Toyota is loved on the aftermarket because it doesn't break down. And they don't like it because it doesn't get cheaper. There's just one question: is this really true? And is it true that Toyota is loved for it? Let's take a look at what owners are saying about their Camry XV50s online. Maybe all these beliefs are just a myth. Or maybe they're not.
History of technology
The Camry with body XV50 is technically the fifth generation of Camry, but if you count by bodies, among which there are not only series XV, but also V, then by XV50 this car has managed to try on seven bodies, and XV50 was the eighth. In addition, numerous names of body modifications such as Solara (coupe), Avalon, Windom or Gracia prevent from understanding Japanese nomenclature. Therefore, let's skip the history of the whole family of glorious Camry, which began in 1982, and let's go straight to the body XV50.
So, the production of the Camry XV50 began in 2011. The previous generation XV40 was a great success, which initially had a significant impact on the popularity of the next generation. Moreover, technically these cars were very similar: an old four-stepped gearbox Aisin U241 was used with the same old two-liter engine 1AZ-FE (which was used not only on the previous XV40, but also on even older XV30), and only with newer engines with a capacity of 2.5 liters (2AR-FE, 181 hp. Hp) and 3.5 liters engines (2GR-FE, 249 hp) was presented by the then modern "six-speed" Aisin U660/U760. In a word, fans of Japanese classics could not fail to appreciate this car.
But the design of this generation has become more austere. If many people were surprised to see the interior of the XV40 and did not understand how they could allow such a combination of forms and colors, the Camry XV50 has become much more restrained, austere and serious. At the same time, Camry has remained a spacious and solid car that was appreciated in Europe no less than in America, where Toyota had high hopes for this car. True, Americans were offered different equipment. For example, in the U.S. you could buy hybrid XV50 with electric motor and 2.5-liter 2AR-FXE. In addition, over the ocean the 2GR-FE engine produced 268 hp: there were not trying to fit into the pre-tax 249 hp.
In Japan, the Camry XV50 was only a hybrid.
The layout of this generation is traditional: the engine is located laterally, front-wheel drive only, and simple McPherson suspensions. There is nothing unusual, and it is good.
In 2014 and 2017, the XV50 has gone through a restyling, and after the second it was called XV55. Well, in 2018, it was replaced by a new generation of Camry.
So, what else was the XV50 good for? And what was it bad about? Let's read the opinions of the owners.
Hate #5: Noise isolation of the arches
All owners note very quiet interior and absence of engine noise in it. However, some of the pathosy comrades, who have moved to Camry from expensive "Germans", do not hold back from comments like "noise isolation, to put it mildly, is not very good. In comparison with "Mercedes", it simply is not there". However, such comments are very few, and the majority of them are satisfied. But it is irritating that the noise of wheels on the road becomes very well audible. The advices, of course, are not too various: "We should add noise insulation of wheel arches, because you can hear the road at the speed over 100. I have on a winter Dunlop, you can hear the sound, so choose the right rubber.
Love #5: liquidity
Here, too, everything is simple: the Camry, like any other Toyota, is not only in no hurry to lose price on the secondary market, but also enjoys an increased demand. You can always sell it easily, quickly and expensively. There will only be one quote, because all the others would be just as boring and obvious: "Loses a little in price, the car is easy to sell".
Hate #4: The love of car thieves
The downside of high liquidity is a huge demand from criminal guys (and officials, but they steal money first, and only then buy a Camry with it). To steal a Camry is a holy cause. It is easy to sell later and the process is outrageously simple.
There are a lot of tips on protection: "I also recommend to put a metal protection on the "brain" and MUST move the regular immobilizer from the rear right wing. These two things will seriously hamper the theft of his case", "Casco is a must, I strongly recommend, otherwise you can stay without a car.
Love #4: comfort and ergonomics
It is strange, of course, but one tendency is evident in responses about Camry: drivers are almost indifferent to it. Well, somehow it goes... With the 3,5-liter engine it is even able to accelerate... It seems convenient... In general, it will do, but it will not cause rapture.
Rear seats are another matter. Almost everyone is delighted with them. They write about it much and with obvious pleasure: "All seats are heated, perforated leather, but not ventilated. In the back there is a control unit for music, the air conditioner, the rear window curtain, and the tilt of the seat backs. On long trips (over 1000 km), especially with children - went twice to the Crimea - quite nice. The wife, sitting in the back with the child, still can't get used to the fact that there is no gimbal, which was in the Teana. There is noticeably more space in back, the backrests of rear seats are electrically adjustable in tilt, which is very comfortable. In the rich packages in the back is even more interesting: "Rear armrest is equipped with climate control, two heated seats, adjustable seat backs and an audio system. All this is for the rear passengers, there is really more space for them.
I will make only a small remark: in the top, where there is an adjustment of sofa backs, this back cannot be tilted for transportation of large-sized cargoes. Though something narrow, but long can be transported: there is a hatch for it.
Well, for the sake of justice, still bring a quote: "Especially pleasing is the organization of the driver's seat - a VERY (!!!) convenient location of armrests, inflatable lumbar cushion, steering column with memory, automatic retraction when the engine turns off. Thus, everything is OK with comfort of Camry, though it does not reach up to Mercedes E-class. Some people also resent the materials of trimming: they say, even in previous XV40 the interior was more enduring.
Hate #3: Dynamics and automatic transmission
The dynamics of the cars with the younger engines upsets all Camry owners. How only it can be called! They call it a bucket for pensioners, an 80-year-old grandfather, and various other things which people in decent society do not pronounce aloud. Only a small part of Toyota owners who have chosen XV50 with 2-liter motor and old gearbox (only in favor of reliability) are ready to reconcile with the fact that their automobile does not set speed records. The rest of us just roll our eyes to the sky at the point: "You won't get drive, passion and a good rousing ride in it."
