Buying a pre-owned 2007/2008/2009 Camry SE - need advice

[TuxDude]

I'm planning to buy a pre-owned 2007/2008/2009 Camry SE under 40k miles...

I'm in the dilemma between choosing a certified pre-owned or the one without any extended warranty...

1. So my first question is that - Is it worth getting the car with a CPO warranty - pros/cons ?

2. I also read about few transmission issues with the 6th gen camry in 07 model (or may be 08 too) - can anyone describe me about this problem and how serious it is ?

3. If the car was previously used as a rental car - how good/bad it is to buy such a car - what extra detail should I check for while doing my test drive and inspection for such cars especially ?

4. I would like to know more about the CPO program - how much expenses get covered in it for the regular maintenance ?

5. And from a point of view of people who already own such a Camry - how much do you spend on maintenance - oil changes, wheel rotation and stuff when you get the maintenance done at a certified toyota service center ?

6. Anything else a 6th gen Camry buyer should be aware of ?

Thanks

[98CamryLE]

Originally Posted by TuxDude

1. So my first question is that - Is it worth getting the car with a CPO warranty - pros/cons ?
2. I also read about few transmission issues with the 6th gen camry in 07 model (or may be 08 too) - can anyone describe me about this problem and how serious it is ?
3. If the car was previously used as a rental car - how good/bad it is to buy such a car - what extra detail should I check for while doing my test drive and inspection for such cars especially ?
4. I would like to know more about the CPO program - how much expenses get covered in it for the regular maintenance ?
5. And from a point of view of people who already own such a Camry - how much do you spend on maintenance - oil changes, wheel rotation and stuff when you get the maintenance done at a certified toyota service center ?
6. Anything else a 6th gen Camry buyer should be aware of ?
Thanks

1. Depends on the vehicle itself. Camrys are generally very reliable, but there have been significant issues with the generation 7 model. CPO Camrys are generally a bit more expensive, but you do get the warranty. I'd have an independent mechanic look at the one that is not a CPO, and as long as it checks out- I'd save the extra cash that you'd spend on the CPO. (That's just my opinion though)

2. Check the sticky here: *** READ FIRST -- Official Gen 5 & 6 DIY and General Info Sticky! *** At the bottom of the first post there is a link to the transmission issues. Look at the rest for a lot of information as well.

3. Rental cars are usually maintained well. That said, you never really know what idiots drove it before you. Again, odds are there aren't any "warning signs" that you should look out for that you wouldn't already be looking at when buying a used vehicle.

4. Check the CPO warranty for that information. Regular maintenance generally isn't covered unless your individual dealer throws it in. Check here for more information: http://www.toyotacertified.com

5. I do my own work. Oil changes generally cost me about $25-30 for the oil- I use 0w20 in my hybrid, and a few bucks on the filter. Fluid changes don't cost any more than with any other car. Check the recommended service guide and then ask your mechanic to give you some estimates for the services to get an idea. http://www.toyota.com/owners/apps/ma...edmaintenance#

6. Search and look at the stickies within the forums.

Good luck. Utilize the forum's search function for more information.

[MJZ]

Originally Posted by TuxDude

I'm planning to buy a pre-owned 2007/2008/2009 Camry SE under 40k miles...

I'm in the dilemma between choosing a certified pre-owned or the one without any extended warranty...

1. So my first question is that - Is it worth getting the car with a CPO warranty - pros/cons ?

2. I also read about few transmission issues with the 6th gen camry in 07 model (or may be 08 too) - can anyone describe me about this problem and how serious it is ?

3. If the car was previously used as a rental car - how good/bad it is to buy such a car - what extra detail should I check for while doing my test drive and inspection for such cars especially ?

4. I would like to know more about the CPO program - how much expenses get covered in it for the regular maintenance ?

5. And from a point of view of people who already own such a Camry - how much do you spend on maintenance - oil changes, wheel rotation and stuff when you get the maintenance done at a certified toyota service center ?

6. Anything else a 6th gen Camry buyer should be aware of ?

Thanks

You NEED an extended warranty, especially for a used car and especially for a V6.

Buy an '09 or '10 and save yourself from older issues.