Sold the Fit and bought a Camry SE
#1
08-09-2011 | 03:56 AM
Sold the Fit and bought a Camry SE
hi everyone,
Just wanted to thank everyone for answering questions in the past within this forum and peter and the gang (from SoCal) for teaching me photography in the past (at the Getty's). I recently sold my Honda fit to my friend who lives in the Northridge area...so you might still see it around.
i had to sell it because my knee was getting discomfort from stepping on the clutch all the time and i wanted something bigger and more comfortable on my 100 miles daily commute..and in auto.
i iniitally wanted to buy a GS350 and after sitting in it, i did not feel it was worth $12,000 more than a similar mileage camry.
So i bought a Certified Pre-owned 2010 Toyota Camry SE I4. I was going to get the v6 but given my commute of either in traffic or highway cruising, the 2.5 180hp, I4 will be enough and v6 will be overkill.
Since the first owner bought it intially in 2009, the car has 39,000 miles. It also have homelink to open my garage and gate, bluetooth (with streaming pandora), JBL 8 speakers sound system , rear reading lights and spoiler.
Here she is:
People might bash me for getting an old lady's car or grandma's car..but to be honest, its a nice car and very comfortable...it also gets decent mileage. 18.5 gallon tank with 27 mix driving. i also like the look of the SE.
Ill pop in here and there to read up on current activities and to sell my stuff. thanks again.
Just wanted to thank everyone for answering questions in the past within this forum and peter and the gang (from SoCal) for teaching me photography in the past (at the Getty's). I recently sold my Honda fit to my friend who lives in the Northridge area...so you might still see it around.
i had to sell it because my knee was getting discomfort from stepping on the clutch all the time and i wanted something bigger and more comfortable on my 100 miles daily commute..and in auto.
i iniitally wanted to buy a GS350 and after sitting in it, i did not feel it was worth $12,000 more than a similar mileage camry.
So i bought a Certified Pre-owned 2010 Toyota Camry SE I4. I was going to get the v6 but given my commute of either in traffic or highway cruising, the 2.5 180hp, I4 will be enough and v6 will be overkill.
Since the first owner bought it intially in 2009, the car has 39,000 miles. It also have homelink to open my garage and gate, bluetooth (with streaming pandora), JBL 8 speakers sound system , rear reading lights and spoiler.
Here she is:
People might bash me for getting an old lady's car or grandma's car..but to be honest, its a nice car and very comfortable...it also gets decent mileage. 18.5 gallon tank with 27 mix driving. i also like the look of the SE.
Ill pop in here and there to read up on current activities and to sell my stuff. thanks again.
#3
08-09-2011 | 04:27 AM
Hey if you like it, good enough for me. Good luck!
#4
08-09-2011 | 11:03 AM
I am selling
1. blox shift knob
2. rear trunk floor cover
3. OEM All Weather floor mats (only 3, no driver's)
4. "I love my Honda" decal
5. Honda Racing seatbelt cushion
6. (if sale doesn't go through) cargo cover
#5
08-09-2011 | 12:48 PM
Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,222
From: San Antonio
That should make a nicer road car.
Funny thing with the Camry (and Accord)... It seems to be the perfect size for a car in North America. Notice that all the automakers have seemingly standardized on this particular size as the default family car?
72" x 189" with a 109" wheelbase.
Now, think about the prototypical American car - A Tri-Five Chevrolet.
73" x 191" with a 116" wheelbase. The Compact F85 Cutlass, just 7 years later, was considered a 'compact' and measured almost the same. Fast-forward to the 80s... The Taurus was about 71"x190" with a 106" wheelbase. Cars shrink and grow, but there's something about that size that always seems to be a guaranteed sell.
But anyway, congrats, enjoy the new car.
My tC has the same engine 2.5L - it's a nice all-rounder. The Scion is a few hundred pounds lighter with a 6 speed manual, so it's a bit peppier in there, but it should do well for most driving conditions in your Camry.
Funny thing with the Camry (and Accord)... It seems to be the perfect size for a car in North America. Notice that all the automakers have seemingly standardized on this particular size as the default family car?
72" x 189" with a 109" wheelbase.
