Best Camry for the money

[UCLAlumni]

Yesterday, my 88 Camry i4 was stolen (from a secured parking structure at a children's hospital, of all places).

Assuming the car is not recovered (because it will most likely be "chopped" for its parts) and I receive a piddly insurance settlement amount, I will be in the market for a replacement vehicle in a couple of weeks.

I really want to stick with Toyotas and the Camry in particular. My 88 was a bone-stock daily beater (with the exception of a CD player stereo); it performed awesome for 12+ years that I had it. Although I could afford to get a more expensive car, I'd prefer to spend around $5-10k on a Gen 3 or Gen 4. I plan to keep it until it is run into the ground (or unless some other @sshole steals it). I really like Camry's for its reliability, and don't plan on enhancing its performance or appearance; I need it to get me from point A to point B safely and without unexpected problems.

Based on your experiences/knowledge and my requirements stated above, what is the best Camry for the money? Is the Gen 3.5 a good chioce and within the $5-10k range? I really like the looks of it, too.

Thanks for any feedback.

UCLAlumni

[jojopell]

Sad to hear that some scumbag stole your car. Hopefully you will get it back. You can defiantly get a gen 3 or 4 with in the $5-10K range. You can probably get a good gen 3 for around $5k easy and a good gen 4 for $8-9k. I would tell you to get a 94 Camry of course because I have one, but as long as it’s a Camry with out too many miles on it, you’re in good shape. Thats just my 2 cents, and good luck.

[Toysrme]

Wait.... I'm about to whore another!!!

$5-10k on a Gen 3 or Gen 4

Fuuuuuuck that shit bro. Buy a lexus... 6500 definately puts you in a '95 gen2 LS 400 with a 1uz-fe that will handle any mod you can afford to throw at it. OR an SC400 if you like coupes.
Or you could get an even newer ES 300.



If nothing else, take the money and buy an ES 300 if you want a Camry.

[dna59]

^^I agree with toysrme, get a lex.

[gman240]

Being realistic. From what you had and what you have stated, style is not the issue. Reliability and probably safety should be along with a car harder to steal. The generation 4 Camry came with optional side air bags in 98+ and has a chip in the key to dissallow the thief to make off with your car. Without the chip present in the ignition, your car cannot be driven away. You can find a loaded XLE V6 with average miles in average condition for 6-10k. Check them out on Edmunds for reviews and feedback from current and previous owners. The 1MZ motor and tranny combo is quick, efficient, quiet, smooth and dependable. An ES 300 is the next step up but now you really need to look for condition and miles. An LS or SC Lexus will be rear wheel drive, more expensive to fix and to insure. Great cars, stylish and a lot of car for the money. From what you have stated though the Gen 4 gives you the best of all worlds.
Good luck~

[Knailgun]

Yeah the cars are out there, you've just got to look. go to like autotrader.com...you'd be surprised where some good toyota's turn up. Hell, I had it in mind to spend 10k max on my new truck, and I came across a truck worth 14k for my 10k on that site....and yes a toyota as well

[ASG14]

You justg otta look for a good deal. After 4 months of searching I was able to find a '96 XLE V6 with 62k miles, moon roof, leather, 6 speaker, dual power seats for $5,900. Also hit up www.cars.com Happy hunting!

[jhbhatia]

Just buy a 2001 Camry LE, if you were happy with gen 2 you really don't need v6 and xle stuff! I've seen 01's around my area with 40K miles go for 10K or under! Actually i'm in the market for a similar car myself, we called someone we read an ad in the newspaper (99 avalon xl, 27K miles, selling for 8900; by the time we reached the dude's place, the car was sold for cash!). so just look out for deals!

[trypsix]

Gen4! (okay, maybe not the '97) That way you have a car guarenteed to work with the TRD supercharger

[brungold]

aww was it stolen at CHS? sucks, sorry to hear.
it couldnt hurt getting a v6 though, theres a definite difference!
but in the long run, its more how the car was maintained, and number of miles, etc that should influence your decision.

good luck, and let us know what you choose!

[sq_camry]

if you wanna spend a little more, i would get an 02 camry, prob find them in teh 12-15 k price range tho.

[87Camry5Speed]

Shoot for the best you can get, since you seem to want to stay Camry (good choice!), I'd suggest the gen4.5(00-01)- it's probably the newest one you can afford given your price range, and imo they're very nice machines. The better fit and finish and the exterior revisions are worth it over a regular gen4(97-99).

Steve

[GaviN]

My Camry was stolen last year and luckily recovered in one piece aside from a broken window and very light bumper damage. My next Camry will be a gen3 V6-5sp most definately.. I would go with one of those.. My uncle is selling his ES300-5sp but the body is poor and I would imagine it wasnt mechanically kept up too well because he's a slob. I know for sure it needs exhaust work because its loud. I would buy it but he's a scam artist and family is no exception...

[UCLAlumni]

Thanks for all of your comments and input, guys.

Like some of you suggested, I'll be patient and look for a good used car deal for a Gen 3 through Gen 4.5 in the $5-10k price range. Hopefully, I'll be rollin' in a Camry again soon!