparing it to my 03.

I guess you just answered your own thread question.

 

[catric69]

brand new struts, mounts, boots, springs, front/rear sway bar link kits come out to around $1,000. New Rotors/Pads for all four come out to around $250. Labor is about $650 to install it all so that comes out to $1900 for that. I also need new tires which is another $600 or so.

I may also change the water pump as my coolant for some reason is a little "low" in the reservoir and I was told that the pump may be going ($75). If all that does not fix my issues then I may need to also get front driver/passenger CV joint half axle complete assemblies ($150), center link tie-rods ($80), and front ball joints ($40). I'm sure labor will be as much as the parts if not a little more.

You're right I suppose, even if I spent $5k getting the car up to like new it would be cheaper than dropping $25k on a new car i suppose.

I do wonder how Toyota's quality is nowadays, as I have consistently heard it has fallen. Last test drive I took was a 2008 Camry and the seats were uncomfortable, the build quality inside felt cheaper and the acceleration was doggy. When comparing it to my 03.

You don't need new springs, unless you want to lower your car. If you are located in Central, FL just supply the parts and I install it for very little money. Tires don't have to be bought as a set. In other words you can buy two at a time so you can spread you expenses.

 

[SIrMack]

You don't need new springs, unless you want to lower your car. If you are located in Central, FL just supply the parts and I install it for very little money. Tires don't have to be bought as a set. In other words you can buy two at a time so you can spread you expenses.

I appreciate it! I guess I will just reuse the springs then, is there anything I can do to verify the springs are fine?

I wish I was in central Florida, I am up by Destin/Pensacola/Panama City area.

 

[catric69]

Here's an article on inspecting the coil springs: http://www.ehow.com/way_5763835_do-replace-coil-springs-car_.html

 

[laphan]

I have a 2003 Toyota Camry XLE with 103k miles on it. I currently need about $2,500 in suspension and other work done on the car. The car is book valued at around $7k, give or take. Besides the suspension issues/struts/rotors/brakes/tires/etc the engine, transmission, and A/C all run fine along with everything else on the car.

I am wondering if it is worth it to upgrade to a 2011 Toyota Camry XLE? Are there that many improvements/changes? Or are the newer cars worse than the older ones?

I hate having a car payment but I also hate dumping money into a car that may not be worth it or not. But if there are multiple improvements that make it worth the upgrade in the long-term then it would be something I'd definitely consider.

Here is all the work that I am needing on my car. A new set of springs would be around $215 shipped in addition to the total below, but I have been told I don't need to change them unless they are damaged, rusted, or broken.

$73.94 - Monroe 71490 Sensa-Trac Struts and Cartridge for select Lexus/Toyota models
$75.98 - Monroe 71491 Sensa-Trac Struts and Cartridge for select Lexus/Toyota models
$94.46 - Monroe 71492 Sensa-Trac Struts and Cartridge for select Lexus/Toyota models
$96.33 - Monroe 71493 Sensa-Trac Struts and Cartridge for select Lexus/Toyota models

$55.89 - Monroe 904989 Strut-Mate Strut Mounting Kit
$55.89 - Monroe 904989 Strut-Mate Strut Mounting Kit
$40.20 - Monroe 903904 Strut-Mate Strut Mounting Kit
$40.20 - Monroe 903904 Strut-Mate Strut Mounting Kit

$13.94 - Monroe 63619 Strut-Mate Boot Kit
$13.94 - Monroe 63619 Strut-Mate Boot Kit
$13.94 - Monroe 63619 Strut-Mate Boot Kit
$13.94 - Monroe 63619 Strut-Mate Boot Kit

$41.74 - Moog K90345 Rear Sway Bar End Link Kit
$41.74 - Moog K90345 Rear Sway Bar End Link Kit

$36.31 - Moog K90344 Front Sway Bar End Link Kit
$36.31 - Moog K90344 Front Sway Bar End Link Kit

$52.98 - Wagner BD126059 Front Brake Rotor
$52.98 - Wagner BD126059 Front Brake Rotor

$28.46 - Wagner BD126087 Rear Brake Rotor
$28.46 - Wagner BD126087 Rear Brake Rotor

$31.45 - Wagner QC828 ThermoQuiet Ceramic Disc Brake Pad Set
$39.90 - Wagner QC908 ThermoQuiet Ceramic Disc Brake Pad Set

$ 73.25 - 94-08 Toyota Water Pump 1610029085 Camry 03

------------------------------
$1,052.23 PARTS TOTAL
$ 650.00 LABOR
-------------------------------
$1,702.23 SUBTOTAL
+ $775.00 - Four New Michelin Hydro-edge tires
-------------------------------
$2,477.23

Below is additional work I *might* need to have done if the work above does not fix my creaking/clunking/metallic chattering/excessive tire wear issue.

