Quick Answer
The best used Camrys are the 2018–2024 eighth-generation cars (2.5-liter four or 3.5 V6, with the 2021 refresh adding better infotainment) and the 2015–2017 seventh-generation refresh for a lower price with the same proven 2.5-liter engine. Avoid or carefully inspect 2007–2009 four-cylinder cars for oil consumption and 2007–2011 cars for melting dashboards. The Camry Hybrid is worth the premium if the battery checks out; a 2012+ hybrid battery is usually good for well over 150,000 miles.
Key Takeaways
- Eighth generation (2018–2024): best overall used choice; 2021–2024 have the updated touchscreen and Safety Sense 2.5+.
- Seventh generation (2012–2017): 2015–2017 refresh cars are the value pick; very reliable 2.5 L and 3.5 L engines.
- Sixth generation (2007–2011): 2AZ-FE 2.5-less four-cylinder oil burning (2007–2009) and sticky dashboards; buy only with proof of fixes.
- Ninth generation (2025+): hybrid only, 225–232 hp; still close to new price used.
- Hybrid batteries are durable; check the hybrid system warning and have a dealer run a battery health report.
- Expect to pay more than for an Accord or Altima of the same age; Camrys hold value well.
The Camry has been the best-selling car in America for most of the last two decades, which means the used market is full of them at every age and price. Most are excellent; a few years and engines have known problems. This guide walks through each generation, points out the years to prefer and the ones to inspect carefully, lists what to check on a test drive, and gives realistic price expectations.
Camry Generations at a Glance
| Generation | Years | Engines | Known issues |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sixth (XV40) | 2007–2011 | 2.4 L I4 (2AZ-FE), 2.5 L I4 from 2010, 3.5 L V6, hybrid | Oil consumption on 2007–2009 2.4 L, melting/sticky dashboard (2007–2011), VVT-i oil line on early V6 |
| Seventh (XV50) | 2012–2017 | 2.5 L I4 (2AR-FE), 3.5 L V6, hybrid | Few; some torque converter shudder on early 6-speed autos, A/C compressor on some |
| Eighth (XV70) | 2018–2024 | 2.5 L I4 (A25A, 203–206 hp), 3.5 L V6 (301 hp), hybrid (208 hp) | 2018–2019 fuel pump recall (Denso), infotainment lag pre-2021, early 8-speed shift roughness |
| Ninth (XV80) | 2025–present | 2.5 L hybrid only (225 hp FWD / 232 hp AWD) | Too new for a pattern; early software updates |
Best Years to Buy
2021–2024: The 2021 refresh brought a floating 7- or 9-inch touchscreen with wireless CarPlay on upper trims, Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ with improved emergency braking, and a revised front end. Combined with the proven 2.5-liter Dynamic Force engine and eight-speed automatic, these are the best used Camrys and the last with a V6 option (XSE V6 and TRD through 2024).
2018–2020: Same platform and engines with the older Entune infotainment; mechanically identical and cheaper. Confirm the fuel pump recall on 2018–2019 cars was done.
2015–2017: The seventh generation’s refresh added a much better interior and a stiffer body. The 2.5-liter 2AR-FE and six-speed automatic are among Toyota’s most reliable combinations, and these cars sell for significantly less than eighth-gens.
Years to Inspect Carefully
2007–2009 four-cylinder: The 2.4-liter 2AZ-FE in these years can consume oil at a quart every 1,000 miles because of piston ring design. Toyota extended the warranty and replaced pistons on many cars; a used example needs either proof of the repair or an oil-consumption test. The 3.5 V6 and the hybrid from these years do not have the issue.
2007–2011 dashboards: The dashboard material can become sticky, shiny and reflective in hot climates. Toyota ran a replacement program that has ended; a replaced dash is a plus, a melting one is a negotiation point or a reason to pass.
2012–2014 early seventh-gen: Generally solid, but some six-speed automatics exhibit a low-speed shudder from the torque converter, often addressed with a fluid change or software update.
Checking a Camry Hybrid
Camry Hybrids from 2012 onward use a nickel-metal hydride pack that routinely lasts past 150,000–200,000 miles, and the 2018+ cars are even more durable. On a test drive, make sure the gas engine shuts off at a stop and that the car creeps on electric power at low speed; a hybrid that runs the engine constantly or shows a red triangle warning has a system fault. Ask a Toyota dealer for a hybrid battery health check, and budget for a replacement pack (typically a few thousand dollars installed, less for refurbished) only if the car is very high mileage. The hybrid’s extra cost is usually recovered quickly in fuel savings for commuters.
What to Inspect on Any Used Camry
- Oil level and condition on any 2007–2009 four-cylinder, and the service history for consumption repairs.
- Dashboard surface on 2007–2011 cars: glossy or tacky means it is degrading.
- Transmission behavior: smooth shifts, no shudder at 20–40 mph under light throttle.
- A/C performance: some seventh-gen cars needed compressors; make sure it blows cold quickly.
- Recalls: fuel pump (2018–2019), and check the VIN on the NHTSA site for anything open.
- Infotainment: on 2018–2020 cars, confirm the screen responds and CarPlay connects; the older Entune units can be sluggish.
- Tires and brakes: uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues after a pothole or minor accident.
- Accident history: Camrys are common rental and fleet cars; check for mismatched paint and the vehicle history report for fleet use.
Trims and Engines
LE: the fleet and rental favorite; fine, basic, usually the cheapest.
SE: sport suspension and styling with the same engine; slightly firmer ride.
XLE: leather, larger screen, comfort features; the best used value for long commutes.
XSE: XLE equipment with SE styling and, on V6 cars, 301 hp.
Hybrid LE/SE/XLE: 50+ mpg combined on the 2018+ LE Hybrid; the LE Hybrid uses a lighter lithium pack and gets the best economy.
The 2.5-liter four is the right choice for most buyers; the V6 is for those who want effortless power and accept 26 mpg.
What to Expect to Pay
As a rough guide for 2026: 2012–2014 cars from the high single thousands to the mid-teens; 2015–2017 from the low to high teens; 2018–2020 from the high teens to mid-$20,000s; 2021–2024 from the low $20,000s to the low $30,000s, with hybrids and V6 XSE/TRD at the top. Camrys with a dealer service history and under 60,000 miles command a premium, and they are worth it over a cheaper car with no records.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best years for a used Toyota Camry?
2021–2024 for the latest tech and safety, 2018–2020 for the same car at a lower price, and 2015–2017 for the best value with the proven 2.5-liter engine.
Which Camry years should I avoid?
Inspect 2007–2009 four-cylinder cars carefully for oil consumption and 2007–2011 cars for sticky dashboards. Both are fine if the repairs were done; otherwise look at a later car.
How long does a Camry Hybrid battery last?
Typically well over 150,000 miles, and often past 200,000 on 2012+ cars. Have a dealer run a battery health check on any high-mileage hybrid before buying.
Is a used Camry V6 worth it?
If you want strong acceleration, yes; the 3.5 V6 is very reliable. Most buyers are better served by the 2.5-liter four or the hybrid for fuel economy and lower insurance.
How many miles is too many for a used Camry?
Camrys regularly pass 250,000 miles with maintenance. A 150,000-mile car with full records is a better buy than an 80,000-mile car with none; judge by history and condition.
Conclusion
A used Camry is one of the lowest-risk cars you can buy, provided you steer around the 2007–2009 oil burners and the melting dashboards of that era. The 2018–2024 eighth generation is the easy recommendation, the 2015–2017 cars are the value alternative, and a hybrid with a clean battery report is worth its premium for anyone who drives a lot. Pay for records and condition, and the car will likely outlast your interest in it.
