Toyota Camry Problems

Unfortunately the C-HR Hybrid isn't yet on sale in Australia, though it is likely to be available here in 2020.

If you can't wait that long, the Corolla Hybrid could be a great option for you. That is, unless you need a big back seat, a big boot or a full size spare wheel... You only get a full size spare on the top-spec ZR, which is beyond the budget, and no Corolla hatch has a big back seat or boot. There is a Corolla sedan coming in November, which will have a big boot and bigger back seat. 

The Camry Hybrid is a much bigger car, and offers a lot more accommodation as a result. It's a big, lovely car - one we'd wholeheartedly recommend. And you should be able to fine one under $30k less than 12 months old. 

Otherwise, check out the Corolla Hybrid (SX would be our recommendation), and you might even be able to get one brand new within your budget.

Test drive them both, and let us know how you go!

The Camry wins on reliability and fuel consumption, but carries the highest price; the Subaru is the least expensive but has the highest fuel consumption ad the lowest resale, while the Kia sits in the middle. The Kia is good value-for-money. If fuel consumption is your priority go for the Camry, if not go for the Kia.

Is it ‘jumpy’ every time you start it, or perhaps only when the engine is cold? If it is the latter it could be that it’s not getting the correct enrichment and that could be a temperature sensor issue on the motor. If it happens every time you start up it could be that the engine needs a tune-up.

Without knowing more information it's hard to know if you could find a better alternative. If you want more information on cheap and quick solutions for replacing key fobs you can read this.

When buying a used car no matter the make or model the most important things are condition and service history. Buy the best car you can afford within your budget, one with a full and creditable service history. The Toyota Camry and Mazda6 are good reliable vehicles.

The recommended tyre pressures are detailed in your owner’s manual, and they are also shown on a sticker on the driver’s door pillar.

I would advertise it privately, eBay is one to do that, but there are websites like CarsGuide and AutoTrader as well. The wreckers won’t give you much for it, and I doubt you’d get much at auction.

It’s hard to put a number on the price reduction you could expect on a car without a compliance plate. People suspect the car could be dodgy when the plate is missing. Who is to say that the missing plate isn’t out there somewhere on another car? I would be reluctant to buy a car without a compliance plate.

There’s no reason to think the Hybrid will not last as long as a regular petrol vehicle.

Toyota has been making hybrids for many, many years and they have never shown any sign of being less durable or reliable then the company’s petrol models. The batteries are said to last the lifetime of the vehicle, so there’s reason to be concerned about that either. The thing with the hybrid is the higher purchase price. That’s offset by the lower fuel consumption, so the longer you keep the vehicles the greater the chance to recoup the extra initial cost.

The other thing to consider is that hybrids work at their best in stop-start city traffic, they are not so good out on country roads where the petrol engine comes into play more of the time.

You’ve pretty much covered the field there, so it should come down to what you want from your car. Do you want comfort, safety, fuel efficiency, offroad capability, cabin space? If you are mostly driving on the highway, then a diesel SUV is probably the best bet. I would rule out a dual-cab ute because of comfort, unless you need the flexibility a ute gives you. I would rule out a hybrid, they’re not at their most efficient on the highway; they’re better suited to town use. Based on your annual mileage I wouldn’t keep the car any more than 3-4 years, that way you’ll have a decent resale value when you get out of it.