New 2007 Camry XLE V6

[Gromulus]

As discussed in a previous thread :

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=17663&pagenumber=2

After several months pf pulling teeth getting my wife to look at and test drive cars, she finally settled on a Camry.

We have been trying to get an XLE V6 with Navigation, heated seats, VSC and TRAC, and Smart Key for the past month. Just not many equipped this way in our area. My wife likes three colors:

1) Metallic Gray. This wasn't her first pick at first but she did like the classic look after seeing all the colors.

2) Titanium Metallic. We both like silver and I really like the fact that it doesn't show the dirt as much as other colors. As a coating supplier (to Toyota/Lexus and others) I also know the formulation is very forgiving. Actually, this is one of the colors my company supplies to TMMK. Her only negative is having had a silver minivan for the past twelve years.

3) Blue Ribbon Metallic. On paper this is the color my wife originally wanted. Once we saw one in person we both were slightly less enamored with it. The color is too red (purple) for our tastes. She thought she would tire of it soon. (She really liked the Atlantic Blue color that Subaru offers).

Our dealer placed an order for a gray vehicle last month and they still haven't given him a time frame. We know from our end that the factory is swamped and can't build the Camrys fast enough (until they start building them at SIA also) Also, very few are built with NAV. He thinks we are looking at another two months or so.

We debated on the Lexus ES350 but, like the GX vs. 4Runner comparo, we just can't justify the extra 8 - 10K.

Anyhow, the dealer calls yesterday and says he can get a silver unit in from eastern PA. We told him to go for it. It should be in tomorrow. The wife's '94 Nissan Quest (Mercury Villager) died this week and we do not want to put any more money into it.

Hopefully tomorrow she will have a new loaded 2007 Camry XLE V6. It will be a stablemate to my (actually now my daughters') 1992 Camry XLE V6 - 180,000 miles and still running like a top!

I'll keep you informed.

 

[azskyrider]

There is a tranny recall on the 2007 at a certain build date. The ES350 is also affected. According to the Lexus board there are some dealers who are not selling the ES350 until this is sorted out or those affected are getting a new one in exchange with no questions asked.

This could be the reason why they are hard to locate. In any event, Check this out with your dealer before signing on the ......... line.

 

[sharp4runr]

Congrats on the pending purchase. I love the look of the new camry! I had a silver one following me on the HOV today and I couldn't resist letting it pass so I could oggle it

 

[Mark86]

Congrats on the new Camry! Good luck and make sure to post a few pics of the new ride! I had a 2007 LE as a loaner last week when my 4Runner was in for service. I was very impressed with it! I couldn't believe that the Camry has the 'Lexus' all-in-one key (for vehicles without the smart key) and our 4Runners still have the bulky remote! In addition, the ride was quiet and smooth, interior was nicely done, and I really like the exterior design! My only complaint was that it is too low to the ground!

 

[Gromulus]

Snap Ring

There is a tranny recall on the 2007 at a certain build date. The ES350 is also affected. According to the Lexus board there are some dealers who are not selling the ES350 until this is sorted out or those affected are getting a new one in exchange with no questions asked.

This could be the reason why they are hard to locate. In any event, Check this out with your dealer before signing on the ......... line.

Hi azskyrider. Thanks - I am aware of the 6 speed transmission problems with the V6 models, specifically the snap ring issue.

Toyota issued a statement re. this problem on April 25. I have spent many hours reviewing user forums, statements. etc and (without going into too much detail) it "seems" that only early units of the Camry and ES built in Feb-March seem to have the problem. The Camry that my dealer received supposeldy has a build date of May. You can bet that I will verify this before checking it out and paying our money.

Normally I avoid the first year model redesign of any vehicle but I have more faith in Toyota than any other manufacturer. Our '92 Camry was a first year model (3rd gen) and it has proven to be the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned.

I'll keep you updated.