Faults:

1. Due to the extreme heat in this country (i.e. 45+ degrees Celsius), the car's headliner had completely unglued itself over a 6-year period. This cost me US$ 80/- to fix at a local garage. It looks absolutely perfect now.

2. The fabric from the front passenger door is also detaching itself. Once again, due to excessive heat build-up in the vehicle.

And that, ladies and gents, is it. These are the only things that have gone wrong with the car.

General Comments:

I bought this ‘99 Camry XLi in 2005, and I've driven 20,000 Kms so far. This brings the odometer reading to 158,000 Km (100,000 Miles approximately).

What do I think of this vehicle, thus far?

Positive comments:

1. Under the hood, things have been ultra-reliable.

2. The engine is quite smooth for a relatively small unit.

3. Maintenance costs are very reasonable for a mid-sized sedan. Toyota spares are extremely easy to find in the local market. Every single auto store carries them.

4. The seats are fairly comfortable and supportive.

5. Power is more than sufficient from the 4-cylinder engine, especially when taking into account good fuel economy. In my opinion, Toyota's got the balance just right with this 2.2 Liter rig.

6. Air Conditioning is great.

7. Safe car. Solidly built.

8. It's great to have dual air bags. (This is not a mandatory requirement in the UAE, and as such, not all lower-spec cars are equipped with dual air bags).

9. Controls and dials are logically positioned and easy to see/access.

Negative comments:

1. The transmission is not as smooth with up-shifts, as I'd like.

2. Steering feel is a little heavy/vague.

3. The brakes aren't bad, but I think Toyota should have put in stronger ones, to offset the weight of the car.

4. Quite a lot of wind noise from window seals.

Advice to potential buyers:

If you're looking for a safe, reliable and economical 4-door, then a 4-cylinder Camry comes highly recommended. However, the 6-cylinder would be a better choice for those who need a little more oomph. And if that still isn't enough to satisfy the racer in you, then get yourself a Nissan Maxima; it's got a wonderful, multi-award-winning engine, better suspension, great brakes and more room inside.

Faults:

A couple months ago I started the car, but it would not stay running. This only happened once and has never occurred since. Putting in a gas additive seemed to correct this problem.

The brakes, even though they are in good condition, often squeak. However, I have been told cheap brake pads will do that. This is not the fault of Toyota.

General Comments:

Forget what people say when they complain about the four-cylinder's "lack of power" (133 horsepower, or 130 if you live in a state following California's emmissions standards). It is adequate for the Camry's size, and can return 23 miles per gallon in the city, or about 27 in mixed driving. I have been recording fuel economy at each "fill-up", and personally I recommend skipping the V6 unless you like more refinement and/or want leather and traction control.

The Camry's ABS system has proven to be a life-safer on more than one occasion (a dog running out in front of me on a rainy day, and a car turning left in front of me for no reason). Just press the brake pedal with as much pressure as possible, and steer around the obstacle. The pedal does not jerk or groan that much at all.

The HVAC (heater/vent/air conditioning) controls are well laid out, and it's possible to know the controls like the back of your hand within a day or two. With three large dials representing temperature, vent position and fan speed, it is no problem switching settings (for example I can go from air conditioning on my face to defrosting on the windshield within seconds).

The seats are extremely comfortable, though I have gotten backache after about an hour of stop and go driving.

The interior is a nice shade of tan, and save for some black plastic on the center console, it has a very upscale, warm feeling.