I had a 2005 Camry LE and brought it to 289k this year before I sold it. Mine was base Beige on Beige on Beige on Beige... but I had a moonroof, upgraded wheels, and spoiler. Unfortunately it sounds like it was involved in an accident a month after I sold it.
Having sold them back in the late 90's. It's only missing one thing for us ex-salesmen. The "Gold Package" to go with the color. You will see a lot of this on those of that time period.
Bruh. The feels. The utter realisation that my Golf is the car I deserve cause is the car I need, even if I don't like it. The crushing acceptance of the superiority of dependability against everything else. The cold efficiency of passing time and the ultimate need of an anchor, of something that stays with you no matter how much you change.
Man I feel this way about my Civic. Old Apollo has given me so little fuss for all we've been through, and in the heat of everything happening around you, that can be the rock that you cling to.
This video hit me on another level. I own a Camry SE of the same generation, handed down from a family friend. I went through the same process of despising it to falling in love.
After owing 3 consecutive BMWs I traded my last one in for a VW Golf around 4 years ago and this is how I feel. It’s boring but it’s nice to own a car that’s reliable and takes regular fuel.
Congrats Roman! Funny, my mom bought a Camry that looked exactly like this one, color and all. She went to the dealer and financed it without my dad’s knowledge. I watched lots of arguments between them after it arrived and I disliked the car at the time because it showed that their marriage was failing. 20 something years later I realize it wasn’t the Camrys fault, it did nothing wrong. I got to drive it from time to time before I moved out and grew up and it was a great car. It carted my siblings around as their car when my mom got tired of it. It was not cared for, just used It outlasted that season of life and now when I see one it evokes thoughts of solidarity. Great pick, Roman. Edit: oohhh kaayy, that ASMR bit brought me RIGHT BACK to being in the car. Strange feelings and emotions.
Welcome to Team Camry Roman! I'm on my 3rd, an '88, '97, and currently an '09. These cars just age so well I believe they are a cheat code for the consumer. Looks like you found a nice one, enjoy!
The '88 was pretty nice 2.7L 6cyl with a 5 speed manual. However I liked the '97 better, the 3.0L engine is bulletproof and was a better car to drive all around for me.@@navywolf1753
A 2002 Camry XLE was my first car - handed down from Grandpa to grandkid 4 times over, complete with a name which belied its history. Ol’ Scrapey was a tank, and I still miss the sound of that V6. But when the choice is between premium gas and saving money by the fistful, I had to move to a Prius. Here’s to your new ride, Roman.
That V6 didn't need premium gas. Sure it was recommended in the manual, but you were just leaving all of about 4 horsepower on the table by using regular. Toyota quit recommending premium and dropped the horsepower rating when SAE standards changed such that premium had to be listed as a hard requirement, not a recommendation, in order to publish power ratings achieved with premium.
I still wish y'all would review my 2000 Camry CE to compare! 273k, 2.2L I4 with 5mt. Even put junkyard cruise control on it. Been driving it for 17 years and still going strong. Towed a u-haul with it last year 700 miles, it's a beast! I'd love to make a trip of it and drive it out there! Love from Texas
I owned a 99. Roman is right... there's something peaceful about a car that stays the same when everything else changes, and it keeps going no matter what you throw at it.
Brings back memories of riding around in Singapore with my family in 2004. We had a "champagne" Camry like this. The tail lights were different and it was right hand drive, and it felt like a luxury car.
@@saxachewon8062 the taxes on anything beyond 1600cc are so high in this part of the world that turning the camry into an entry level luxury car was the sensible marketing decision hahah
@@rfnv1337 Indonesian here and i can confirm that is still pretty much the same case over here although our taxes arent as bad as Singapore, i still find it baffling how this is the epitome of a boring regular car that nobody is going to notice, yet in this part of the world if you drive one of these your neighbours are starting to have conversations about you whether you're a government official or not
I had a 2003 Camry that just ran and ran even after it got hit twice and repaired, it just ran and ran. I even stupidly waited to change the transmission at 145,000 miles and there were no burnt fluid or metal shavings. It ran and ran until I sold it off in 2020 at 230,000 miles and got myself a 2020 Camry. Those early models from 98 to 01 and 02 to 04 were just so reliable.
