My old 98' GS300 was getting a little bit tired with 155,000 kms (90 mi?). I had to spend around $5-6k on repairs so I decided to trade it in.

Unfortunately a newly acquired house mortgage means that I had to limit my expenditure, so the '05 GS300 was out of the question.

I test drove the 05 ES300 and really liked it, but, having regard to my budget I decided that a fully stocked 05 Camry was the most sensible financial option for now (it's about 90% as good for 45% less in price). Another factor was the fact that the Toyota dealer guy was actually more down-to-earth than the Lexus people I dealt with. The Lexus people seemed to be offended that I had a budget!!

Anyway I picked up my silver 2005 Camry Grande yesterday (I think it's the equivalent of an XLE for you US folks) with Satellite Navigation, Toyota Link (telematics), full leather, sunroof (without any rattles!) etc.

I miss my auto-on xenons and auto a/c filter, but otherwise I am please to haved a rattle free new car which drives smoothly and quietly. I am also happy to have a new car warranty!

I still have my 99 ES300 (which is in immaculate condition) which I will hopefully trade for a hybrid Lex in a couple of years (when the Hybrid Lexs are finally released in Australia).

 

Congrats on the home and the car!!

 

where is australia do you live?

i used to live there.

we also had a camry when we lived there...a 1995 Camry CXi (base model i think it was..)

 

+1

 

I live in Chatswood, Sydney (on the lower Northshore of Sydney). Where did you live?

I think the base model Camry was called the "CSi"?

Thanks for the congratulations guys! Although I look at all that debt and:

 

lived down south...ish.


Strathfield-Burwood area

 

congrats on the new camry

 

Nothing wrong with a Camry.

Congrats!

 

I went to school in the Summer Hill area (near Ashfield). Which is pretty close to Strathfield. My parents live in Homebush Bay (right next door to Strathfield), although they are moving to Beecroft on Friday.

 

Congrats on the new Camry and you can't go wrong with buying a house. You can get a Lexus later on after you settle down on your new house, but you house will last a very long time.

 

congrats on the new car

The Camry is definitely a very good choice, you'll be very happy with it.

 

Hey congrats! Show us pics of your Aussie Spec Camry!

 

Congrats on the house and new car
To have 2 nice cars in Australia is verrrrry expensive, isn't it?

I remembered when we were going to a restaurant, they asked us: "Do you want to eee tier or take away?"
Me+wife> american foreigner
1 minute later......."Ohhhhhhhh!!!!!! Eat...here or to-go

We have friends and families in Chatsworth Sydney also

 

As requested:

 

The three-quarter view!