SecondHandSense: Toyota CamryIf ever a car seemed like a fish out of water in an Irish context, then it was the last Toyota Camry. It was big, lacking in any defined styling, the smallest engine was a 2.4 litre petrol unit, and it looked as if it really belonged in suburban America which is, of course, exactly for where it was designed.
It was the top end of the Toyota range and was globally a very profitable car for Toyota, but the reality is that it reached a natural end in European markets as Lexus (Toyota's luxury brand) began to make inroads into the territory dominated by the big German names.
So about three years ago the Camry exited left in both Ireland and the UK. It had tried to do what Lexus succeeded in doing to some degree, but the Camry never had the cachet of a Mercedes or a BMW in the company car park. There are, however, quite a few second-hand examples around and, depending on your requirements, it can be a very good buy. But the reality is that a 2.4 engine makes it of very limited appeal, notwithstanding reasonable fuel consumption of about 30 miles to the gallon.
The Camry is, in reality, an American car. It is spacious and comfortable and carries its passengers in comfort but, like many other American cars, it lacks the kind of identity European buyers desire. It is primarily designed to accommodate large people on long journeys and no one can complain about its comfort levels or cruising abilities. It is not a driver's car, however, and its handling is not impressive in a European context.
Its boot is cavernous and the overall space challenges German manufacturers' engineering. But that is pretty much the only advantage it has. Its interior is bland and dominated by a plastic fascia. The engine is quiet and performs very well, producing 150 horse power. It is ideal for long journeys, when it is at its best (the Garda Traffic Corps is very fond of the unmarked Camry) but the city is not its natural habitat. Driving the Camry is a fairly effortless experience, but also a little soulless.
As an executive or large family car, the Camry's biggest advantage is Toyota's reputation for build quality and reliability. There is no record of the Camry having been recalled for modifications or parts replacement.
The car was crash tested in March 2000, and that wasn't even the latest model. Then it scored and impressive four stars out of a possible five, with strong praise for its side-impact protection levels.
The Camry has a relatively high second-hand asking price. A 2003 model with alloys, metallic paint, central locking, multiple airbags, climate control, air conditioning, CD player and other items of standard equipment and with 74,000km up is on offer for €18,750. A 2004 model with the same equipment and with slightly less mileage than the 2003 model is on offer for €20,950.
FOR:Reliablity, build quality and comfort AGAINST:Big engine, bland, dull interior, overall lack of presence