My first car was a 2002 Camry LE. It was my grandmothers and she bought it new in 02. I remember riding in it all the time from about 6 years old. She gave it to my parents for their children to drive. My brother didn’t drive it but my older sister did for a year before I got it. We lived in rural NM and because of the drives to and from ANYTHING, by the time I got it it had 168000 miles and I put about 20000 on it. That car taught me many lessons about loving cars. Some of my worst decisions were made on that car including what not to spray paint, how not to wire a sub and amp from autozone and how off road I could take a sedan. Most of all however, it taught me to see the soul in a car. My Camry was entirely Earnest. He excepted every form of abuse, neglect, care, experimentation, and love. I could give it as a young car owner. My best high school memories are associated with that car. In 2018 after phone in the car for about two years, I moved to Austin for college. My best friend help me move down and spent two weeks with me at the end of those two weeks we were in downtown and I had not yet learned all the traffic patterns of the city, I turned on what I thought was a street or turn lane although it was a street only and smacked a Lincoln. I had never hit another car or wrecked a car I was driving. The damage was quite bad and rendered the rear driver door useless. I eventually traded it in for $700 on a scion. Before I left to the dealership to trade the car in, though, I cleaned the car out and sat in my aunts garage, looking at it, and eventually started crying. What an odd feeling to see some thing that I had associated with so many fantastic and terrible memories, and what I viewed as an integral part of my childhood and early adulthood and come to terms with the fact that I was giving it away. It’s been eight different cars since then and I still look for it online at pull up parts and auction sites. I doubt it ever left San Antonio and a couple years ago I managed to confirm that someone had in fact purchased it in San Antonio, that being said, it’s almost certain that the car ended up at a yard was picked, and eventually crushed. I always think about looking online at lower mileage Camry‘s of the same spec as mine but I don’t think I could buy one and peel justified in the ownership in the same way I would be should I have kept my own. It’s an odd thing, but I do believe Jeremy Clarkson Boyles car enthusiast down in a great way when he says a car in Theseus begins to see their own car as a person in a dove it self, and begins to love it as such I still have the key From my Camry and every now and again I go grab it and hold it in the same fashion I would when sticking it in the ignition. The muscle memory of that act conjures a great many memories, and may seem odd, but when I think about my next car or project or opportunity to own something really interesting, I’m reminded of the origins of my personal journey with car ownership and the fundamental values I hold as a car enthusiast.
I owned the smaller facsimile of this Camry, a champagne 2009 Corolla LE. 150,000+ miles on it and the interior looked brand new. Always averaged 31-32 MPG. The A/C was frigid. What a great little car! I sold it to a teenage girl after I bought my white 2016 4Runner, “Pearl”. Over two years later and I’m sorry I didn’t keep the Corolla around.
Only problem I know of the 2002-2003 Camrys in particular are stripped head bolts so be sure to stay on top of the cooling system and never let it get hot. That being said, my dad's 2002 with ancient coolant and 200k+ miles still runs great.
This was the first car I ever got (and still my only) in Sep 2001 at nearly 38 years old. Paid for it in cash and I never really found it boring. The Camry brought me freedom and true independence without worrying about it breaking down. I'm 40 now and the car runs better than ever and I've driven it an additional 26k miles (almost to 229k). The car looks and sounds both unique and aggressive with the aero kit, exhaust upgrades, and custom paint job (just using rattle cans). I raced the car twice in Rallycross, even! I have some videos in my channel where I did the work and racing. Besides basic oil changes every 3k miles or so, here are the changes I did: I put a Celica spoiler on it, RallyArmor mudflaps, a trim kit from eBay, tint, CARB-legal cold air intake, new brakes all-around, replaced spark plugs, replaced aftermarket things with OEM (oil and gas cap), replaced rear suspension, new Magnaflow exhaust headers, new alloy wheels, glasspak muffler, and resonator delete. Even 3D-printed a custom badge "CAMRALLY" that I put on the back and placed the original badge in the centre underneath the climate controls against the inside black wall where there is space for a phone.
