+1

 

a better comparison would be maxima vs avalon

 

If it matters, the maxima has a relatively more common 5 speed option. I don't think you will find that on many v6 camry's

 

MAXIMA

 

It would but I rarely find a 5spd 4th gen. so I would guess 99% I find are automatics. It's just likely I would get an auto. Based on availability. If I find a 5spd, it just happens that it has really high mileage, rust or some other 'flaw' that eliminates it compared to the other cars in better condition.

I thought the Camry V6 XLE (has leather) would be comparable to the 4th gen. Maximas but still not as luxurious. I don't encounter too many Avalons but I see your point.

 

I don't have the experience with those older models, but I know one thing. Camrys have always been ugly, boring, old fogey cars compared to the same year Maxima. That is until this newest model came out. I think they're sharp. If I were to buy an older model, it would be Maxima for sure.

 

You might be right. I see your point. I'm just scared of the issues with the Maxima. I want a newer vehicle although '98 to '99 is fine and new enough. I'm finding a lot of '00's though. But, it seems even the last models of the 4th gen have the 'engine light probs.' That means it could be anything: ignition coils, MAF sensors, O2 sensors... the ignition coils you can replace with the car parked, though, right? The other jobs, I think you need the car on stands with a jack?

However, they're not expensive repairs if you DIY and get the ignition coils at a junkyard? I

I think I'd like to find either a SE or GLE. I like the leather seats. Does anyone like cloth? LOL! I think the SE or GLE look elegant, luxurious and make going to the car that much nicer!

Also, the Maxima might be better in the cold or on snow and ice compared to the Camry? There's a few months of ice/snow here although I'm not sure that should be any kind of deciding factor. The auto tranny on Maximas are okay, right? I know the engines are good...

 

If you are in MD region, there is a nice 2000 Maxima, automatic for sale in the classifieds for ~$5000. http://forums.maxima.org/maximas-sal...per-clean.html

 

all the questions you're asking cannot be answered.

you have to search and find the actual cars, drive them, thoroughly inspect them...


then come back with things to compare. price, miles, condition...
you will likely decide before asking due to the cars' conditions.

no one on here can predict what cars you come across and how they were maintained and perform.

 

I laughed! haha

 

I shopped in the range of Camry, Accord, Hyundai Genesis, Hyundai Sonata, and Maxima.
All with premium trim lines. I didnt get the quality or sporty feel in any except the Maxima, so I bought one!

just got a 2011 SV with premium package, Deep Black, Charcoal interior. It makes me grin every time I get in. The Camry was like driving a loaf of white bread..... Nice, but not nearly as sporty. The detail on interior trim was far superior in the Maxima as well.

Scribe556

 

LMAOOO WIN!!

 

I was looking for a car few weeks back....and my budget was $4000. I checked all the camrys in my area and all i could get are cars with 150k miles.....then I looked at all other stuff finally got to maxima.....bought a 2000 Maxima SE fully loaded w/o Nav Manual Tran 91K miles for $4100......so, If you buy a camry you will end up getting a car with a lot of miles. Either cars are good, get the one with fewer milles. In most cases it will be Maxima.

 

alright well not to step on anyones toes or anything but the camry can be just as fast if not faster than the maxima with a motor swap. the camry is also just as roomy as the maxima and i understand your looking at a v6 the 2.2 is also one of the best motors for a 4 cylinder and with a turbo from the celica alltrac it puts out over 200 hp with just the bolt up of the turbo and supporting mods of corse and i have also heard of a few people building as much as 8-900 horse on a 4 cylinder so if your looking for fun in a small package the camry 4 cylinder is good to g obut the v6 is also a good choice not sure for mods but i know they are awesome for reliabillity i just got my maxima and im testing it out. but if you have any friends with camrys try convincing them you let you use them for day or weekend or so and figure out the difference for yourself just my .02

 

Thanks for some balance!

I was just starting to consider a 2.2 Camry. I know it won't be as powerful but that option is there so it might as well be another choice! I agree about the high miles assertion. Many Camrys I find are high mileage but if I find a low mileage Camry, it's about 1 grand over my budget. At least, that amount over. The Camry allows me to consider '97 to '01 since the generation is pretty much the same. The Max. gen. is '95 to '99 but many Maxima fans are recommending that I look at a 1998. I am inclined to agree. The reviews of the '98 are very good. So, I think it's a good idea to test drive both and go with the best mileage/price/condition combination.

