XV30 Camry

"fintail" (fintail) 12/23/2019 at 18:51 • Filed to: None

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How long can these things last? 300K miles? 400K mil es? These are the last of the great ones or something, right? My mom’s car, a “J” VIN model with well under 100K miles, and just a little Camry dent low on the front corner (mom claims she has no idea how this happened) . Getting to the point where clean ones are becoming less common, as their durability attracts neglectful owners . Pictured  with the wagon and the neighbor’s brappy A4 with a rock magnet cooling system and no apparent exhaust system.

I drove the Camry today, it’s funny how it feels kind of old compared to a car from the past couple years. No cameras, no assists , no gadgets - the CD player and moonroof were a big deal back in the day.  It’s soft and somewhat numb, just what the customer wants.   

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > fintail 12/23/2019 at 19:33

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I feel like a ricer saying this but I actually like the no bumper cover exposed intercooler look

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > fintail 12/23/2019 at 19:48

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“ No cameras, no assists, no gadgets”

I wish I could get cars like this still...

dogisbadob > fintail 12/23/2019 at 20:10

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The 5th Camry is an awesome car that lasts a long time with no problems :)

interstate366, now In The Industry > fintail 12/23/2019 at 20:23

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I was extremely surprised how light the steering is on my GS (which is a little older than that Camry). It’s lighter than my TL’s, which is electric while the GS’s looks to be hydraulic.

RallyWrench > fintail 12/23/2019 at 20:34

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Fantastic cars, not a damn thing wrong with them as a thoughtless and faithful commuter . I’ve seen a couple well exceed 200k even with spotty and seemingly malicious attitudes towards maintenance, and I have no doubt they could double that. They can be found with manuals, too . I like the previous XV20's look better though , these are a bit blobby.

SiennaMan > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars 12/23/2019 at 20:40

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 Amen to that.  I might be willing to compromise and allow cruise control or ABS, but beyond that..

fintail > I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker 12/23/2019 at 20:41

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It suits the car, and the stereotype of enthusiasts for that generation. Really loud though, I think it would annoy me in no time.

fintail > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars 12/23/2019 at 20:43

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Just search CL or FB for early-mid 2000s era Camrys and similar . I suspect the survival rate is high.

A funny aside, I find backing it in tight spots to be a little work , I am so used to having a camera, or the excellent visibility of the fintail. I actually have to think.

fintail > dogisbadob 12/23/2019 at 20:44

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The only issue over all these years is the AC has become lukewarm.  Otherwise, zero faults.  She even got the extended warranty when she bought it - never used it.

fintail > interstate366, now In The Industry 12/23/2019 at 20:46

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This might be very similar to the GS. Just a little resistance at the initial turn, then very light, no real feel no matter the situation. Initial throttle response is also surprisingly sharp which gives it the impression of being fast , ride is soft with body roll.

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > SiennaMan 12/23/2019 at 20:54

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I don’t need fancy stuff. I mean, I am sounding like an old man, but that’s just who I am, lol.

fintail > RallyWrench 12/23/2019 at 20:59

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I’ve seen a couple at auctions with 300K+, they looked like cars owned by someone who never changed oil, but the machine soldiered on.   My mom would be 90 by the time this hits 200K at the rate so far.    It could be a forever car in a way for her, but sometimes I think I’d like to see her in something with more active safety.

SiennaMan > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars 12/23/2019 at 22:21

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 I'm increasingly coming to the realization that I am too.. 

Jerry W > fintail 12/25/2019 at 17:30

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I own a 200 3 with 320K on it. Regular oil changes, brakes tires and throttle body cleaning by me. Still running.

fintail > Jerry W 12/26/2019 at 18:18

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Throttle body - I doubt she’s ever had that done (as is still a ways under 100K). Maybe sometime, if she keeps it for several other years.

I have a prediction that if she can make the numbers work, she’ll eventually replace it and it will go to my brother.  Maybe when the car hits its 20th year.