On an Australia related note: you should definitely seek out an Alfa Romeo GT 3.2 V6. I know it's a Eurocar, but there is a dedicated fanbase in Aussie and I would love to hear your take on it!
@@EddieFly00 I've never driven the 164, but I've seen Jayemm On Cars' recent video on it and he was quite impressed. The engine is a treat! I love mine, which has all the right upgrades including Quaife LSD. I don't miss rwd at all :)
Realistically the nature of the Australian market means basically every slightly niche import ends up with a dedicated following. The average mechanic has actual meaningful experience with about 7 car platforms - at least 3 of which probably belong to Toyota. Being asked to work on a Golf is like being asked to work on a spacecraft. Without a solid network of owners for parts and information on experienced mechanical specialists (half of which work out of their own garages), you don't absolutely do not stand a chance.
I’ve been jumping around a bunch of different 80s Toyotas, currently driving a 1986 Toyota Cressida. It feels far more comfortable and better made than any car I’ve ever been in. 150k miles, runs flawlessly, no rattles, no door sag, 99% of the buttons still work, not a rip or crack in the interior, and it’s never been garage kept in its life. When Toyota wants a car to last, it will.
I had a 2003 Camry that I sent to the scrap yard about 5 years ago. It had 470,000 Kms on it and I might have kept it, but it needed a power steering pump and I had a new job closer to home that didn't require Cam's frugal milage. It had a manual transmission, rear spoiler and a factory front strut tower bar. It was as sporty as a Camry with a four banger could get and I flogged it always. I miss that car dearly and shop for used Camry's weekly.
Great year. I had an 04 corolla and I loved that car. My dad bought it new off the lot and had it up til a year ago til she finally gave up the ghost. Rip Garry she was the best
If I recall, you can buy aftermarket key fobs and program the car yourself to recognize it. I did this with my ‘04 Highlander, which appears to use the same generation of fob.
Monday morning and sitting down to RCR with warmed up leftovers from Friday night and hot coffee. RCR produces another journey to a happy place. Name dropping John Davis and Scotty, Gen-X nostalgia and a thesis on maturing and car ownership... Mr. Regular demonstrating the tactile fit and finnish traits that gave the Big Three a shot across the bow in the 80's... Bravo!
This resonated with me a lot, as someone who is also moving on from a new edge mustang to a Toyota. Cars really do represent what their driver seeks in a partner, wanting something fun and dangerous and then eventually pining for something reliable and useful.
My girlfriend has an '03 Camry LE that she calls Shelby. She has 275k miles, and aside from burning oil, runs perfect! I swapped the starter in her apartment's parking lot with just a socket set. She's a great car, and I high key feel like Shelby will outlive me and I'm only 30 lmao
My now-dead grandfather bought a 2001 XV20 Camry as his last car, and when my now-dead grandmother gave up driving, she passed it down to me. Was totaled in an accident at ~135k miles. Only thing I liked about it over my current 2015 Mazda3 is the fuel tank size. Those extra 5gal or so makes me wish I got a Mazda6 sometimes, just so I don't have to hit the pump so frequently. Here's hoping Estelle has been and continues to treat ya well Roman!
Honestly the literary theory (mixed with the weird humor) stuff was kinda what got me into the channel, way back with the postmodernism tangent on the PT Cruiser video.
I had a 2005 Camry LE as my first car, paid $4,500 for it. Since the owners were elderly and had it since they bought it new back then, the car was near pristine except for the headlights having a little bit of UV fade, a couple of dings on the driver door, and some paint chipping on the passenger door mirror cap. I had those minor cosmetic issues changed, and it carried me for the first 4 years of my adult life until an accident happened. It blows my mind how people overlook the XV30 Camry.
A good friend of mine had this car, same color even. She had to sell it when her macular degeneration reached a point where she could no longer see the road. Still ran smoothly. These are great cars.
I was really holding out for the delicious irony of "Classic Car" plates on my '99 Camry. I had no doubt it would make it if I just kept on changing the oil. Unfortunately for that dream, but fortunately for me, I couldn't refuse the offer of inheriting a much more recent vehicle, before I was able to claim that ridiculous mantle.
probably overpaid for that beige toaster. every finance bro is like "oH jUsT bUy a Toyota corolla its so cheap and reliable, you'll be a millionaire from your snp500 investments when youre 95 years old" yeah well now everyone buys the hype and 2002 corolla cost the same as 2012 bmw, I cant pay 6000 bucks for your worn out farted in 300k miles economy car just because it promises it will be reliable trusm me bro, like no it wont, its like pre-ordering games
I owned a 2000 Corolla for 8 years, it was such a reliable car. Engine/Trans had 300k on it and it still drove great. It had the infamous 1ZZ-FE yet it never even burned a drop of oil! Had to send it away in the end just due to so much rust from being a Canadian vehicle...🍁❄😥
It's not every day you see a car someone genuinely loved and cleaned it regularly to the point it looks showroom new after, like 20 years. My car is at 105,000 miles, 5 years old,and I plan on keeping it stock and looking showroom new. I bought it with 5 miles on the odometer. Keep your stuff clean and take care of it and even something like a 20 year old camry will make you go: "Damn...what a nice car." no matter what you drive.
I got a Subaru. My wife, too. Little things break. Her car literally grounds out over speed bumps, doing body damage. The Outback? Headlights went out twice. Hood release broke. A random dust shield rattles at XF-84H Thunder-screech levels. It burns oil on the highway. The drains got clogged so now it smells bad. Got a hundred and a half thou, 30mpg, pulls like a draft horse, is a tank in all weather so long as your tires aren’t bare. Oil changes and new tires. It’s a beast.
My sister bought my mom a very clean fully-loaded 2008 Ford Taurus Limited to replace her 04 Camry LE, but now my brother drives the Ford because my mom likes the Camry more.
Very interesting thought of cars as a life partner rather than extension of ourselves. In the interesting vs. boring decision, I wound up taking the opposite route, though I'm still 10 years younger than Roman. My first car in high school was a classic Volkswagen Beetle, which I really enjoyed. A few years later I was given a very high mileage 2007 Prius as a gift. It seemed like the pragmatic decision to use most of the time, with the Beetle just for fun, but over time I found I drove the Beetle more, and ultimately sold the Prius, both because I didn't use it and because, while it was reliable while I had it, I knew it was a time bomb while the old Beetle I could just keep fixing forever. The biggest part though was each car's "personality," and which I got along with better. The Prius was consistent, typically trustworthy, economical, comfortable, did her job for the most part - no problems within herself anyway. Great car for Lyft. But oh did she complain. Every possible beep and bong over who knows what, usually nothing. Handling was okay but unexciting, throttle laggy. The slightest slip and it would cut power for a couple seconds and scoldingly flash the traction control light. In anything other than ideal conditions she complained, didn't want to do it. Was so completely useless in snow I quicky concluded that if there was a flake of snow in the forecast I shoud drive the Beetle. The Beetle - which I call Fenix - on the other hand has all manner of health issues, I've replaced the engine twice, requires constant upkeep, frequent repairs, though fortunately I can do all of it myself. But she always does her best, rises to the occasion to the best of her ability, and lives for a good time. Put a turbo on it, turns out that little old engine eats boost for breakfast with a resouinding "Fuck yeah!" Taking that car on mountain forest dirt roads, the car egged me on to take it fast, telling me that's how she takes those roads best. Took her for Rallycross a couple times, and she did the best her tires and my skills were capable of. This all feels similar to my friend group, and romantic preferences. Those who are easy to get along with, try to rise to the occasion, but in many cases have mental and/or physical health struggles, which I do my best to help them through, struggle with underpaying and overworking jobs. Those who are "succesful," accomplishing productive things in life, have little to worry about, but are hard to get along with, are not the people I would relate to. I could even regard the Prius' personality as being a classic "Karen," even if stereotypically Priuses aren't the car "Karens" drive.
I remember driving one of these as a rental back in 2004 while I was waiting for my Accord to return from the body shop and while it was nice enough, I got sick of driving it because it just wasn't an Accord. It felt like I was sitting on the seat rather than in it like my Accord. It felt so much bigger than my Accord, and don't even ask me about how it drove, but the Accord was way better. This Camry and pretty much any generation will serve the owner well, but it just sucks at the intangibles, and for a lot of people, that's still very important.
