2003 Toyota Camry LE from North America
Summary:
Not bad, but there is life beyond Toyota
Faults:
I purchased the 100,000 platinum warranty with this car luckily. :)
At about 30,000, the master cylinder was bad and replaced (warranty covered).
At about 85,000, the check engine light came on and the O2 sensor and catalytic converter were replaced (also covered by warranty).
At about the same time, the passenger door handle broke off. My mom broke this and she is not very strong (not covered in warranty :( <-- I believe that Toyota should be happy to fix this free of charge).
#1 car in America! #&%#@, but after writing to their headquarters they wouldn't. The handle is 50 dollars and it's close to 200 to take off the door panel to repair; so far I haven't fixed it (I now make my mom get in the car like "Dukes of Hazzard style" JK. I reach over to let her in. When the driver's side breaks off, I guess I will have to do something about it..?
At about 90,000 miles my steering wheel squeaking noise has been bugging the crap out of me.. warranty covered that, it was something in the steering box, I believe they said??
I am now at 99,600. Just had my last check in before the warranty expires on me, after bringing it in for a minor tune up plus transmission flush etc. I had noticed actually for the longest time when turning right or left, I heard a clunk noise - ended up being an intermediate steering shaft, then they informed me that there was exhaust smoke and condensation, which it need valve stem seal repair and this repair is about $2000 dollars or so; luckily covered by my warranty.. whew! I am glad I got this in before it was up.. and that they were kind enough to recognize this one for me $$$$.
Overall, I have had about 4 sets of tires or so? Plus brake jobs?? I think? But the $1200 Platinum warranty definitely paid for itself by now, and I am fortunate I paid a little extra for it...
I give this car about 7 out of 10 overall. It makes my 3rd Toyota; two pickup trucks before this... however next time I'm considering trying something other than Toyota. (If they would have fixed my door handle, maybe I would have considered them next time) ******* <-- Something like that shouldn't have happened in the first place... headquarters should have arranged for me to get that taken care of..
Anyway, thanks for reading :) Be well.
General Comments:
They should have fixed my door handle!! : (
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 5th October, 2008
8th Mar 2008, 18:51
Welcome to the "I should have bought a Ford" club. I think it is finally dawning on Americans that they've been led astray by ad hype.