Which year to choose?
 

When I get my license in a year and a half, what year Camry should I be looking at? I like the Body Style of the 2001's but the 2002 and up sound too expensive right now for a first car... Wouldnt the price go down though, or is that too short of a time? I think I would pay around 8K for a good one... I wouldnt want one that is too old, maybe 1998 earliest. But I want a I4 in it. Maybe a stick shift? Im learning that Toyota's really hold their value though...

Thanks,

Nick

RE: Which year to choose?
 

if you can afford 8k, i think that youll be able to get a pretty nice used camry...

RE: Which year to choose?
 

i have a 93 camry with 186k miles on it and i've had no problems with it in the two years i've owned it. simple maintenance like oil changes and washing it make it feel like its not any different from a brand new one. (except for the woman who backed into my door last week) my brother just sold his 93 celica with 204k miles.. so yes to your comment on holding value, toyotas hold their value and will last forever!

RE: Which year to choose?
 

the joy of toyotas is that they are just great cars and so reliable i got a 93 with over 200,000 kms on it and it still runs good like lauran said just basic maintenance

RE: Which year to choose?
 

I'm partial to the G5 body style ('02-'06) since I just inherited a '02 SE from my Dad, but I found out that these cars are plentiful and are priced reasonable for a car with 20k- 100k mi. (about $11k - $22K). I'd consider spending a little more and looking for an '02-'03 model, since a newer Camry has zero to little maintance (other than gas and oil changes) and has more features and improvements.

My '02 SE also has the I4, and while it's no Twin turbo Supra, it's got more than enough power to run in LA traffic. And the 28-32 mpg is very nice, considering it's a mid size car.

Geno

RE: Which year to choose?
 

I have both the Gen4 and Gen 5- the gen4 i4 is a really really really reliable car but the 5S-FE power plant isn't too much to be scared ov or backed up by aftermarket goodies. As compared to the 2AZ i4- that my friend comes w/a VVT-i and a sh!t load ov aftermarket goodies with little or no modifications at all because the scion tc also uses the same 4banger. in a year - an 02 Camry should be just around 8 or 9 from a dealer, or maybe cheaper if u can shell out cash to a private party. But i would definetly try to get a V-6 either way. I'm not too sure if the 1MZ on a gen4 camry come w/a VVT-i- I've seen a few crate 1MZ w/VVT-i but not in a running camry. ( oh ya, if anyone knows anything about that.. fill me in!) oh! and if you're looking for an 02- maybe you'll come across one that was MADE IN JAPAN.. that'd be "UBER PONED" - crazy JDM highlights. LOLz.

RE: Which year to choose?
 

i have an 01 camry LE, bought it used b/c this is the 2nd car that ive owned, and i was looking for a good commuter car to get to and from school, work, etc. i have to say just keeping up with the regular maintenance of the car and it should last forever.... literally.