Convince Me Not to Get a Camry

Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 12/03/2020 - 15:03
Last edited 13/03/2020 - 08:58

Hey OzB, I've been tasked with buying a car for a family member. They've given me a 13-15k budget and want the best car for the money obviously.

Key requirements:
Sedan or Wagon
Auto

Wants but not deal breakers:
Reverse camera
Newer than 2014
Less than 130k

I've instantly been looking at Camrys. My last 2 commuters were late model Corollas and I love the Toyota reliability.

Is there anything else I should be seriously considering in this price range? ie. a far newer Hyundai i30/i40? New/near new Trax?

Update: Seems to be a decision between Elantra and Camry now.

Poll Options expired

  • 160
    2018 Hyundai Elantra with 40km
  • 94
    2015 Camry with 100km
Automotive Car Toyota

Comments

  • crentist on 12/03/2020 - 17:36

    Consider a Rukus for something different?
    It's got a Camry engine and everything

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 12/03/2020 - 20:21
    +1

    Update:

    Ok, His_Holiness looks to be the front runner for winning this thread. Have shown my rellie a couple of car ads and they love look and specs of Elantras. They find having a 2017-2018 model with factory warranty remaining very appealing. Far less kms that equivalent Camrys or Corollas in that price range.

    ~2015 Camry with ~100km

    or

    ~2017 Elantra with ~40km

    I might need to start a poll.

    • HighAndDry on 13/03/2020 - 10:08

      Between those options, the very much within warranty and low KMs Elantra would be my choice over the out of warranty and higher KMs (even if potentially more reliable) Camry.

      That's with not knowing anything else about the specific cars you're looking at though, so might be worth checking out the better examples of both models and go from there.

    • resisting the urge on 15/03/2020 - 14:56

      OK I will blow H_H out of the water with this suggestion, which noone else has mentioned yet;

      Why not buy SUV instead?

      You could easily miss out if you get an everyday, boring as horseshoe batshit Camry, even if you buy the latest nCoV e-green version!

      Please consider latest SUV models. They

      • won't transport more people, luggage or anything else
      • won't corner properly at speed
      • won't tow properly
      • can roll easily and perform poorly in everyday crash situations
      • has poor wind resistance
      • will use more fuel and wear tyres more
      • look more like bricks and hippos than a piece of design, or a product with artistic value

      And, it will be high off the ground without being able to go off-road or even jump a gutter.

    • OpayuOnam on 17/03/2020 - 06:14

      Just keep in mind Elantra is mine Corolla size than Camry size. So it's not Apple to Apple comparison.
      The i45 or whatever the new one is called is the Camry equivalent.
      So make sure you test drive both.

  • SlavOz on 12/03/2020 - 21:09
    +4

    OP with your criteria a 2016 Honda Accord Euro wins by far. Not even a contest. It's just as reliable and economic as a Camry with way more luxury features attached - heated leather seats, sensors, folding mirrors, seat memory, premium sound system, … and it's extremely comfortable and smooth to drive.

    In dark colours they look pretty classy too. I've owned 2 in my life, never had a single problem. I'm the fourth owner of my current one - with over 210,000kms it still has the original clutch.

    • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 13/03/2020 - 09:00

      Haha, my brother owns one of these. Not sure what year. They do not suit tall people! I'm 6"4 and my head just touches the roof.

    • hur91 on 13/03/2020 - 16:02
      +1

      Do you mean a normal Honda Accord? I think they discontinued the Euro in 2015.

      But yeah, I've got a normal 2010 Accord and love it. Can't bring myself to swap it out for a car that will be more expensive and/or inferior.

      • SlavOz on 13/03/2020 - 21:41
        +1

        The Euro line was discontinued in 2015 or 2016. Still, a 5 year old Euro is hardly even run in. Well worth buying.

  • Bob Svargis on 13/03/2020 - 07:47
    +5

    The Camry has no soul. But hey, we’re on OzB here where soul is of secondary importance to value for money.

    Just my opinion, and no doubt I’ve just offended the 55 gazillion Camry drivers out there. Sorry.

