In this article, we take a look at the Nissan Teana II and the Toyota Camry VI (XV40). What makes them interesting is that you can get "business comfort" for comparatively little money. But where is that fine line between 'business' and middle class?
The sixth generation Camry (XV40) came out in 2006. The second-generation Teana was launched in 2008.
Speaking of classes and prestige cars, it's worth mentioning that the Nissan Teana II is positioned as a complete business class: it's available only in a sedan body, it has no manual transmission in any configuration. Only colour of leather interior is available in 7 variants. "Camry" has decided to establish itself in a middle class, offering buyers a choice of 5-MCP and 5-ACP.
What Teana II and Camry VI (XV40) can boast of
Teana
Both models have acquired a proper level of comfort. Even in base configuration, they have driver and passenger airbags, power windows, dual-zone climate control and starting audio equipment. They also have immobiliser and central locking.
But some things are different. "Camry" can boast of "base" airbags - side airbags and curtain-type airbags. In "Teana" these airbags are available only on "maximal" models.
As for electronic systems both models are similar: there are all "trendy" at the moment of their release ABS, EBD and BAS.
All the differences between the models come with increasing options in higher versions. The Teana, for example, has options like ESP directional stability system, bi-xenon headlights, cruise control and so on at the top end. But the Camry in the TOP has all this too. There are even more options there: rain and light sensor, Start-Stop button.
It is necessary to note that back row of seats in Camry is adjustable back and forth like in front, and it has changeable angle of slope of a back. Is it not a business class?
How much can you buy "comfort" for
Camry
On the secondary market, you can buy a 2008 Camry for an average price tag of 10 000 USD. It will be a generation XV40 model, which is quite good both in appearance and in equipment. "The Teana of the same year can be bought for 8500 USD. Why are such similar models so different in price? Let's look into it.
What are similar and different about the Teana II and the Camry VI (XV40)
It is already clear, that both cars go approximately on equal terms. And let it be so. But, besides a complete set and appearance, there is a popular opinion about this or that brand.
Both cars look excellent, presentable. The comfort is also at a high level. People mark reliability of engines of both Teana and Camry.
That is where the similarity ends. "People appreciate the Teana because of very good quality of the interior materials. All plastics are soft and leather is practical. And the noise isolation is perfect.
Here the "Camry" doesn't even stand beside. "Noise insulation is bad, quality of materials is average. But the class, unlike "Teana" is also average.
But the Camry has more space inside, the back "sofa" is moved aside. And the main difference from Teana is that it is reliable, inexpensive in repair and spare parts are accessible in shops.
The future owner of a Teana should get ready for the following probable problems:
Short-lived steering rack (price - 200 dollars, but it does not last long);
Weak electrics (ignition coils, sensors, wires are often damaged in some places);
Variator is very expensive to repair (about 1200 USD., some of them have first repair already at 100 t. km;)
Some units can only be reassembled. Difficult and expensive to replace;
Expensive and ephemeral suspension (front lower lever about 7t, bearings and hub assembly 150 dollars each).
There is also something to be said about Camry:
Oil consumption for the 2.4L engine (about 1 litre per 5000 km);
Suspension shaky in turns and manoeuvres;
Expensive automatic transmission repair on 3.5L, requires frequent oil changes (engine power forces the box to the limit);
Weak, 'smooth' brakes;
In winter squeaks occur in unheated interior.
Even to a non-technically savvy person it becomes clear that the Teana is expensive to maintain and breaks down more often. The Camry has its shortcomings too, but they are not so critical and for the most part concern the design of the engine and peculiarities of the suspension.
What the Nissan Teana and Toyota Camry hide in the secondary market
Let's see what the aftermarket is ready to offer to the buyer of these models. Let's check the cars on sale through the AutoCode service by their number plate number.
sale
Externally not a bad car, no explanation in the ad. Carefully analyze the report, we identify a number of deficiencies.
Report
The car has an accident, according to insurance calculations - not serious.
But special attention should be paid to the pledge. It means that at any moment the car may be taken by a pledge holder, in fact he owns the car until the repayment of debt.
Bail
If you look at the Camry listings, there are just as many situations where the car has multiple issues. We were attracted to this ad:
camry
Similar to the Teana, this car, judging by the ad, has no obvious signs of an accident. And it has been.
camry report
One accident in 2015. But most likely not serious - "Collision with standing vehicle". It could also have happened in unsuccessful parking in front of the house.
accident
But inaccurate mileage already gives you something to think about before you buy. In 2017, the diagnostic card recorded 241 thousand miles. And in 2018, it's already 125,000 km. It is possible that the mileage is cheated. In case the general condition of the body doesn't allow to see the high mileage, the internal systems and units will show up at the next service.
Runs
Over the past 30 days, vigilant buyers have checked almost 6,000 Nissan Teana cars and about 35,000 Toyota Camry models through the AutoCode service.
We analysed the database and found that both models have been involved in accidents most often. Less frequently, they have higher mileage or unpaid fines. Mortgaged cars are not uncommon.
What do we have in dry residue
Controversy 2
Maintenance, upkeep of a "Teana" may cost a large sum. And weak suspension for our roads makes the business car illiquid at all.
On the other hand, if to choose long and carefully, to check everything possible while buying, it is possible to find a "live" copy, in which it will not be necessary to invest much money.
"The Camry has gained popular sympathy for its reliability, appearance and comfort. This car will be suitable for middle class and beginners' business class, though it is 20% more expensive than Teana at the secondary market - 660k vs. 550k.
comparison
"The Teana is good almost in everything. Presentable appearance, "expensive" and comfortable interior. But the unreliability of the car, expensive and frequently replaceable spare parts spoil everything. Even taking into account the difference in price, the Camry is by far superior to the Teana. The Toyota's iconic looks, interior design and overall comfort are well supported by its reliability and secondary market liquidity.
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