Bossman

I just bought a new 2003 Camry LE with the 2.4 litre engine. If anyone else out there has one, I would appreciate any comments, complaints, problems, etc., you may have about it. Thanks to all.

MayesToy2k4

I hate to break it to you, but 2003 models aren't "new" anymore. The only reason they're cheap now are because they suffered from depreciation because they are a year old.

Once a year-end clearance sale ends for the first time, the 2003's are no longer new, even though Toyota extends sales till there gone.

Bossman

I'm aware of how the depreciation works and that was part of the deal. I got a good price plus 0% financing and then combined that with how many miles I drive, the '03 Camry was right for me. One thing I have noticed on this '03 as compared to my '92 Camry 2.2 litre is how loud the engine is when you give it a little extra gas pedal. I don't know if this is typical of the 2.4 litre VVT-I engine or is there something amiss here.

I understand the break-in period is 1,000 miles and the manual also states that one should avoid hard braking for the first 200 miles. Did you have your oil changed at 1,000 miles or are you letting it go to the 5,000 or 7,500 miles interval? Synthetic or petroleum oil?

TundraVt

My wife has a 2003 Camry also with 4cyl..It now has 10k on it. We love the car. I changed oil first time at 1k and 3k since. Use Toyota filters and 5-30 GTX oil.

phisigbrotha

"I hate to break it to you, but 2003 models aren't "new" anymore"

if the car was never purchased before it is a new car.

luther

Bossman

TundraVT,

I noticed in the owners' manual that there is a service schedule for 5,000 miles and one for 7,500. My dealership encourages the 5,000 stating that California is too hard on cars. I told them in a nice way to get real. CA is probably the easiest state on cars due to the weather factor. For those who don't have the time, then the 5,000 mile schedule would be better but I think I may use the 7,500 schedule and have the oil/filter changed every 3,750 miles. I can get it done a lot cheaper than what the dealer charges. I had the first oil change at a little under 2,000 miles and I have a little less than 3,000 miles on it now. I'm currently using Havoline 5w-30 non-synthetic oil.

You seem to live in an ideal location for hunting and fishing, TundraVT. I'm envious of that as I used to live in PA and I miss that part of the life style. Have a Happy New Year!