Daughter considering Camry or Aura

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My take for Camry are as follows:

(1 ) despite of the little squeaks I get (it's a used car) after so many years of service (bought 08, accumulated some miles on it since), overall it's an ok car.

(2 ) because it's built domestically, with over 70%+ domestically sourced parts, servicing parts can be easily obtained: (e.g. RockAuto air filter is about 6bux ea.). brake pads, rotors, serpentine belts, etc. can be had readily and priced right also.

(3 ) reliability: blessed, mine only called for (a ) a revised intermediate steering shaft (it's an issue with this generation Camry, there's a TSB for that); (b ) an upstream wideband O2 sensor (bought a factory unit and resolved the problem).

Other than that, the rest of the servicing are regular OCI, new set of Monroe OE spectrum struts; numerous pads and rotors, new set of tires (on Turanza with serenity now), air filter, cabin air filter, etc.

(4 ) camry can hold it's value here in our region very well (used car market).

Yes, I know it's a boring vehicle (utilitarian), but being our family hauler/hiway cruiser with good leg+headrooms, etc. we actually travel in comfort and still save in a long run.

q.
 
Get the Camry.

Most of the Aura's were not that impressive even when new. Does not matter if it was "based" on anything that came out of Europe as GM has a good track record of FUBAR-ing any design once they get it here in the states and start making it here.
 
I would probably go Camry too; but didn't '08 have the 2.4L? I don't follow Camry despite owning one (who does?) but I thought the 2.4's had some issues with oil burning and/or a headbolt. Probably a non-issue on such a low milage car though.
 
Although the Aura is a very nice looking car, you can't argue the success of the Camry. Even if the Camry turns out to be an individualy bad car for whatever reason, get rid of it as it's resale value will still be high and the reputation is still better.
 
Are you trying to point out GM taking care of problems on the Aura as they show up even now that they no longer own Saturn? Unless Toyota sells off the Toyota brand, how does this factor in?
 
Originally Posted By: yonyon
Are you trying to point out GM taking care of problems on the Aura as they show up even now that they no longer own Saturn? Unless Toyota sells off the Toyota brand, how does this factor in?


The implication is that the Toyota is a higher quality vehicle with more demand and better resale value and therefore a lower cost of ownership. Which is true.
 
Can't let something so trivial as the car rolling away influence the decision.
smile.gif
Imagine if it happened after the test drive. I also found a 2009 G6 nearby that was shown on the web page but not on the lot. Dealer said it's been in the shop all week waiting for a part. This might be the part.

A new horse in the race is a 2010 Camry with 47k for $13,900. Purchased, serviced and traded at the same dealer. Also certified. I'm told that is the new leader. Should have a new car in the family tomorrow.
 
Originally Posted By: yonyon
Are you trying to point out GM taking care of problems on the Aura as they show up even now that they no longer own Saturn? Unless Toyota sells off the Toyota brand, how does this factor in?

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Originally Posted By: wkcars
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2750305

This may help you (your daughter) make a decision.

Why would it? It's a recall. It'll get taken care of at no cost to the owner.

It's not like the Camry never had any recalls.


I point out the recall because it's new (just out today) so phillyjoe/his daughter may have not seen/heard about it.
Some people (including myself) would take a look at what recalls cars have as part of the decision on which car to buy. Why? It factors in to, as several have pointed out, the reliability/resale of the car (psychologically if there was a recall on a something like an engine/transmission, would that make people less likely buy it or if it was a recall on something else that people wouldn't think of as negatively). Also in the case of the camry recall since it's old you would think it's been taken care of, especially since it's certified, where as the aura, with this new recall, you're going to be spending time having to deal with the dealer to get the recall done yourself.
 
Originally Posted By: PhillyJoe
Can't let something so trivial as the car rolling away influence the decision.
smile.gif
Imagine if it happened after the test drive. I also found a 2009 G6 nearby that was shown on the web page but not on the lot. Dealer said it's been in the shop all week waiting for a part. This might be the part.

A new horse in the race is a 2010 Camry with 47k for $13,900. Purchased, serviced and traded at the same dealer. Also certified. I'm told that is the new leader. Should have a new car in the family tomorrow.

2010 has the updated, and more refined 2.5L engine as well. Good call.
 
Why an Aura?

