Indecisive about Camry

[oiprocs]

I bought a 2006 Camry XLE V6 in mid-May. It had 49k miles and was very well taken care of. Leather is nice and supple, very clean, minimal exterior scratches. Engine and transmission checked out fine. My mechanic says I'll go 300k with regular oil changes and transmission flushes. I drive 90% freeway miles.

I love the car, except for the handling. I wanted the SE trim, but this car was in such good condition at a good price. I suppose I chose value over handling.

3.5 months later, I've got 61k miles on the Camry. I'm considering trading it in for an '09 or '10 SE V6 model that has less than 60k miles. I've got about $800 negative equity, assuming I would get KBB value for "good" condition. I've already been to two dealerships who said they would give me that KBB value.

I come here because I feel I'm choosing a want over a need. I can drive the XLE for many more miles, it's comfy, roomy, and is quiet on the freeway. Moving to the SE would provide better handling, but it will likely be less quiet. Also, the leather in the newer SEs isn't on par with what I have now. Not that I care, but I often do 2 hour trips and I might regret losing some of that comfort.

Thoughts?

 

[Throckmorton]

Why don't you sell it and buy a RWD sedan? If you want a good handling car, buy a good handling car. Otherwise one day you'll realize you're old and you never had a fun car and it's too late because you have arthritis and can't shift gears.

 

[oiprocs]

I would love to have a stick shift, but sometimes I get into Los Angeles traffic. It's agonizing, to say the least.

RWD is very appealing, but I don't think I can afford the maintenance. Most RWDs that I know of are the higher end vehicles.

 

[xSkyDrAx]

Have you test driven the newer Camry? Do you feel like the difference in handling characteristics are worth it to you and/or will satisfy your needs for something more responsive?

If so and you think you'll be happy with that, the $800 will hardly matter over the course of the lifetime of the car. You're still going from a Camry to a Camry it's not like the newer ones will break down on you.

 

[oiprocs]

I did test drive a '10 model last weekend. I won't lie, it wasn't "amazing" or anything of that nature, but at the same time, I was not expecting roadster capabilities.

Did it handle better? I noticed less body roll, and the feedback from the steering column was less numb.

Was it enough to warrant my signature? No. I had a very nice discount on the price, I got what I wanted for my trade-in, but something held me back. I guess I wasn't convinced that I really needed the SE.

 

[Throckmorton]

Why are you focused on the Camry? Seems like an odd choice for someone who wants good handling. Have you tried any other cars?

 

[Zivic]

I did test drive a '10 model last weekend. I won't lie, it wasn't "amazing" or anything of that nature, but at the same time, I was not expecting roadster capabilities.

Did it handle better? I noticed less body roll, and the feedback from the steering column was less numb.

Was it enough to warrant my signature? No. I had a very nice discount on the price, I got what I wanted for my trade-in, but something held me back. I guess I wasn't convinced that I really needed the SE.

buy a set of sway bars, and maybe a new set of springs/absorbers and keep your current car.

 

[Doppel]

The handling difference between the two will be mild. I think you're focused too much on the minutia of it and it's probably become a little obsession in your head that you pet from time to time. I advise you stick with your current car.

 

[sdifox]

I bought a 2006 Camry XLE V6 in mid-May. It had 49k miles and was very well taken care of. Leather is nice and supple, very clean, minimal exterior scratches. Engine and transmission checked out fine. My mechanic says I'll go 300k with regular oil changes and transmission flushes. I drive 90% freeway miles.

I love the car, except for the handling. I wanted the SE trim, but this car was in such good condition at a good price. I suppose I chose value over handling.

3.5 months later, I've got 61k miles on the Camry. I'm considering trading it in for an '09 or '10 SE V6 model that has less than 60k miles. I've got about $800 negative equity, assuming I would get KBB value for "good" condition. I've already been to two dealerships who said they would give me that KBB value.

I come here because I feel I'm choosing a want over a need. I can drive the XLE for many more miles, it's comfy, roomy, and is quiet on the freeway. Moving to the SE would provide better handling, but it will likely be less quiet. Also, the leather in the newer SEs isn't on par with what I have now. Not that I care, but I often do 2 hour trips and I might regret losing some of that comfort.

Thoughts?

It's a Camry, handling is not included. No point in going to another Camry. either stick to this one or go to some other car.

 

[RKS]

I've been in the stereotypical beige 4 cylinder Camry for a week at it's not too bad actually. yes it's boring as it gets but it fantastic for easy commuting.

I couldn't see myself buying one but it is an awesome appliance.

 

[jlee]

Handling in what manner - actual grip, or just the feel of the car? A good set of tires will make a huge difference.

 

[sdifox]

Handling in what manner - actual grip, or just the feel of the car? A good set of tires will make a huge difference.

tires won't help the steering :biggrin:

 

[NutBucket]

The handling difference between the two will be mild. I think you're focused too much on the minutia of it and it's probably become a little obsession in your head that you pet from time to time. I advise you stick with your current car.

This.

 

[HarryLui]

tires won't help the steering :biggrin:

I'd like to see you steer without tires.

 

[pauldun170]

I have a stick shift 02 LE Camry.
Tire change only results in different "tire howl" points.
Suspension swap results in "Why the hell did I just put new suspension on a Camry"

Handling is very sloppy but with the stick shift the car is "interesting" to drive when the road starts to bend. I've driven worse cars.
All I know is that its a cheap reliable station car.

The newer ones are supposed to be much better handlers.

 

[oiprocs]

I'm not looking for ultimate handling to take corners at 80 mph.

But I'm not a fan of the body roll I experience, whether it's a sharp turn or not. From what I read, the 6th gen SEs handle better without sacrificing comfort or quietness.

The Camry is a good choice for me because it's dependable. I need to know that my car isn't likely to break down.

I like the sway bar idea...I'll have to look into that.

 

[leper84]

Toyota isn't the be-all end-all in reliability any more though. Just as many Toyota's break down now days as anything else.

You aren't going to find what you want in a Camry. They are going to be bland, boring appliances no matter what the year, so taking on more debt to buy a newer toaster doesn't make sense.

Before you even begin to make a decision test drive the competition. Drive a Maxima or even an Accord. Hell, depending on how much space you need a newer 3.7 v6 mustang or a SEL Focus might be exactly what you're looking for.

 

[sdifox]

I'd like to see you steer without tires.

we are talking about steering feel

 

[SparkyJJO]

Its a Camry. Handling isn't part of what it does. It is a point A point B appliance, which while it does well it does in one of the most boring ways possible

 

[halik]

Lost me at "trading a camry for a camry" to get better handling.

 

[PricklyPete]

If you aren't moving to a different car completely...just keep your current car.

 

[NutBucket]

Obviously you have money to throw away so please sent it to me. I will invest it wisely in pizza and beer.

 

[jagec]

I'd like to see you steer without tires.

Challenge accepted.

 

[CraigRT]

If you like some sporty-ness and want to row some gears, go for an Altima with V6, you can get a 6MT up until 2009 I believe in the 3.5SE package.

That car hauls balls for a cheap midsize sedan. I have owned an Altima and a Maxima, I loved them both, although the Altima was sportier.

 

[soulcougher73]

It's a camry its not supposed to handle well.