[crosel]

Hi there. I'm looking to buy a fourth gen camry and want to know what is the best model year as in less problems reported, more features, etc. Looking for real world mpg of both engine choices.

I know that these cars are reliable, but want to know how reliable they really are (after all its a 11-15 year old car). Can all stock, grandma-owned, with 100-130k miles be expected to last 4-5 years at 12k miles/year with minimum maint and repairs? Should I be suspicious of really low mile cars (as in, is it more desireable to have 60k miles vs 100k)?

And for last, which modifications can be made to make the car more comfortable or more fuel efficient? Thanks for your time. Hoping to be part of the camry clan soon!

 

[Tom 2000]

2000 or 2001. More standard features, better headlights.

I have a 2000 LE 4-cyl auto. Has been very reliable for 110K miles, just regular maintenance. Only things out of the ordinary that I replaced were gas cap gasket (in WA, gas caps are tested for evaporative emissions as part of the emissions test) VSV valve (also an emissions component - to clear a check engine light - not expensive), I get about 26-27 MPG mixed city/hwy driving.


For comfort, I tinted the windows. that's about it.

 

[gr91]

Yeah I agree 2000-2001 since they look a lot cleaner for some reason,
Most of them just need regular maintanance.
I'd get the 4 and to improe gas mileage, just hyper mile it!
Other than that you should be expecting 20-27 depending on driving habbits.

Sent from my SGH-T839

 

[Jonate]

2000 or 2001. More standard features, better headlights.
Only things out of the ordinary that I replaced were gas cap gasket (in WA, gas caps are tested for evaporative emissions as part of the emissions test)

Amen on the gas cap, I think that was a problem on our cars... No biigie though. I got an 01 v6 camry with 125k miles and goin! I got it 2 and a half years ago with 72k miles

 

[SnakThtSmilzBak]

Just bought a 2000 LE 5 spd V6, its pretty nice. Don't see any serious issues right now. Had a check engine light when I bought it.. But I've changed the oil since and it hasn't come up. Im on pace right now, mix of highway//city driving to get about 24 mpg. Not too bad.

 

[aliirmak]

there is a reason for why camry 2001 is called gen4.5

i think that is partially due to it can handle sludge problem little bit better compared to the others.

 

[Mike Gerber]

I have to agree that the 2000's and 2001's were the best generation 4 models. By 2000 even the 4 cylinder models came with 15 inch tires (only the V6 models on the 97's - 99's got the 15 inch tires.) and the problems with the upper strut mounts on the 97's - 99's have been corrected. I also like the looks of the later generation grills better than the earlier models. Before you buy any generation 4 Camry have the engine checked thoroughly for sludge.

Mike

 

[crosel]

Thanks for the replies. So '00-'01 are the years to look for. I heard about the sludge problems, but other than opening the oil fill cap and looking at the top of the cylinder head, how can I know if the engine has a sludge problem? Does it smoke, make a specific sound, etc? And is it worth it to get a car that has sludge issues(and repair the engine) if it is really cheap and everything else is in good condition?

 

[OldElPaseo]

My wife has a 94, 4 cyl. it's been a nighmare... not common with toyotas ?? maybe i was unlucky, but just thought id mention it. a damn nightmare.

 

[kobej05]

i have a 93 LE 4cyl and this thing runs like a champ at 203k. i use it for a paper route too.

 

[BMR]

I heard about the sludge problems, but other than opening the oil fill cap and looking at the top of the cylinder head, how can I know if the engine has a sludge problem? Does it smoke, make a specific sound, etc? And is it worth it to get a car that has sludge issues(and repair the engine) if it is really cheap and everything else is in good condition?

Removing the oil fill cap and taking a look probably won't reveal anything. There's a baffle there, so you can't see the top of the cylinder head. As for symptoms, usually if there are any, it's too late. The best way is to remove the valve cover (front cover on a V6) and having a look. Buying one that is sludged is a gamble. Short of taking it entirely apart and cleaning it, there's no sure-fire way of de-sludging it. Some have tried and it worked, and some weren't so lucky.

 

[Zembonez]

Any 10 plus year old car can have unexpected issues... no matter what make. I'd say you have a better chance with the Camry of buying a relatively trouble free example than you do with many other makes.

It may be a decade old used vehicle but they are known for lasting and being somewhat inexpensive to keep alive.

 

[OldElPaseo]

exactly. any old car will have problems. some more than others. some are totally useless to rebuild. like don't rebuild a 15 year old ford tempo... not worth it. a camry is a great car but expect high prices for parts. also camry have a lot more parts than other ''simpler'' cars such as corolla. just look at the rear suspension and you will get my point.
but i would really suggest to get a distributorless 5sfe if you buy the ''old'' model. less problems and better real world mileage.
the camry has really strong points, such as great quiet and smooth ride. since you want good mileage, dont buy the v6 it sucks more gas than i suck beer (but a much better engine, too bad for the mileage).
also, if you want good mileage, dont forget every add-on adds weight so gas consumption. such as a/c ( even when off ). power windows, seats... that weight really adds up. and most of all, auto tranny sucks gas, especially in old cars, expect as much as 20% loss in auto tranny.

 

[SirThomas88]

I have a 2000 Camry v6 and I've abused the crap out of it and the only thing that has failed since 2006 when I bought the car are the struts, and the IAC (idle air control). Over 200k miles, with a TRD supercharger. And the IAC might have failed due to some of the performance mods I've done anyways.

Get the v6!!

Or if you want to upgrade, go with the Lexus ES300 or Toyota Solara of the same years. Same cars as the Camry, but with a nicer interior. In the case of the Solara, it is a coupe. All the important running parts are the same between these three models, and so will share the same reliability.

 

[OldElPaseo]

but he wants fuel economy. so i would stick with the boring 4 cyl. if solara or lexus has the 4 cyl then would be a good choice too.
the v6 is a better engine, i admit, but forget fuel economy with 200hp and 2 extra cylinders.

 

[hugho]

Our camry is the 2.2, auto 155K. No repairs beyond pads and stuts for 5 years or so. Mpg is 34-38 hwy at 55-60 dropping to 30-32 at 70-75 mph. Town is mid 20's. The 6 has poor economy for only 60 more hp and way more expensive for eg a timing belt. Lots of service rm for maintenance on the 4. Make sure its had oil changes esp with synthetic. Rear suspension makes noise even with new struts. Tough living on a bumpy gravel road! There's a reason these cars sell for way too much money used. Parts availability is great new and used. Best used car for the money regardless matched only by Hondas but with hondas when the belt goes the engines go. At least most Toyotas are non interference engines.

 

[McToyshaft]

95 le 4cyl. always drove it like I stole it, always got 29 to 32 mpg, replaced rear struts and a thermostat once. finally had the motor blow up a few weeks ago at 250k. Plan on getting another one.