Another matter is Camry with the engine 3,5 liters. Except for good power there is a more modern gearbox - six-speed, after all. Only many people are not satisfied with this gearbox: it appeared to be very thoughtful, and even 3,5-liter Camry has not become a sports bolide. Though, certainly, it goes its 210 km/h on a highway properly. Telling the truth, some people say that it works properly, but not for a long time. Not because it is difficult for a gearbox to digest the engine torque, but because of the wild temperament of drivers of such cars.
There are also many claims to the logic of this automatic transmission. Usually, their essence boils down to the following: "It is reliable, good, but... you press the pedal to the floor... There is a pause for 1,5 seconds, then only a shot", "The box brakes down at kick-down, but I have already got used to it and press the gas a little earlier". In general, it thinks for a long time.
Those who drive calmly are satisfied with 3.5-liter cars. Some are happy with cars with weaker engines, but there are very few such phlegmatics on the Internet.
Love #3: Passability and ground clearance
Frankly, I did not expect that so many owners of XV50 will praise the permeability of their car. "Passability", of course, is in quotation marks: it is better not to drive it off the road, but for a city it is quite enough. They usually write: "Clearance is enough not to catch the bottom of bumps of Kyiv suburbs", "Clearance is the highest in its class, 160 mm"...
If someone does clings to curbs and kerbstones, he usually does it with skirt of a front bumper.
It's funny that those who have moved to Camry from some rear-wheel drive W211, very often spit, but they say that it became much easier to drive in winter - the Japanese car is not so stuck as the German one. True, the system of anti-bukes does not work so well, but somehow this fact does not change a picture essentially.
Hate #2: paintwork.
There is nothing to speak about: the layer of paintwork is both fragile and thin. Hoods suffer most of all, and almost all of them are repainted under warranty. There are chipped roof edges, but the hood gets much more damage. Let the owners say: "In first winter, I found a swelling on the hood near the chrome molding. Car is not a year old. Went to the dealer - they said they were going to paint the hood. What are you doing? I said, let's locally clean up and paint with the transition. No, it is not allowed. I said I would think it over. Came home, went to the forums, and there... Every other one." "Another minus point - the hood was torn off, and the bodybuilders said, "No need to drive 200+, the pebbles cut in accordance with speed.
Sometimes they write that the paint can scratch not only the outer clothing, but also the breeze from this very clothing. And not only on the hood, but also anywhere: "... on the trunk lid, a piece of paint came off at once".
We conclude: overpainted hood of XV50 is not a sign of road accident, but a consequence of offensive feature of the car. Well, if you don't want to repaint the hood again, it makes sense to have it covered with a film. And better - and front fenders too.
Love #2: for those who like to save money
Let's show one quotation, and then we shall reveal its deep meaning: "A car is for those who can count a penny, taking into account unscheduled visits to service stations, minimal loss of money while selling, as well as liquidity at secondary market". As a matter of fact, all is told correctly: from the economic point of view XV50 is almost ideal car.
Firstly, it does not demand money for repair. If to look after it well, it will not break down - it is a fact. Only automatic transmission 6 with the most powerful motor is in the zone of risk, but also it dies there usually only at riders. So, you won't have to spend money to repair your Camry all the time.
Secondly, the routine maintenance is much cheaper here than the competitors in the face of the respected by many (including me) "Germans". And due to the fact that technically the Camry is very simple, there is no need to constantly go to the dealer: any competent mechanic will cope with maintenance and will not even take much money for it.
Thirdly, I repeat once again: this car is getting cheaper slowly, but it is in great demand. So, if anything, it can be sold quickly and profitably.
I think there is nothing more to say: practical people like Camry for a reason. It has one disadvantage: if to press the gas pedal, the consumption turns out rather essential. With a 3.5-liter motor in a city it is quite possible to burn up to 20 liters per a hundred kilometers, but if not to build yourself a racer-sportsman, the consumption will be within the norm by standards of this class.
Hate №1: drivability.
Alas, everything is bad here. Literally all essence of Camry is stated in three citations: "Maneuverability is nothing. The car is shaky", "... The car leaps when overtaking, the steering wheel must be held like a bridle of a zealous horse; it is unpleasant and impolite", "it does not go! It doesn't steer! No brakes!".
Alas. It is especially frustrating that it is difficult not only to accelerate, but also to drive then at high speed, and to stop at the end of the road. If you like aggressive driving and polished handling, the Camry will not suit you exactly.
Love #1: Reliability
Well, I agree: carry the first prize for triviality, I'm ready to accept it gratefully. But is it possible to put something else at the top of the list of reasons to love the Camry when everyone writes something like this: "285,000, 2012 ... changed only pads and oil ... Toyota Camry mockingly refuses to break down: oil still does not eat a drop, suspension does not knock, no crickets in the cabin", "If myself did not do everything that I do with it and on it, no way I would not believe that you can THINK to drive so briskly without EVERY breakdown 100 000 km on our roads!!!" Concerning the last comment, many people wrote that 100 thousand is not an indicator, even Granta will manage it. Certainly, it is, but the previous owner above called 285 thousand, and some owners consider a burned-out bulb of dipped beam as a serious breakdown.
I'll tell you more: I have a friend who drives a 2015 Camry. And he once asked me: will anything ever break down in it? Despite the mileage of well over 200 thousand, the car has never once let him down. But he had to repaint the hood, that's a fact. However, my friend is a practical person, and the car suits him fine.
Especially, if he manages to accelerate it and even overtake someone.
-rear-and-front-view-camera-6.png)
