My GarageWhich Toyota Camry generation is best?
The generation covering 2012–2017 (XV50) is the safest buy; the generation table above shows how each one differs on engines, transmissions and known faults.
Best Years · Toyota Camry
Best Toyota Camry Years to Buy
4 min read
Also worth reading: Toyota Camry Years to Avoid, Toyota Camry Buying Guide and Toyota Reliability Guide.
Not every Camry is created equal. Some generations sail past 300,000 miles on fluids and brakes; others were built with a specific 2.4L engine that developed a well-documented oil-consumption problem. Here's exactly which years to target and which to skip.
Quick Verdict
- Best years
- 2012–2017 (XV50) and 2019+ (XV70 post-refresh)
- Years to avoid
- 2007–2011 four-cylinder without oil-consumption test
- Typical lifespan
- 250,000–300,000 miles
- Best used pick under $17k
- 2015–2017 XV50 LE or SE with records
- Best modern pick
- 2020+ XV70 (Hybrid if efficiency matters most)
- Biggest thing to inspect
- Oil consumption on any 2AZ-FE four-cylinder
Bottom line: A 2015–2017 XV50 Camry is the safest used midsize sedan under $17,000; a 2020+ XV70 Hybrid 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.
Side by side
Camry generation quick compare
| Generation | Engine / trans | Best for | Watch for |
|---|---|---|---|
| XV40 (2007–2011) | 2.4L 2AZ-FE or 3.5L V6 / 5-speed or 6-speed auto | Budget buyers with documented cars | 2AZ-FE oil consumption; V6 is the safer pick |
| XV50 (2012–2017) | 2.5L 2AR-FE or 3.5L V6 / 6-speed auto | Maximum reliability at lowest total cost | Very little — the safest window |
| XV70 (2018–2024) | 2.5L A25A-FKS / 8-speed auto | Modern tech, better ride | First-year 2018 oil-consumption reports (rare) |
| Hybrid (2020+) | 2.5L + eCVT | Highest MPG, best long-term drivetrain | Hybrid battery scan at 100k+ |
At a glance
Quick Recommendations
✅ Best Years
- 2012–2017 (XV50)
- 2019–2024 (XV70, post-refresh)
- 2015–2017 Hybrid
⚠ Worth Researching
- 2018 XV70
❌ Years to Avoid
- 2007–2009 (XV40 with 2AZ-FE)
- 2010–2011 (late XV40, 2AZ-FE)
Full detail on the weakest years — the specific failures, typical repair costs, and what to shop instead — is in the Toyota Camry years to avoid guide.
Top Picks
Best Years — In Depth
What makes these generations stand out.
2012–2017 (XV50)
The sweet spot. Choose the 2AR-FE 2.5L four or the 2GR-FE 3.5L V6 — both mated to a proven 6-speed automatic. No CVT, no turbo, no direct-injection carbon problems. Parts are everywhere and every independent shop knows them.
2019–2024 (XV70, post-refresh)
The A25A-FKS 2.5L had a rocky first year but 2019 production onward is genuinely excellent. TNGA-K chassis drives noticeably better than the XV50, and the 8-speed automatic has held up well.
2015–2017 Hybrid
The 2AR-FXE hybrid drivetrain is arguably the most durable powertrain Toyota ever built. Batteries commonly go 250k+ before losing meaningful capacity.
The Why
Why These Years Are Better
The 2012 XV50 redesign replaced the problem-prone 2AZ-FE with the 2AR-FE, which does not share the piston-ring defect. That single engine change is why the reliability curve jumps sharply at 2012.
The 6-speed automatic (U760E) introduced with the XV50 is one of the most trouble-free transmissions in the industry. No torque converter shudder, no valve-body issues at typical mileages.
V6 Camrys use the 2GR-FE, shared with the Highlander, Sienna, and RX 350. It's a timing-chain engine with an outstanding service record — the only common expense is a water pump around 100k.
By 2019, Toyota had refined production of the A25A-FKS 2.5L and the 8-speed automatic. Long-term data from fleets and Uber drivers is very strong.
Know the risks
Common Problems by Generation
Bring this to any pre-purchase inspection.
XV40 (2007–2011)
- • 2AZ-FE oil consumption from failing piston rings
- • Dash cracking on sun-exposed cars
- • Melting dashboard on some Southwest examples
XV50 (2012–2017)
- • AC condenser leaks on early builds
- • Water pump on V6 around 100k
- • Rear brake calipers on high-mileage cars
XV70 (2018–2024)
- • Early 2018 oil consumption on 2.5L
- • Infotainment lag on 2018–2019 units
- • Occasional fuel-pump recall (shared with other Toyotas)
Buying advice
What to Look For
Acceptable mileage
Camrys with full service history are safe buys well past 150,000 miles. Under 200k with records and no rust is a normal purchase, not a red flag. Fleet or rental history is the more important filter — a one-owner 180k Camry usually beats a three-owner 90k one.