I know the Camry is more of a 'smooth ride' vehicle and maybe even dull. But, reliability is important to me. If I want any opportunity for mods or upgrades, I need repairs/maintenance at a modest/low level!

What is funny is I've almost ruled out Hondas. Unless it's a 5sp, I won't even look at them now. I didn't know the AT for those cars are so prone to failure. Also, way too many paint problems. The Camry and Maxima get good reviews for late 90s/early 2000s and the issues are not many. Only the 2000/+ Maxima starts to get the coils/sensors issues and maybe it's something one can work with, I dunno...

As for the comments about a 2010/2011 year car.... did you read my original post? I'm only able to afford model years up to 2000/2001 and those cars probably have high miles. I'm looking at '98/'99 Maximas since there are some with acceptable mileage. I'm comparing to '98 to '01 Camrys because I think either will make a fairly reliable car and provide some good performance although nothing earth shattering. I can't afford a turbo-charged or heavily modified vehicle so I have to compromise a little. Unfortunately, my hands are tied a bit.

 

I say a Max year 97-03 over a Camry especially in the same years the Maxima's look way better and a little go when you need!!

 

What is considered a lot of mileage? I read 250,000km. That would be a bit over 150,000 miles to use as a cross reference.

I suspect many would say 100,000 miles is a target to be around or even under, right?

The 4th gen. Maxima XLE trim usually has leather seats as standard or is it optional?

I guess I'd like the fully loaded Maxima with low mileage because I'm not worried about selling it later. I'd keep driving it so it would be my main car or for winter but the point is, whatever car I get would be used for a while. Therefore, it would be nice or a bonus to find one fully loaded in good condition. I thought I should look at a wide number of cars but the quest should be for the low-mileage fully loaded XLE, right?

I agree about the Camry, though. It's a good comparative choice but most likely higher mileage and good low mileage vehicles may be more expensive than comparative Maxima. But, I'd like to test drive each before ultimately deciding!

 

thats a bold statement. i would LOVE to run your camry against my stock 00. wish you lived closer.

 

Standard.
Oh, and XLE => Camry. Maxima's top level is GLE.

 

Fixed.

 

What a surprise, you should really consider replacing your timing belt before it snaps on you and leaves you stranded, what about your door handles? they didnt break yet either?

We've had 3 in the household, I grew up as a Toyota fanboy because of my mom but things changed and now I got her in love with the Pathfinder. Yes, they're bland but some people just need A to B transportation. Not my thing

You sir are correct, for the price... they are more than a gift from God, its like a first born but worth a lot more

lmao. 1997 Toyota Camry CE (V6) 0-60 mph 6.9 Quarter mile 15.3

1997 Toyota Camry LE (V6) 0-60 mph 7.6 Quarter mile 15.7

1998 Toyota Camry LE (V6) 0-60 mph 7.7 Quarter mile 15.7

1999 Toyota Camry Solara SE 0-60 mph 7.0 Quarter mile 15.4

2000 Toyota Camry LE 0-60 mph 7.9 Quarter mile 15.9

VS

1995 Nissan Maxima SE (Manual) 0-60 mph 6.5 Quarter mile 15.0

1997 Nissan Maxima SE 0-60 mph 7.0 Quarter mile 15.3

2000 Nissan Maxima GXE 0-60 mph 8.0 Quarter mile 16.0

2000 Nissan Maxima SE 0-60 mph 6.6 Quarter mile 14.9


Alright and now back to the serious answer for the OP.

I've driven both, I know die-hard fans for both Maxima and Camry, It will all boil down to preference and condition.

For example, the Maxima granted is not perfect, is a solid vehicle for what it is. The Camry is solid too but not as easy or fun to work on, in my opinion overrated in regards to reliability.

Common issues a Maxima can have include
Injectors
Coils
Radiator Support Rust (depending on location of course)
Lil BS sensors here and there.