Now, think about the prototypical American car - A Tri-Five Chevrolet.
73" x 191" with a 116" wheelbase. The Compact F85 Cutlass, just 7 years later, was considered a 'compact' and measured almost the same. Fast-forward to the 80s... The Taurus was about 71"x190" with a 106" wheelbase. Cars shrink and grow, but there's something about that size that always seems to be a guaranteed sell.
But anyway, congrats, enjoy the new car.
My tC has the same engine 2.5L - it's a nice all-rounder. The Scion is a few hundred pounds lighter with a 6 speed manual, so it's a bit peppier in there, but it should do well for most driving conditions in your Camry.
#8
08-09-2011 | 01:51 PM
Now, think about the prototypical American car - A Tri-Five Chevrolet.
73" x 191" with a 116" wheelbase. The Compact F85 Cutlass, just 7 years later, was considered a 'compact' and measured almost the same. Fast-forward to the 80s... The Taurus was about 71"x190" with a 106" wheelbase. Cars shrink and grow, but there's something about that size that always seems to be a guaranteed sell.
73" x 191" with a 116" wheelbase. The Compact F85 Cutlass, just 7 years later, was considered a 'compact' and measured almost the same. Fast-forward to the 80s... The Taurus was about 71"x190" with a 106" wheelbase. Cars shrink and grow, but there's something about that size that always seems to be a guaranteed sell.
#9
08-09-2011 | 01:54 PM
Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,222
From: San Antonio
Yes.
The engine also has dual VVT-i and can change the length of the intake manifold to better serve up low end power.
Very happy with mine so far. I got my first oil change in June... and my second last week. (5K and 10k)... It's been on a 650 mile round tr-p road trip, and 1000 miles round-trip road trip, and most recently 2600 miles cross country in four days. Average fuel economy going at 75-80 with several hundred pounds of junk, two occupants, and non-stop A/C was around 31-32.
The tC is based on the Toyota Avensis, which is essentially a more compact version of the Camry sold in Europe. The suspension is a bit firmer, and the wheelbase a bit shorter (106.3") but it's a terrific road car, and the highway tracking and comfort are worlds better.
The engine also has dual VVT-i and can change the length of the intake manifold to better serve up low end power.
Very happy with mine so far. I got my first oil change in June... and my second last week. (5K and 10k)... It's been on a 650 mile round tr-p road trip, and 1000 miles round-trip road trip, and most recently 2600 miles cross country in four days. Average fuel economy going at 75-80 with several hundred pounds of junk, two occupants, and non-stop A/C was around 31-32.
The tC is based on the Toyota Avensis, which is essentially a more compact version of the Camry sold in Europe. The suspension is a bit firmer, and the wheelbase a bit shorter (106.3") but it's a terrific road car, and the highway tracking and comfort are worlds better.
#10
08-09-2011 | 02:00 PM
Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 345
From: San Antonio, Texas
I have owned a new Camry... and it was my last Camry.
Issues I had with it:
-radio lights would flicker randomly when driving at night
-an annoying squeak from the driver side dash area
-premature failure of the water pump
-trunk popping open when driving over bumps
Both the dealer and Toyota claimed this was normal behavior
for that particular radio. It was infuriating to see the following
note on my service invoice "Owner should pay more attention
to the road instead of radio lights when driving at night."
I torn a strip of their heads over that comment. It was precisely
the radio flickering that was causing the distraction.
The Camry was advertised as the quiet vehicle yet mine had this
annoying interior squeak right from mile one that drove me nuts.
During the first 500 miles of ownership the trunk would pop open
when driving over railroad tracks and other bumps in the road.
Took it back to the dealer for a fix... they told me to stop slamming
shut the trunk lid. Duh, something I never do and a behavior the
car exhibited from day one.
Water pump started seeping shortly after the warranty was up.
Oh they gladly repaired this and soaked me for $800 for doing so.
I was not a happy camper with either the vehicle or how I was
treated at the dealership. That was my last Toyota.
This Fit now... it just rolls and rolls without issue.
