Is It Worth Buying Aurion over Camry (Used)

tooblue on 05/02/2018 - 09:09
Last edited 05/02/2018 - 09:59

I read driving Aurion is not inspiring either, even with the V6 and 200KW power. Is it worth forking another couple of thousands for a used Aurion? There are two cars in the market I am interested in: Camry Altise and Aurion Touring, both 2008 and done around 120,000 KM, with price difference $1500.

I am currently looking for a family car to do grocery shopping alike activities. What I'm after are safety, space, comfort, quietness, fuel economy and resale value. Does V6 engine generally provide better NVH experience, but more fuel to run? And resale value in 3 to 4 years?

Automotive

Comments

  • [Deactivated] on 05/02/2018 - 09:15
    -6

    Both are probably exfleet/exuber cars.
    Why would anyone want to drive just a bland car is beyond me.

    • Baysew on 05/02/2018 - 09:20
      +1

      What do you suggest then?

    • Ryanek on 05/02/2018 - 09:36
      +12

      Because they tend to have safety, space, comfort, quietness, fuel economy and resale value.

      • GarrusVakarian on 05/02/2018 - 09:38
        +6

        may want to consider a Captiva. The accompanying drama is not bland

        • enzioFirenze on 05/02/2018 - 14:23
          +3

          yup, so shall it be know as Craptiva

    • plmko on 05/02/2018 - 09:41
      +11

      I highly doubt a car that's done 120,000KM in ~10 years would be fleet/Uber. 120,000KM over 3-6 years sounds more realistic if that was the case.

    • JimmyF on 05/02/2018 - 09:44
      +1

      10 year old car with 120k on the clock, would not be a uber car!

    • drew442 on 05/02/2018 - 12:45

      drive a horse

    • SnoozeAndLose on 05/02/2018 - 14:26
      +1

      10 - 12 K a year is normal milage.

      Uber cars would be much higher

    • SnoozeAndLose on 05/02/2018 - 14:26

      10 - 12 K a year is normal milage.

      Uber cars would be much higher

      • [Deactivated] on 06/02/2018 - 11:04

        I've heard that before

  • JIMB0 on 05/02/2018 - 09:38
    +4

    V6 will be smoother. Probably not much quieter, although it will sound better.

    • JimmyF on 05/02/2018 - 09:45

      based on what? Its the same 'car' just different engines

    • drew442 on 05/02/2018 - 12:57

      Neither the 60 degree V6 nor the I4 is a naturally balanced engine and are generally counterbalanced to improve NVH in high-end engines with these configurations. These counter balance shafts cost money to engineer and install. They also cost fuel economy because they add to the rotating mass.

      It's my understanding that Toyota don't use counterbalance shafts because of the reasons I mentioned above. Therefore both of these engines will be loud or buzzy engines, especially at mid to high RPM.

      2.4L is generally considered the upper limit for a 4 cylinder without counterbalance. I haven't seen much info on V6 so I can't really comment on that.

      I can say that my first hand experience with Camry is that they are both noisy engines.

      • JIMB0 on 06/02/2018 - 05:51
        +1

        The 4cyl does have a pair of counter rotating balance shafts. V6 engines with a 60° v angle tend to be smooth enough without any balance shafts.

  • JimmyF on 05/02/2018 - 09:48

    Does V6 engine generally provide netter NVH experience, but more fuel to run?

    Ummm yes the V6 will use more fuel

    I am currently looking for a family car to do grocery shopping alike activities. What I'm after are safety, space, comfort, quietness, fuel economy and resale value

    Either will give you all these, The main difference between these two are the engines. They are the same in size every other way. Also fuel eco is normally higher in the v6 over the 4cyc around town.

    Its a car, resale value is assumed to be bad either way. You're already buying a 10yo car, its taken its biggest hit. In 3-4 years, it'll be a 14yo car, its value is near zero.

  • thetrain on 05/02/2018 - 09:51
    +2

    The 2008 Camry and Aurion use similar fuel consumption (Camry used a less high tech engine/gearbox at the time). Aurion is essentially a V6 Camry.

    I would buy the Aurion as extra power is always good to have

    Resale won't vary too much at that age (Camry may be slightly better as Aurion no longer in production)

    • Euphemistic on 05/02/2018 - 10:45
      +1

      I would buy the Aurion as extra power is always good to have

      Why? better fuel economy is likely to be more important with increased fuel prices. The 4 should have enough power for everything except towing, and I suspect noone would buy a camry planning to tow anything more than a box trailer.

      • thetrain on 05/02/2018 - 11:31
        +2

        Fuel economy is the same between 2008 Camry and Aurion.

        Aurion- 3.5 L V6 / 6 Speed Auto / 9.9 L/100 km
        Camry - 2.4 L I4 / 5 Speed Auto / 9.9 L/100 km

        So why not have the extra power?