Common issues Camrys can have that I'm aware of include
-oil burners for the 4 cylinders possibly the V6 as well
-V6 3.0 headgaskets are made out of toilet paper
-Door handles are made of dog feces and they're $120 each unpainted
-BS lil sensors like every other car

Camry has like 4-5 HP more than Maxima yet still as fast, if not slower. Has rather unattractive look and dont think there's a V6 M/T in the 97+ body style.

I worked at a JY and often saw Camrys come in looking mint, asked the person junking the car the reason for junking it and often got "timing belt snapped" or "blown head gasket" I guess some people expected for it to last forever without spending a dime on it.

Go out test drive both cars and base your decision off that. One thing, don't just drive one camry and one maxima... try a few.

Good luck

 

Interesting question for this forum. I just sold my 2000 Maxima to my son. It has 94k miles. No problems. It is still a sweet ride that should last another 100k.

 

THANK YOU, SIR, for your detailed reply and especially the pros/cons comparison!

ColumbianMax, I appreciate the time it takes to provide that post! Therefore, I offer a detailed answer! My problem is twofold: 1)budget - I am currently looking for work now and saved $2K. I want to save at least $1K more. I think $4K would be better but we'll see. I don'thave a car currently due to my 4-banger having a cracked head and coolant leaking in so I'm not driving right now. All the choices for these cars are out of town in the nearest, largest metro city so I have to bus there or get a ride in.

With that said, the other problem is the test drive. To be efficient, I need to schedule to look at multiple cars if possible. Since, that is not too feasible or realistic, I will be resigned to a bit extra expense going to the seller's place.

Anyway, back to the car comparisons! The Camrys are expensive compared to the Maximas, this is true. Also, it's harder to find V6 Camrys unless I come up with extra funds. However, most Camrys, '97 to '01, is the same generation so no major redesigns. I'm looking at mostly '97 to '98 Maximas for decent price and probably slightly more reliability and less issues. However, '00/'01 Maximas are competitively priced with similar year Maximas. Much cheaper for the Maxima.

Camrys' most serious issue is the oil gelling or oil sludge issue in the V6 engines. There's other problems, of course, but not very numerous. I checked the website, CarComplaints and the Camrys aren't too bad for issues but same goes for the later 4th generation Maximas.

As for the issues, are coils/injectors fixable for DIYers? Can I obtain the parts at a JY? The rust issue for the rad, is there an easy way to check that? Lift up the hood and look at where the rad is?

The only other negative for the Maxima is the recommendation for premium fuel. Although the V6 Camrys are reported to require premium fuel as well so in that case, the comparison is a wash.

Thanks again for the detailed analysis! I hope to test drive some cars in the coming months.

 

Oh, it sounds like I'd have to get the car on a hoist to inspect the rad support. I guess that would give a better idea of overall condition anyway and to see how well the underside was kept (hopefully the seller/owner had it rustchecked/oil sprayed). Do you recommend Krown? I figure some might be better than others or do they all do the same thing with the same materials by now?

Also, for a car that old, someone who hasn't done the rust proofing, that car/seller should be a deal breaker, right? I think if they haven't rust proofed the car, they were lax on other maintenance and it will probably have rust on the car in places anyway.

 

no problem just here to help now if i remember right but correct me if im wrong the 2009 motor trend pick of the year was the camry and some 03 or 02 camry with like 250k miles on it won some award for something not sure what it was. now im sure there was something about the gas peddle sticking and all that crap but thats all comon sense. i have a buddie who has a camry and its a smoth ride no sun roof though sad and since you were saying you were looking at the 2.2 dont go any older than 98 unless your looking to replace the oil sending unit because the 5fse in the camry before then had oil sending unit issues and started to become weak in the 150k range but if your looking for power theres no replacement for displacement i know nothing on the v6 so thats someone elses place to say happy hunting hope you make the right choice

 

This is funny because I have both cars. I have an '02 Camry 4cylinder and and 02 Maxima GLE.

The Maxima I have had for about 1 month. So far the check engine light has turned on (codes P0011, P0021), there is a clunk from the suspension, the transmission slips when cold, the blower motor for climate control makes noises and a couple of other little things.

The Camry I have owned for over two years and have had NO problems at all so far. I have recently bought tires for it - that's it. No CEL, no noises, no nothing. The fvcking thing is bullet proof.

