Is this a good Toyota Camry deal?

bostonoak

8 years ago

This will be only my second car since coming to America so I do not have much experience in buying cars.

My previous car was a 1990 manual VW Jetta which I bought used in 2001.

Someone wants to sell me a 2015 Toyota Camry LE for $12,000.

It has 65,000 miles.

I took the car out for a drive today. It drives really well.

However, the stereo, I felt, could have been more crisp and stronger in terms of sound quality.

The AC was pretty good.

The car gives you the option of using a manual system for changing the gears (without a clutch, of course) and having an automatic. I had never seen this system before.

What do you think about this deal? Is it a good one or should I continue to shop around?

You can be honest.

Thanks!

Featured Answer

jakkom

8 years ago

The Camry is Toyota's bread and butter car. Probably has the best reliability and build of any model they sell.

Lower mileage is always better, ASSUMING the maintenance on both cars was equally performed. You want to see the full service receipts, if at all possible.

You don't buy a Toyota for a great sound system. It's the GM of Japan. Nothing about it - styling, handling, braking - is going to impress you. My 2017 Ford Edge Sport can run rings around it all day and has a ton of fancy features that are not only whiz-bang but actually useful.

But when it comes to reliability and durability, a Toyota Camry will outlast my Edge by easily double the life, if taken proper care of (and in your climate, rust is a long-term serious consideration).

So check the service records - don't rely on what's written in the little service handbook that has the requirements listed for check-off, you want to see actual RECEIPTS that prove the maintenance was done regularly, and pick the Camry that was best maintained. If you can have a reliable service guy check the car out first and give you his opinion, that's even better.

Either way, I think you'll be very happy with the Camry. It's not an exciting car, but it's a good one.

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Comments (13)

bostonoak
Original Author
8 years ago
Another person has 2015 Camry with 21K.

He wants $13,500.

Is this a better deal than a 2015 Camry with 61K for $12,000?
300ft_anin
8 years ago
hi boston, if you're not familiar with camries i would do your research, lots of info on them. i have an 88 wagon i've had good luck with i can't speak for the newer ones but because they are 1 of the best selling cars you probably can,t go wrong. in my area 21,000, 13k is a good deal.
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bostonoak
Original Author
8 years ago
300ft_anin & jakkom,

Your advice was really helpful in assuring me about Camrys. That was really nice of you.

My financing was approved today. Hopefully, tomorrow I'll begin the process of closing on the 2015 Camry with 21K on it.
300ft_anin
8 years ago
good luck with your new car.
bostonoak
Original Author
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
The only thing I've not mentioned (and I probably should have mentioned it earlier) is that the Camry that I'm planning on buying (the one with 21K) did have an accident, according to the dealer. It was hit from behind. But it was repaired and there's now no visible sign of the damage. And this dealership that I'm buying the car from has a good reputation.

However, is there anything I can do just to make sure the car is alright? I do not have much experience with such matters. This is why I'm asking.

The CARFAX report states:

Accident reported on 1/8/2017. Damage reported on 1/14/2017."

"Structural damage reported on 1/14/2017."

"No total loss reported to CARFAX.."

"Airbag deployment disclosed by seller on 7/24/2017."
300ft_anin
8 years ago
"Airbag deployment disclosed by seller on 7/24/2017."

?? i would pass
bostonoak
Original Author
8 years ago
The Toyota dealers in the area offer a Used Car Inspection service.

One nearby charges $120; another charges 139.99.

The inspection takes an hour or two and they place the car on a lift. And you get a report.

I think I'm going to get an inspection before I make up my mind as to whether or not to buy this car.

My gut feeling tells me that I should buy this car. But I'm willing to wait for the inspection before deciding for sure.

Also, the Toyota dealer guy (from the place where I want to get the inspection) told me on the phone that if the accident had been very serious, the car would have been totaled instead of being repaired.
300ft_anin
8 years ago
have you drove this car? no unusual noises/squeaks? try and find out about the air bag, was there another bump 6mos. after the accident?
bostonoak
Original Author
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Hi friends,

I have decided not to buy this Camry (the one that had the accident).

A Good Samaritan who looked at the CARFAX report pointed out the following:

01/08/2017 New Hampshire
Damage Report Accident reported
Involving right rear impact
CARFAX began reporting this information on 08/16/2017.
01/14/2017 Damage Report Damage reported after accident
Structural damage reported
Damage to front
Damage to rear
Damage to right rear
Damage to undercarriage
CARFAX began reporting this information on 07/26/2017.

Structural damage may impact vehicle safety and reliability. Get the unibody or frame of the vehicle inspected by a professional.

06/26/2017 New Hampshire
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Keene, NH
Title #14355229 Title issued or updated
Duplicate title issued
Vehicle color noted as Black
07/24/2017 Seller Disclosure Vehicle sold at auction
Airbag deployment disclosed by seller
07/24/2017 21,000 Dealer Inventory Vehicle offered for sale
08/02/2017 21,310 Toyota of Watertown
Watertown, MA
617-926-5200
toyotaofwatertown.co
m Fluids checked
Oil and filter changed

He then advised the following:

"Based on above it looks like it was hit really bad in January and took almost 6 months to repair, then was sold at auction and trickled down to the dealer where its being sold now. Damage to undercarriage is not good. It should be real easy for a body shop to point this out and check alignment. I'd be very weary of buying something with those extensive of repairs and no documentation.

"Also sketchy that this was being sold at a Toyota dealer just last month but now a corner buy here/pay here lot, it probably couldn't pass Toyota's certified used car inspection which is a red flag."

I'm really grateful for the advice I got on this forum. The problem is that in my excitement to buy the car I chose to not look at the info in the CARFAX report which was very stupid of me, and not fair to the people I was asking for advice in this forum. I deeply apologize and realize that you were offering me advice based on an incomplete picture. If this is any excuse, this is only the second time I'm buying a car. I'm an immigrant and still learning how to do these sorts of things.
300ft_anin
8 years ago
good for you. i'm glad you didn't jump on the "good deal".
jakkom
8 years ago
No apologies necessary - it's all part of the learning process. Good luck with finding a better used car deal!
Didier Aubin
8 years ago
I think it is reasonable, good luck for finding a better new.

Is this a good Toyota Camry deal?

jakkom

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