    • Rockets84 on 13/03/2020 - 10:57
      +5

      Not just your opinion. Older Camry's are the beige cardigan of car world. Practical but completely boring. I'd rather drive my wife's new Kia Carnival than my mother in law's last model Camry. Surprisingly the latest model isn't that boring looking design wise, still wouldn't buy one though.

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 13/03/2020 - 08:59

    Poll started. Let me know your views. I've narrowed it down to 2-3 of each model near me that meet the price criteria.

  • OzHunterNSW on 13/03/2020 - 10:24

    Because it is a…. Camry

    • Hangryuman on 14/03/2020 - 10:22

      oh, what - a feeling … ?

  • [Deactivated] on 13/03/2020 - 10:36

    Toyota Aurion. Smooth as silk 200kw V6. 0-100km/h in 7.4 seconds. According to Toyota, top speed 228 km/hr.
    My average city fuel consumption 11.5 litres/100km.
    They chew front tyres if you don't have regular wheel alignments. Also, some issues with disc rotors. Otherwise, very reliable.

  • The tiger on 13/03/2020 - 11:03

    Don’t get a Camry over 10 years. I had one 11 years old,drank petrol like water.Still in perfect condition,but the consumption of oil was beyond me. Finally I sold it to a second hand car dealer who gave me $1,750.00. Again the car was perfect in everything.

    • ProlapsedHeinous on 13/03/2020 - 19:57

      I love vehicles with rolling oil changes! the future is now

  • happirt on 13/03/2020 - 13:44

    who is it for, m/f, age, profession?
    what is the car used for?

  • Jugganautx on 13/03/2020 - 13:51
    +1

    Get an aurion instead… Same/better fuel economy with more power :D

  • Diggins on 13/03/2020 - 13:59

    sure youll be fine with either car
    my advice would say go the hyundai

  • IMadeYouReadThis on 13/03/2020 - 14:15

    If you don't care about the power then you won't regret! BUY IT!!

    Edit: I have one and I love it.. its 8 year old, still going strong.

  • payless69 on 13/03/2020 - 14:55

    went from a Camry to a Sportage, felt like push bike to a Concorde.

    • [Deactivated] on 13/03/2020 - 17:25

      A Concorde? Surely not with the base model, old tech Sportage petrol engine?

      • payless69 on 14/03/2020 - 08:52

        Correct, a diesel, 400 Nm all the way. Not knocking the Camry, one can turn the key and drive them just like a Toyoda sewing machine probably takes the longest tread till death. Some mention an Aurion, again dependable beast but Stinger drivers see more of them in their rear view mirror.

    • Hangryuman on 14/03/2020 - 10:23

      the Concorde is remembered mostly for the crash and burn

      • payless69 on 14/03/2020 - 11:00

        It took a dodgy DC-10 mechanic to ignite one

  • McBanny on 13/03/2020 - 15:26
    +1

    Have a look at hybrid models as well!

    • drezy on 15/03/2020 - 12:48

      Plus 1 for this. I have a Camry Hybrid and it's the best, 1000km range per tank

  • mousie on 13/03/2020 - 15:45

    Depends. is this for Uber?

  • rarrrgh on 13/03/2020 - 15:47
    +2

    inherited a hybrid camry recently. have been pleasantly surprised. particularly with fuel economy. more $ for eneloops.

    • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 13/03/2020 - 15:51

      Would definitely consider a hybrid but a lot more $$$

      • factor on 13/03/2020 - 16:24

        The hybrid can really pay for itself if you were aiming more the 2012 age. While both the hybrid and petrol have depreciated - and the gap decreased - the hybrid continues to have the benefit of an annual fuel saving. The payback period can be ~2 years at that age — depending on how far it is driven obviously.

    • JIMB0 on 14/03/2020 - 17:43

      I heard the hybrid battery is full of eneloops.

  • imnotgoingtopayrrp on 13/03/2020 - 16:20
    -1

    I've got a special place in my heart for the Mazda 6 Atenza wagons. They are a pretty penny though.

  • Alex10 on 13/03/2020 - 16:36

    I need a car that fits 3 baby seats in one row (booster for 5 year old, 3 year old and newborn). Are there any good options that are not SUV's that still have some room? Any recommendations or suggestions?

