Toyota Camry 2012-2015 used car review
Reliability and low running costs for a large car make the Camry a smart choice for fleet and professional drivers.
Reliability and low running costs for a large car make the Camry a smart choice for fleet and professional drivers.
The Toyota Camry is a medium-to-large size sedan that, when new, was mostly sold as fleet, rental or taxi vehicles. Four-cylinder petrol and petrol Toyota Camry hybrid engines are available and there’s a six-cylinder version of the car called the Aurion. Initially popular with families, the Camry has now been overtaken in that role by SUVs.
Inside and out
This generation Camry looks a little sharper and sportier than the previous generation although it still appears conservative. The front features a plastic grille with angular projector-style headlamps. The windows are trimmed with chrome strips. The taillights have an unusual hook shape and wrap around the boot lid.
The model is available from a basic to a luxury vehicle and the difference is most evident in the interior. The dashboard has a multi-level design, with the top covered in a faux-leather stitched material. The steering wheel is urethane and has controls for the Bluetooth phone system, stereo and cruise control.
The dash instruments are basic and easy to read. A relatively basic CD player stereo features on a centre console that looks sparse but can house a navigation system in higher models. It has a USB port that allows you to charge your phone and play music. The air-conditioning in the GL is manual.
Seating throughout the car is comfortable and spacious, with plenty of leg and headroom. The front seats are comfortable and the drivers is manually adjustable for height. Three adults will find the rear bench reasonably comfortable.
The boot is exceptional, in line with the model's usual job of taking people to the airport. With a 535-litre capacity, it is one of the largest sedan boots in the market and six medium-to-large suitcases should fit. The rear seat splits and folds forward for larger items although the gap through from the boot is not particularly wide or tall.
On the road
Although it’s also available with a hybrid engine, most Camrys are powered by a single 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine. This produces 133kW and 231N, enough for decent performance around town and an easy cruise on the open road. The six-speed automatic is super smooth and smart and can be shifted manually.
The Camry is a good car to drive, with lots of grip and light yet responsive steering. This generation is more sporty and dynamic than previous versions. The ride is also good, though premium models on large wheels can be a little firm. The brakes are excellent and the pedal has a nice firm feel.
Parking sensors are standard on all vehicles and reversing cameras are fitted to the Atara and hybrid models. Visibility is excellent in all directions for a large car and most drivers will find the sensors on the GL enough in nearly all situations.
The Camry’s tow rating is not great for a big car. It can handle 500kg unbraked (a small garden trailer) and 1,200kg braked (a small trailer boat).
Safety
This generation was the first Camry to launch with a full five-star ANCAP rating. Standard safety features include front, side, knee and curtain airbags, seat belt reminders, electronic brakeforce distribution, emergency brake assist and electronic stability control.
Australian regulations mean this model lacks ISOFIX child seat mounts in the rear seat. All seat positions feature full shoulder-style belts, which offer more protection than a lap-only belt.
Reliability
Industry people we spoke to could not think of a single issue to worry about when buying this generation Camry. Even versions that have travelled more than 100,000km are likely to have many years of life left in them. Check the history of the car you are buying because many have been rentals, taxis or fleet vehicles. The 2.5-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 $260 each. At 30,000km, you will spend $320 as all fluids are replaced and at 90,000km $800 for spark plugs and brakes.
RightCar estimates that with 14,000km of driving a year, a Camry will cost $2,180 to fuel - that is $510 cheaper than the previous generation. The 70-litre fuel tank will cost $140 to fill at $2 per litre and should take you 833km before the fuel light comes on.
A vehicle licence for the Camry costs $76.92 a year, with the car in the cheapest ACC levy group.
Trade Me Insurance estimates insurance for a Camry valued at $18,020 will cost $52.28* per month. That’s $3 cheaper than a Nissan Altima.
Buyers' guide
This generation of Camry is available on Trade Me priced from $8,500 to $24,000 for later and lower mileage vehicles. Hybrid models are worth a few thousand more. A Japanese import Camry is available - it features different styling and is only available as a hybrid.
Variants
- GL – Cruise control, MP3-capable CD player stereo, manual air-conditioning, 16-inch alloy wheels and remote central locking.
- Atara S – Adds 17-inch alloy wheels, body kit, climate control air-conditioning, reversing camera, touchscreen display, leather steering wheel with transmission shift paddles, separate climate control settings for driver and passenger and an electric driver seat.
- Atara SX - Adds unique sports front and rear bumpers, tinted headlights and leather interior.
- Hybrid E - Similar to Atara S with the addition of blue-tinted headlights.
- Hybrid i-tech - Adds premium audio system, satellite navigation, automatic high beam, blind-spot monitoring and rain-sensing wipers.
Special sporty RZ packages, based on the Atara S, were released near the end of the model's life to clear stocks.
Timeline
- 2011 Launched in New Zealand
- 2012 Hybrid version arrives
- 2015 Replaced by heavily revised model
Details
2014 Toyota Camry GL
$13,000 to $23,000 for models which have travelled 70,000 to 120,000km
2.4-litre four-cylinder, 133kW/231Nm (claimed)
Six-speed automatic, front-wheel drive
Five-star Used Car Safety Rating
15,000km or 12 months
Full size tyre
7.8-litres per 100km (claimed)
Regular
4820mm
1820mm
1470mm
500kg (unbraked), 1200kg (braked)
11.2m
This review covers the Toyota Camry for model years 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.
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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