2016 Corolla LE or 2016 Camry LE

[Andrew1972]

Corolla is a tin can compared to a Camry. A Camry at low end you are getting the basis for a Lexus vehicle with significant development dollars placed into it.

Over 15-20 years get a penalty box no thanks.

 

[Hokiefyd]

I've owned both, and I think this is an easy decision. I really enjoyed my 2007 Corolla, but when I traded it on a weekend deal (during the recall fiasco) for a 2011 Camry, I was floored at how much more refined the Camry was.

I mostly liked the Camry, but I bought the wrong trim. I bought the base model (it was their loss leader), but the base model didn't come with power seats at the time, and I really need a power driver's seat to get comfortable (especially in an Asian car, where the height adjustment also tilts the seat forward on you).

Otherwise, I enjoyed the 2.5L engine and the 6-speed automatic. And the ride was pretty quiet. I understand the new generation is a large improvement over the 2011 that I had. I really like the styling on the new ones...

 

[supton]

Toyota automatics are pretty reliable, but IMO I'd still skip out on the Corolla CVT... Toyota isn't what they used to be, and when they first brought out the 1ZZ-FE engine, a great deal became oil burners. So I'd be in no rush to get that CVT.

I drove a 2011 Camry auto, and thought it was always doing something, which bugged me. Otherwise the 2.5 has been a pretty good engine, with seemingly few complaints. I think the Corolla 1.8 is in the same catagory.

Camry is going to be more quiet and a better highway cruiser, Corolla is going to be smaller and cheaper on future repair costs (struts etc), but probably not that much of a difference. $3k over 20years is trivial.

I'd probably lean towards the Camry as I live in the sticks and drive a lot. OTOH, I do miss driving a stick, and Camry can't be had in a stick.

 

[dlayman]

I owned a 2014 corolla for about a year. Overall, it was decent car. I had an Eco model and always topped 45 mpg, mainly highway driving. It had the best headlights I have ever seen. The CVT performed very well, and Toyota has used them in other markets for years. There have been virtually no reports of problems yet with the CVT. The downside of it is that they claim lifetime fluid, with electronic testing of the fluid via a sensor at some point. Changing the fluid is also a pain, no easy way to do it and a lot of sensors etc. in the way. The downsides of the car, wind and road noise are worse than average, doors are thin and very tinny, the car had a lot of rattles. Ride quality is mediocre, steering feel is decent. Heat and AC are pretty weak, but I believe that might be a factor mainly on the Eco model. No experience with the Camry, but I think you're getting a lot more car for a little more money.

 

[Delta]

If you can wait till Spring, you could probably snap up a Camry SE for the same price as an LE. It has several more bells and whistles. That's exactly what we did; they had a couple early models they were itching to get rid of.

 

[mike7139]

Thank you for all the feedback. I will test drive both but it seems like the value is in the Camry. I am also 6'2 so I think the Camry would be easier to get in and out of and should also give me more headroom.

 

[GiveMeAVowel]

Yes, the Camry is a better value over all, considering the current price of gas it really is a no brainer, about the only real reason to by the Corolla is if you go for the manual transmission model, which is actually pretty nice to drive for a economy car and it brings the price down as well, which then makes the Corolla a more tempting choice.

 

[hattaresguy]

I'd go for the larger car in a heart beat for only 2800.

 

[Doc8404]

Camry.

 

[philipp10]

Silly question in my opinion. Obviously the Camry will ride nicer. But the bigger issue is, which one feels better to drive. Personally, if its just me in the car, I prefer a smaller car. Easier to get around in the city, parking etc. But if your driving is long distance highway trips, the Camry wins hands down. Camry is definitely more durable and will probably run longer but there is more to it than just that. As they say, size matters!

 

[Hokiefyd]

Originally Posted By: mike7139
I am also 6'2...


In that case, the decision is even easier.

 

[dlayman]

At 6'2" I would definitely say camry. I'm 6' and found the corolla legroom wanting. I have a knee problem which WA aggravated by this, although it might be fine without such a problem. Presumably the camry would have more.

 

[nthach]

Camry. I'm not a fan of newer Toyotas, but it's not too much to upgrade.