[wolfephoto]

I’m looking to upgrade from an 08. Seems like 12 and 13 are reasonably priced. I know about the transmission shudder but what else should I look out for?

 

[Dan Raff]

The 13 is the newer series. Worth it IMO.

 

[denzyota]

The 12’-14.5’ are the same generation.

 

[jiantao]

Are you looking to get a Hybrid again or a regular gas model this time around? The transmission shudder was only an issue on the gas model.

No real major mechanical issues with these years, pretty bulletproof engines.

The front structure was tweaked for 2014.5 for improved front crash results, if that interests you. But 2012-2014 are pretty much the same car.

BTW, your signature says you have a 2009 Camry Hybrid, but your profile says you have an 08. Do you have two?

 

[Dan Raff]

The 12’-14.5’ are the same generation.

You are correct!

 

[wolfephoto]

No I have an 08 it’s my second hybrid. I’m not looking for another hybrid. The newer gas Camrys MPG is plenty.

 

[wolfephoto]

I can’t figure out how to erase my signature. There’s no option for it using my iPhone.

 

[cschiffner]

Don’t do it. I have a ‘12. Purchased it brand new. Worst decision I ever made.

 

[wolfephoto]

Don’t do it. I have a ‘12. Purchased it brand new. Worst decision I ever made.

Why’s that?

 

[cschiffner]

Why’s that?

 

[cschiffner]

Why’s that?

The major issues:

1. My car has the roof structure popping and creaking noise due to welding slag from improperly configured robots. It took 3 repairs (spanning nearly 3 weeks total) to get it tolerable, but not completely fixed. The dealer trashed the interior to my car and it took a year of fighting with corporate to get my interior repaired. This was all inside of 8,000 miles of purchase.
2. The transmission first had the shudder issue which was “repaired” under warranty At 95k. Even that took 2 visits to the dealer before they agreed to do the repair. They had the car 3 days for the transmission tsb. Now the transmission is failing (slipping shifts, sluggish shifts, and not downshifting properly).
3. The AC spews a white sand-like substance that gets all over the interior. It is either the evaptor corroding or a coating on the evaporator flaking off (look it up, it’s a serious issue that costs $3,000 to fix). It builds up surprisingly fast. I’ve spent the last 30,000 miles vacuuming, dusting, and cleaning the dash, front seats, and door panels. I’m not sure how much I’m breathing in or how bad it is for me.

The lesser issues:

1. I’ve had to replace two window switches and the lumbar switch. I NEVER used the lumbar switch. Got in the car one day and the lumbar support was engaged and the switch didn’t work (I don’t have kids and I’m the only person that drives the car). New switch fixed it but they are not cheap.
2. Fuel economy was consistently 35 mpg highway when new, but dropped to 28 mpg by 70k.
3. The small overlap crash test on any 2012-2014 Camry is downright terrifying. The 2014.5 improved the chassis which made a small overlap crash less deadly.
4. The dashboard rattles like there are marbles in it.

I’m a non-smoker and the car has been well maintained. If you look at it, it basically looks like new even though it has 130,500 miles on it. Was my car built on a Monday by assembly line workers with a hangover? Maybe. All I know is mine has been a lemon

 

[wolfephoto]

Sounds like you got a bad one!

 

[Aradmahogany]

Id say the above is a one-off with bad luck. That Gen is known to be used as Taxis with over 200K miles. I have a 2013 SE that I bought back in 11/20 with 125K, now has 131K. Problem-free. You will have maintenance to do, such as I did, like brake pads and spark plugs, as well as a trans fluid change and coolant change. But that is expected when buying used.

 

[cschiffner]

Id say the above is a one-off with bad luck. That Gen is known to be used as Taxis with over 200K miles. I have a 2013 SE that I bought back in 11/20 with 125K, now has 131K. Problem-free. You will have maintenance to do, such as I did, like brake pads and spark plugs, as well as a trans fluid change and coolant change. But that is expected when buying used.

Do your research. The 3 major issues I listed above are well known and well documented. This is far from an isolated incident. I suspect a lot of people got rid of these problematic cars in short order. There is a new thread elsewhere on this board from someone that just bought a used one and it has a bad transmission.

 

[Aradmahogany]

And yet so many of them remain on the road. With overall excellent reviews. Imagine that

 

[wolfephoto]

Do your research. The 3 major issues I listed above are well known and well documented. This is far from an isolated incident. I suspect a lot of people got rid of these problematic cars in short order. There is a new thread elsewhere on this board from someone that just bought a used one and it has a bad transmission.

Dude you got a lemon. We get it.

 

[camrollin]

I’m looking to upgrade from an 08. Seems like 12 and 13 are reasonably priced. I know about the transmission shudder but what else should I look out for?

Dude you got a lemon. We get it.

Research your VIN #. Make sure the vehicle is not out of warranty for torque converter issues. I believe to be eligible for the up to 140 or 150k extended warranty on the TC they may require the software updates prior. Other than that, wind noise is common. Not really any items i'd say are big or show stoppers. Good luck

 

[cschiffner]

Dude you got a lemon. We get it.

Dude you asked.

Actually I’m kinda glad you replied this way. It reminded me why I stopped visiting this forum — you’re all fan boys and kiddies.

I hope you have better luck with your 2012-2014.5 purchase than thousands of other customers did.

 

[wolfephoto]

Dude you asked.

Actually I’m kinda glad you replied this way. It reminded me why I stopped visiting this forum — you’re all fan boys and kiddies.

I hope you have better luck with your 2012-2014.5 purchase than thousands of other customers did.

It’s a $1600 torque converter it’s not like its the end of the world.

 

[joeer77]

Have a 2012 Camry LE here. 68,000 miles and not a single problem. Have owned it since brand new. I do not experience the tranny shudder everyone speaks of. I would recommend without hesitation. I love the stock ride with the Michelin Energy Savers so I bought at new set at 40,000 miles.