$65.95 - Empi 80-6245 100% New Constant Velocity Premium Complete CV Half Shaft Drive Axle Assembly
$75.95 - Empi 80-6246 100% New Constant Velocity Premium Complete CV Half Shaft Drive Axle Assembly
$15.93 - Moog K90347 Front Lower Ball Joint
$14.64 - Moog K90346 Front Lower Ball Joint

-------------------------------
$172.47 PARTS TOTAL
$200.00 LABOR
-------------------------------
$372.47

If your springs are bad, I found that it is cheaper to go and buy Monroe Quick Strut (it comes pre-assembled with new spring, bearing, top mount, boot, etc). If I remember correctly, it should cost $180 each. You just have to swap the old strut/spring assembly out and put the new one in. It took me around 3 hrs max to do all 4 corners without air tool (can be done faster without beer and air tools).
It is really easy job, I think you can even do it yourself. I think it should not cost you more than $250-300 on labor if you let mechanic do it for you.
I know the mechanics do not like the quick strut because they cannot charge you labor on pressing the springs in/out and labor to assemble the strut assembly.
For ball joints and tie rods, just check if there is any play on you wheel (jack the car up and try to wiggle the tire (horizontal and vertical). If there is no play and the grease boot on the tie rod and ball joints still looks good, no need to replace them.

I have a feeling that your ball joints and tie rods are fine. My friends 02 camry needed struts at around 100K but so far the tie rod/ball joints are still original at 160K (and we are driving on the fabulous detroit area roads).

$205 for springs is expensive. You can get TRD springs for that money.

For 2003 Vs. 2011, if it is me, I will keep the 03. My experience with gen 6 feels really cheap, not as solid (hollow feel) and noisy at high speed (wind noise).
I cannot really say for camry, but my solara (based on gen 5 camry) is a better built vehicle compared to my gen 6 camry. Than gen 6 rattles like crazy when the weather gets cold. It has more body shake than my solara. But, mechanically, they are almost equal. My gen 6 is as reliable as my solara (so far no single mechanical repair from new to 50K miles).

 

[profuse007]

Better looking car. Nothing feels better than owning a vehicle. I don't like car note either. If you don't care about look, just get your car maintained.

 

[Punks_Not_Dead5]

:facepalm:

I have a 2002 SE, and a 2010 XLE...(which is the same as the 2011s).... only thing i like about it, it's nice for long trips....other than that i rather my Gen 5...

 

[njerald]

Wait for a GEN 7 in a few months....

 

[SIrMack]

If your springs are bad, I found that it is cheaper to go and buy Monroe Quick Strut (it comes pre-assembled with new spring, bearing, top mount, boot, etc). If I remember correctly, it should cost $180 each. You just have to swap the old strut/spring assembly out and put the new one in. It took me around 3 hrs max to do all 4 corners without air tool (can be done faster without beer and air tools).
It is really easy job, I think you can even do it yourself. I think it should not cost you more than $250-300 on labor if you let mechanic do it for you.
I know the mechanics do not like the quick strut because they cannot charge you labor on pressing the springs in/out and labor to assemble the strut assembly.
For ball joints and tie rods, just check if there is any play on you wheel (jack the car up and try to wiggle the tire (horizontal and vertical). If there is no play and the grease boot on the tie rod and ball joints still looks good, no need to replace them.

I have a feeling that your ball joints and tie rods are fine. My friends 02 camry needed struts at around 100K but so far the tie rod/ball joints are still original at 160K (and we are driving on the fabulous detroit area roads).

$205 for springs is expensive. You can get TRD springs for that money.

Monroe, Unfortunately, does not make "Quick-Struts" for the 2003 Toyota Camry 4-cylinder. They also have no plans on making one. It would have been far cheaper for me if they did.

 

[catric69]

I have a 2003 Toyota Camry XLE with 103k miles on it. I currently need about $2,500 in suspension and other work done on the car. The car is book valued at around $7k, give or take. Besides the suspension issues/struts/rotors/brakes/tires/etc the engine, transmission, and A/C all run fine along with everything else on the car.

I am wondering if it is worth it to upgrade to a 2011 Toyota Camry XLE? Are there that many improvements/changes? Or are the newer cars worse than the older ones?

