Guy's I have a 93 Toyota camry V6 It has done just 297K Kms
And unfortunately blew the gear box this week so thinking it was not worth repairing I purchased a 2003 V6 Altise with 65k kms on the clock, to replace it, the same day.

Well the Mechanic surprised me after I bought the 2003 Camry, that he could get the 93 repaired for 1/3 of the original quote. So got it repaired.

Now I have driven both to work and back a 220km round trip on freeway and city, and can Honestly say the 93 is a better more refined vehicle.

Less road noise, no wind noise a better more responsive tranmission and more comfortable all round.

What is Toyota doing going back wards.
Sure the 2003 has more electronic gadgets but other than that it's a step backwards.

One thing I am very surprised about though is the purchase price of both when new.

The 93 $32,750
The 03 $32,430 AUS
New 06 $33,000 Mind you not a V6 not currently available

So how come cars a cheaper now than 13 years ago, and why are they going backwards.

most comsumers are concerned with electronic gadgets and luxury. my self on the other hand, looks for reliability and function. also most consumers that buy new will not have that new car long enough for problems to come about. toyota is just figuring this out same with honda. i think what you are seeing is a slow equalization of reliability in the market.

on the price i don't know why they have stagnated? but consider this, the ailing american car industry is holding prices back. my father (82 year old) is looking to purchase a chevy malibu. the 4 cyl model sell in the high 12,000$ range,and the v-6 start in the 16,000 range. now take for example the 4cy toy camry sells base price of 20,000 range. if toyota raises prices any more consumers are going to flock back to american cars, even with the perception of unreliabilty. the only reason i used the mailbu is because the malibu and camry are suppose to compete with each other. (even though the two attract two totaly different buyers)

just my opinion, i didn't mean to offend if some take it that way!:2cents: