Verdict logo
Buyer's Guide · Toyota Camry · Midsize sedan

Used Toyota Camry Buyer's Guide

3 min read

Also worth reading: Best Toyota Camry Years, Toyota Camry Years to Avoid and Toyota Reliability Guide.

The Camry is the default answer to 'what reliable used sedan should I buy?' A properly maintained XV50 or XV70 Camry regularly crosses 300,000 miles with no major mechanical work.

Analyze a Camry Listing →
Quick Verdict
Best years
2012–2017 (XV50) and 2019+ (XV70 post-refresh)
Years to inspect carefully
2007–2011 four-cylinder (2AZ-FE oil consumption)
Typical lifespan
250,000–300,000 miles with routine maintenance
Annual maintenance
$350–$500 at an independent shop
Pre-purchase inspection
$150–$250 — mandatory on any 2007–2011 four-cylinder
Alternatives to compare
Honda Accord, Mazda6, Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Bottom line: A 2015–2017 Camry LE or SE with records is the safest used midsize sedan under $17,000; a 2020+ Hybrid LE is the pick if fuel economy is priority one.

Shopping a specific Camry?

Don't stop at researching the model — get a verdict on the exact car you're looking at.

Analyze this car →
Overall · All generations
★★★★★4.7/5
The Camry's reputation is earned. The 2AR-FE 2.5L I4 and 2GR-FE 3.5L V6 are among the most durable modern powertrains. Almost every reliability concern comes down to previous care and rental-fleet history, not the platform.
Reliability· All generations
★★★★★4.8/5
Maintenance
★★★★★4.7/5
Parts availability
★★★★★5.0/5
Ownership cost
★★★★★4.7/5
Top Picks

Best Years to Buy

Generations with the strongest long-term reputation.

2012–2017 (XV50)

The 2AR-FE 2.5L or 2GR-FE V6 with a proven 6-speed automatic. Simple, cheap to service, near-bulletproof.

2018–2024 (XV70)

The new A25A-FKS 2.5L had early oil-consumption complaints, but 2019+ production quickly addressed them. Excellent modern package.

Side by side

Which Camry generation is right for you?

GenerationEngineBest forWatch for
XV40 (2007–2011)2.4L 2AZ-FE / 3.5L V6Budget buyers with a documented carOil consumption on the four-cylinder (piston-ring TSB)
XV50 (2012–2017)2.5L 2AR-FE / 3.5L V6Maximum reliability, lowest total costVery little — the safest window
XV70 (2018–2024)2.5L A25A-FKS / hybrid / V6Modern safety tech, better rideFirst-year 2018 oil-consumption reports (rare)
Hybrid (2020+)2.5L + eCVTCommuters, highest MPGBattery-health scan at 100k+
Generation guide

Toyota Camry Generations

Jump straight to the generation you're shopping.

  1. Generation 1

    XV40 · 2007–2011

    All-new platform with a stiffer body, revised suspension, and available 3.5L V6.

    2007–2011 Camry guide
  2. Generation 2

    XV50 · 2012–2017

    Ground-up redesign with a larger, quieter cabin, better crash structure, and new 2.5L I4.

    2012–2017 Camry guide
  3. Generation 3

    XV70 · 2018–2024

    New TNGA-K platform, direct-injected 2.5L, 8-speed automatic, standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0.

    2018–2024 Camry guide
  4. Generation 4

    XV80 · 2025–2026

    Hybrid-only lineup, revised interior, new infotainment; drops the V6. Known problems: Too new for a broad picture — track TSBs and forums during your first years of ownership.

    What to check: Run the VIN for open recalls, confirm the hybrid system shows no warning lights on a cold start, and ask for the remaining factory warranty coverage in writing.

    2025–present Camry overview
Do your homework

Years to Research Carefully

Not deal-breakers — but they reward a careful buyer.

2007–2011 (XV40, 2AZ-FE)

The 2.4L 2AZ-FE had documented piston-ring oil consumption. Toyota extended coverage on many; verify oil consumption on any candidate car.

2018 (first-year XV70)

Some early A25A-FKS engines had reports of oil consumption. Later 2019+ builds are substantially better.

Known issues

Common Problems

Bring this list to your pre-purchase inspection.

  • ✓
    Oil consumption on 2AZ-FE (2007–2011)
    Verify with a compression/consumption check.
  • ✓
    Water pump around 100k on V6
    Cheap to replace but easy to overlook.
  • ✓
    Rear brake caliper wear on high-mileage examples
  • ✓
    AC condenser leaks on 2012–2014 examples
  • ✓
    Dashboard cracking on some 2007–2011 examples (Toyota programs ZE6 / ZJA)
Ownership

Maintenance Expectations

Toyota Camry service is as inexpensive as luxury-car ownership gets — every independent shop knows the platform, parts are cheap and plentiful, and intervals are honest.

Aside from occasional water-pump service on V6s and normal wear items, most Camry owners spend money only on fluids, brakes, and tires for years at a time.

Before you buy

Inspection Checklist

What to verify on any candidate car.

