By Josh RosenbergIn today's extremely high-priced new and used car markets, many buyers have been forced to consider older vehicles as a means to a better budget fit. This has made reliability and dependability a key issue.
Under these circumstances, the 2013 Toyota Camry's record as a vehicle that has aged well has more and more car shoppers taking a good look.
It's reliability ratings have been at the top of the midsize sedan segment and its ownership costs have been affordable, while it is expected that a properly maintained 2013 should last in the 300,000 miles range.
And the 2013 Camry has always been a very popular car as well, so here we'll take a look at its pros and cons, it's possible mechanical problems and its pricing so car buyers can better judge if it could be a good used car choice for them.
But first, two very important suggestions ...
1. Things To Do When Considering An "Older" Camry:
Locate Lower Mileage Vehicles: They are certainly out there to be found with careful and patient shopping. Be willing to drive a distance if you have to.
Vehicle History and Maintenance: Ask for the vehicle history report (CarFax or AutoCheck) as well as documented maintenance and repair records. If not provided by the dealer or private seller, it's best to move on.
Pre-Purchase Inspection: Have the vehicle independently inspected before making a final decision. This usually will cost in the $150-$200 range but is well worth it given the potentially thousands in savings over the long term.
2. Know How To Get The Lowest Used Car Price:
Get Dealers To Compete For your Business: When you are searching vehicles to possibly purchase, the following is the absolute best way to get the lowest price, and it is extremely easy and stress-free.
Just go to a national car listing site, (I happen to prefer CarsDirect.com for their massive dealer participation and ease of use, although others will get the job done as well) and find several listed vehicles that you may be interested in.
Then write something like the following in the "Check Availability" box or "Contact Dealer" box or whatever the site you are using uses.
"Hello, I've contacted several dealers about cars I am interested in and am looking for the best value. I am also a serious buyer planning to make a decision soon. Please send me your best out-the-door price. Thank you.
After receiving the offers, follow up by explaining that based on the price, you're leaning in another direction but still really like their car and would certainly consider another offer. When dealers drop out, you'll know you're at the best price.
Using the internet to get dealers to compete for your business is extremely important. More details on this and how to intereact with the dealers can be found here at Best Used Car Buying Techniques.
The 2013 Toyota Camry
The 2013 Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan that caters to drivers seeking a well-rounded and practical vehicle known for its reliability, comfort, and safety features.
It provides a comfortable and spacious interior, various trims to suit different needs, and a choice of engines to balance power and fuel efficiency.
While it may not be the most exciting or stylish option in its class, it offers practicality and a reputation for long-term dependability.
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This Camry was the beneficiary of a total redesign in 2012. It received an upgraded interior, a more stylish exterior and enhanced driving zest. And new for 2013, the Camry raised the ante with several additional standard features plus a 6-inch central display screen for all models and a further upgrade to cabin materials.
But even while this Camry may have a lot going for it, before making a final buying decision prospective owners should not only consider its appealing qualities, but measure the possible impact of its potential drawbacks as well.
2013 Camry Pros
Lively engines: The Camry's base engine is a 2.5-liter inline-4 that produces 178-horsepower and 170-pound-feet of torque. While certainly not a speedster, this engine competently moves through the gears in a fairly uncommon way for a four-cylinder family sedan.
Also available (optional on the SE and XLE models) is a 3.5-liter V6 that pumps out 268-horsepower and 248-lb-ft of torque. This engine offers an exceptional combination of smooth and comfortable refinement along with brisk acceleration when needed.
Powering the Hybrid is a 2.5-liter 4-cylnder gas engine coupled with a battery-powered electric drive system that delivers a full 200-horsepower. Mated with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), the Hybrid is actually slightly quicker than the base four-cylinder, so there's really no performance penalty for those who choose to go green.
Good Fuel Economy: The EPA-estimated gas mileage for the four-cylinder Camry is 25 mpg city and 35 mpg on the highway, among the very best in this segment at the time. And the fuel economy for the V6 is also an impressive 21 city and 30 highway.
Of course, the Hybrid blows these numbers out of the water with a rating of 43 mpg city and 39 mpg highway, despite its better quickness than the regular gas-powered four-cylinder. The gas mileage for the Hybrid XLE drops just a bit to 40 city and 38 highway.
Smooth Ride, Capable Handling: The Camry has always offered a comfortable, smooth and quiet ride, so no surprise there. But with the previous year's revisions, all models now display improved body control and more confidence in the turns as well.
And the sport-tuned SE, with its wider tires, firmer suspension and sharper steering, elevates the Camry's handling abilities near the class leading Honda Accord ... and all without hurting the Camry's high marks for ride quality.