I enjoy the strong points of both cars - the Camry (an SE) is aweome on back roads and gets much better gas mileage. The Maxima is a beast on the highway and the power is awesome. The Camry has far fewer bells & whistles (I have a GLE Maxima), but that's far fewer things that can break. They are both sedans so no benefit to either one on that front.

Buy the one that best fits your needs. The Maxima gets horrible gas mileage and requires premium fuel. The Maxima is much bigger and much more comfortable for highway travel. The Camry is as reliable as an ax. The Maxima is as reliable as a chain saw with an electric grip and a fancy handle. It's up to you....

 

Maxima all the way!!! Camrys are so boring and soul-less. 13 years ago, my parents test drove a 98 Camry LE and 98 Maxima SE and they went with the Maxima. A year ago, I test drove the 2010 Camry SE and the 2010 Maxima SV with sport package. Maxima FTW!!!!!

 

Don't knock boring and soulless - it has an upside called reliability. When we are all counting every dollar we make, not having to fix a car every few months is a huge plus...

 

get the maxima! =D

 

I had a 98 Camry that had 170k on it when someone took it for a joyride and totaled it.
I owned it since it had 34k onm it, so I got to know it a little.

I can say that the reliability is amazing. I switched to Mobil1 engine oil and ATF (full T-Tech flush) and other than that, I replaced the brakes a few times, and had the starter rebuilt. (not bad for 130k+ miles of driving)

The car is a tin box. The chassis flexes and feels mushy compared to the way my 2000 Maxima drives. The Max feels more like a European sports sedan like my old A2 VW or BMWs.

Max. By a wide margin.

 

I have been shopping for a couple months now for a nice midsize sedan for commuting as well as the occasional joy ride with the mrs. I've seen them all and driven most of them too. I'm sold on the Maxima 100%. The only frustrating thing that I'm finding out about Nissan is that they have very limited and exclusive accessory options and mods. For instance, we purchased an S model which does not come with factory XM but the SV does. It appears that although the head units are the same, XM cannot be added to the S model. Other than that small detail we love the Maxima!

 

BTW, If someone knows differently about adding XM to the S model, please do let me know! Thnx!

 

I know that this is probably no longer an issue, but the gas pedal issue that the Camry had still freaks me out. I'm a Maxima fan! Saving for one now!

 

vq n 2mz FTW

 

the stuck throttle was on a few Toyotas, not just Camry

they overhyped the whole thing though, lots of domestic manufacturers were having deadly recalls as well and a huge hype wasnt made over it

 

Cash or finance. I sold my pickup for $6k and bought my max for $1,600 the next day.

 

I'd agree with this post. However, with such a tight budget, I'd highly suggest saving up instead of modding. Replace what's worn out, and that's all. Just curious, not that it matters in this context, but how old are you? Do you goto school? Do you work? What's your income and expenses like? Any savings for a rainy day? Living with parents? Can parents lend you $? If your car breaks and it's super expensive to fix, can your parent's help pay? How's your credit score?

Actually, IM me the above info. $2000 is a serious budget to work with.

My suggestion: buy the newest car you can get your hands on. Even if it's not something you originally thought about. Why's it have to be a sedan and v6? Why import? Why do you need something reliable? I'm going to steer you away from your 2 choices, and it'll be for your own good. Just kidding. But really, these 2 cars?!

Anyways, my 97 Maxima went 223k miles. My 99 Solara v6 se just rolled 200k. If Solara = Camry, for your situation, I'd say Camry. The Maxima left me stranded 2x. Actually, 4x, but fortunately I was able to get things going again with moderate to intense mechanic skills. It's had more major issues. And the issues were not related to modding. My Solara is stock and trouble-free. It's not perfect, but no major issues, never left me stranded.

Oh, and for both cars, stick with premium fuel. I dunno why, but I get better MPG with premium. You pay more and get more MPG. I have a spreadsheet supporting this claim. Maybe it's cuz I have mutant engines. I dunno. But stick with premium fuel.

Looking fwd to your IM.

Dr J

 

No comparison..
Camry is probably the most boring car made today.
The Max is an affordable premium hot rod luxo sedan.

 

Ok, that actually makes me feel a little better. I really love the body on the new Camry. And I looooveeee the price.