Toyota Camry 2006-2011 used car review
The Toyota Camry is brilliant at comfortably carrying up to five people with their luggage and is super reliable.
The Toyota Camry is brilliant at comfortably carrying up to five people with their luggage and is super reliable. In spite of its size, it has a low tow rating.
This generation Toyota Camry marked a new era for the model. The more luxurious, six-cylinder versions of the car were split off into a separate model line. This generation is bigger and more spacious. Combined with low running costs and legendary reliability, this made the Camry hugely popular with fleets, rental car operators and taxi drivers.`
Inside and out
The Toyota Camry has always been styled to appeal to those looking for a competent car, rather than an exciting one. Function rules over form with the slightly high roof and windows creating more interior space. The high boot deck allows for significantly more boot space. Used import vehicles like our review car feature projection style headlights. This car also has an optional premium pack that adds fog lights and alloy wheels to the normal ‘G’ specification.
Inside, the theme continues with simple, soft, practical design. The dashboard features large, easy-to-read gauges with a trip computer screen inset into the speedometer so you can get all your information in one place. In the centre console is a touch screen infotainment system, which requires a band expander to receive local stations.
Below this are the controls for the climate control system which has different temperature settings for the driver and passenger. A huge glove box, two centre console cubbies and a large unit under the armrest provide lots of storage.
The front seats are big, soft and comfortable. They are covered in a fabric that has a very premium feel. The driver’s seat, including the lumbar support, can be adjusted electrically. The steering is both tilt and reach-adjustable for comfort. Similarly, the rear seat is very comfortable and even an adult in the centre position will have a good amount of room. Rear seat legroom is excellent.
The boot is huge and at 504 litres it should swallow four large suitcases. That’s bigger than both the Ford Falcon and Holden Commodore of the time. It is not just the volume that impresses - the opening is deep and wide so there’s no need to lift cases high to get them in. A ski port allows for loading long items through into the back seat.
On the road
There is only one conventional engine choice for the Camry, a 2.4-litre four cylinder petrol motor produces 117kW and 218Nm of torque. It is paired with a new five-speed automatic transmission. The engine sounds a little coarse when accelerating; once it’s up to speed it is smooth. Although it has sufficient power and can overtake even with passengers on board, the Camry does not feel particularly quick and it is definitely not sporty. The transmission is impressive, with smart and very smooth shifts.
The ride is quite soft, which some drivers might not like. There is also some body roll. That’s an advantage as the Camry easily soaks up surprisingly large bumps and imperfections in roads without letting you know. The brakes are excellent and the pedal has a nice firm feel.
Visibility forward from the driver's seat is excellent and the big mirrors do a good job of letting you see down the side of the car.
The high boot lid does restrict rear vision a little. If the Camry you are looking at does not have a reversing camera like ours, we recommend fitting one. Fitting a camera yourself costs from $50, or a professional will do it from $200.
The Camry’s tow rating is quite low considering its size. It can handle 500kg unbraked (a small garden trailer) and 1,200kg braked (a small trailer boat).
Safety
RightCar shows the Camry (2006-2011) with a four-star Used Car Safety Rating, based on real-world crash data. Standard safety specifications are high - they include front, side, knee and curtain airbags, as well as seat belt reminders.
The New-Zealand new GLX model has electronic stability control and electronic brakeforce distribution as standard. This is an option on used import vehicles and can be recognised by a 'VSC off' button below and to the right of the steering wheel.
On Japanese import cars, ISOFIX child seat mounts are standard and are found in the rear seat window positions. New-Zealand new cars do not have these fitted. All three rear seats feature a full shoulder-style belt, which offers more protection than a lap-only belt.
Reliability
Members of the industry we spoke to could not suggest a single issue to be concerned about when buying this generation Camry. They said the cars are so reliable even higher mileage versions can be considered a good option as a budget family vehicle.
The 2.4-litre engine has a timing chain that will not need regular replacement.
Cost of ownership
Toyota recommends servicing the Camry every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first. Services cost around $280 each. A major service at 90,000km, including brake and transmission fluids, costs around $800.
RightCar estimates that over 14,000km of driving a year, a Camry will cost $2,690 to fuel. The 70-litre fuel tank will cost $140 to fill at $2 per litre and should take you 677km before the fuel light comes on.
A vehicle licence for the Camry costs $76.20 a year, with the car in the cheapest ACC levy group.
Trade Me Insurance estimates insurance for a Camry valued at $8,800 will cost $45.88* per month. This is the same as a Honda Accord of the same year.
Buyers' guide
This generation of Camry is available on Trade Me priced from $4,500 to $16,000 for later and lower mileage vehicles. Specification or being a used import seems to not affect price – mileage is the biggest differentiator.
On Japanese import cars, electronic stability control is an optional extra. On New Zealand new vehicles, it was standard on the GLX model.
Japanese models:
- G – Features steel wheels, keyless entry and start, separate temperature settings for the driver and passenger, steering wheel audio controls, electric driver’s seat and front, side, knee and curtain airbags.
- G Limited – Adds leather interior, high-intensity headlights, alloy wheels, cruise control, reversing camera, electrically adjustable passenger seat
- G DIGNIS EDITION – Adds premium wood trim, heated front seats, satellite navigation
New Zealand models:
- GL – Cruise control, MP3-capable CD player stereo, manual air-conditioning, electric driver’s seat and front, side, knee and curtain airbags
- Sportivo – Adds alloy wheels, sports-tuned suspension, body kit, sports seats, metallic interior trim
- GLX – Adds woodgrain interior trim, separate temperature controls for the driver and passenger, electric sunshade, automatic headlights, automatic windscreen wipers, leather seats, fog lamps, traction control and electronic stability control.
Timeline
- 2006 Launched in Japan and New Zealand
- 2009 Facelift, with the most notable change being a new grille
- 2011 Replaced by a new model
Details
2006 Toyota Camry G
$7,000 to $20,000 for models which have travelled 70,000 to 120,000km
2-litre four-cylinder, 117kW/218Nm (claimed)
Five-speed automatic, front-wheel drive
Four-star Used Car Safety Rating
15,000km or 12 months
Space saver
9.6-litres per 100km (claimed)
Regular
4815mm
1820mm
1480mm
500kg (unbraked), 1200kg (braked)
11m
This review covers the Toyota Camry for model years 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011.
Review vehicle supplied by Turners Cars.
*Our insurance estimates are based on a 35-year-old male with no accidents in the last two years, garaging the car in Mission Bay, Auckland. The car is not used for business and will cover 10,000km to 20,000km a year. We estimate with no option add-ons and $500 excess. Customise your estimate at Trade Me Insurance.
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