Should I Buy The 2014 Toyota Camry?

LLcfc2016 on 25/05/2016 - 15:28

Hey OzB people!

Ok here is my situation…

Got a 2003 Ford Focus. Needs $2k worth of work, so I feel rather than spend $2k, put the $2k towards a newer car. Thought about the Vitara but too expensive.

I want something reliable, cheap to maintain and cheapish running costs. Not greatly bothered by looks/performance as I'm more after practicality.

There are plenty of 2014 Toyota Camry for $16,000-17,000 at many dealers. All reviews seem to point to good reliability, cheap maintenance etc

I'm a cash buyer, so no finance required. Max budget $16,000 but I don't like spending top rate and I don't like being ripped off.

Is it realistic to aim for $14,000-14,500 plus part exchange the focus? Also, should I look at alternatives or is the Camry a good bet?

Thanks guys, responses appreciated

Automotive

Comments

  • ESEMCE on 25/05/2016 - 15:35

    Nissan Altima's are dirt cheap…
    Should be equally as reliable.

  • npc on 25/05/2016 - 16:20

    Short answer is yes. To make it even cheaper - take a look at the auctions. There are lots of 2-3 YO camrys for sale all the time.

    • Lcfc2016 on 25/05/2016 - 16:26

      I probably would look at auctions if I didn't want to part-ex the focus, thanks

      • npc on 25/05/2016 - 16:35

        On any auction day you would be able to purchase 2014 Camry Altese for under $14.5k with 50-70k on the clock and keep Focus just for fun:)

        • tonyjzx on 25/05/2016 - 16:57
          +2

          I bet a person who's after a CAMRY and has a 10 yr old Focus isnt after fun, nor would they know what a fun car is if it ran them over.

          I appreciate people mentioning Nissan or maybe even the Korean equivalents but the Camry has the reputation and that means it will be easy to sell once you get bored of it, and you will.

          Hell I got bored of the company Camry after half a day.

      • datafellows on 25/05/2016 - 20:29

        Never attended to auctions, so like to ask if you can test drive a car before bidding on it?

        No one should ever buy a car without a test drive.

        I bought a RAV4 last year and had a go with several, the cheapest turned out to be in the best condition and the feel of the drive was very solid.

        Toyota vs Nissan, I loved my 2005 Maxima which I had for 8 years. I tried out my mate's Camry and it just didn't feel solid enough. When I look for the RAV4 (2006), I had a go with same age X-trail and I have to say Toyota ages much better as the Nissan's felt like they were falling apart.

        • shapers on 26/05/2016 - 01:32

          Can't test drive. You can get them to start it up and listen to it as they bring it into the auction hall, that's about it.

  • RobMel on 25/05/2016 - 19:11

    Yes

  • pao2x on 25/05/2016 - 20:29

    Bought a 3 year 2 month old camry for $12500 in an auction. I doubt the dealer would give you much trade in value. Deal separately, do not trade in and buy with the same deal. Get the best price then try to trade in.

    Disadvantages of auction. Usually no test drives and need to keep options open research and think on the fly.
    Nissan altimas is dirt cheap that is correct

  • PinzVidz on 25/05/2016 - 23:08
    +1

    Camry will be a good choice, regardless of whether it's a petrol or hybrid. 2014 is near the end of the pre-facelift of the 50 series (first introduced in late 2011, hybrid early 2012). Major facelift was mid-2015. Early Altises in the 50 series did not have a reverse camera, later ones do.

    IMO, pick of the bunch is a Hybrid h, good performance, excellent fuel economy, only let down by the boot losing a bit of space to the HV battery. But they might be just outside your budget if you're looking for low km.

    Otherwise, if you want a petrol, look at an Atara S. There's a few within your budget on Carsales, advantages over the Altise include a couple more kW of power (dual exhaust), Smart Entry/Start, nicer trim, 17" wheels, dual zone A/C, reverse camera standard, better looking front with fog lamps, and probably a couple of other things I can't think of.

  • Big Trev on 26/05/2016 - 08:00
    +1

    Can't fault the Camrys for reliability, I've had 2 long term. They are an appliance for getting from A to B - if you're after "passion" or "excitement", look elsewhere. But remember those other things cost…

  • BargainBenno on 26/05/2016 - 12:51

    I have had a Camry which I bought new in 1998. Amazing reliability. Only clicked up 120k km in the time we have had it. Always for the bus to work so no commuting being done. Just wifw going to shops with the kids and the school etc. Replacement parts dirt cheap. Cheap to service. Amazing engine. We have always garaged the car so paint in a1 condirion. Weakness in car has been as it's front wheel drive it is very heavy in the front and steering is leaking and needs replacing which is common on front wheel drives of this age. Also side mirrors stopped being electrically adjustable after about 5 years as the motors in the modules rust with the water being spayed in when washing. We have just bought a 2 year old commodore and it does not have the build quality nor the refinement of the Camry..

  • Lcfc2016 on 26/05/2016 - 14:59

    Thanks guys, pretty much set on the Camry then!

  • The tiger on 27/05/2016 - 23:26

    I had a Camry years ago. When new it was very good, fuel efficient too.However after more than 10 years beware of its thirst consumption of petrol.I got rid it off after some 14 years, and the resale value is $1,400.00. I am driving a Yaris now, almost 10 years, low fuel consumption i , save a lot on petrol. We went to Moama, NSW from Glen Waverley,, 3150, and we spent $45.00 for a return trip; service done once a year , not more than $200.00 for each service.

    • Ametric on 28/05/2016 - 17:47

      google maps says that from Glen Waverley to Moama around 250km. http://bit.ly/1UbnYRF
      How many kms was your return trip?

      Cause for this amount of money, my ford focus runs easily from Moorabbin, VIC - to Glenelg, SA, which is around 750 km (6L/100 km)…

  • The tiger on 27/05/2016 - 23:29

    I had a Camry years ago. When new it was very good, fuel efficient too? However after more than 10 years beware of its thirst consumption of petrol.I got rid it off after some 14 years, and the resale value was $ 1,400.00. I am driving a Yaris now, almost 10 years, low fuel consumption , save a lot on petrol. We went to Moama, NSW from Glen Waverley,, 3150, and we spent $45.00 only for a return trip; service done once a year , not more than $200.00 for each servic.

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