Is a 2017 Camry with 100,000 miles still worth buying? I'll show you with a real car.
January 27, 2026 at 10:30 PM·7 months ago
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2018 Camry Five-Year 100,000-Mile Ownership Report: Praises and Criticisms
Bought a used 2018 Camry LE in 2021 with 42,000 miles. Now at 101,000 miles, here are my honest thoughts. Reliability: Only one unplanned repair in five years, a leaking water pump. It was out of warranty, so I paid $380 out of pocket. Other than that, it's just been consumables like oil changes, tires, brake pads, and the battery. Annual maintenance costs are under $600. Fuel Economy: Around 34 mpg combined for commuting and highway driving, using regular gas. Fuel costs are worry-free. There are downsides too: Sound insulation is average, with noticeable wind noise at highway speeds; the infotainment system is dated, and CarPlay was an aftermarket addition; the LE's fabric seats are cold in winter and stuffy in summer. Conclusion: This car won't give you any surprises, good or bad. It's the ultimate car for daily commuting. When it hits 120,000 miles, I plan to do a routine check of the timing chain tensioner, and it should be good for another five years.
2020 Tacoma SR5, Two Years and 60,000 Miles: The Pros and Cons Laid Bare
Bought a 2020 Tacoma SR5 Double Cab two years ago with 41,000 miles. Now at 102,000 miles, commuting between Seattle and Tacoma plus weekend trips into the mountains. Here are my honest thoughts. Pros: 1) Incredible resale value. I could sell it now and barely lose money. Toyota pickups are gold in the Pacific Northwest. 2) Unbeatable reliability. In 60,000 miles, the only non-maintenance expense was a wheel speed sensor for $120. 3) Parts are cheap and easy to find. Cons, no hiding them: 1) The 3.5 V6 with the 6-speed automatic is conservatively tuned. It hesitates to downshift for highway overtakes. The ECT PWR mode helps a bit. 2) The seating position is like "sitting on the floor with your legs straight." It's hard on the lower back on long trips. I recommend test driving for at least 40 minutes before deciding. 3) Real-world fuel economy is 18 MPG, not exactly frugal. 4) Road noise insulation is average. When it rains hard, the roof sounds like a drum – Seattleites will understand this best. Who is it for: People who need to haul gear into the mountains, plan to keep it for over ten years, and hate dealing with repairs. Who is it not for: People who primarily commute in the city and care about comfort. You might seriously consider a Ridgeline.
A 120,000-mile Camry Hybrid: Is it really worth it?
2018 Camry Hybrid LE, bought new for $26k back then, now at 120,000 miles, here's my long-term experience. Pros: 50mpg in the city is real; besides oil changes, filters, and tires, I haven't repaired anything in 120,000 miles; battery degradation is imperceptible. Cons: Sound insulation is average, noticeable wind noise at highway speeds; LE trim is basic, cloth seats. Conclusion: If you want a car that "just runs without any worries," buy a used Camry Hybrid without hesitation. Cars with 50k-70k miles are around $18k-$22k, much more cost-effective than a new one.
Used 4Runner Pickup! The Ultimate Family Camping Gear
After looking for three months, I finally got a 2019 4Runner SR5. 82,000 miles, one owner, full maintenance records. Took the whole family to Joshua Tree directly on the weekend. The space and off-road capability are amazing. The V6 fuel economy is heartbreaking, 16mpg in the city, but this car can easily run for 250,000 miles, totally worth it.
2020 Corolla Driven for Three Years: A Female Driver's Honest Feelings
Originally paid $21,000 out the door, now driven for 3 years and 68,000 miles. Let's talk. Pros: Can go over 400 miles on a full tank of gas. Maintenance costs have been minimal, only oil changes and tires. Small size makes parking easy, no problem with narrow spots in Temple City. Insurance is just over $90 a month. TSS active safety is standard on all trims, adaptive cruise control is a lifesaver on the highway, this feature is underrated. Cons: Power is definitely weak, need to floor it to get on ramps. Three people in the back seat is a squeeze. Audio system is very average. Advice for female drivers with a similar limited budget: If you're not chasing status, this car is a practical choice for everyday life. After three years, the resale value is still strong, basically like driving for free.
2021 Sienna Owner: Spring Break Trip to Utah, Completely Impressed
2021 Sienna XLE Hybrid, owner for two and a half years. Just got back from a Spring Break loop around Utah, 2100 miles. Let's talk about the real experience. Mileage: Fully loaded the whole time (two adults, two kids, plus luggage packed to the brim), mixed highway and mountain roads. Display shows 35.8 MPG. For an eight-seater MPV to get this number, it's a pleasure at the gas pump. Daily city driving is 36-38 MPG with no problem. Space: Second row slid all the way back, my four-year-old in their car seat can stretch their legs without kicking the front seats. The trunk fit four suitcases plus camping gear. Folded down the seats in the rest area for the kid to change and nap, this is the dignity of an MPV. Let's talk about the downsides too: 1. The hybrid system is loud when passing on the highway, sounds like a sewing machine roaring when you floor it; 2. Folding the third row is manual, be careful if you have a bad back; 3. The infotainment system is average, but thankfully there's CarPlay. In two and a half years, the only maintenance was regular service and one 12V battery replacement. Reliability hasn't been a worry. For families who want to save gas, I'd recommend this car without hesitation. It's just that the used price is still so strong it makes your teeth itch.