    • imnotgoingtopayrrp on 13/03/2020 - 16:59
      +2

      If you want cheap, look out for a ZB commodore wagon. Should be some sales around soon. The resale in a few years might be a disaster though.

      • Alex10 on 18/03/2020 - 10:50

        Thanks

    • spackbace on 13/03/2020 - 17:44
      +1

      Commodore/Falcon

      • Alex10 on 18/03/2020 - 10:50

        Thanks

  • 91rs on 13/03/2020 - 17:06

    Debit card with $13-14k on it linked to Uber app on their phone over buying a Camry, they are the worst of people, most dangerous and oblivious of drivers.
    They need to start quarantining Camry drivers from when they go in to a dealership (new or used, i mean OZB'ers aren't splashing out on NEW Camrys, lets not be silly here) and you express serious interest (on one of the dozen trips they'd make to ask about the most mundane appliance car ever) in one they should have you taken aside, your license taken and then issued with a PT card of some description for trains and busses.

    Or buy the Hyundai.

  • AustriaBargain on 13/03/2020 - 17:11
    -3

    Your family will probably die in a wreck if you buy a Camry.

  • Unrvl on 13/03/2020 - 17:41
    +1

    the Elantra and in general Hyundai/Kia's these days are just as reliable as a Camry. The Camry is a fine choice, but its boring and plain as shit, the elantra has style and more bells and whistles, also newer year and less kms. no brainer

    • IMadeYouReadThis on 13/03/2020 - 18:25

      Elantra is so small though compared to Camry, no?

  • Zeusy on 13/03/2020 - 18:38

    Aurion, you will not regret it. I had a Aurion presara for years, great car.

  • bodymovin on 13/03/2020 - 18:48

    Why waste money with a car the virus will finish you off soon enough anyway

    • Harold Halfprice on 14/03/2020 - 10:30
      +1

      Yes, agreed. Much better to die with a pile of cash, rather than spending it.

  • CandyMan on 13/03/2020 - 19:31
    +3

    Convince Me Not to Get a Camry

    Get a Camry

  • kaleidoscope on 13/03/2020 - 19:45

    for starters what kind of name is camry

    • payless69 on 14/03/2020 - 08:56

      is it Welsh?

  • Kamsi on 13/03/2020 - 19:52
    +1

    Anything but Camry….

  • Cain0z on 13/03/2020 - 22:35
    +1

    Just throwing something else in there
    How about a skoda?

    https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2016-skoda-octavia-…

    I got two and find them really nice to drive. my 2012 has ~470,000 on it.

    But not a camry so boring.

  • Harold Halfprice on 14/03/2020 - 10:32

    Mazda 6 GJ+?

    Drives much better than a Camry, or arguably any Jap/Asian family sedan. Very good fuel economy and better quality interior .

    They're like the equivalent of a new Accord Euro

  • CocaKoala on 14/03/2020 - 10:34

    Hyundai's don't age as well as a Toyota, but this is purely comparative. If it was my money, I'd get an Aurion. Far smoother, more powerful, and more comfortable especially for long drives.

  • Mitch889 on 14/03/2020 - 11:14

    Take a look at a Kia Cerato, you’ll easily get one for $15k that has at least 4 years factory warranty on it. Solid, reliable, safe cars.

    My sister bought one in late 2016 (base auto sedan) brand new for $18k driveaway, she’s been very happy with it. They come with 7 years warranty which is a big appeal for an affordable car.

  • Indi24 on 14/03/2020 - 12:24

    Btw, where do you get 2018 Elantra with 40K in 15K budget?

  • boostpak on 14/03/2020 - 12:32

    Ugliest car

  • striker5950 on 15/03/2020 - 12:45
    +1

    GET A CAMRY

  • Embaloo on 15/03/2020 - 17:15

    Lol did anyone else skim-read and see

    Should I get a Camry

    Budget

    Less than 130k

    Hehe

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 15/03/2020 - 17:51

    Thanks all.

    Test drove a couple. I think Camry is going to win. Cheers.

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