Within the next month or so, I will be buying a used Camry '02 or '03, LE or XLE. I've been reading all the reviews I can, and I'm trying to get up to speed (since I know next to nothing about cars). It's also my first time dealing with a dealership. I think I'm settled on the 4 Cylinder---I gather the V6 doesn't give much extra punch, and it takes higher grade gas. Basically, I want to get a car that I can care for well and use for years to come. I have several specific questions:

Drum rear brakes/disc front brakes, or four disc brakes: which is better for the longevity of the vehicle? Is there a difference in performance?

Are dashboard squeaks inevitable with a Camry?

Should I bother to use sythetic oil (I don't mind the expense), and if so, is Mobil 1 everything it's said to be? (I'm told that synthetic oil springs more leaks, but that Mobil 1 in particular doesn't.)

Does the XLE have a higher incidence of problems than the LE? Is there a noticeable difference in the suspension with an XLE? Are any of the XLE features more trouble than they're worth?

I'm told that from 2002 on, the "gel" issue with the oil has been resolved. Is this true? Do the '02 and/or '03 come with other problems?

Up until now, I've done my own basic maintenance (oil, spark plugs, wires, distributor cap, rotor, filters). If I want this car to last, should I take it to a Toyota dealership for basics, or can I trust myself (an admitted hack) to do these? Is there a comprehensive schedule on a website somewhere (at "x" miles, do "y"...)?

Basically, I won't be in a position to replace a car any time in the next several years, so I have to buy the right car and keep in good shape. If I blow this purchase and maintenance, I will mangle my finances for years to come. Consequently, I don't mind putting down a few extra grand to make sure that I get the car that will last. I'm grateful for any insights offered.

Parmenides3

I am perfectly happy with a 4 cyl. and there are alot of hills in Pittsburgh.


4 wheel discs are better,but not enough to make a real difference.Trying to get ABS should be more important.

I can't say dash squeaks have been a real issue.

Stick with normal oil.(Personal prefrence)

The main difference is trim levels-read price.

It would seem that the gel issue is resolved,as for other issues every car is different.

Basic maint. is fairly straight forward- esp on the 4 cyl. The dealer can give you the schedule if you don't get an owners manual with the car.

Here I go agreeing with Joe once again, but we seem to share plenty of the same opinions on the Camry. I agree that regular oil is better for the car than synthetic, and I really can't say that I've heard much about dashboard squeaking in the Camry in my time, and that's pretty much it. I have a I4, and I wouldn't part with it for anything right now, it's gotten me through a lot of stuff around here, bad weather, plenty of hills, and I've been to the mountains and back, literally. Camrys are great cars, don't let anyone tell you that an I4 isn't anything compared to a V6, I've seen plenty of four cylinders blow the doors off other V6s so don't listen to the negatives about the I4, it's a great engine, especially for someone starting out with a Camry.

Well here the thing for you to know between v6 and 4cyc. The V6 is run smoother and they have gas shocks with a lexus es300 engine inside. They have more powers and extra features. The bad thing about v6 is after 100000 the car will start take extra gas, ofcourse not alot more but will be a little extra gas for it. The 4cyc is okay, and always a car last very long. It has less feature than v6 even the xle for 4cyc still have less feature than 4. But what I learned from the past, if you have to use highway all the time and take a lot of people with u on the drive then get a v6.

:smokin: You know, as I've spend hours looking at cars over the last few weeks, I find myself dreaming of more power and more comfort features. But the hard reality that you just reminded me of is this: almost all of the driving I do is alone. (You said go with the V6 if I have passengers regularly.) I still like the XLE, because every three months I have to go on a 1500 mile road trip, and things like power-postionable lumber support sound real nice. But, as much as I would enjoy a little extra horsepower, my situation does not justify getting the V6. OK, maybe my dream Camry is blissful boredom and trouble-free ownership. :sleeping: :sleeping: :sleeping: On the other hand, I keep thinking how over time, more modifications will become available for the Gen 5 Camry, and (though I'm no mechanic) some look interesting and simple to install. I think I'd like to venture into mod's, eventually.

Sounds like a plan, if you decide to get into modding, we can help you with that. It's not that difficult once you get into it.