Is the 2008 Toyota Camry Still The Best Car In Nigeria?

The most popular car in Nigeria today is the Toyota Corolla. But, there was a time when it was the Toyota Camry. Every Nigerian was going after the Camry. But, suddenly, everyone’s interest has been drawn to the Corolla.

Well, it still means one thing for the Camry; it’s still a good choice even though the Corolla has overtaken it. However, to know if the Camry is still a quality car in 2022, we will be doing a quick review of the 2008 Toyota Camry.

Exterior Look

The 2008 Toyota Camry still gives off a modern vibe even though this car is over 14 years old. The car is called a “Toyota Muscle” in Nigeria because of its muscular features compared to other Camry cars. The muscular build of the car gives it a balanced front and rear look.

Looking at the exterior, the 2008 Camry is still a steal even today. If you want something sportier, it’ll be best to go for the Sports edition of the 2008 Toyota Camry.

Engine Performance

One thing about the Camry engine is they are built to last forever. The Toyota Camry either comes with a 3.5-litre V6 engine or a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine. Both engines are built to last forever; they are economical and don’t have many issues. So, you won’t spend so much money on the Camry.

The Interior Quality

The Camry has a good interior but is not comparable to the Toyota Corolla. The Camry has a much bigger interior space, broader seats, and an optional leather seat. The challenge is that the infotainment is with navigation buttons and not a touchscreen.

This car is a 5-seater vehicle with enough head and leg room. The cargo space is as large, allowing for more loading space.

Well, the dashboard of the 2008 Toyota Camry melts after some time. The dashboard won’t take time to melt away with constant sun and heat. The plastics used to design the interior expire and fade after a while. So, if you have a 2008 Toyota Camry, you must constantly take care of the car.

Another thing you should know is that the car’s leather seats are not premium leather. So, you have to handle it carefully to avoid the leather fading away.

Drivetrain

It’s an easy car to drive and has an automatic transmission. It has five-speed automatic transmission protection. The four-cylinder Camry is not as quick as the V6, but it feels good driving it, especially if it’s the Sport edition. Note that the Camry will not be as fast as a BMW, it’s an average car driver, but it still has a good driving experience.

Common Issues with the 2006-2011 Toyota Camry

There are four major issues with the 2006-2011 Toyota Camry. They are;

• The AC compressor quickly fails, but it’s not so expensive to change
• The engine shorts oil. 2006-2011 needs constant oil, so gauge your oil every time
• Check engine light is another problem. It is always abnormally coming on
• It has suspension issues. On bad roads, the car’s suspension will develop regular issues. So, always be aware of where you’re driving your car through.

Price 2008 Toyota Camry

You cannot get a brand-new version of the 2008 Toyota Camry anymore. You’ll only find the tokunbo versions, which will cost between ₦1,800,000 to ₦4,500,000. The price will depend on the version and quality of the car. For maintenance, you will spend between 15 thousand Naira to 25 thousand Naira monthly.

Is The 2008 Toyota Camry Still Of Great Quality?

There are undoubtedly other greater cars than the Toyota Camry 2008 model today. But, the car still has good performance and is a perfect go-to car for first-time car owners on a low budget. If you are an average earner and need a car urgently, this car is a good option if you maintain it properly.

Conclusion

The reality is that Corolla has taken the spot from Camry, and there’s no certainty if Camry will ever return to that spot again. However, the Camry is still a great option, especially for something affordable.