Looking at a '11 Camry
I noticed this, too....though it wasn't necessarily first-year bugs. The last-generation Camrys, quality-wise, starting about 2006, were a noticeable letdown from their predecessors. I've posted much in CL about that.
Generally true, but the SE model is noticeably stiffer....even with recommended PSIs.
Yes, if you know people in the buisness (as I do) that's often the way to go.
Dealerships usually like repeat customers.
This is VERY important.....and there's a reason why I bring it up. Did you check the tire pressures before you test-drove the car? Tire PSIs, on most new vehicles, are deliberately pumped up, on the transporter, to 40 PSI or more (even 50 in some cases) when they leave the factory enroute to the dealership. That is done to prevent the wheels, through soft tires, from contacting the truck or train floor when the transporter rocks up and down. The PDI (Pre-Delivery-Inspection) guys at the dealership, when the vehicles are received, are supposed to bleed the tires back down to factory-recommended pressures (which are usually between 30 and 35 PSI...sometimes a little higher). Sometimes they do, but, more often than not, they don't. They SAY they do, but they don't. I've learned NEVER to review or test-drive a new vehicle on the lot without a tire PSI check....this has resulted in a lot of red-faced, embarassed salespeople. Tires with PSIs above factory recomendations (especially at 40 PSI or more) will give exactly the kind of rough, noisy ride you mention, and quicker-than-normal steering response.
So, my recommendation is to go back to a Honda dealership with an accurate tire gauge, re-check the tires to see if they are at or near recommended PSIs (if they have been sitting in the hot sun, that will also pump them up a little), test-drive the car again, and see if you get a little better ride comfort this time. The correct PSIs can usually be found on a sticker attached to the lower part of the driver's open-door post, under the hood, or in the Owners' Manual.
Generally true, but the SE model is noticeably stiffer....even with recommended PSIs.
Yes, if you know people in the buisness (as I do) that's often the way to go.
Dealerships usually like repeat customers. This is VERY important.....and there's a reason why I bring it up. Did you check the tire pressures before you test-drove the car? Tire PSIs, on most new vehicles, are deliberately pumped up, on the transporter, to 40 PSI or more (even 50 in some cases) when they leave the factory enroute to the dealership. That is done to prevent the wheels, through soft tires, from contacting the truck or train floor when the transporter rocks up and down. The PDI (Pre-Delivery-Inspection) guys at the dealership, when the vehicles are received, are supposed to bleed the tires back down to factory-recommended pressures (which are usually between 30 and 35 PSI...sometimes a little higher). Sometimes they do, but, more often than not, they don't. They SAY they do, but they don't. I've learned NEVER to review or test-drive a new vehicle on the lot without a tire PSI check....this has resulted in a lot of red-faced, embarassed salespeople. Tires with PSIs above factory recomendations (especially at 40 PSI or more) will give exactly the kind of rough, noisy ride you mention, and quicker-than-normal steering response.
So, my recommendation is to go back to a Honda dealership with an accurate tire gauge, re-check the tires to see if they are at or near recommended PSIs (if they have been sitting in the hot sun, that will also pump them up a little), test-drive the car again, and see if you get a little better ride comfort this time. The correct PSIs can usually be found on a sticker attached to the lower part of the driver's open-door post, under the hood, or in the Owners' Manual.
My brother has a black on black '10 Accord EX-L coupe.Gorgeous looking car both in and out but he says if he was going 4 door,he would never go Accord.He doesn't like the ride and noise.He says even on smooth highways you have wind and tire noise.
Add in the Accord would be a '10,In doing the pros and cons of both the Accord and Camry,we feel the boring Camry works better for us for many reasons.
Even the Honda salesman says ithe Accord ride is fairly rough and noisy but it handles much better than the Camry.No doubt it does but I like smooth and quiet.
Dash,two years ago I sold a show car '69 Corvette I owned for many years so you were close.
Gotta live!
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House paid and will be sold when she retires and another bought in rural eastern PA for less than half the cost of my sale.One kid finsihed with college doing very well and another with one year to go with almost full scholarship.
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Mike,the Accord as well as most Hondas have reviews that say rough ride and noise.
My brother has a black on black '10 Accord EX-L coupe.Gorgeous looking car both in and out but he says if he was going 4 door,he would never go Accord.He doesn't like the ride and noise.He says even on smooth highways you have wind and tire noise.
