My 2005 Toyota Camry started leaking oil when it was only a few years old. It started making a rattling noise at 83,000 miles. The dealer told me I had to rebuild the engine at a cost of $4,500. The car is only 5 years old. Buyer beware!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 3rd December, 2010
I would not buy another
The car constantly pulled to the left. They finally fixed it. Now at 19,500 miles, the tires are near bald on the front. I would have expected they would last at least 25,000. I think it has to do with the alignment being out of wack, but they say no. The emergency brake had to be adjusted four or five times - it would not hold.
It's OK, but I would stick with a Honda instead.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 21st January, 2008
Right. Why buy a quality, well built Toyota that'll get 300,000 miles when you can buy a brand new rattling, smoking GM that'll need an engine and transmission before 120,000?
Do you think he could afford to keep this Toyota for 300,000 miles if he has to buy new tires every 20,000 miles? He would have to replace his tires 15 times, and even if you figure that he can buy cheapo off-brand tires, that is still $4,500. And that isn't even counting the $7,500 in brake jobs that he'd need. They could buy a new Ford Focus for what it will cost to keep this junk Toyota in brakes and tires!
The old very high mile Toyotas I have personally seen are rusted out and burning oil. If you keep new imports look at the potential likelihood of transmission and engine replacements costs in mind when calculating your 300,000 mile achievement. There are many reviews on here with late model concerns. I personally feel keep a vehicle with a warranty than ride on high mileage electronic issues, trans, engines, timing belts and other components, as its costly. What is a 300,000 mile Corolla worth by the way? I'll keep a new reliable GM; drive 5 years or 100,000 miles and not be in this trap with little residual or having to depend that my wife and kids will safely arrive home not broken down in bad weather, at night, etc...
The 2005 Camry is a great car for someone looking for a well rounded method of transportation
Only one thing to date has caused any problems while I've owned the car, 8 months after driving the car.
There was a problem with the shift. There was a plastic piece that helps to engage the changing of gears when using the shift knob; this piece broke and I had to use the override switch at the base of the console next to the shifter to get the car into gear.
I took the car directly to the dealership and they replaced it under warranty, and that is the extent of any problems with the car I've had in the almost 3 years of ownership.
I have not noticed a rattle in the dash, and the steering is 10 times better than the 1998 Malibu I used to drive.
The throttle in the 2005 Camry has been pretty nice, and I do not have any trouble merging into traffic.
I tested the car thoroughly before buying and did give the salesman a little scare, but needed to see if the car would perform as I wanted it to.
The only other thing I can think of is the tires that came on it, 205/60R/15's.
These tires were finished before 20,000 miles. I have since replaced the originals with 16" Aluminum racing wheels, and have gone to a Fusion HRI 205/55R/16 that performs much better and has much better wear life.
I also modified the air intake with a cold air intake system recently, the car has much better response now (something to look into for those who think the car is sluggish).
The 2005 Camry is a great car, although not the fastest, probably because it was built for comfort and not speed.
It is however a car that has get-up and go when you need it.
I bought the car because it is comfortable and I take many trips in the year. Also, it has a lot of room inside for bags or freeloaders; whichever you have on your trip.
The salesmen do a good job of selling the car, but it is ultimately up to you to decide what you want.
If you are looking for a fast sports car or sports sedan, do your research, but if you are looking for a car that is very reliable, great on gas (trip from NC to GA and back on one tank of gas) and a bit of luxury for a great price.
3 years and no rattles, shakes or squeaks from my Camry.
Also, I have raced a little with this car, and more than a few 4cl and 6cl have been humbled by my grocery getter.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 10th July, 2007
31st Jan 2008, 22:28
Our GM cars routinely go 50,000-60,000 miles on the original tires, and 90,000-100,000 miles on the original brake pads.
The Michelins on our GM SUV now have 60,000+ miles on them, and the dealer at our last service interval said they did not yet need replacing.
Why people buy cars like Toyota that eat up tires and brake linings in 20,000 miles or less is beyond me. The imports I've owned have always required far more expense in repairs and routine maintenance than any of my domestics. I guess if people enjoy throwing their money away, Toyota is a good bet.