I love the 5th Gens, I used to have a 5 speed manual. All during quarantine, I used to race it around the empty backroads for fun. I started swapping out all of the interior bits from the higher trim XLEs and Limiteds. Someone reposted a pic of my interior on the r/RegularCarReviews subreddit and it was trending that day. I randomly stumbled upon it and I was so happy people can understand this weird love I have for this car.
The test on how much one really needs to be content. The question on whether “more” offers more disappointment as a cost. The conflict of whether beige can be considered BROOOOWWWN. Either way, congrats on the new car Roman. Honestly I both did and didn’t expect the Camry
I’m on my 4th one. Not because they broke but as I own them people offer me way more than I paid for them so I have to sell em. My current 03 is the best one. It’s a great day to day car that can go cross country.
I feel Romans feels. My 2012 EcoBoost is a great truck. I almost love it. But I really miss my OBS Fords. Except the E4OD. I don't miss that thing. Still waiting on the one in my 94 F150 to get replaced.
and yes, Japanese companies are in fact the most meticulous buyers, and if the quality sucks twice in a row (as in: one imperfection), they will pay the company a visit personally, I kid you not, they fly to Germany to inspect why a batch of certain plastic parts were not immaculate. Source: Buddy who works in the plant that was bold enough to ship a part that was imperfect.
Well a car is literally a bigger body you fit into, yeah there's a lot of philosophical things that could be said about our connection to cars and what they represent but as we literally move in a car we are doing a uniquely human thing called "Interfacing". That is why when we drive cars we are not driving a vehicle that moves independently of our bodies, as we drive, we are the car, and when we see other cars we don't see cars being driven by people, we see other people.
Great review and congratulations Nick. That's an honest, reliable car. I really enjoyed the literature. I know exactly what understanding rarely happens without injury. Unfortunately truely learning and understanding is done the hard way. I've never heard of reception theory but I understand that different people understand things with their own personal experiences. I know what you mean, I had my fun and sewed my wild oats. You articulated my feelings perfectly, I love my simple life, doing my own thing entirely untroubled wondering apathy. I understand buying the same car as a way of connecting with someone again. That Kel Tec comparison to the Camry makes more sense than Glock!
I (had no choice but to) get rid of my 05 Camry SE this year. I miss it so much, and was bulletproof and the best car I’ve ever seen or had. Then went to a sequoia, (a bit impulsive) but it has followed suit, nevermind having about 100k more than the Camry. But I will never forget or downplay that car.. 3.3 v6, automatic.. man….
Great episode. My wife owned this car in the boring beige color. Ironic considering we just grieved its loss from being totalled in an accident a few months ago. Mighty Car Mods recently turbo charged it into a 300 hp monster with little effort. Great car, solid and dependable. Totally agree its a smart buy if you can pick one up.
RCR. What's the story on the blue Ford Focus hatchback that's been sitting on the side of Route 61 for the past 4 years? IYKYK, 40°36'13"N 76°01'44"W Are they asking too much money for it or does the for sale sign state that the transmission is smoked? Or does everyone in the area just know to avoid the Focus? Love your content. Keep up the awesome work!
Possibly the most bullet proof car on the planet. Just check the oil on a regular basis. Easy to maintain and parts are plentiful and won't break the bank. I can get the angst over mixed expectations. I've owned 2 Corvettes (both C-3's) back in the late 70's. They were fun but totally impractical. After a series of mixed result cars from crappy to not bad, we bought a 2011 CR-V new (for my wife). Boring. Uninspiring. And I've grown to love it. I can work on it. It's economical. It's simple. It has nearly a quarter million miles on it. And it just keeps on working. It's almost Camry-like in its efficiency and longevity. I think you get Estelle. Maybe you will grow to love her.
My dad owned this car in silver. Which had like, the slightest hint of green mica pearl in it. It looked pretty damn good in the golden hour light at sunrise or sunset. But it was boring looking otherwise. I learned to drive in it. I borrowed it when I went to visit my ex-girlfriend. Summer, winter, rain, hail, you name it. The stereo was a banger. Back then, I used the cassette tape car-kit wired thing. Right into the iPod. It was written off at 17 years old after being smashed into bits by golf ball sized hail. 220k km on it. I miss it. I could get the rear to rotate in the winter reliably by left foot braking and abruptly liftting.