Engine
Warm-up idle; check for oil-consumption evidence (top of oil cap, exhaust smoke).
Transmission
6AT should shift smoothly under light and heavy throttle.
Suspension
Struts and control-arm bushings on 150k+ examples.
Cooling system
Radiator seams, hoses, water pump weep hole on V6s.
Rust
Rear subframe and rocker panels on Northeast cars.
Service records
Rental/fleet history is a red flag if maintenance isn't documented.
Take this to your inspection

Pre-Purchase Buying Checklist

  • ✓On any 2007–2011 four-cylinder, do an oil-consumption test (check level, drive 1,000 miles, recheck).
  • ✓Ask if the 2AZ-FE piston-ring TSB was performed while under Toyota goodwill coverage.
  • ✓Cold-start and watch for blue smoke — points to worn valve seals or rings.
  • ✓2007+ V6 (2GR-FE) uses a timing chain — no belt service; on a pre-2007 V6 (1MZ-FE/3MZ-FE), verify timing-belt service at 90,000–105,000 miles ($700–$1,000).
  • ✓Test the 8-speed automatic (2018+) with a stop-and-go loop for harsh 1-2 shifts.
  • ✓Scan hybrid battery module voltages on any Hybrid past 80,000 miles.
  • ✓Verify Takata airbag recall completion via the VIN.
  • ✓Inspect underbody, subframe, and brake lines for rust on Northern-state cars.
  • ✓Check AC condenser condition on 2007–2013 cars (common leak point).
  • ✓Get a $150–$250 independent pre-purchase inspection every time.
Living with it

Ownership Experience

  • • The Camry is quiet, comfortable, and completely undemanding. Fuel economy is competitive with any midsize sedan.
  • • The V6 is genuinely quick and one of the smoothest 4-cylinder-alternative powertrains under $30k used.
  • • Insurance, tires, and parts are all cheap. Resale value stays high — the Camry is one of the safest financial choices in the segment.
The Verdict

Should You Buy a Used Toyota Camry?

Yes. A well-maintained Camry from 2012 or newer is one of the safest used-car buys on the market. Focus on service records, oil-consumption evidence on affected years, and previous ownership history.

People Also Ask

Is the Toyota Camry a good used car?

Verdict rates it 4.7/5 overall, with reliability at 4.8/5 and running costs at 4.7/5. Shop 2012–2017 (XV50) first and treat 2007–2011 (XV40, 2AZ-FE) as a records-only purchase.

What are the most common Toyota Camry problems?

Buyers most often run into oil consumption on 2AZ-FE (2007–2011), water pump around 100k on V6 and rear brake caliper wear on high-mileage examples. All are checkable before purchase — bring the list to a pre-purchase inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a used Toyota Camry reliable?
Yes. The 2012–2017 XV50 Camry is arguably the most reliable used midsize sedan on the market. The 2.5L 2AR-FE four-cylinder and 3.5L V6 both routinely reach 250,000+ miles with basic service.
What is the best year to buy a used Toyota Camry?
The 2015–2017 XV50 hits the sweet spot — post-refresh interior and safety tech, refined 6-speed automatic, and prices have finally softened. Expect $13,000–$18,000 for a clean LE or SE.
Which Toyota Camry years should I avoid?
The 2007–2011 four-cylinder with the 2AZ-FE engine deserves the most scrutiny — piston-ring wear causes heavy oil consumption on unlucky examples. Inspect carefully and pay accordingly rather than skipping outright.
How many miles will a Toyota Camry last?
A well-maintained XV50 or newer Camry will comfortably clear 250,000 miles. The 2AR-FE, 2GR-FE V6, and current 2.5L A25A-FKS regularly see 300,000+ with basic service.
Is the Toyota Camry expensive to maintain?
No. Expect $350–$500 per year at an independent shop for routine maintenance. Toyota parts are inexpensive, and both the four-cylinder and the 2007+ 3.5L V6 (2GR-FE) use timing chains, so there is no scheduled timing-belt replacement.
Is the Camry or the Accord more reliable?
They are the two most reliable midsize sedans on the market and separating them is close. Toyota edges Honda on drivetrain longevity and hybrid options; the Accord drives noticeably better and has firmer trim options like the 2.0T Sport.
Is 150,000 miles too much for a Camry?
No. A 150,000-mile Camry with documented service history is usually a better buy than an 80,000-mile example with no records. The core mechanicals routinely run well past 250,000 miles.
What is the oil-consumption problem on the Camry?
The 2007–2011 four-cylinder (2AZ-FE) engine has a piston-ring design that causes some cars to burn 1 quart of oil every 1,000–1,500 miles. Toyota extended warranty coverage for a piston-ring replacement TSB that has now largely expired.
How much does a used Toyota Camry cost?
Expect $13,000–$18,000 for a clean 2015–2017 XV50, $18,000–$25,000 for a 2019–2021 XV70 LE/SE, and $22,000–$28,000 for a 2020+ Hybrid LE. Prices vary $1,500–$3,000 by region.

How the Camry compares

Side-by-side buying comparisons against the models people cross-shop most.

You may also want to research

Found one for sale?

Don't stop at researching the model.

Analyze the actual car you're considering with Verdict.

Analyze this car →

Related Toyota Camry Guides