What is the cheapest Toyota Camry model?

The cheapest Toyota Camry is the base Camry L trim, which typically starts at around $27,000 before destination charges. Exact pricing varies by model year, market, and available incentives.

Why the L trim is the most affordable option

The L trim serves as the entry point to the Camry lineup, packing the essentials while keeping the price low. Higher trims add more comfort, technology, and optional drivetrain features, which push the price upward.

Here are the main factors that keep the Camry L as the least expensive option in the lineup.

• It is the entry-level trim with the lowest starting price among Camry configurations.


• It covers the core Camry experience with the essential powertrain and safety features, but with fewer premium upgrades.


• Higher trims add features such as premium interiors, larger displays, and sometimes all-wheel drive, increasing the price.

In short, the L trim remains the cheapest by design, offering the Camry's core attributes at the lowest price point in the lineup.

How to verify current pricing in your area

Prices shift with incentives, regional offers, and destination charges, so checking live data ensures accuracy for your location and model year.

• Use Toyota's official Build & Price tool to see the base MSRP for Camry L plus the destination charge for the model year you're considering.


• Visit or contact local Toyota dealers to obtain a formal out-the-door quote that includes taxes and fees.


• Look for current incentives and financing offers from Toyota or regional promotions that could lower the effective price.


• Compare new vs. certified pre-owned options and factor in warranty, maintenance costs, and depreciation when evaluating total cost of ownership.

Because pricing can vary widely, a live quote is essential to determine the exact cheapest Camry in your area for the year you want.

New vs. used Camry: cost considerations

Beyond the sticker price, buyers should weigh warranties, depreciation, maintenance, and feature needs when deciding between a brand-new Camry and a pre-owned one.

• Pros of buying new: full factory warranty, the latest safety and technology features, optimal fuel economy, and the certainty of known maintenance history.


• Cons of buying new: higher upfront price and steeper depreciation in the first few years.


• Pros of buying used: lower purchase price, slower initial depreciation, and potential access to higher trim levels at lower cost.


• Cons of buying used: limited or no factory warranty, potential maintenance and repair costs, and uncertainty about vehicle history.

For many buyers, a certified pre-owned Camry hits a middle ground, offering warranty protection with a lower price than a brand-new model.

Cheapest Camry by model year (rough ranges)

Prices vary by year, trim, and market. As a rough guide, the base Camry L starts around the upper $20,000s to the low $30,000s before destination, depending on the model year.

• 2024 model year: roughly around $27,000 before destination.


• 2025 model year: roughly around $28,000–$29,000 before destination (depending on promos).

Destination charges typically add about $1,000 to $1,100 to the base price, and final out-the-door costs include taxes and fees.

Summary

The cheapest Toyota Camry model is the base Camry L trim, which offers the core Camry experience at the lowest price. Price varies by year, region, and promotions, so verify live quotes and consider total cost of ownership when choosing trims. For many buyers, the L trim is the starting point, with upgrades possible as budgets allow.

Is Camry Le or SE better?

The Camry LE is better for prioritizing a comfortable ride, better fuel economy, and a lower price, while the Camry SE is better for those who want a sportier look and feel, including a sport-tuned suspension and more aggressive styling. The SE also has more premium interior features like a power-adjustable driver's seat and SofTex-trimmed seats. The choice depends on whether you value a smooth, efficient commute or a more engaging and stylish driving experience.
 
Camry LE

• Ride: Smoother and more comfortable ride due to a standard suspension. 
• Fuel Economy: Slightly better EPA-estimated fuel economy (e.g., 53 city/50 hwy for the 2025 hybrid LE). 
• Price: Lower starting price. 
• Features: Fabric-trimmed seats and 17-inch alloy wheels. 

Camry SE

• Ride: Sport-tuned suspension provides a stiffer, more responsive feel, which can be less smooth over bumps. 
• Fuel Economy: Slightly lower EPA-estimated fuel economy compared to the LE. 
• Price: Higher starting price. 
• Features: Sportier exterior and interior, including 18-inch black wheels, a sport mesh grille, rear spoiler, and dual exhaust tips. 
• Interior: Upgraded SofTex-trimmed sport seats and a leather-trimmed steering wheel with paddle shifters. 
• Driver Seat: Includes an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support. 

What is the cheapest Camry model?

Starting Prices for the 2024 Toyota Camry Trim Levels

• Toyota Camry LE: Starting at $26,420 MSRP.
• Toyota Camry Toyota Camry SE: Starting at $27,960 MSRP.
• Toyota Camry SE Nightshade Edition: Starting at $28,960 MSRP.
• Toyota Camry XLE: Starting at $31,170 MSRP.
• Toyota Camry XSE: Starting at $31,720 MSRP.

What is the most basic Camry model?

While it's technically the base trim level, the Camry LE still offers a well-equipped experience for your daily drives around Troy, with an intuitive infotainment system and a suite of Toyota Safety Sense driver-assistance technologies.

Which Camry to stay away from?

You should stay away from the 2007–2014 Toyota Camry, particularly the 2007–2011 models with the 2.4L 2AZ-FE engine due to oil consumption issues, and the 2012–2014 models that had transmission and AC problems. The 2018–2019 models also had reports of transmission issues with their 8-speed automatics.
 
Specific model years to avoid and why

• 2007–2011: These models, especially those with the 2.4L 4-cylinder engine, are prone to excessive oil consumption due to a design flaw in the piston rings. This can lead to serious engine damage, like rod knock, if not maintained meticulously. 
• 2012–2014: These years experienced recurring problems with the automatic transmission, including slipping and torque converter issues. Owners also reported a musty smell from the AC system due to mold growth, and other issues with the AC compressor or heating. 
• 2018–2019: Some of these models had problems with the 8-speed automatic transmission, leading to funky shifting. 

What to consider instead
If you're looking for a reliable used Camry, focus on other model years like 2005–2006, 2015, or 2016–2017 models. You may also consider models from 2010 onwards, which had more reliable engines and safety features like standard stability control.