Hi, y'all...just checking in, love these forums for information about the cars we drive...I got an '011 Camry in charcoal grey with 30k on it last week for $16k at the local Ford dealer here in Brentwood, Ca..seems to run really well, gets 31 mpg with the 2.5 4-banger, seems like it has plenty of power too, even though it's the smaller power plant.
I'm wondering if the 6-speed tranny is the same one they put in with the larger V-6, does anybody know? I'm noticing that the tranny is the only part of this car that doesn't feel like a perfect fit...at times it feels like the transmission is powering the car rather than the motor...everything else is factory perfect, the car was a Corporate Lease return, from what the Ford dealer told me...it's not the loaded version, no sun-roof or super-stereo (although the 6 or 8 speaker system that's factory installed is seriously beyond reproach, imho!) or heated seats, but for the 10-year 100-mile-a-day commute I'm looking at (time 'till retirement) it should be comfortable enough and provide the basic necessities I'll need.
One of my buds happened to mention that he believed that Toyota went over to a chain for the timing needs instead of the nylon or neoprene belt that most Japanese auto makers have favored over the years...anybody know if it's true or not? It worked pretty well for Saturn here in the US on their smaller motors....
Thanks a for reading my ramblings, great to meet everybody!
Tim

 

Congratulations on your new car.

This engine has a timing chain, no need to change a timing belt.

The 4 cylinder 6 speed trans is different then the V6. The V6 has more HP, different torque and HP characteristics, etc.

 

Thanks, Joey....guess I'll keep driving it the way it is, like I say I'm achieving 31+ mpg like it is right now, and that's fine with me...very comfortable car with great mpg, haven't had this much win since the diesel Mercedes in the early 80's, the 300D....

 

The law states that you have 7 days to return products purchased through distance selling ie internet, post, fax or telephone. So you will have no problems unless you have been using the phone.