Home FAQ

What year old Camry is the best?

The best year-old Camry for most buyers is typically around five to seven years old, which, in 2025 terms, means model years roughly 2018–2020. This age range balances depreciation, reliability, and access to modern safety features.

This article explains why that age range tends to offer the best value, how to evaluate Camrys by age, and practical steps to choose a year-old Camry that fits your budget and needs.

The sweet spot: why 5-7 years old tends to be ideal

Below are the main reasons why 5-7-year-old Camrys typically represent the best value for a used-car buyer:

Depreciation has slowed, so you pay less than a new car while still getting a relatively modern vehicle.

Modern safety technology and convenience features are generally up-to-date enough for daily driving.

Reliability remains strong, with many examples having a solid service history and lower risk of major, unexpected repairs.

In short, with careful shopping, a 5-7-year-old Camry can deliver long-term reliability without the steep price of a brand-new car.

What to look for by age: a practical checklist

Use this checklist to evaluate Camrys in different age ranges and avoid common pitfalls.

Comprehensive maintenance history: request service receipts and verify regular oil changes and major services.

Engine and transmission condition: listen for unusual noises, ensure smooth acceleration and seamless shifting.

Recall status: check that all recalls have been addressed and that the seller can provide recall documentation.

Exterior and interior wear: inspect for rust, leaks, water intrusion, and upholstery wear that could signal higher maintenance needs.

Tires and brakes: assess tread depth, brake pad life, and overall stopping performance.

Vehicle history report: look for past accidents, title issues, or flood damage and compare with the odometer reading.

A well-documented history and sound mechanical baseline reduce the risk of surprise costs after purchase.

How to choose the year: practical steps

Decide your budget and preferred powertrain (the four-cylinder is typically very reliable; a V6 offers more power but can incur higher maintenance costs).

Identify model years that introduced major updates or safety features and prioritize more recent examples within your budget.

Obtain a professional pre-purchase inspection from a qualified mechanic who knows Toyota Camrys.

Check for open recalls and verify that required maintenance (such as timing-chain-related services, if applicable) has been performed.

Review the vehicle history report and compare with similarly milage examples to determine value and risk.

By following a structured approach, you can identify the best year-old Camry for your circumstances and budget.

Quick year-by-year snapshots

Modern Camry (2018–present)

These Camrys are built on newer architecture, with improved safety features, better infotainment options, and generally smoother transmissions. They tend to hold value well and benefit from Toyota’s reliability reputation.

Pros: strong reliability, updated tech and safety features, solid fuel economy.

Cons: higher purchase price than older models; more complex electronics can mean higher potential repair costs than earlier generations.

Takeaway: If you want more up-to-date tech and safety, focus on the more recent years, while staying mindful of cost.

Older Camrys (2010–2017)

Camrys from this range offer excellent value if you find one with solid maintenance history. They’re known for reliability and lower purchase prices but may lack some modern safety tech found in newer models.

Pros: strong reliability track record, lower initial cost, easier and cheaper to repair.

Cons: older infotainment and safety features; higher mileage wear on suspension and steering components if mileage is high.

Bottom line: If you’re shopping on a budget, these years can be a great deal, provided the car has a clean history and has had major maintenance completed.

Summary

The best year-age for a Camry depends on your priorities, but for most buyers the sweet spot is roughly five to seven years old, offering a balance of value and reliability. Prioritize a well-documented maintenance history, check for recalls, and consider a pre-purchase inspection to minimize risk. Tailor your choice to your budget and desired features, and you can enjoy many miles of dependable Toyota reliability in a Camry that fits your needs.

What year not to buy a Toyota Camry?

The Toyota Camry years to avoid are primarily 2007–2011, due to excessive oil consumption issues in the 4-cylinder engine, and 2002, which had numerous complaints. Other years with significant reported issues include 2008 and 2009, as well as 2012-2014 for potential transmission problems and 2018-2019 for specific 8-speed automatic transmission and fuel system problems.

This video discusses the best and worst Toyota Camry years: 54scar PROblemsYouTube · May 22, 2025
2007–2011

4-cylinder engine: This generation is known for the 2AZ-FE engine, which has low-tension piston rings that can lead to excessive oil burning, especially at higher mileage.
Melting dashboards: These models are also prone to dashboards that melt and become sticky in hot weather.
Airbag system: Some 2010-2011 models had airbag failures, including unexpected deployment or failure to deploy in an accident.