Issues I had with it:
-radio lights would flicker randomly when driving at night
-an annoying squeak from the driver side dash area
-premature failure of the water pump
-trunk popping open when driving over bumps
Both the dealer and Toyota claimed this was normal behavior
for that particular radio. It was infuriating to see the following
note on my service invoice "Owner should pay more attention
to the road instead of radio lights when driving at night."
I torn a strip of their heads over that comment. It was precisely
the radio flickering that was causing the distraction.
The Camry was advertised as the quiet vehicle yet mine had this
annoying interior squeak right from mile one that drove me nuts.
During the first 500 miles of ownership the trunk would pop open
when driving over railroad tracks and other bumps in the road.
Took it back to the dealer for a fix... they told me to stop slamming
shut the trunk lid. Duh, something I never do and a behavior the
car exhibited from day one.
Water pump started seeping shortly after the warranty was up.
Oh they gladly repaired this and soaked me for $800 for doing so.
I was not a happy camper with either the vehicle or how I was
treated at the dealership. That was my last Toyota.
This Fit now... it just rolls and rolls without issue.
#12
08-10-2011 | 12:30 PM
I have owned a new Camry... and it was my last Camry.
Issues I had with it:
-radio lights would flicker randomly when driving at night
-an annoying squeak from the driver side dash area
-premature failure of the water pump
-trunk popping open when driving over bumps
Both the dealer and Toyota claimed this was normal behavior
for that particular radio. It was infuriating to see the following
note on my service invoice "Owner should pay more attention
to the road instead of radio lights when driving at night."
I torn a strip of their heads over that comment. It was precisely
the radio flickering that was causing the distraction.
The Camry was advertised as the quiet vehicle yet mine had this
annoying interior squeak right from mile one that drove me nuts.
During the first 500 miles of ownership the trunk would pop open
when driving over railroad tracks and other bumps in the road.
Took it back to the dealer for a fix... they told me to stop slamming
shut the trunk lid. Duh, something I never do and a behavior the
car exhibited from day one.
Water pump started seeping shortly after the warranty was up.
Oh they gladly repaired this and soaked me for $800 for doing so.
I was not a happy camper with either the vehicle or how I was
treated at the dealership. That was my last Toyota.
This Fit now... it just rolls and rolls without issue.
Issues I had with it:
-radio lights would flicker randomly when driving at night
-an annoying squeak from the driver side dash area
-premature failure of the water pump
-trunk popping open when driving over bumps
Both the dealer and Toyota claimed this was normal behavior
for that particular radio. It was infuriating to see the following
note on my service invoice "Owner should pay more attention
to the road instead of radio lights when driving at night."
I torn a strip of their heads over that comment. It was precisely
the radio flickering that was causing the distraction.
The Camry was advertised as the quiet vehicle yet mine had this
annoying interior squeak right from mile one that drove me nuts.
During the first 500 miles of ownership the trunk would pop open
when driving over railroad tracks and other bumps in the road.
Took it back to the dealer for a fix... they told me to stop slamming
shut the trunk lid. Duh, something I never do and a behavior the
car exhibited from day one.
Water pump started seeping shortly after the warranty was up.
Oh they gladly repaired this and soaked me for $800 for doing so.
I was not a happy camper with either the vehicle or how I was
treated at the dealership. That was my last Toyota.
This Fit now... it just rolls and rolls without issue.
If there are issues coming up, i will def. be buying the extended $0 deductible warranty.
but as of now, my i love the car...handles crappier than the fit when turning but def. more comfortable and better for driving long distance.
#15
08-12-2011 | 02:46 PM
Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,222
From: San Antonio
Overrated? I haven't seen the Corolla marketed as anything other than a very accommodating, sensible, affordable, reliable car. They are great for what they are, and sell like crazy.
#16
08-12-2011 | 03:33 PM
Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 104
From: Canada, NB
Well not overrated by car magazine, but by people who own one...
#17
08-12-2011 | 05:58 PM
Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,222
From: San Antonio
The only folks I ever see in them are old people (who aren't likely to brag about a Corolla unless it's about how trouble free it's been over its 200,000 mile lifetime) or some HS or college kid who's driving one as a first car (who would brag about a lawn-and-garden tractor with a pop-tent roof, because, well, that's what teenagers do.)