        • Euphemistic on 05/02/2018 - 11:36

          Under controlled conditions they might be the same, but start using the power and what happens? The more you have, the more you use.

        • thetrain on 05/02/2018 - 11:45

          @Euphemistic: If you're driving stop-start and floor it at every light you'll use more fuel as you get faster before you brake (at the next traffic light). I guarantee I can use more fuel in the Camry driving like a tosser than the Aurion driving regularly.

          If you drive sensibly you'll use the same fuel. On the freeway I reckon the V6 would use less due to the extra gear ratio.

        • drew442 on 05/02/2018 - 12:49
          +3

          This will be the combined cycles test result.

          You'll probably find the V6 has better highway mileage because the higher torque engine can handle taller gear rations and therefore a lower RPM on the highway.

          Conversely the I4 engine will have better city mileage because of the lower rotating mass and shorter gearing making stop/start more efficient.

          So it would depend on the driving you're doing.

        • ATTS on 06/02/2018 - 16:26

          whats in the aurion engine design to make a V6 use the same amount of fuel as a 4 cylinder?

        • ATTS on 06/02/2018 - 16:26

          whats in the aurion engine design to make a V6 use the same amount of fuel as a 4 cylinder?

        • thetrain on 06/02/2018 - 18:28
          +1

          @Triton: look up 2GR-FE vs 2AZ-FE (engine codes) for details

          mainly
          - variable valve timing on both exhaust and intake vs intake only
          - higher compression ratio
          - 6 speed gearbox vs 5 speed gearbox

          Note the newer Camry (post 2012) uses considerably less fuel

  • pennypincher98 on 05/02/2018 - 10:00
    +2

    Camry's never die. They just lose all their functions one by one gradually over time, but still chug on for years…
    Can't speak for Aurions though.

  • djkelly69 on 05/02/2018 - 10:18
    +1

    I would go the Camry as I just don't see a practical benefit to the V6.

  • Munki on 05/02/2018 - 11:19

    Which Aurion is it? If it's a Presara, the interior might be more worth it.

    • tooblue on 05/02/2018 - 12:23
      +1

      Touring

  • KaTst3R on 05/02/2018 - 11:26
    +2

    I used to own an Aurion when I was a student. The extra power available was fun to drive. Fuel economy was on roughly par with a Camry.

    • [Deactivated] on 18/02/2018 - 17:08

      No one has every described a Camry as fun to drive before.

  • JimB on 05/02/2018 - 11:42
    +1

    Aurion for sure.

    Smoother and more powerful engine.

    All things being equal, the larger engine of the Aurion means it shouldn't have to work so hard and may last longer than a smaller engine. Having said that the Camry is super reliable and should go on and on with basic maintainence.

  • Oz8argain on 05/02/2018 - 11:43
    +3

    Wouldn't the Aurion have more features like leather seats, infotainment system/ better speakers, cruise control etc? Regardless of which one you choose, it won't be 'fun' that's for sure. In terms of resale value, there won't be much differece since its already 10 years old now and by the time you're done with it, it won't be worth much

  • Halo375 on 05/02/2018 - 12:00

    Drive both and see what you like - generally the Camry would be lower cost to run and might actually have better resale than the Aurion. They ain't sportscars but they will get you from A to B in relative comfort.

  • FiDad on 05/02/2018 - 12:18
    +1

    2009 Aurion here, had it for about 4 years now. Have not given me any grief at all and would definitely recommend it. I find it smoother drive than Camry but the difference is not that much.

    • coco1458 on 05/02/2018 - 13:02

      Have the same Aurion, owned for 9 years now and it's still running smoothly.
      Changed the shock absorbers a few weeks ago, feeling good

  • Euphemistic on 05/02/2018 - 12:30

    Just pick the one YOU like better. There isn’t that much between them.

  • jonagrah on 05/02/2018 - 14:03
    +1

    2011 Aurion owner here. I drive around the suburbs have yet to exceed 10L/100KM.

    The extra power is nice on the occasional long trip when overtaking trucks etc.

  • redvaldez on 05/02/2018 - 15:13

    I think it depends on exactly what you're using for. If it is just a grocery getter the Camry will probably fine. But if it's your family tourer loaded to the brim with kids and luggage and/or you do a bit of highway kms (where the extra power is useful for hills and overtaking) I'd be leaning towards the Aurion.

  • Cartman2530 on 05/02/2018 - 17:37
    +1

    If you decide to go with the Aurion, check it has had its water pump inspected/replaced. Not exactly sure which years were affected, but earlier V6 models had a water pump that would leak around the pump bearing around 90,000ks.

    That said, the 2GR-FE 3.5L V6 is smooth, powerful and quiet. MUCH better for overtaking on the highway than the 4 cylinder.