I hate having a car payment but I also hate dumping money into a car that may not be worth it or not. But if there are multiple improvements that make it worth the upgrade in the long-term then it would be something I'd definitely consider.

Here is all the work that I am needing on my car. A new set of springs would be around $215 shipped in addition to the total below, but I have been told I don't need to change them unless they are damaged, rusted, or broken.

$73.94 - Monroe 71490 Sensa-Trac Struts and Cartridge for select Lexus/Toyota models
$75.98 - Monroe 71491 Sensa-Trac Struts and Cartridge for select Lexus/Toyota models
$94.46 - Monroe 71492 Sensa-Trac Struts and Cartridge for select Lexus/Toyota models
$96.33 - Monroe 71493 Sensa-Trac Struts and Cartridge for select Lexus/Toyota models

$55.89 - Monroe 904989 Strut-Mate Strut Mounting Kit
$55.89 - Monroe 904989 Strut-Mate Strut Mounting Kit
$40.20 - Monroe 903904 Strut-Mate Strut Mounting Kit
$40.20 - Monroe 903904 Strut-Mate Strut Mounting Kit

$13.94 - Monroe 63619 Strut-Mate Boot Kit
$13.94 - Monroe 63619 Strut-Mate Boot Kit
$13.94 - Monroe 63619 Strut-Mate Boot Kit
$13.94 - Monroe 63619 Strut-Mate Boot Kit

$41.74 - Moog K90345 Rear Sway Bar End Link Kit
$41.74 - Moog K90345 Rear Sway Bar End Link Kit

$36.31 - Moog K90344 Front Sway Bar End Link Kit
$36.31 - Moog K90344 Front Sway Bar End Link Kit

$52.98 - Wagner BD126059 Front Brake Rotor
$52.98 - Wagner BD126059 Front Brake Rotor

$28.46 - Wagner BD126087 Rear Brake Rotor
$28.46 - Wagner BD126087 Rear Brake Rotor

$31.45 - Wagner QC828 ThermoQuiet Ceramic Disc Brake Pad Set
$39.90 - Wagner QC908 ThermoQuiet Ceramic Disc Brake Pad Set

$ 73.25 - 94-08 Toyota Water Pump 1610029085 Camry 03

------------------------------
$1,052.23 PARTS TOTAL
$ 650.00 LABOR
-------------------------------
$1,702.23 SUBTOTAL
+ $775.00 - Four New Michelin Hydro-edge tires
-------------------------------
$2,477.23

Below is additional work I *might* need to have done if the work above does not fix my creaking/clunking/metallic chattering/excessive tire wear issue.

$65.95 - Empi 80-6245 100% New Constant Velocity Premium Complete CV Half Shaft Drive Axle Assembly
$75.95 - Empi 80-6246 100% New Constant Velocity Premium Complete CV Half Shaft Drive Axle Assembly
$15.93 - Moog K90347 Front Lower Ball Joint
$14.64 - Moog K90346 Front Lower Ball Joint

-------------------------------
$172.47 PARTS TOTAL
$200.00 LABOR
-------------------------------
$372.47

You should be able to reuse your top mount and boot covers unless they are damaged. Typically, you replace a bearing that is housed inside the top mount. A lot cheaper! I would get the vehicle inspected by another shop, maybe even a third.

 

[laphan]

Monroe, Unfortunately, does not make "Quick-Struts" for the 2003 Toyota Camry 4-cylinder. They also have no plans on making one. It would have been far cheaper for me if they did.

Another way to save is to do it yourself. You only need to remove 3 top mount bolts and 2 at the bottom mount. Bring the old strut assembly to O'reily (they charge $25 per strut here in MI) and let them press the spring out and assemble the new strut. It is similar to have quick strut but you have to take your old one out before you can put the new one in.
Don't forget to get a new strut bearing (it is 1 time use according to toyota factory service manual). I think the whole job should cost you less than $1K in total (minus tires).
If you need any info on how to do it, you can pm me. I have your camry factory service manual.

For tires, negotiate your price. I replaced all 4 tires on my gen6 (16" alloy) with Pirelli P5 from discount tires for $318 (mounted and balanced). They sometimes run promotions but you have to buy 4 from them.
I think you can get 4 yokohama Avid ENVigor for less than $400 mounted and balanced.

One tip: When I put KYB GR-2 and TRD spring on my solara, I found that Toyota put red loctite on the lower 2 bolts (it would not budge even with 350lb.ft impact). I have to heat it using propane before I can take them out (breaker bar is recommended). If you decided to do it yourself, put some loctite when you put it back together (my top bolts went loose after 2 weeks without loctite).