Add in the Accord would be a '10,In doing the pros and cons of both the Accord and Camry,we feel the boring Camry works better for us for many reasons.
Even the Honda salesman says ithe Accord ride is fairly rough and noisy but it handles much better than the Camry.No doubt it does but I like smooth and quiet.
My brother has a black on black '10 Accord EX-L coupe.Gorgeous looking car both in and out but he says if he was going 4 door,he would never go Accord.He doesn't like the ride and noise.He says even on smooth highways you have wind and tire noise.
Add in the Accord would be a '10,In doing the pros and cons of both the Accord and Camry,we feel the boring Camry works better for us for many reasons.
Even the Honda salesman says ithe Accord ride is fairly rough and noisy but it handles much better than the Camry.No doubt it does but I like smooth and quiet.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Waiting for next track day
with toyotas ranking this year being so average right now are you sure you want to buy a camry?? Also the camry design right now is so old they are probably going to change the body sometime in the bear future. Maybe a slightly used ES350 would be a safer and more comfortable bet. just my 2 cents
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From: tech capital
with toyotas ranking this year being so average right now are you sure you want to buy a camry?? Also the camry design right now is so old they are probably going to change the body sometime in the bear future. Maybe a slightly used ES350 would be a safer and more comfortable bet. just my 2 cents
I just had a '10 ES and don't want two luxury vehicles which causes OCD on two vehicles which drives the wife nuts.
The Camry like the Honda is a carwash and park anywhere vehicle.The '12 is a new body style.We'll have to see what it looks like.I don't think there will be super incentives on a '12 for awhile.
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From: Waiting for next track day
The Ranking isn't important to me.Camry deals are very,very good now with invoice or just above costs,0% financing and I believe 2 years 24K miles free maintenance.I believe with all the quality issues and recalls,the '11 has more quality control checks and should be a good car.
I just had a '10 ES and don't want two luxury vehicles which causes OCD on two vehicles which drives the wife nuts.The Camry like the Honda is a carwash and park anywhere vehicle.
The '12 is a new body style.We'll have to see what it looks like.
I just had a '10 ES and don't want two luxury vehicles which causes OCD on two vehicles which drives the wife nuts.
The Camry like the Honda is a carwash and park anywhere vehicle.The '12 is a new body style.We'll have to see what it looks like.
The Altima 4 cyl engine is loud in the car and the ride quality isn't as nice as the Camry.
I looked at the Fusion but didn't drive one.I know Ford quality is great now but I'm still not ready to buy an American badge.
I will not even consider a GM vehicle due to the bail outs.
I looked at the Fusion but didn't drive one.I know Ford quality is great now but I'm still not ready to buy an American badge.
I will not even consider a GM vehicle due to the bail outs.
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Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
I'm with you, BTW, on a comfortable ride.
I'm not into Humpty-Bumpty suspensions and low-profile tires either.
True, the Accord's ride, in general, is firmer than the Camry's, but over-pumped tires just make the ride worse, unnecessarily. That's all I was saying. And I see it all the time on dealer lots. Road noise is more or less a Honda tradition, but is much better-controlled now than in the past. The individual tires on the car, and their tread pattern, can make a big difference there also.
I'm with you, BTW, on a comfortable ride. I'm not into Humpty-Bumpty suspensions and low-profile tires either.
I'm with you, BTW, on a comfortable ride.
I'm not into Humpty-Bumpty suspensions and low-profile tires either.I've rode in my brother's '10 Accord EX-L coupe and it felt like the Accord sedan test rides from a couple of dealers.Noisy and rough compared to the Camry.
Handling is better,though.
I've always loved a soft ride.I owned Cadillacs in my 20's back in the 70's.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: San Mateo. California
kinda irrelevant, but ever hear about this website?
www.truecar.com
it'll help you bargain your way down to a better price, might not help you much since you said you can get it at invoice, but you never know.
www.truecar.com
it'll help you bargain your way down to a better price, might not help you much since you said you can get it at invoice, but you never know.
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From: Waiting for next track day
The Altima 4 cyl engine is loud in the car and the ride quality isn't as nice as the Camry.
I looked at the Fusion but didn't drive one.I know Ford quality is great now but I'm still not ready to buy an American badge.
I will not even consider a GM vehicle due to the bail outs.
I looked at the Fusion but didn't drive one.I know Ford quality is great now but I'm still not ready to buy an American badge.
I will not even consider a GM vehicle due to the bail outs.