Camry 3.5L V6 Option worth $2500?

[The Critic]

On the new Camry, the 3.5L, 268HP V6 option is $2500 more than the base 2.4L, 158HP I4. The fuel economy penalty is about 10-15% for both city and highway driving.

Transmission concerns aside (as both the 5-speed and 6-speed autos seem to be of questionable durability), do you folks think the V6 option is worth it/needed in this 3500 lb vehicle? On paper, it just seems 158HP is inadequate for such a large vehicle, though 75% (or so) of all Camrys sold annually are of the 4-cyl?

Please comment...

 

[01rangerxl]

I do not think it is worth it. It may be nice to have the extra horsepower, but 158 HP is adequate in a Camry, especially when the V6 is a $2500 option. I could see it being $900 or maybe even $1000, but not $2500.

 

[JohnBrowning]

I think it is worth it on the back side when you either sell it or trade it in. You have to rember how well they hold their value! I am sure that the V6 also comes with alot more content standard for that additional money. I have the an 03 Camry LE with 5spd manual transmission and I4 and my mother has a 2007 Camry LE I4 Automatic combo. I do not find that their is any real penalty with the I4. Currently my three boys are 8 year old adn twins that are 5 years old so I am not hualing a lot of weight around. I do know though that as these boys get bigger that I4 is going to have a hard time hauling us through the mountains!! I normaly drive alone and it is plenty peppy for me and I never worry about haveing passing power of merging etc......Even mean I make trips from Michigan to SC,GA or FL the montains are easy I can set the cruise and it will climb the highest grades with ease in 5th gear with no need to break the speed limit to get run up speed. I can even accelerate up the steepest grades after being slowed by big rigs with out needing to downshift from 5th gear.

If I were you I would take both a manual and automatic equiped Camry LE I4 for a spin. I think you will find that it is peepier then you would ever imagine just based onthe numbers!The 3.5V6 models accelerate like a sports car in comparison so do not drive one of them first!!!

 

[dwendt44]

Does the V-6 use premium fuel?
Premium is a big rip-off IMHO, and that 17+¢ extra per gallon should be added into the mix.

 

[peterr]

Oh #@$%! yes!

Statement of bias:

I always want the least fancy trim level with the fewest options but the best engine and suspension. If a car company will give me this, they gain my custom.

I love when a car company will offer you the engine upgrade without forcing you to take $3000 of worthless options you don't want. Mazda and Nissan seem to be better about this.

They are well built cars, but one of the things that has in the past bothered me about Camrys (apart from handling like a wet noodle) was the relatively high additional cost of the v6. eg the I4 version is underpowered and the v6 is overpriced. If it is really only $2500 more I say go for it.

 

[JHZR2]

People that think they 'need' a v6 engine usually are poor drivers. Its for peace of mind, and if you cant merge properly without it, youve got other issues.

Many of us more than get by, despite living in some of the most densely populared areas of the world, with very short merges, etc.

A V6, AT camry is nowhere near a sports car. Its nowhere near a performance car, and without at least a v8, its still 'underpowered', if you consider how much power the real sports sedans have.

A V6 MT mazda 6 is one thing... an AT camry is another.

I wouldnt go for it, personally.

JMH

 

[Bryanccfshr]

The engine is definately worth the additional costs. Toyota usually adds alot of content to an engine upgrade so for a GR series engine you are making out. If you are still contemplating the I4 do not allow yourself to drive the V6. The I4 is a great engine and it has better economy, Toyota makes legendary I4's so durability is not an issue.
Now the low down on the 2GR-FE. The filter is a cartridge type on the bottom. the 1GR FE used in trucks has a spin on on top of the engine. Other than that the V6 Camry provides a great deal of passing power and the ability to climb steep grades without getting out of breath. You will have to push the I4 harder.

Good luck with your decision, whichever you choose you have made a good choice.

Edit to add Passing power is a luxury some people enjoy having.

 

[peterr]

Quote:

---

A V6 MT mazda 6 is one thing... an AT camry is another.
JMH

---

Yeah, I guess this is what I meant about my bias, and the grain of salt with which to take it. In a million years I could not drive an automatic Camry if a Manual Mazda 6 was an available option.

 

[The Critic]

Quote:

---

You have to remember how well they hold their value! I am sure that the V6 also comes with a lot more content standard for that additional money.

---

Quote:

---

I always want the least fancy trim level with the fewest options but the best engine and suspension. If a car company will give me this, they gain my custom.

I love when a car company will offer you the engine upgrade without forcing you to take $3000 of worthless options you don't want. Mazda and Nissan seem to be better about this.

---

No, the LE (4-cyl) and LE (V6) are equipped identically except for the engine/transmission.

Quote:

---

Does the V-6 use premium fuel?

---

No, takes E10 87 octane just fine.

Quote:

---

People that think they 'need' a v6 engine usually are poor drivers. Its for peace of mind, and if you cant merge properly without it, youve got other issues.

---

True, the 4-cyl is probably enough. Remember, I'm not looking for a "sports" car...or else I would've looked elsewhere. But I think everyone in the family would prefer something that can provide effortless power without struggle...

You and I both have a Previa. The 140HP or so 4-cyl pulls the near 5000 pound van OK...but struggles to travel up hills and only delivers so-so power. When we go on trips with the cruise set at 60, it isn't uncommon for the van to downshift at the slightest incline.

Quote:

---

The I4 is a great engine and it has better economy, Toyota makes legendary I4's so durability is not an issue.

