Is a used Toyota Camry a good deal?
Short answer: A used Toyota Camry can be a good deal when the price is in line with local comparable listings, open recalls are fixed and the out-the-door quote has no padded fees. It holds value better than average: iSeeCars measures 36.9% five-year depreciation vs 41.7% for all vehicles, so used prices stay high and discounts are smaller. The biggest money leaks we see are dealer add-ons and fees, not the sticker price.
Looking at a used Toyota Camry? Check its VIN free for recalls and complaints, then scan the dealer quote free for junk fees. Want an expert? Check My Deal for $19 (money-back guarantee).
Depreciation and value retention
| Age | Depreciation | Value kept | Typical resale value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 years | 22% | 78% | $23,094 |
| 5 years | 36.9% | 63.1% | $18,672 |
| 7 years | 44.9% | 55.1% | $16,313 |
| 10 years | 59.1% | 40.9% | $12,107 |
Its class (midsize sedan) averages 41% after five years; all vehicles average 41.7%. Source: iSeeCars, Toyota Camry resale value.
Recalls and complaints by model year
| Model year | NHTSA recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 6 | 407 | Power Train (113), Engine (81), Fuel/Propulsion System (66) |
| 2020 | 3 | 283 | Electrical System (67), Engine (60), Air Bags (56) |
| 2021 | 1 | 165 | Air Bags (86), Service Brakes (16), Power Train (12) |
| 2022 | 1 | 64 | Air Bags (10), Electrical System (9), Vehicle Speed Control (8) |
| 2023 | 2 | 65 | Electrical System (9), Fuel/Propulsion System (7), Power Train (7) |
Source: NHTSA recalls and complaints APIs, pulled 2026-10-07. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Example recall campaigns
- 20V682000 (Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump): Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 T…
- 21V890000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum): Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Camry vehicles. The vane cap inside the vacuum pump may break, causing the pump to fail, which could result in a sudden loss of braking as…
- 20V012000 (Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump): Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500,…
- 19V503000 (Equipment:other:labels): Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Toyota Camry, Corolla, Rav4, Sienna, and Yaris iA vehicles equipped with factory-installed floor mats. The load carrying capacity modification labe…
- 19V567000 (Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification): Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019 Camry vehicles. The Occupant Classification System (OCS) may have been improperly calibrated, which may prevent the proper deployment of the fro…
Fuel cost
The EPA estimates $1,300–$2,600 per year in fuel for 2022 Toyota Camry versions (26–52 MPG combined across 6 configurations). Source: fueleconomy.gov (EPA/DOE).
Dealer add-ons to watch for
- Paint and fabric protection or ceramic coating packages
- VIN etching and "anti-theft" packages
- Nitrogen-filled tires
- Dealer prep, reconditioning or "certification" fees on top of the advertised price
- Market adjustment or "additional dealer markup" stickers
- In the finance office: extended warranties, GAP, tire-and-wheel and key-replacement plans. All optional; get prices in writing
What to check before you buy
- Run the VIN through our free VIN check or NHTSA and confirm open recalls were repaired.
- Owners report problems most often with: Air Bags, Engine, Power Train. Ask for service records covering these and have a mechanic look at them.
- Get a vehicle history report and a pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic.
- Compare the price against local listings of the same year, trim and mileage. Dealers price strong-resale models firmly.
- Read the FTC Buyers Guide on the window: it says whether the car is sold as-is or with a warranty (FTC).
- Ask for the full out-the-door price in writing before you visit.
FAQ
Is a used Toyota Camry a good deal?
A used Toyota Camry can be a good deal when the price is in line with local comparable listings, open recalls are fixed and the out-the-door quote has no padded fees. It holds value better than average: iSeeCars measures 36.9% five-year depreciation vs 41.7% for all vehicles, so used prices stay high and discounts are smaller. The biggest money leaks we see are dealer add-ons and fees, not the sticker price.
How much does a Toyota Camry depreciate?
iSeeCars estimates a Toyota Camry loses 36.9% of its value after five years (22% after three years, 59.1% after ten).
Does the Toyota Camry have recalls?
NHTSA lists 13 recall campaigns across the 2019–2023 model years combined (counted per year, so a campaign covering several years counts in each). Check any specific car by VIN: an open recall should be fixed free by a franchised dealer before you buy.
Which Toyota Camry year has the most complaints?
Among 2019–2023, the 2019 has the most NHTSA owner complaints (407). Complaint counts also grow with sales volume and time on the road, so compare years, not models.
How much does a Toyota Camry cost to fuel per year?
The EPA estimates $1,300–$2,600 a year in fuel for 2022 versions, based on its standard mileage and price assumptions.
What dealer add-ons should I refuse on a used Toyota Camry?
Common ones are paint/fabric protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires, dealer prep fees and market adjustments. They are optional; ask for them to be removed or get an itemized out-the-door price.
Looking at a used Toyota Camry? Check its VIN free for recalls and complaints, then scan the dealer quote free for junk fees. Want an expert? Check My Deal for $19 (money-back guarantee).
Data as published by each source; pulled 2026-10-07. All used car models