2013 Toyota Camry Reliability, Possible Mechanical Problems, Pros And Cons, And Price Negotiation Outlook

In today's extremely high-priced new and used car markets, many buyers have been forced to consider older vehicles as a means to a better budget fit. This has made reliability and dependability a key issue.

Under these circumstances, the 2013 Toyota Camry's record as a vehicle that has aged well has more and more car shoppers taking a good look.

It's reliability ratings have been at the top of the midsize sedan segment and its ownership costs have been affordable, while it is expected that a properly maintained 2013 should last in the 300,000 miles range.

And the 2013 Camry has always been a very popular car as well, so here we'll take a look at its reliability, possible mechanical problems, overall pros and cons, and price negotiation possibilities so prospective buyers can better judge if it could be a good used car choice.

The 2013 Toyota Camry

This mid-size sedan caters to drivers seeking a well-rounded and practical vehicle known for its reliability, comfort, and safety features.

It provides a comfortable and spacious interior, various trims to suit different needs, and a choice of engines to balance power and fuel efficiency.

While it may not be the most exciting or stylish option in its class, it offers practicality and a reputation for long-term dependability.

This Camry was the beneficiary of a total redesign in 2012. It received an upgraded interior, a more stylish exterior and enhanced driving zest. And new for 2013, the Camry raised the ante with several additional standard features plus a 6-inch central display screen for all models and a further upgrade to cabin materials.

But even while this Camry may have a lot going for it, before making a final buying decision prospective owners should not only consider its appealing qualities, but measure the possible impact of its potential drawbacks as well.

2013 Toyota Camry Reliability

This model year is widely regarded as one of the most reliable midsize sedans on the used market. As the second model year of the seventh-generation Camry, Toyota had already addressed most early production issues, resulting in a dependable, comfortable sedan with low ownership costs and excellent long-term durability. With proper maintenance, many examples easily surpass 250,000 miles.

The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is exceptionally reliable and offers an excellent balance of performance, fuel economy, and low maintenance costs. The optional 3.5-liter V6 is also one of the most dependable V6 engines in its class, providing strong acceleration with only modestly higher maintenance expenses. Both engines are paired with a conventional six-speed automatic transmission that has an excellent reliability record.

Most reported issues are relatively minor and typical of an aging vehicle. Buyers should inspect for torque converter shudder on some four-cylinder models, water pump seepage, suspension wear, and routine maintenance history. Overall, the 2013 Camry has significantly fewer widespread mechanical problems than many competing midsize sedans.

• Overall reliability: Excellent
• Expected lifespan: 250,000 to 300,000+ miles with proper maintenance
• Best choice: 2.5-liter four-cylinder for the best balance of reliability, fuel economy, and ownership costs
• Watch for: Torque converter shudder, water pump leaks, suspension wear, and complete maintenance records

Bottom line: The 2013 Toyota Camry is one of the most dependable midsize sedans of its generation. A well-maintained example offers exceptional reliability, excellent resale value, and low ownership costs, making it an outstanding used-car purchase.

Is the 2013 Camry a Good Year or One to Avoid?

This Camry is definitely considered one of the best years to buy and is definitely not a year to avoid. It combines Toyota's proven powertrains with a comfortable ride, excellent fuel economy, and a long-standing reputation for durability.

The 2.5-liter four-cylinder is generally the best choice for buyers seeking the lowest ownership costs, while the V6 is an excellent option for those wanting stronger performance. Regardless of engine choice, a documented maintenance history is more important than mileage alone.

• Why it's a good choice: Proven powertrains, excellent long-term reliability, and low maintenance costs
• Biggest concern: Check for torque converter shudder on four-cylinder models and verify routine maintenance
• Best version: 2.5-liter four-cylinder with documented service records
• Buy only if: The vehicle has been well maintained and passes a pre-purchase inspection

Bottom line: The 2013 Camry is not a year to avoid. It remains one of the best used midsize sedans available and is an excellent choice for buyers looking for dependable, low-cost transportation that can provide many years of reliable service.

