Toyota CAMRY (1991 - TO 2001)
MODELS COVERED: Third generation 1991-1996: Saloon and Estate, 2.2, 3.0 V6 [GLi, 16v, base V6, GX]Fourth generation 1997 to 2001: 2.2, 3.0V6 [base, Sport]
BY JONATHAN CROUCH
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If you can't remember just what a
Toyota Camry looks like, then you've just discovered this ultra-reliable family car's biggest problem its inoffensive styling. Many buyers don't think that matters; certainly, the Camry offers brisk and economical motoring, without drawing any attention to its owner. The car is now in its fourth generation, the original, boxy 1983 model holding the distinction of being Toyota's first front-wheel drive car. The curvy but forgettable model that followed this one remained true to the medium-sized formula but tried to break out of the mould with options like four-wheel drive. It was only in larger post-1991 third generation form, however, that the Camry moved up-market in both size and price. This version was replaced early in 1997.
As a second-hand upper/medium sector buy, the Camry offers excellent Japanese build quality and reliability. Certainly, it's an affordable and interesting alternative to mainstream European rivals like the
Vauxhall Omega and
Ford Scorpio.
Everything but a high profile image, basically. Equipment levels are generous, with the third generation GX models featuring alloy wheels, leather trim, air-conditioning, cruise control and ABS. On later models go for the Sport or V6 if you want lots of equipment. The Camry is best seen as an alternative to the usually sparsely equipped German prestige makes.
You'll pay a lot less for the Toyota and it has its own appeal.
The least you can pay will be in the region of £800 for a late 1991 J-reg 2.2-litre GLi. A 93K-plater will be closer to £1,800, a 94L-plater roughly £2,200, a 95M-plater about £2,600 and a 97P-plater just over £3,200. For automatics, add roughly £100-£300.
As for the V6 Camrys, expect to pay a minimum of £1,200 for the earliest GX-spec J-platers. These cars all have automatic transmission as standard. More recent 93K-reg examples will be around £1,800 and 94L-platers about £2,200. Younger 95M-reg cars go for closer to £2,600 and N-platers around £3,000.
Fourth generation cars are quite rare and range from about £3,200 for a 96P 2.2 manual to £5,500 for a 99V. Autos are £300 to £600 more. Sport models start at 97P for about £3,400 and range up to £4,800 on 99V plates.
The standard V6 is in the £3,700 to £7,600 range with Sport trim adding £600 to £800.
Nit-picking is always tough with Japanese cars, which is good news for you, if not your mechanic's bank balance. The limited volumes of cars sold new means the importers often have to charge relatively high prices for spare parts. The way Toyota insists its suppliers build long-life components though, means you shouldn't be visiting your local dealer's warehouse too often. Corrosion is not generally an issue, but can be a problem if the car has been badly neglected. Check all the obvious areas, such as door bottoms, base of the windscreen and bootlid edge for telltale signs.
(Based on a 1991 2.0 GLi - approx) A new clutch will be in the region of £150 and a full exhaust about £375. Front shock absorbers are just over £90 and the rears about £70. Front brake pads will set you back about £40, while an alternator will be around £190 and a replacement starter motor about £150.
Smooth with capital 'S' is the best way to describe the driving experience. These cars were principally designed for the American and Australian markets, where long, straight roads abound and drivers like to relax at the wheel. European-spec Camrys have somewhat tauter suspension than their US and Antipodean cousins but not to the detriment of ride comfort. Hustle a Camry through some challenging bends and you'll soon discover it's no sports car, yet as a motorway cruiser or around-town family car, it certainly satisfies.
Not a car that many people think of when they're looking for a quality Japanese family/executive alternative, more's the pity. The
smart buyers hold on to their Camrys; that legendary Toyota quality and reliability means there's often little reason to trade up.
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