When you think of the #1 car in Nigeria today, you’d think of the Toyota Corolla. However, its sister vehicle, the Toyota Camry had that tag in Nigeria for a very long time. While many Nigerians have quickly moved towards the Toyota Corolla, the question becomes: is the Toyota Camry still one of the best cars in Nigeria today?
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Using the 2008 Toyota Camry as a reference, we will be sharing with you the highs and lows of owning a Toyota Camry in Nigeria today.
Pros of Owning the 2008 Toyota Camry in Nigeria Today
Here are the major advantages you’ll get from owning the 2008 Toyota Camry in Nigeria. They include:
- Long-Lasting Engine
In the 2008 Toyota Camry, you’ll find either a 3.5-liter V6 engine or a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine. Both engines are built to last for a very long time, and they are also fuel-efficient, which means you won’t have to spend a lot of money on petrol.
- Efficient Interior Space
The interior of the 2008 Toyota Camry is great, with enough leg and headroom for the driver and four passengers. The infotainment system is responsive although it does not come with Bluetooth connectivity and a touchscreen display system.
- Large Cargo Space
If you have a family, you’ll enjoy the 2008 Toyota Camry’s cargo space that is large enough to fit up to 10 sizable luggages in your vehicle. If you cannot afford an SUV and need a cheaper sedan with big cargo space, then this Camry should be your go-to vehicle.
Cons of Owning the 2008 Toyota Camry in Nigeria Today
While the 2008 Toyota Camry has its upsides, there are still some issues you’ll encounter with this vehicle. Here are some of them:
- Melting Dashboard
Considering the 2008 Camry has over 15 years in it, the vehicle’s dashboard easily melts away after a short while. The interior of the vehicle is mostly designed with plastics, which fades off after some time.
- The Leather is Weak
An important thing any buyer of the 2008 Toyota Camry should know is that the leather seats are not made with premium leather. So, do not wash the leather seats with soap or any aggressive substances that will cause it to peel.
- The AC Compressor Fails
Another known issue in this vehicle is that its AC compressor fails easily, which means your vehicle’s AC won’t cool the interior anymore. Also, replacing the compressor is quite expensive in Nigeria.
- The Vehicle Requires Regular Oil Refill
Unlike other vehicles you only have to change your engine oil once every 4,000 miles, for the Camry, you have to regularly refill its oil as it gets dried up quickly. Use your dipstick to check your engine oil at all times.
- Check Engine Light Issue
The check engine light is always coming on in the 2008 Toyota Camry. While it’s known as a problem peculiar to this Camry model, always check to ensure it doesn’t come on as a result of an engine problem.
- Suspension Issues
The 2008 Toyota Camry frequently has suspension issues because it’s not built for off-roads which are common on Nigerian roads. As such, know that you’ll have to ply carefully when driving on bad roads with your Camry.
How Does the 2008 Toyota Camry Drive?
The 2008 Toyota Camry is easy to drive with good handling. It makes use of a 5-speed automatic transmission system. The four-cylinder version does not perform as quickly as the V6. Yet, it still feels balanced and gets a good enough speed.
Conclusion
The 2008 Toyota Camry is an affordable and decent vehicle for anyone to own in Nigeria. The average monthly maintenance cost of this vehicle is between N10,000 to N20,000 per month, so long as your vehicle does not develop issues that require new spare parts.