2013 Toyota Camry Mechanical Problems

The 2013 Toyota Camry is generally considered a very reliable vehicle, but like any car, it can experience mechanical problems over time. It's important to note that not all 2013 Camrys will experience these problems, and many will provide reliable service without major issues.

That said, this is a list of some mechanical issues reported by owners and known problems with the 2013 Camry which you should check for before purchase.

Excessive Oil Consumption: Some owners reported that their Camry had issues with excessive oil consumption. Toyota initiated a warranty extension program to address this problem in some cases.

Transmission Issues: A few owners have reported transmission problems, such as rough shifting or delayed gear engagement. This can sometimes be attributed to transmission fluid issues or other mechanical problems.

Water Pump Leaks: Some owners have experienced water pump leaks, which can lead to overheating issues.

Suspension and Steering Problems: There have been reports of issues with the suspension and steering components, which can result in unusual noises or handling problems.

Air Conditioning Problems: Some Camry owners have reported issues with the air conditioning system, such as weak cooling or malfunctioning components.

Brake Issues: Problems with the brakes, including premature wear of brake pads and rotors, have been reported.

Electrical Problems: A few owners have experienced electrical issues, such as problems with the power windows, door locks, or dashboard warning lights.

Before Buying A Used Camry

• If you may be trading in another vehicle, it's important to find out what it's worth before negotiating with a dealer. While no trade-in quote service is a perfect predictor, this one seems to be fairly accurate: free trade-in estimate.
• Getting multiple dealers to compete for your business online, before actually going to a dealership, usually results in more negotiating leverage and often leads to a better deal. You can browse current listings here and select several vehicles to create this competition.

2013 Camry Pros

Lively engines: The Camry's base engine is a 2.5-liter inline-4 that produces 178-horsepower and 170-pound-feet of torque. While certainly not a speedster, this engine competently moves through the gears in a fairly uncommon way for a four-cylinder family sedan.

Also available (optional on the SE and XLE models) is a 3.5-liter V6 that pumps out 268-horsepower and 248-lb-ft of torque. This engine offers an exceptional combination of smooth and comfortable refinement along with brisk acceleration when needed.

Powering the Hybrid is a 2.5-liter 4-cylnder gas engine coupled with a battery-powered electric drive system that delivers a full 200-horsepower. Mated with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), the Hybrid is actually slightly quicker than the base four-cylinder, so there's really no performance penalty for those who choose to go green.

Good Fuel Economy: The EPA-estimated gas mileage for the four-cylinder Camry is 25 mpg city and 35 mpg on the highway, among the very best in this segment at the time. And the fuel economy for the V6 is also an impressive 21 city and 30 highway.

Of course, the Hybrid blows these numbers out of the water with a rating of 43 mpg city and 39 mpg highway, despite its better quickness than the regular gas-powered four-cylinder. The gas mileage for the Hybrid XLE drops just a bit to 40 city and 38 highway.

Smooth Ride, Capable Handling: The Camry has always offered a comfortable, smooth and quiet ride, so no surprise there. But with the previous year's revisions, all models now display improved body control and more confidence in the turns as well.

And the sport-tuned SE, with its wider tires, firmer suspension and sharper steering, elevates the Camry's handling abilities near the class leading Honda Accord ... and all without hurting the Camry's high marks for ride quality.

Well-Equipped: There's an abundance of standard features. Even the base L trim comes with power windows, power mirrors, air-conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth, a 6-inch display screen, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, a trip computer, split-folding rear seats and a 6-speaker audio system with a CD player, satellite radio, HD radio, a USB/iPod interface, and auxiliary input.