Maintenance records
You want to see regular oil changes (5,000–7,500 mi), one transmission drain-and-fill around 60k–100k, and — on V6s — a water pump before 120k. Timing chains do not need service. If the seller can't show any records, budget for a full fluid service after purchase.
Pre-buy inspection
- • Cold-start the engine yourself and watch for exhaust smoke.
- • Check oil level and condition before the seller warms the car up.
- • Pull the oil cap and look for milkshake residue (head gasket) or heavy varnish.
- • Test the 6AT/8AT with full-throttle upshifts and coast-down downshifts.
- • Inspect rear subframe, rocker panels, and rear brake lines for rust on Rust Belt cars.
- • Verify the airbag and takata inflator recalls have been completed via VIN lookup.
The Verdict
Should You Buy a Used Toyota Camry?
The 2012–2017 XV50 Camry is one of the safest used-car purchases on the market at any price point. A 2019+ XV70 is nearly as safe and drives noticeably better. Avoid the 2007–2011 four-cylinder unless the price reflects the risk.
Best for: Commuters, first-time buyers, families who want an appliance that starts every morning for a decade, and anyone tired of car payments.
People Also Ask
What mileage is acceptable on a used Camry?
There is no single cut-off. A higher-mileage Camry from 2012–2017 (XV50) with complete service history beats a low-mileage car with none — judge paperwork and condition first, odometer second.
What problems affect the XV40 (2007–2011)?
On the XV40 (2007–2011), watch for 2AZ-FE oil consumption from failing piston rings, dash cracking on sun-exposed cars and melting dashboard on some Southwest examples. All of these are detectable on a proper pre-purchase inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best years for a Toyota Camry?
The 2012–2017 XV50 with the 2.5L 2AR-FE or 3.5L V6 and 6-speed automatic is the peak used-value window. The 2019+ XV70 (post-refresh) is the modern pick with 8-speed automatic and current safety tech.
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 with an oil-consumption test rather than skipping outright; a documented clean example is still a very good car.
Is the 2015 Toyota Camry a good used buy?
Yes — it is arguably the single best used-value year in the Camry lineup. Post-refresh interior and safety tech, the proven 2AR-FE 2.5L, and prices have finally softened. Expect $13,000–$17,000 for a clean LE or SE.
How many miles is too many for a used Camry?
There is no true ceiling on an XV50 with records — 200,000+ mile cars with documented service are routinely better buys than lower-mileage cars without paperwork. The 2AR-FE and 2GR-FE V6 regularly clear 300,000 miles.
Is the XV70 more reliable than the XV50?
Both are excellent. The XV50 has the slightly cleaner long-term record because it is older and better understood; the XV70 has better safety tech, a firmer chassis, and a stronger hybrid option. Neither has a chronic failure mode.
Should I buy a 4-cylinder or V6 Camry?
For most buyers, the 2.5L four-cylinder is the smarter pick — cheaper to fuel, cheaper to service, and reliability is essentially identical. The V6 (2GR-FE in XV40/XV50) is a bulletproof engine but adds only meaningful performance, not longevity.
What is the oil-consumption problem on the 2AZ-FE?
The 2.4L 2AZ-FE engine in 2007–2011 Camrys 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. Do an oil-consumption test on any candidate car.
How much should I pay for a used Toyota Camry?
Expect $13,000–$17,000 for a clean 2015–2017 XV50 LE/SE, $18,000–$24,000 for a 2019–2021 XV70, and $22,000–$28,000 for a 2020+ Hybrid LE. Prices vary $1,500–$3,000 by region and mileage.
Generation guide
Toyota Camry Generations
Jump straight to the generation you're shopping.
- Generation 1
XV40 · 2007–2011
All-new platform with a stiffer body, revised suspension, and available 3.5L V6.
- Generation 2
XV50 · 2012–2017
Ground-up redesign with a larger, quieter cabin, better crash structure, and new 2.5L I4.
- Generation 3
XV70 · 2018–2024
New TNGA-K platform, direct-injected 2.5L, 8-speed automatic, standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0.
- 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.
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.
Related Toyota Camry Guides
- Toyota Camry Years to Avoid
Model years that reward extra scrutiny.
See the years to avoid - Toyota Camry Buying Guide
Full midsize sedan buying guide.
Read the buyer's guide - Toyota Reliability Guide
How Toyota holds up long-term.
See the reliability verdict - Best Used Toyota Models
The Toyota models worth buying.
See the ranked models - Toyota Corolla Buying Guide
Full compact sedan/hatch buying guide.
Read the buyer's guide - Toyota RAV4 Buying Guide
Full compact crossover buying guide.
Read the buyer's guide