  • discountmonkey on 05/02/2018 - 20:15

    My brother owns a 2008 Camry and I (ney Wifey) own a 2012 Aurion (Presara). Having driven my brothers car often, two things which I have noted were the Camry has more road noise and less power. Both are not overly important to me, as I predominantly do stop/start driving and don't consider power important, and sing to the radio louder than road noise!

    Some things I'd consider when choosing is which one will need servicing first and which will need tyres first? You'll need to do both to both cars eventually, but post purchase I'd personally want to have a break from outlaying money.

    The resale on Wifey's Aurion is significantly less than what we'd hoped, so I suspect in a few years the two you are looking at will be less but not with the significant drop you'd see in a new car purchase.

    For me, if servicing, tyre etc are in similar states, $1500 is about a year's worth of fuel so I'd get the Camry. Worst case you have some spare coin for unforseen mechanical work. Best case you get a year's free fuel.

    • Cheeper on 07/02/2018 - 13:30
      +1

      Re resale value… :-) Depends on where you go.. We traded our 07 Camry on the new Aurion and found a place that offered us $2000 more than two other dealers. Negotiated another $1000 & accessories being prepared to sign and pay right there. It pays to shop around.. :-)
      Oh, and before the teenage experts jump on here and express their amazing wisdom… the price of the new car was identical at all dealerships, the build date of the car we received was less than one month and had less than 10km on it.

  • Cheeper on 06/02/2018 - 00:45
    +1

    We have had an 07 Camry and bought a new Aurion a year ago. Fuel consumption is similar for us.
    The extra zip of the V6 is nice to have but our Camry was well maintained and never felt under powered to us.
    Both cars are well built and reliable as you could get and very cheap to service.
    We have the same 3.5 V6 motor in our Kluger which is near 6 years old and has never faulted.
    The main factor you have to look for in a used car with 120,000ks is condition. Some people do weird and evil things to cars so go for the one in the best condition.

    • Thbloke on 07/02/2018 - 12:05

      Agree with you on the fuel consumption. I have an older Camry and 2013 Aurion. If you drive long distance, Aurion is much better and relax. And also Aurion feels safer, so my pick is Aurion.

  • boccos on 06/02/2018 - 07:38
    +1

    Seriously, if it is performance you are after, the Aurion is exzillerating on the open highway and on lift-off inner city. I drive a 2.5ltr Camry but have hired an Aurion when on holidays. I found myself almost frightened at the power of the Aurion. The fuel economy is almost better than the Camry. If there wasn't so much difference in rhe registration costs, my preference is the Aurion. However my Camry is no slouch either, with more than enough grunt to out perform a 2 litre turbo diesel Hyundai.

    • iforgotmysocks on 06/02/2018 - 09:32

      exzillerating

      That's certainly an exhilarating way to spell that word.

    • Cdmonk on 06/02/2018 - 10:56

      Sorry, but this is the funniest thing I have read in weeks.

      • Cheeper on 07/02/2018 - 13:22

        Must read some sad stuff?

  • pdperth on 06/02/2018 - 10:09

    The aurion has terrible visibility for cars coming from the left. The window frame blocks view. Have been close to accidents at least 6 times. Will be selling my aurion because of this. Check it out before you buy.

    • Cheeper on 07/02/2018 - 13:24
      +2

      You will find this to be the case in all new cars. The windscreen pillars these days have to be thicker to hold the airbags fitted in them.
      Unless you can buy a car with no airbags? Good luck.

  • [Deactivated] on 06/02/2018 - 11:23

    Sounds like the fuel economy isn't far off a diesel LandCruiser , so I would vote for that .
    Just make sure suspension is good , so you're not slowing through corners ,
    And all the barwork , so you can pull out straight into traffic then up onto the centre divide to turn
    Makes all the difference to fuel economy..

  • Cheeper on 07/02/2018 - 13:40

    Another thing.. proper servicing matters. Our 07 Camry was sluggish at one stage and we suspected they had used the cheapest oil possible (usually 20-50)in a previous service. This is a common practice with some penny pinching places.
    I replaced the oil with 5-30 full synthetic and the filter and the performance returned.
    The 4 cyl is no slouch but not recommended for doing burnouts at maccas.

  • tooblue on 17/02/2018 - 14:06
    +2

    Ended up with the Aurion.

    • bobkin on 22/02/2018 - 21:27

      I'm looking at a 2010 tourer. How are you finding it?

  • boccos on 18/02/2018 - 10:35
    +1

    You won't regret it, unless you are a lead-foot! then the fines will accumulate.

  • Bearbear15 on 21/03/2018 - 08:19

    Your best bet is buying a second hand Camry Sportivo less than 60,000kms, will fit the whole fam and your groceries. And you’re in luck, I know someone that has one!

  • inherentchoice on 21/03/2018 - 09:48

    For QLD registration and CTP for a V6 Aurion will cost $900.80 vs 4 cylinder Camry for $719.65. So over $180 per year difference, I would choose the Camry on this point alone.

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