And more luxury-type features can be found as well. The XLE model includes an 8-way power driver seat, heated exterior mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, a sunroof, the Entune infotainment system and foglamps, while XLE V6 models add leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power passenger seat, a rearview camera, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Roomy Backseat: The rear quarters are huge for this class, offering generous amounts of leg and headroom for taller passengers. Along with the Accord, the rear accommodations were the best in the segment.

Strong Safety Scores: In government crash tests, the 2013 Camry was awarded an overall score of five out of five stars. More specifically, while not perfect, it's overall rating consisted of four stars for frontal-impact protection, five stars for side-impact protection, and four stars for rollover protection.

2013 Camry Cons

No Smartphone On Some Models: The Entune smartphone integration isn't available on the L or LE. While the good news is that a 6.1-inch touchscreen display is now standard on all Camrys, on the L and LE models it's primarily used to operate the stereo and display your Bluetooth phonebook.

Both the Entune system and navigation are only available on SE and XLE models. In addition, only the XLE offers the availability of the premium 7-inch touchscreen with a hard-drive-based navigation system.

No Manual Transmission Or AWD Models: While the 6-speed automatic transmission is a very good one, some driving enthusiasts may be disappointed by the lack of any with a manual transmission. There also isn't an all-wheel-drive model for those in snowy locations.

Some Interior Quality Issues: While many quality deficiencies of the previous generation were upgraded, there are still a few left. While the cabin remains impressively comfortable and quiet, the base cloth seating is adequate at best and there are still some hard and lower quality plastics used in the instrument panel, most noticeably in the L and LE models.

Somewhat Bland Design: Again, although the exterior styling was nicely improved for 2012, Toyota has not joined competitors such as the Mazda6, Kia Optima and Ford Fusion with a sportier look.

How Much Can You Negotiate on a 2013 Toyota Camry?

The negotiating room is usually smaller than average because these cars have an outstanding reputation for reliability and continue to be among the most sought-after used midsize sedans.

Here's what I'd consider realistic:

Example

If a dealer is asking $12,995:

• Excellent deal: $11,800–$12,200
• Typical purchase price: $12,200–$12,800
• Paying full asking price: Only if the car is exceptionally clean, low mileage, and recently serviced.

(If you follow my preferred negotiating method, you may do better.)

What Creates Negotiating Room?

You may be able to negotiate several hundred dollars more if the vehicle needs:

• New tires ($600–$1,000)
• Brake work ($300–$800)
• A 100,000-mile service
• Water pump replacement or other deferred maintenance
• Cosmetic scratches or dents
• Has multiple previous owners or an accident history
• Has been on the dealer's lot for 45–60 days or longer

My rule of thumb: For a typical 2013 Toyota Camry priced between $10,000 and $15,000, I'd usually expect a successful buyer to negotiate about $500 to $1,000 off at a dealership. More than that is certainly possible, but usually only if the vehicle has obvious shortcomings or has been sitting unsold for an extended period.

Because the Camry is one of the strongest-selling used sedans, dealers generally don't have to discount them as heavily as many competing vehicles. Your best strategy is to shop several similar Camrys at different dealerships and let them compete for your business rather than negotiating against just one seller. In my experience, that's where buyers usually achieve the biggest savings.

Before Selling Or Trading Your Current Car

Dealers Are Looking For Used Cars

Strong demand for used vehicles means many dealers are actively buying cars directly from consumers, often paying more than buyers expect.

• You may receive a better offer than you think.
• A private sale means advertising, meeting strangers, test drives, paperwork, and negotiating.
• Many owners also prefer to avoid the stress of negotiating a trade-in at the dealership.

If a fast, hassle-free sale sounds appealing, or you simply want to see a no-obligation offer, you can get an instant online offer here.

2013 Camry Rivals

And those still looking around may also want to consider other top rivals. Both the Honda Accord and the Nissan Altima offer somewhat sportier qualities, while the Hyundai Sonata offers a similar level of refinement and appealing value.

Also worth a look are the Mazda6 and new Ford Fusion for their sharp designs and well-balanced performance.