Planning to get a 2007-2009 Camry SE - feedback

[TuxDude]

I'm planning to get a pre-owned 2007-2009 Camry SE with less than 12000 miles/yr driven... My budget is around $18000 max....

What is your opinion and feedback on this particular car and model ?

UPDATE:

I am going for a new Camry instead - should be either an LE or an SE...
The best quote I got for an LE w/alloys so far is $20k and for a fully loaded SE it is $22.5k
Having a hard time deciding between the both... Will drive both of them and see

[Trottel]

Damn, that's a lot of money for a used economy car.

[TuxDude]

Hmm yes - but it is a mid-size car with one of the highest resale values I've come across..... Maintenance cost is also comparatively lesser is what I've heard with the Camry - isnt it ?

[Trottel]

Hmm yes - but it is a mid-size car with one of the highest resale values I've come across..... Maintenance cost is also comparatively lesser is what I've heard with the Camry - isnt it ?

Well brand new Camry's start at only a little more than what you are looking to spend. Also a brand new Corolla would easily fit within you budget if you really want a Toyota and are worried about maintenance costs. For 18,000 I would totally go for a new car unless it is for a nice older used car that would otherwise be way out of my price range, like a BMW M3 or something.

[TuxDude]

The basic Camry (or CE) and the LE trims cost lesser by around $3000 - $5000... I'm unable to find good preowened SE trims for any cheaper and the KBB value is around 17000 - 18000 for the SE with similar features....

I'm in a dilemma between the Corolla and the Camry... I've driven a Camry and have liked it a lot - not driven a Corolla though....

You're right in saying for 18000 I can get a basic luxury sedan like a pre-owned Audi A4 or a BMW 3-series, but I'm planning to get a mid-size luxury may be later in the future - say after 3 or 4 yrs.....

Another thought that came to my mind was to get probably a lower value mid-size car like a Malibu or something, use it for the next 3 or 4 yrs and then go for a luxury car later down the line...

So I have three other options right now:
1. Go with a corolla S or XRS if I like it
2. Go with a lower camry trim like the basic or the LE versions
3. Go with a lower value car like a Malibu or equivalent

What do you think ?

[mrXniick]

I would much rather have a mazda 6 in that class of car.

[mew1838]

Nah..Nissan Altima. Best driving dynamics in this class.

[MGS2392]

*Subaru fanboi walks in*

Ever considered a Legacy GT? I got mine Certified Preowned at just under $20K, I'm sure you can find an older one for cheaper (my search for a LGT initially had me at an 05 with 15K miles for $15K, dealer asking price). AWD, 5 speed manual or 5 speed auto with "manual shifting" (not all that great IMO), 243HP turbocharged flat 4. Inside, mine has automatic climate control (dual zone), heated leather seats, leather wrapped steering wheel, paddle shifters, navigation... Must say though, the Camry and Accord have more rear leg room. But the Legacy GT is quite a fun car, WRX for grownups many say.

And, we've had good experiences with the Legacy's reliability. 5 in the family so far (2 GTs) and no problems with any of them (although, the older ones had a tendency to have the antenna fall off, both the GTs have the antenna printed on the rear windshield).

*Subaru fanboi leaves*

[Hellmanns]

Unless driving is an afterthought, you can do better than a Camry for that money.
They're reliable, but not much else. You can find the same reliability in a more fun/interesting package if you look around.

The 2008-present Chevrolet Malibu is a solid choice, as seems the Mazda 6.
Hyundai/Kia has also made great strides in the past few years (post 2007). Not quite there yet, but some of their products are pretty competitive.

On the other hand, I'd stay away from German sedans as they tend to be below average with regard to reliability, and are costly to repair. They're fun, but at a price.

[Trottel]

On the other hand, I'd stay away from German sedans as they tend to be below average with regard to reliability, and are costly to repair. They're fun, but at a price.

Yeah, you are charged more for parts and labor but there is no good reason why.