2003 Toyota Camry CDX 3.0 V6 petrol

Summary:

Still a favourite

Faults:

Wear and tear parts replaced over the years. No major problems.

Tiny oil leak from somewhere, haven't figured it out where it's coming from but it's not causing an issue; I rarely if ever have to top up the oil, even though the engine has seen a lot of mileage.

Rust is becoming an issue however, but it is over 20 years old!

Oh and the A/C stopped working long ago, never bothered to repair. Leather seats also looking worn now.

General Comments:

What can I say about the Camry that has not already been said on here in hundreds of other reviews? Probably not much, but the reason people like these cars is simple - they are reliable and durable and there are not many cars made today that will hold up like this car has in over 20 years. I love 1990s / early 2000s Toyota.

The car is smooth to drive and the interior is very comfortable. 3.0 V6 is fast when you need it, not very economical by today's standard however.

I quite like how it looks, with light grey paintwork and alloy wheels.

I'll keep it so long as it keeps going! The engine is noisier now but no apparent issues. I never missed an oil change, but believe it or not I don't think the previous owner cared for it too much, certainly not as much as I have.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th August, 2025

23rd Aug 2025, 00:15

For your sake, I hope yours is equipped with the optional Side and Curtain Airbags as the XV30 generation Camry without the extra airbags was rated POOR by the IIHS when they tested it in a side crash-test.

And since most Toyotas owners have a very dismissive attitude towards safety, most of these XV30 Camry were ordered without the side and curtain airbags, so, be careful.

We're in 2025 and the roads are overcrowded with heavy electric cars and SUVs driven by careless drivers who are too busy texting whilst speeding and failing miserably to yield at junctions.

26th Aug 2025, 14:43

Nice vehicles: try to keep it going as long as is feasible. Like you say, rust may become an issue at 22 years old and 165k miles, however is it any worse than another car of similar vintage and mileage would be?

1998 Toyota Camry Sport 2.2i petrol

Summary:

Still the best!

Faults:

Nothing but maintenance and wear and tear items replaced. No major issues.

Rear windows a bit hesitant to work.

Original radio stopped working - replaced with something more modern.

Serious paint fade on exterior, but acceptable for its age!

General Comments:

I inherited this Camry from my Grandparents during the covid pandemic. They gave up with driving around that time. I just needed a reliable second car. And for the last few years, it has been exactly that!

Was unsure what to expect at first - I had always heard about this cars "legendary" reliability, but I am a realistic person with any car - I expect problems, certainly on a car that is over 20 years old.

But according to the history and my Grandparents stories about the car (they had it since nearly new in 1999) the car has been trouble free. Sure it's had the exhaust, brakes and many suspension parts replaced, and some minor electrical issues, but never any breakdowns. The car was serviced to the letter, all oil changes and belts as required going back to the late 1990's.

2.2 petrol engine with the auto box is smooth in operation, but nothing special in regards to performance or economy. Keeps up with modern traffic just fine, and does around 30 mpg. I only use it it sparingly so it has been affordable despite how expensive fuel is these days.

Interior is very dull but also very comfortable. Seats are good, the car has all electrics inside.

I rather like the style of the exterior, I do not think it is dull at all. Perhaps a nicer color would be better, light beige is doing it no favors. I do like the Toyota alloy wheels however and the sharp rear tail lights.

Boot space is huge, this is a practical car. Rear seats are also good for any passengers.

In short, this Camry surprised me. Despite its age, it has been a reliable and comfortable car to use every now and then; I would daily drive it with no problems if it was my only car. I am that confident with it!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st April, 2024