It's mechanically a Chevrolet Malibu. Same chassis. Same LE5 four cylinder. But unlike the Aura, you can readily get Malibu parts.

Honestly, all the midsize cars from that era are fairly reliable and safe. Even the Kia Optima...and the Optima did not hit it's stride until 2010.

Actually, I take that back. There is no excuse for the Chrysler Sebring. The 4cyl engine is mechanically similar to the Sonata and Optima, but the Koreans accelerate much better. To keep up with the competitive 4 cylinders, you have to get the 2.7 V6.....and then the problem is that you have a 2.7 V6.
The 3.5 V6 will run away from the competition's 4 cylinders and put a decent scare on their V6es. It's a good engine. But then you are getting 3.5 V6 gas mileage and the steering is still hideously lazy, the chassis is undersprung, underdamped, brakes are weak...etc...With a fairly powerful 3.5. Keep in mind that I'm a Mopar enthusiast. I'm probably being a little nicer than I should.

So, any midsize 4 cyl can be good....except the Sebring
 
Originally Posted By: Spazdog
Why an Aura?

It's mechanically a Chevrolet Malibu. Same chassis. Same LE5 four cylinder. But unlike the Aura, you can readily get Malibu parts.

Honestly, all the midsize cars from that era are fairly reliable and safe. Even the Kia Optima...and the Optima did not hit it's stride until 2010.

Actually, I take that back. There is no excuse for the Chrysler Sebring. The 4cyl engine is mechanically similar to the Sonata and Optima, but the Koreans accelerate much better. To keep up with the competitive 4 cylinders, you have to get the 2.7 V6.....and then the problem is that you have a 2.7 V6.
The 3.5 V6 will run away from the competition's 4 cylinders and put a decent scare on their V6es. It's a good engine. But then you are getting 3.5 V6 gas mileage and the steering is still hideously lazy, the chassis is undersprung, underdamped, brakes are weak...etc...With a fairly powerful 3.5. Keep in mind that I'm a Mopar enthusiast. I'm probably being a little nicer than I should.

So, any midsize 4 cyl can be good....except the Sebring




I agree with all of this, but will say that the 2011+ Avenger/Sebring are much improved and now competitive. I had an Aura and really liked it, but considering that Saturn no longer exists I'd go with the Camry for resale time. The Aura is one sharp looking car though.
 
Originally Posted By: dishdude


I agree with all of this, but will say that the 2011+ Avenger/Sebring are much improved and now competitive. ..........


Chrysler says and flaunts about being "improved" or just as good as the Japanese makes each time they have a complete model redo.

The problem is that while brand spanking new the Chrysler's look good, it is the long term longevity of fit, form and function that they lack in. Given Chrysler's past track record, I would be a cold beer that any given 2011 Camry will be in better shape 7 years down the road than any 2011 Sebring.

Chrysler has been trying to "reinvent" itself for the last 30+ years and fails most times. There is a reason they pioneered the long warranty programs back in the mid 1980's.
 
Originally Posted By: Hootbro
Originally Posted By: dishdude


I agree with all of this, but will say that the 2011+ Avenger/Sebring are much improved and now competitive. ..........


Chrysler says and flaunts about being "improved" or just as good as the Japanese makes each time they have a complete model redo.

The problem is that while brand spanking new the Chrysler's look good, it is the long term longevity of fit, form and function that they lack in. Given Chrysler's past track record, I would be a cold beer that any given 2011 Camry will be in better shape 7 years down the road than any 2011 Sebring.

Chrysler has been trying to "reinvent" itself for the last 30+ years and fails most times. There is a reason they pioneered the long warranty programs back in the mid 1980's.


I blame the 2007 Chrylser Sebring sedan on Daimler Benz. That is their fault. Cerebrus inherited that wretched thing. (then did little to correct it)
 
Still looking.After a 90 minute drive to the dealer they spent about 15 minutes looking at 3 Camrys. The 2008 and 2010 had been recently keyed by kids despite having a full-time security guard. Dealer said my daughter/S.I.L might be able to buff it out.Made no offer to repair. What you see is what you get. A 2007 had dents and a paint chip, also not visible or mentioned on their website. They were 100% of what people think of for a used car salesman. Forgot to ask if he was wearing a plaid jacket.
 
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