My Niece got this car in this color 6 years ago. It been good. Regular maintenance. It needed head gaskets... Brakes recently... Nothing unexpected. Brakes are a little spongey She was commuting pretty far for quite a while. The interior looks like it's owned by a 20 something woman, so a hoarder house 🙂
Hopefully you have a better experience with your Camry that I had with mine. I had the 2003 XLE V6, and that car gave me more problems than some of the Fords and GM products that I've owned. After the coolant hose connecting point melted off, I finally gave up and traded it in. I now own a Prius
a 20-year-old plus car that still looks and drives great? Now that's quality. This is one of the great people movers of the 21st century. It saves the middle class from debt and auto loans. So many people struggle with a 400-500 dollar car payment for six years so they can drive a Hyundai Santa Fe. All they need is this magnificent beige beast. It is utterly boring, utterly personalityless, but while someone struggles to pay for their car payment plus rent, you can smile knowing it will run for another ten years. The parts are cheap as chips, and they are readily available. The middle class needed a savior, and this car can be that hero. It is similar to a 2007 Honda CRV. Utterly disappointing, ugly, and slow, but it runs and keeps you out of debt
If I were ultra rich, I'd by Roman a hypercar or something really fancy and pay the insurance and everything on it, just to see him enjoy it just as much is this Camry or his Mustang
I know a guy at my high school has one of these it has been in three accidents the rear bumper is caved in and it can not get to 60 without sounding like a 2 stroke dirt bike but it still drives somehow
Having been in my late teens/early 20's at the time, I believe the late 90s thru the early 00s were likely the pinnacle for good, reliable cars & trucks. I know it sounds a bit fudd-like but I can't see buying anything beyond about 2014 anymore; too many electronics prone to failure, too much integration that smokes everything when some small component goes out.
Time to slap a turbo on that beast might car mods style. Also don't let that engine overheat unless you want the head to warp and rip the studs out of the engine block,
I own a 2018 charger scat pack been my daily for 4 years lol got tired of gassing up every two days LMAO ! I’m getting me a 2002 camry LE tomorrow so i can park my baby and use it for weekend purposes. Wish me luck.
I currently own a 2019 Audi A7, before this I owned a 2016 Lincoln MKZ. I also currently co-own a DeLorean with my mother as well. And nothing... and I do mean nothing... will ever surpass the feeling of excitement I got from going out places in my 2003 Mitsubishi Galant ES that was my first car. The struts were screwed beyond belief, the body had surface rust I was worried would mean it wouldn't pass inspection one of these days, I bought it for $500 and sold it for $300 a few months later, the steering wheel vibrated so hard on highways that it hurt my hands on long journeys, I had no aux port, a broken CD player, the Mitsubishi dealer seemed surprised when I told them I still had one that worked, and the car reeked of wet dog from the previous owner. And yet, I want no car I've ever owned back more than that one. I don't know if the feeling I'd get from driving that car around could ever return to me now that I've gotten used to being able to drive to Canada or Philadelphia from where I live in Massachusetts, but it's a feeling I yearn for strongly. Maybe...
Have you seen the 2002 Camry sportivo it was given a Australian body kit to make it look more appealing to Australians who liked the sporty falcons and commodores
This was my very first car. The 2004 LE. I changed the oil once or twice and the breaks once, and she lasted me 15,000 miles. I abused the SHIT outta her but she still kept chugging along. She pooped out on me at 217,00 miles. My biggest regret was not having the knowledge to actually take care of her. I would’ve still been driving her right now When I went to look for a new car, I had the choice between leasing a 2022 civic EX, or a base model 2002 Corolla with just 20,000 miles on it and a perfect record. AND MY FAMILY CONVINCED ME TO GET THE CIVIC! THAT IS MY SECOND BIGGEST REGRET! I CAN’T DRIVE ANYWHERE BUT STRAIGHT TO WORK WITH MY FUCKING LEASE! I COULDA DRIVEN ANYWHERE WITH THAT COROLLA AT A THIRD OF THE PRICE! *FUUUUUUCK*