Well-Equipped: There's an abundance of standard features. Even the base L trim comes with power windows, power mirrors, air-conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth, a 6-inch display screen, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, a trip computer, split-folding rear seats and a 6-speaker audio system with a CD player, satellite radio, HD radio, a USB/iPod interface, and auxiliary input.
And more luxury-type features can be found as well. The XLE model includes an 8-way power driver seat, heated exterior mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, a sunroof, the Entune infotainment system and foglamps, while XLE V6 models add leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power passenger seat, a rearview camera, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Roomy Backseat: The rear quarters are huge for this class, offering generous amounts of leg and headroom for taller passengers. Along with the Accord, the rear accommodations were the best in the segment.
Strong Safety Scores: In government crash tests, the 2013 Camry was awarded an overall score of five out of five stars. More specifically, while not perfect, it's overall rating consisted of four stars for frontal-impact protection, five stars for side-impact protection, and four stars for rollover protection.
2013 Camry Cons
No Smartphone On Some Models: The Entune smartphone integration isn't available on the L or LE. While the good news is that a 6.1-inch touchscreen display is now standard on all Camrys, on the L and LE models it's primarily used to operate the stereo and display your Bluetooth phonebook.
Both the Entune system and navigation are only available on SE and XLE models. In addition, only the XLE offers the availability of the premium 7-inch touchscreen with a hard-drive-based navigation system.
No Manual Transmission Or AWD Models: While the 6-speed automatic transmission is a very good one, some driving enthusiasts may be disappointed by the lack of any with a manual transmission. There also isn't an all-wheel-drive model for those in snowy locations.
Some Interior Quality Issues: While many quality deficiencies of the previous generation were upgraded, there are still a few left. While the cabin remains impressively comfortable and quiet, the base cloth seating is adequate at best and there are still some hard and lower quality plastics used in the instrument panel, most noticeably in the L and LE models.
Somewhat Bland Design: Again, although the exterior styling was nicely improved for 2012, Toyota has not joined competitors such as the Mazda6, Kia Optima and Ford Fusion with a sportier look.
2013 Toyota Camry Mechanical Problems
The 2013 Toyota Camry is generally considered a very reliable vehicle, but like any car, it can experience mechanical problems over time. It's important to note that not all 2013 Camrys will experience these problems, and many will provide reliable service without major issues.
That said, this is a list of some mechanical issues reported by owners and known problems with the 2013 Camry which you should check for before purchase.
Excessive Oil Consumption: Some owners reported that their Camry had issues with excessive oil consumption. Toyota initiated a warranty extension program to address this problem in some cases.
Transmission Issues: A few owners have reported transmission problems, such as rough shifting or delayed gear engagement. This can sometimes be attributed to transmission fluid issues or other mechanical problems.
Water Pump Leaks: Some owners have experienced water pump leaks, which can lead to overheating issues.
Suspension and Steering Problems: There have been reports of issues with the suspension and steering components, which can result in unusual noises or handling problems.
Air Conditioning Problems: Some Camry owners have reported issues with the air conditioning system, such as weak cooling or malfunctioning components.
Brake Issues: Problems with the brakes, including premature wear of brake pads and rotors, have been reported.
Electrical Problems: A few owners have experienced electrical issues, such as problems with the power windows, door locks, or dashboard warning lights.
2013 Camry Prices
The following are estimates of current fair market values for well-maintained, average mileage vehicles. Please keep in mind that used car prices can vary significantly depending on factors such as location, condition, mileage, and additional features.
L Sedan: $9,800
LE Sedan: $9,700
SE Sedan: $10,500
LE Hybrid Sedan: $10,500
XLE Sedan: $10,900
XLE Hybrid Sedan: $12,000
Prices can also vary based on modifications or upgrades as well as market conditions effecting supply and demand.
2013 Camry Rivals
And those still looking around may also want to consider other top rivals. Both the Honda Accord and the Nissan Altima offer somewhat sportier qualities, while the Hyundai Sonata offers a similar level of refinement and appealing value.
Also worth a look are the Mazda6 and new Ford Fusion for their sharp designs and well-balanced performance.
Also, Always Know The Value Of Your Trade-In
Whether you are trading or selling on your own, it's just a good idea ... even whether you are in the market or not at the moment. You can then use this important information for a number of purposes ... to negotiate with a dealer, or to know how to price your car in the retail market, or simply to know the value of one of your assets, which is always a good idea.
Getting trade-in values online tend to vary a lot from site to site. But I've found the one at Edmunds Trade-In Quotes is particularly comprehensive and accurate.
It's free and just takes a couple of minutes. I think what helps its accuracy is the inputs will include either your plate# or VIN# followed by many simple, but specific, yes/no questions. It really focuses in on the detail of the specific vehicle.