Plenty of people want to know the best year used Camry out there. It’s a popular car with a huge stock of preowned models to choose from. Many drivers like the fairly spacious layout, comfortable ride, and solid all-around performance of the car.

If you’re looking for a vehicle that can go and go for a long time without too much drama, the Toyota Camry is a solid choice. The vehicle has an impeccable reputation for reliability, which translates into less time and money spent on repairs and maintenance. It also is known for great fuel economy, saving you money at the pump.

The fact is that not all Camry model years are created equal. Just like with any car, Toyota came up with a better combination in some years when compared to others. Still, even if you don’t get one of the best model years for the Camry, you should enjoy less hassle than if you choose most other vehicles.

History

In case you aren’t aware of the history of the Camry, here’s a brief overview. The car originally was launched as the Celica Camry in 1979. It wasn’t a runaway hit overnight, but started to pick up serious momentum in the mid-80s.

Today, the Camry is in its 11th production generation. Throughout the years, Toyota has perfected designs, innovated and expanded the Camry in response to what car shoppers want. What we have today is a far cry from the tiny car that debuted in 1979.

The Best Year

Plenty of people will give you their opinion on the best year for a used Toyota Camry. It’s usually based on their cousin’s teacher’s sister who bought a Camry they think was a certain model year and it was horrible/great. In other words, their advice is not really that useful, even though they might think it is.

There are some good resources for figuring out which year of the Camry is your best bet. CarComplaints.com is one place where people from all over the nation log problems with their vehicle and turn to for advice.

Most Camry model years have few complaints in any of the specified categories, which says what we already know about the car: it’s solid as a rock. But if you’re looking for the best of the best, the 2006 Camry seems to have the fewest number of complaints. The majority of them have to do with “interior accessories problems” or issues that are usually not critical or expensive to fix.

NHTSA is another trustworthy resource for vehicle reliability info. It shows a shockingly high number of engine-related complaints. The vast majority have to do with speed control, an issue that was resolved years ago. In other words, the 2006 Toyota Camry is reliable all-around.

Camry Replacement Parts

No matter how reliable any car, sooner or later you’ll have to replace parts. The timing belt, brakes, tires, light bulbs, hoses, etc. must be swapped out regularly. Other components such as the alternator or water pump can also eventually wear out.

Since plenty of people drive Camrys and Toyota has used the components from different generations on other popular models, parts are plentiful. This also helps keep the cost down.

As far as quality, the safe method is to stick with certified Toyota parts. That’s not always the most cost-effective option. If you want to save some cash by going with aftermarket parts, use a reputable company that’s been around for a while. If you look for Toyota Camry parts online, only order from places with a positive reputation and a history, just like if you’re buying anything else.

There’s also the option of used Toyota Camry parts. Checking with local salvage yards often yields results, thanks to the car being in high supply. While the parts can come at rock-bottom prices, they might need some reconditioning before they’re ready to install on your vehicle.

Adding to the reasons why used Camrys are great is the fact that they’re easy to work on. Since mechanics often see them all the time, it’s quick to have different issues diagnosed and repaired, which helps to keep labor costs down. In other words, no matter the year, the Camry is a great economical choice for a vehicle.

T3 Atlanta

When your reliable Camry needs service, come to T3 Atlanta! Our experienced mechanics can assist with normal vehicle maintenance as well as many other problems. Visit our Smyrna or Decatur location and get your car back on the road quickly.