What is the best version of a Camry?

The "best" Toyota Camry depends on your priorities, but the 2025 model is a top contender as a modern, hybrid-only vehicle with high safety ratings. For a balance of modern features and reliability in a used car, the 2015-2017 models are excellent choices, especially the 2013, while the 2001 is a historically reliable, no-frills option.

This video discusses the 2025 Toyota Camry's features and reliability: 58sKirk KreifelsYouTube · Aug 8, 2025
For modern features and safety

2025 Camry: This all-new model is exclusively a full hybrid and praised for its modern technology and excellent safety ratings, including the Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a 5-Star overall rating from the NHTSA.

For a balance of modern and reliable used cars

2015–2017 Camrys: These model years are often recommended for balancing modern technology with solid mechanical reliability and fewer complex systems than the newest models.
2013 Camry: Specifically highlighted as a very reliable year with strong fuel efficiency and a comfortable ride, it also has minimal recalls and issues.

For proven, long-term reliability

2001 Camry: A standout from the 4th generation, this model year is known for its exceptional reliability, with very few recalls on record.
7th Generation (2012-2017): As a whole, this generation is considered one of the most reliable, with low complaint numbers across the model years.

What to watch out for

2007–2009 models: Be cautious of these years, especially the V6 engines, as they are known for issues with excessive oil consumption.
2018 model: This year had a higher number of recalls compared to others in its generation, so check for service history.

What year is the Toyota Camry most reliable?

The most reliable Toyota Camry years include 2012-2017 and 2021, which have received high reliability ratings. Other strong options are the 2014-2016 models and older models like the 2006 Camry, which are praised for their durability. The 2014 and 2015 models are often highlighted for achieving excellent J.D. Power reliability scores.
Most reliable model years

2012-2017: This seventh-generation is frequently recommended for its reliability.
2014-2016: Specifically, the 2014, 2015, and 2016 models are strong contenders. The 2015 Camry received an outstanding 90 out of 100 from J.D. Power, and the 2016 model earned a 92 score.
2021: This model year is noted for its contemporary technology and high reliability ratings.
2006: A standout from the fifth generation, known for its long-lasting engines and durability.

Other reliable options

2005: An affordable and dependable choice, though it lacks modern technology.
2007-2011: Many models from these years received high scores, though the 2007-2009 models should be checked for possible oil consumption issues with certain engines.
2020: This model is also considered a good choice with a solid reliability track record.

Things to consider

Engine type: Avoid certain 2.4-liter engines from 2007-2009 that may have issues with excessive oil consumption.
AC System: Some owners of 2013-2015 models have reported AC issues after high mileage.
Overall quality: The Camry has a long-standing reputation for reliability, and many model years are considered trustworthy. Newer models, like the 2022, have also shown strong reliability ratings.

What's the best used Toyota Camry to buy?

The best used Toyota Camry models for reliability and satisfaction are the 2002-2006, 2012-2017, and 2019-2021 model years. The 2014 model is often cited as a particularly strong choice, and the 2005 model is an excellent budget-friendly option. Avoid the 2007-2009 gasoline models due to potential engine issues, and be aware that the 2019 model had some recall concerns, though it also introduced features like Apple CarPlay.

This video explains which Toyota Camry models to consider based on their reliability and value: 1mHotCarsYouTube · Nov 9, 2023
Best model years

2002–2006: An affordable generation known for extreme dependability, especially the 4-cylinder models. The 2005 model is a great budget pick.
2012–2017: This entire generation received excellent reliability ratings from organizations like Consumer Reports.
- 2014: Often cited as a top pick for reliability, it also won awards for its value.
- 2015: Introduced design updates and maintained strong reliability scores.
2019–2021: These models offer a good blend of modern features and reliability.
- 2019: Introduced Apple CarPlay, but be aware of recalls related to the fuel pump and brake vacuum pump.
- 2021: Highly praised for its reliability and modern technology features.

This video explains the best and worst years for Toyota Camry models: 51sCar ComfyYouTube · Jul 29, 2025
Years to approach with caution

2007–2009: Gasoline models from this period are known to have issues with excessive oil consumption.
2019: While it has modern features, be mindful of the fuel pump and brake vacuum pump recalls associated with this model year.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.