27th Nov 2009, 21:13

"Since when is the ENGINE not covered under a warranty?"...

I should have been more clear that his car was 8,500 miles over his 4 year/50,000 mile Cadillac warranty ('04 STS). I had been telling him since he asked me for my opinion that I suggested that he have his timing chain examined. He took his car in before the warranty expired, and the problem in the engine was undiagnosed, but the dealer did find something in the front suspension that needed to be replaced and that was done.

Well, at 58,500ish one of the three chains inside the Northstar went, and if you know anything about the consequences of this occurrence... it's not pretty. Well, GM would not cover a replacement, although the vehicle was maintained religiously by his dealership, maybe not your personal experience, but this is how it went for my friend. My bad for not specifically mentioning that he was off his warranty. I have yet to experience a brand not honoring the warranty on something like engine failure while the warranty is in effect.

Anyway, I'm done talking about Cadillacs... my point was about extended warranties and every car not being created equally (I too have a Cadillac STS from '04, I bought mine first and my friend followed shortly after, mine currently has 136,000 as it is my travel/vacation car and has had nothing but tire replacement/oil/filter/and fluid changes) and this is far off the comments that should pertain to this Camry review.

1st Jan 2010, 23:06

1987 Escort (bought at 35K miles) - clutch went at 60K, but oh the memories.

1989 Cutlass (65K) - borrowed car - comfy! I was a little sad when I handed it back. I think these cars overall lasted quite awhile.

1996 Mustang 6 cyl (bought new) - good engine, interior was a bit cheap, had it for 60k with no problems. my only regret is not going for the gt. regrettably had to sell due it didn't work well in the snow.

2002 Land Rover (bought new) - a disaster.

1998 (?) Dodge Stratus - disaster. tranny at 60K with mostly highway miles :(

1992 Ford F150 (my father's work truck I borrow from time to time) - great, great truck. I don't think he's had any major problems. we still have it.

2002 Tundra - my father's other work truck. flawless.

2002 Camry - have driven it from 73K up until 120K. By far the best vehicle I have ever owned with regard to low maintenance and fit and finish.

I get a kick over this import versus domestic thing on this site. I'm not a mechanic or salesman - but for what it's worth I'd have to pick a Toyota over most domestics. You don't need to read reviews to know these cars last a long time up here in the salt/snow belt. Just look and see which older cars you still see on the road. And it's easy to understand if you look at the attention to detail / fit and finish of most Toyotas. Sorry guys, there just isn't any question. It's not even worth taking up the time to debate.

Disclaimer: The F150 though has been a great truck. But spending 25+K on a domestic truck (or car). Not after driving the Tundra. Sorry guys (and gals).

3rd Jan 2010, 18:13

My opinion is the exact opposite of yours, based on my own experience and observations. I also live in a harsh climate, and the old cars I see are Fords, Chevies, and Dodges. No Toyotas. I guess it takes all kinds, though. It's certainly not obvious to me that "all the old cars on the road" are Toyotas. Sorry.

4th Jan 2010, 10:03

Can we please not get into an argument over Domestics vs. Imports, and stick to discussing the pros and cons of the vehicles we happen to drive?

Just a suggestion... Thanks!

9th Mar 2010, 19:37

Toyota sucks and deserves to go under for selling unsafe automobiles. Who the hell do they think they are? Weren't the smart enough to know that eventually they would get caught?

When I heard that they had known about the problems for years and did nothing about it, I took back the Tundra back to the dealership that I was thinking about buying, handed back the keys, left and headed straight to the Chevy dealer and bought a 2010 Silverado. I'm glad I did because I did some research on the Tundra, and that truck has a lot of reliability issues, not to mention a design flaw in the motor.

I beg that people don't buy from Toyota. They are dishonest and down right sneaky.

11th Mar 2010, 07:20

I also bought a new Silverado based on a better test drive we had. I wonder if Toyota offered a refund pro rating months of usage, how many would keep their new and late model Toyotas today. Must be painful the safety worries and depreciation hit I read. I sold my last Acura over safety and trans concerns failing at inopportune moments. I worry more over safety than the money lost in our home. I am even concerned in my own car with an import potentially unable to stop going through an intersection at us. I hope this issue is resolved quickly vs trying to drag it out.

25th Apr 2010, 08:39

My new 2009 Camry LE doesn't have the Toyota quality that I perceived to be. It is underpowered for safe highway driving, the interior materials looked cheap, brightly colored, and fitted improperly.

The drive shaft, under chassis bolts, and engine mounts are rusting badly and may rust out in a year.

The carpets are untacked and lying loosely on the floor.

The rug seams are not sewn and are hidden under the chairs.

I don't care what other Camry lovers say, but this is the kind of Camry quality I got. A cheap car that I spent my 25K on. And then add to it the recalls that came next. I'm gonna ditch this Camry soonest, and never again Toyota.

26th Apr 2010, 19:17

I'd agree, the AMERICAN BUILT Toyota's definitely do suffer from quality issues.

27th Apr 2010, 13:57

American built, but no doubt given the go ahead with design engineering and materials approved from corporate in Japan.

31st Jan 2011, 18:31

I purchased a Crown Victoria because they appeared to be big and safe, and are used as taxis. Boy, what a mistake. In the time I had it, it was one thing right after the other.

Transmission TWICE! Computer, heater core, oxygen sensor, ETC ETC.

I decided to purchase a 1999 Toyota Camry Solara. This car is so much better. I bought it in 2002 with 75,000 miles on it. It has been driven in salt and all kinds of weather. It has had no problems at all, and now has 204,000 miles and has never had an engine light on. I will never buy anything else after my experience with this Solara.

Believe what you want, but I believe in Toyota, and my car was built in Kentucky.