The Reluctant Jalop

"RiceRocketeer Extraordinaire" (ricerocketeer2)
05/06/2014 at 19:32 • Filed to: None

This past week I've been driving a typical 4-cylinder auto Camry just like this one. I'm trying to like it - it's quiet and comfortable, and it's dirt cheap to run and insure. But I can almost feel my brain itching for something more stimulating. Cars are an expensive habit, but at least I don't drink or gamble.

DISCUSSION (15)

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > RiceRocketeer Extraordinaire
05/06/2014 at 19:36

You sound like you could use an E36.

CRider > RiceRocketeer Extraordinaire
05/06/2014 at 19:38

What, the automotive equivalent of a legal assistant doesn't get your blood pumping?

quarterlifecrisis > RiceRocketeer Extraordinaire
05/06/2014 at 19:39

Why's it only been a week? What'd you have before that/why did you end up in that ?

dogisbadob > RiceRocketeer Extraordinaire
05/06/2014 at 19:40

There is nothing wrong with that. The Camry is an awesome car. People need to stop the hate. The 5S-FE is a great engine that's easy to work on. Be very glad you don't have a V6, because transverse V6's SUCK!

jkm7680 > RiceRocketeer Extraordinaire
05/06/2014 at 19:57

Nice and beige.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire
05/06/2014 at 23:11

Or maybe he had an older 3-series and it bled him dry so now hes in a camry......OR WHAT IF HES SAVING UO FOR AN M CAR?!?!?!?!

I'm going to believe he is driving beige tk save up for an M car.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > RiceRocketeer Extraordinaire
05/06/2014 at 23:57

The V6 model actually isn't too bad to drive. But the 4, probably a little anemic.

RiceRocketeer Extraordinaire > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire
05/07/2014 at 00:15

Been eyeing a red E36 M3 sedan that parks near me at work. Hmmm.

RiceRocketeer Extraordinaire > quarterlifecrisis
05/07/2014 at 00:22

Wife's car, she's out of town, and I needed the space to carry some stuff around. There's an S2000 and a modded RSX-S around somewhere but I figured I'd give beige a try.

RiceRocketeer Extraordinaire > dogisbadob
05/07/2014 at 00:33

Hate's a strong word. I don't hate the car, but I don't care much for it either which is why I'm here on Jalopnik. It's perfectly adequate for people who aren't bothered by beige though.

Even so, there are two big issues I have with it:

Everything this Camry does well, a Prius would do better. If I have to deal with beige, I'd rather have the CVT, electric steering, hybrid drivetrain, hatchback, etc. But at least the Camry's cheap.

No ABS. No traction control. Only 2 airbags, and the crash test design is from the 90's. Not a big deal for me, but the wife's not the most attentive nor talent driver. (Sorry honey!)

RiceRocketeer Extraordinaire > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
05/07/2014 at 00:44

The power is adequate, really. The whole car's just really numb, from the slow steering, mushy brakes, slurred shifts, and spongy throttle response. I do somewhat wish I didn't care, so I could just deal with it and save money.

RiceRocketeer Extraordinaire > CRider
05/07/2014 at 00:46

Hey, sometimes the quiet ones are the most fun.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > RiceRocketeer Extraordinaire
05/07/2014 at 00:46

I remember the delay in the throttle. It was laughable how much delay there was between hitting the gas and the car actually accelerating.

CRider > RiceRocketeer Extraordinaire
05/07/2014 at 00:52

If it were a Tesla, I'd probably agree.

RiceRocketeer Extraordinaire > CRider
05/07/2014 at 01:02

Tesla? That's no legal assistant, you're messing with the district attorney.