24YR OLD CAR W/156,000 MiLES...VERY SWEET
i've had many cars and am finally so sick of driving i don't care about 0-60 anymore. so enter the very modestly accelerating 2001 camry LE. my faster and better handling 2002 chevy impala was totally repaired by the mechanic when i got it but immediately it had electronic component issues that made it always about to stall in traffic. pretty much like a 1996 ford thunderbird i'd had prior. so the great build quality and beautiful driving experience of a toyota that actually does what it's supposed to, was almost shocking.
aside from simply doing what a car should when most won't at mid-range used miles, it's like a jewel to drive, with the feel of quality that, while not new carish, is very evident at its 156,000 miles. the handling, while not Mulholland Drive slalom, is very flat and responsive (could be Mulholland fun if upgraded the shocks i suppose). the air, as on most toyotas, is super nice in my California late San Fernando Valley hellish summer. while the 1st owener nursed it along, with the transmission's adaptability sensor, it's already adjusted to my more punchy style and while not an asphalt burner, has pep for a supposedly boring 136hp engine.
i also appreciate the wheel/tire size of 205 at 65 profile on a 15" rim...the tires are in good shape and michelins, but eventually may bump the size up a notch and take the profile down to 60.
the standard ignition immobilizer and stereo package are very nice for a 24yr old car, and i'll admit that for decades i'd seen this model on the roads and thought it one of the nicest classic sedan designs i've ever seen...certainly for toyota.
so from build, to features, driveability and styling, i rate this a superb car, if modest hp doesn't upset you too much.
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