2002 Toyota Camry 3.0 V6 CDX 3.0 V6 petrol

Summary:

All you could want from a car, and more!

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

This car has been a joy to own. It is the most comfortable car I have ever driven with fantastically comfortable leather seats and a super smooth ride. It is quiet and possibly the most refined car this side of a Rolls Royce. Handling is a little soft and wallowy, but it is still very sure-footed.

The V6 engine provides lots of power and the auto gearbox is super smooth. The mechanicals are doubtless very tough and will be capable of a very high mileage. I think with only 35,000 miles on the clock my car is barely broken in.

Some say it looks bland, but I think its sweeping lines are classy and elegant. It is a great shame that the Camry is not more popular in the UK as it is a very underrated car.

Lots of standard equipment including electric seats and climate control and one of the best stereos I have ever sampled.

The only negative point about this car I can think of is the running costs. It is a bit heavy on fuel (24mpg), but I think it's worth it. The worst aspect of the running costs is depreciation. It's value drops like a stone.

The pros definitely outweigh the cons though and I would buy another.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th May, 2004

16th Dec 2005, 21:24

Sadly not in the UK. They are extremely poor for holding their value, which incidentally makes them excellent used buys.

I've just bought a 2003 V6 example from a Toyota dealer with SatNav and only 36,000 miles for 1/3 of it's original price, for those who are not interested in a badge and want an entry level Lexus, then look no further.

1993 Toyota Camry GX 3.0 V6

Summary:

Luxury car at Ford Mondeo money

Faults:

Air conditioning condenser leaking.

Wiper switch was broken when I got it.

I found one in a breakers yard.

Electric antenna mast doesn't go up all the way. About £35 for a new mast.

A bit of rust around RH rear wheelarch & windscreen top caused by poor accident repair & pattern windscreen being fitted.

General Comments:

Build quality is the best I've seen in a Japanese car.

Although the mileage is high, the engine & transmission are fine, neither using oil.

A bit unwieldy, but it is a large car primarily designed for the Americans. The estate is a rare sight in Britain & its exclusivity & twin rear wipers are very satisfying!

Secondhand parts are hard to find, new parts are pricey, but you have to pay for quality!

24mpg on a run, about 18mpg when towing my caravan. Ideal for towing despite being front wheel drive.

Engine doesn't use any oil, sophisticated transmission is very smooth.

I reckon that the build quality surpasses anything the Germans do & I would highly recommend the Camry, a very underrated car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th November, 2003

1989 Toyota Camry GLi 2.0 estate

Summary:

A reliable estate with great performance and comfort

Faults:

Engine mountings - 129,000.

Heater matrix - 110,000.

General Comments:

Apart from the above, nothing else has really gone wrong. v.reliable. its quick for its age and can easily out perform modern 'diesel' estates. loads of room, comfortable, all electrics. it won't let you down and is great on petrol on long runs.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd May, 2003

1999 Toyota Camry GL 2.2i

Summary:

A comfortable good performance family car

Faults:

Nothing wrong with the car. Just keeps on running.

Remote locking only operates over a very short distance, about 6ft max, even with new batteries.

General Comments:

Quiet and comfortable with little road noise.

Good climate control. Adequate CD and radio/cassette player.

Performance is good for an "executive" saloon - brisk and competent; but not exciting - nothing like my previous V70 T5!

Depreciation is pretty grim, from £17000 at 6 months to £7000 at 2 years.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th September, 2002

1993 Toyota Camry 2.2 16 valve

Summary:

Perfect cruiser

Faults:

Radio bulbs replaced, passenger electric window switch, cigarette lighter.

It tends to gets noisy in the cabin (wind) at high speeds (above 90mph).

General Comments:

The Camry is a very reliable car that just cruises along.

It handles superbly at all legal speeds (up to 70mph in the UK and 80+ on the continent) in comfort.

The seats are very comfortable and the rear passengers have plenty of leg room.

The engine is punchy enough and doesn't refuse to behave sportily if asked.

Have the car serviced regularly and will probably keep it for another 100K miles.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th January, 2002