1995 Toyota Camry GX 3.0 V6

Summary:

A friendly brute

Faults:

The only fault was that the ABS light was on when I bought it, causing it to fail the MOT a few months later.

General Comments:

Car cost me £250 for a 1995 Camry 3.0 V6 with climate control, 6 months MOT and 6 months tax. Thanks eBay.

The car was mechanically great. Superb engine. Very smooth and also a 'well behaved' engine. No cold start worries or juddering. Always ran great. And when you put your foot down it moved, no worries when overtaking or pulling out across busy roads.

Mpg was the same as my 2.0 Mondeo. Insurance only slightly more than my Mondeo insurance.

The car felt solid and secure. No rattles, squeaks, vibrations. Like a car should be.

I want to get another Camry one day.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th December, 2008

1997 Toyota Camry V6 3.0 V6 24v

Summary:

Quick, quiet and comfortable motoring in complete anonymity

Faults:

NONE.

General Comments:

It's lively, it's comfortable and quiet. It feels indestructible. Loads of kit, although I'd like more adjustment on the electric seats and a self dip rear mirror would be nice additions.

Climate control works beautifully, but it's due for a gas change soon.

The three litre engine sounds lovely (what little you can hear of it anyway), and revs cleanly. Auto box always manages to be in exactly the right gear all the time.

On the downside, it's not all that quick for a three litre petrol car; its midrange shove is easily outclassed by the current crop of 2.2ish litre diesels which seem to ram your eyeballs into your head under acceleration.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st January, 2008

1985 Toyota Camry Gli 1.8 turbo diesel (UK SPEC)

Summary:

Reliable, economical, cheap to run

Faults:

Only wear and tear inc.

Starter motor

Alternator

Radiator

Belts/ filters etc

CV boot.

General Comments:

Excellent overall. Still on the same engine and go on and on.

Very reliable: will always start and will always get to point B.

Uses only a little oil, but no real wear on the engine. Smokes only on heavy acceleration, but very little compared to new vehicles/ vans.

Does an average of 41mpg in town and motorway at high speeds (80mph). I have managed 55mpg under light throttle. In town only driving with heavy traffic, fuel economy always stays at 40mpg.

Excellent car, and wears very well.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th July, 2004

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.