Toyota Camry 2011-2014: style and reliability in the world of business sedans

The eighth generation Toyota Camry produced in 2011-2014 can be called iconic by car for the Russian market. These business sedans were among the top 10 best-selling cars in Russia.


Camry is not only about power, but also about reliability, proven over the years. That's why these sedans are falling in price so slowly. But not everything is so smooth, and the Camry has disadvantages, which we will consider below.

Engines and their problems

Camrys in the ACV51 body, produced from 2012 to 2014, were equipped with 1-liter 2AZ-FE engines. The approximate operating life of the unit is 250 thousand km. In general, these are reliable internal combustion engines, however, not without shortcomings. These engines are characterized by oil burn, although not critical. If dirt collects on the throttle body, it will cause jerking and vibration.

The weak point of the 1AZ-FE is the plastic intake manifold, which in harsh domestic conditions quickly wears out and breaks in certain places. The fuel pump is not designed for low quality fuel.

The eighth generation Camrys were also equipped with 2AR-FE 2.5 liter engines. The average service life of four-cylinder units is 200 thousand km, and the maximum, according to car enthusiasts, is no more than 500 thousand km. In general, these are technologically advanced and economical units. The aluminum block has thin-walled cast iron sleeves, but it is not repairable.


The timing chain is a consumable item, since its service life is the same as that of a belt. Over time, the VVT ​​variable valve timing drives begin to knock in the engine, which quickly fail when the car is regularly refueled with low-quality fuel. The cooling system pump is reliable, its service life is 200 thousand km, although sometimes it lasts 50-70 thousand.

The most powerful engines used on the Camry are 2GR-FE. These 3.5-liter units were installed on sedans in the Lux and Elegance Drive configurations. According to official data, the service life of the engine is at least 500 thousand km. One of the typical problems is the VVT-i lubrication system. High-pressure engine fluid passes through a rubber tube, which can wear out after 2-3 years. If a rupture occurs, oil can flood the entire engine compartment.

Like icing on the cake, fuel consumption is excellent. 3.5-liter engines “eat” up to 15-17 liters, depending on driving style.

Interior: is everything so good?

Despite the “rich” equipment, there are also questions about the interior itself. Seats in a Camry wear out quickly, and the upholstery can become unusable after just 80 thousand kilometers. During the years these Camrys were produced, dealers replaced the seats under warranty. Some sedans had problems with the glove compartment lids, which could also be replaced.


Common interior drawbacks include many squeaks. This problem can be called widespread, since many car owners have complained about it. This shortcoming can be corrected with the help of additional sound insulation and broaching with further reassembly, but this “pleasure” will not be cheap.

The box and its shortcomings

Camrys produced before 2014 were equipped with the U241E automatic transmission. This unit is today considered old and primitive, but quite reliable. Transmission malfunction can occur due to incorrect or untimely maintenance, in particular, failure to comply with the oil change schedule. Scheduled repairs will be required if the seals leak. The gearbox “kills” very quickly with a regular aggressive driving style.

Restyled Camrys began to be equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission U660. The average operating life of such a unit is about 300 thousand km. To ensure that the box lasts as long as possible, change the oil in a timely manner, and at every second transmission fluid change, the filter is also replaced. The more the car has driven, the more often the ATF should be changed. The oil must be replaced if it smells like burning. When repairing a gearbox, experts recommend replacing all clutches, not just burnt ones.

Suspension

Compared to previous generations, here it has become tougher. Because of this, the sedan is less prone to roll and roll when entering a turn. The stiffness setting for 2011 and 2014 cars is different. In general, the suspension is reliable, most parts last up to 150 thousand km. On average, pads are changed every 70 thousand km.

Body and problems

Weak paintwork can be called a problem area of ​​the Camry not only of the 8th generation, but also of previous generations. Therefore, the manufacturer has taught owners of business sedans to treat paintwork with care. Due to the fact that the paint is applied in a thin layer, it is quickly subject to chips and scratches. Over the course of several years, paintwork may lose its brightness, and over time, traces of corrosion will begin to appear on it.


In practice, white cars are more susceptible to rust than others. Therefore, Japanese sedans are not uncommon on the secondary market. If you choose a Camry, carefully inspect the doors, hood, sills, and trunk lid when purchasing. In the XV50 sedans there is a lot of cheap chrome, which quickly fades, and the XV55 received better sound insulation.

Packages

For the Russian market, the manufacturer has provided a wide variety of configurations. For example, standard equipment includes front and rear PTFs, electric power steering, heated front seats, alloy wheels, full power accessories, etc. Light sensors, parking sensors, optitronic dashboard - the list goes on for a long time.

The standard package also includes an auto-dimming interior mirror, rain sensors, a multifunction screen and a multimedia system with Bluetooth. In the classic configuration, car owners are offered seats with leather upholstery, cruise control, an air ionizer, and the front seats are equipped with electric drive.


The Camry Elegance is additionally equipped with chrome door handles and xenon optics with auto-corrector. In the Lux and Prestige versions, the rear seats are equipped with electric drive for adjustment in two directions and electric heating. These configurations received a steering wheel with buttons to control the multimedia system.

Prices

The cost of Camry depends on the configuration and equipment. Models with a two-liter engine with a capacity of 148 “horses” in the ACV51 body cost on average from 1.5 million (Standart) to 1.8 million (Classic) rubles. Camry with a 2.5 liter engine producing 181 hp. With. will cost approximately 1.5-2.3 million rubles. These are cars in the back of ASV50.

For business sedans with a 3.5 liter engine, 249 horsepower, in the Elegance Drive configuration, sellers are asking 1.7 million rubles, for a Lux in the GSV50 body - about 2.5 million rubles. On sale you can find models with an armored body, their cost is about 3.5 million rubles. The most powerful Camry with an internal combustion engine is 3.5 liters with 277 hp. With. cost about 2.2-2.8 million rubles.

The 8th generation Toyota Camry is a popular business class sedan for its time. The changes that affected cars produced in 2011-2014 were innovative, making them leaders in their segment. Because of this, Camry is still in demand on the secondary market.