Hi,
I will be taking my 07 Grand Marquis in to my mechanic in the next week or so to look it over as I think the ac may need recharging or more. I've taken Scottys advice and held on to it for the past few years but my needs are changing and would like a newer car. I've narrowed it down to either a mid 2000s Sienna, Venza, Avalon, Mazda CX-5 and possibly Camry or Ford Fusion. I know this is a list, but with regard to comfort and reliability, would you please help narrow it down to the top 3?
Thanks, Joe
Hi, Well, I finally made a decision and purchased a 2014 Camry L with 103 K after having it checked out by mechanic.
@joeo Enjoy your new to you Camry, hope it treats you well over the coming years.
These web sites can help you identify best years and years with problem areas
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Toyota/
https://repairpal.com/problems
I think 2015 or so would be the sweet spot ... I just hear to be cautious with the 4cyls of that era due to vvti issues and their tendency to burn oil. Everyone seems to prefer the 3.5 L v6.
OK, I thought by mid-2000s you were talking about vehicles from around 2005. 2015 is a horse of a different color.
Oil burning problems were mainly with the earlier 4-cylinder engines, the 2AZ-FE 2.4, due to defective piston rings installed at the factory. A 2015 model will have the 2.5 engine which did not suffer from that problem.
However some 2012-2015 Toyota models suffered from transmission shudder due to faulty torque converters. Also the 3.5 V6 can be prone to timing cover leaks which are very expensive to repair, so if you get one of those in addition to checking out everything else you'll want to make sure your mechanic pays particular attention to any seepage from that location.
All of this information and more such as recalls and TSBs as well as inherent flaws can be found in seconds via a simple internet search. You need to do your homework. If buying from a stealership you also need to school yourself on negotiating tactics and how to avoid dealer dirty tricks. (There are plenty of youtube videos on such topics.)
Thanks again Chuck
I appreciate all of the good advice. I'm trying to take my time and be thorough. I used not do so, but as vehicles have become much more complex in all kinds of ways over the past 20 years, you have to take that all into consideration. I despise sealed transmissions as it makes it tougher to determine the state of the tranny outside of scanning it or driving it around. A lot of things to consider. I'll keep all of you posted.
my needs are changing and would like a newer car...
I've narrowed it down to either a mid 2000s Sienna, Venza, Avalon, Mazda CX-5 and possibly Camry or Ford Fusion.
You're talking mid-2000s which would be a car that's about 20 years old, give or take a little. That's hardly newer than your 18-year-old Marquis.
As far as comfort and reliability that information is as close as your favorite internet search engine.
Toyota is generally going to be your best bet but you need to avoid models with known problems and have a good mechanic examine any used vehicle you want to buy before purchase.
Thanks Chuck,
I'm leaning towards Toyota myself but have to navigate through what years, engine and drive train, and how it has been maintained. I'm not interested in a new car nor to lease. I think 2015 or so would be the sweet spotbas it may not have all that touchscreen stuff and newer electronics which can cost a fortune, but has sufficient safety and modern components like electric power steering. I like the Venza LE. Higher off the ground and station wagon capability. I just hear to be cautious with the 4cyls of that era due to vvti issues and their tendency to burn oil. Everyone seems to prefer the 3.5 L v6. After the Venza, maybe an Avalon as I have a larger build or a Highlander, but they do come at a premium cost. Camry and Fusion would most likely be third. Do you have any opinion on 4 vs 6 cylinder Toyotas of that era? I often see both with 150 K plus easily. Thanks
Hi
The saga continues in my search to replace my 07 Grand Marquis. I've found two vehicles I'm very interested in: 1) A 14 Camry Le with 101 K and 2.5 L six speed. Extensive service records at local Toyota dealership and computer was flashed at 6 K in 2015 to correct the issue with the torque converter shuddering. I don't know if the TC has been replaced and I worry I may end up having problems later despite the reflashing. The only other issues known of that era Camry are vvti rattle and oil burning as well as main seal leak possibly. The second is a 15 Mazda 6 sport with the 2.5 L and six speed with 71 K. Regular servicing too. I heard the engine and trannies in these are reliable. They just dont sell in number or as popular as the Camry and Accord. Any feedback would be appreciated. I will be taking both to an independent mechanic as well. Thanks. Joe