---

From what I've heard (and from Edmund's Long-Term 07 Camry V6), these are typical fuel economy numbers from the Camry.

2.4L, 158HP 4-cyl, 5-speed Automatic:

City: 20-22 mpg, Highway: 27-29 mpg

3.5L, 268HP V6, 6-speed Automatic:

City: 18-20 mpg, Highway: 25-27 mpg

Also, durability isn't really a concern as far as the engine goes. The transmission in these new Camrys are becoming a growing concern, due to the many problems they are now having with solenoids, valve bodies, harsh shifts, etc. Some of these issues still aren't resolved and the long-term durability of these transmissions are questionable. I guess the "lesser" of the two evils in this case would be to choose the 4-cyl, considering that the 5-speed Auto is carried over from the 05 Camry and seems to be OK as far as longevity goes...but I'm just curious as to why a perfectly fine unit (in the last gen Camry) becomes somewhat problematic when installed into the latest redesign.

 

[Brogy]

If you can cover the $2500 no problem i'd go with it. Although my mom has a I4 in her camry and it does the job just fine, you may regret it later in the cars life if you don't get a v6, but if you do get it you'll never think "man, sometimes I wish my car had less power..."

 

[Bryanccfshr]

To be honest I have only one vehicle with a tranverse engine in the past decade and it was an AWD. One of the main reasons I stick with the rear/4x4 designs is to avoid overly compact slush boxes and of course Torque steer. OK I admit it I dislike Front wheel drive

If you are seriously considering for yourself then go with the I4. Recently I was looking at sedans for my wife (before the 4 runner deal) and between t a Lexus and a Bimmer we were definately going German. Toyota Lexus Sedans to put it like my wife "don't even feel like your driving" "can't tell what the engines doing" "feels too insualted from the road" Obviously coming out of a Z4 she may have been a little bit biased for road feel but those were her impressions of the Lexus ES. I was glad she didn't like it.

 

[01rangerxl]

Quote:

---

Edit to add Passing power is a luxury some people enjoy having.

---

I drive a 3100 lb (more with me and a full tank of fuel), 119 HP truck and have no trouble passing.

In my dumber days (before getting into the trouble I am in now) I once did most of a roughly 130 mile trip doing 90 MPH when traffic would allow.

There is a difference between need and want.

 

[Fatboymoe]

I would spend the extra money and get the V-6. When I buy a new car for my wife, I always get the most powerful engine and the best option package in whatever vehicle I buy. The only exception is my commuter car, which is a Toyota Echo with very few options.

As far as needing a V-6 to make up for poor driving habits, thats the most ridiculous reason not to buy a more powerful engine I have heard of yet. Gas mileage, cheaper insurance, lower initial costs are real factors. Overcoming poor driving habits wouldn't and shouldn't be a factor at all.

 

[Bryanccfshr]

I agree there is a difference between need and want. When someone is considering a new car purchase they need to buy something they can afford that provides them with the most features that they want. As far as power goes I also believe that more power being available allows the engine to work at a lighter duty cycle to do its job. There are benefits to this. and I have driven for years a few 4 banger trucks and cars. They did what I "needed them to do. But as soon as I could afford it do you know what I did? This is easy, I bought something with more power.
My 4x4 4 banger Toyota with all 150 hp would stall in the sand and require constant downshifting with the manual while going off road and wind resistance while hauling a couple of kayaks would also kill momentum. A move up to a V6 and an auto actually made those fishing trips down the beach more pleasurable and relaxing. It was worth the extra money to me to be able to drive without having to Work the truck and myself so hard. I drove a Ford pinto back and forth to work for a while .. I know how to get by with what I need. I still would not wish the experience on the freeway on anyone. If the overall goal is economy the Camry is a bit heavy anyhow and a Corrola or a Matrix would be a better choice for a 4 banger. To me a Camry indicates a desire for a luxury, predictability and refinement. The V6 is better suited in that platform and to achieve that objective IMnsHO

 

[Gene K]

2007 Camry Performance

LE 2.4 Auto
0-60 8.7
1/4 16.8 @ 85 mph
(Roughly the same as 1984 LG4-305 Auto Z28)

SE 3.5 Auto
0-60 6.1
1/4 14.5 @ 100 mph
(Roughly the same as a 1968 383 Auto Roadrunner)

Hard to believe we are now talking about a car with the performance of a legit Musclecar as being "underpowered".

The 4-Cylinder is adequate and the V-6 is quick.

 

[Bryanccfshr]

 

[Steve S]

The best thing to do is to test drive both models. Do you want more power or better gas mileage ? it is your choice. I don't think gas is getting cheaper. Iowned an 88 4 cyl the power was good for me.

 

[Mokanic]

If money was not an issue I would still buy the 4cyl. Camry without question. The manual trans. units are rare as hen's teeth but are fun to drive and absolutely bulletproof.
When I rarely buy a new car it is for the long term so I could not care less about which set of options will give me the best resale value. By the time I get rid of a car,resale value is not an issue.

 

[Virtuoso]

That's a lot of money, IMO, for an engine upgrade. Although it would be awefully nice to have almost 270 HP at your disposal when you wanted it; especially since it dosen't look like the gas milage penalty is very large.

 

[gedcruise]

Have you considered an Accord instead? In the most recent issue of Car & Driver, the Camry didn't look very impressive in a comparison test of mid size sedans, while the Accord was the pick of the litter.
My wife and I both drive 4 cyl 5 spd Accords, and I can't think of a better choice to use every day.