My concern with the new Camry

The early ones in the Highlander are proving to be rather problematic after they have some miles.
I was thinking of picking up a used Camry: would you happen to know which model years they were used in the Camry, or which transmission model number we're referring to?


Is this the same Aisin transmission used in the 2017 Buick LaCrosse?
 
If changed very frequently like 3k miles or less with better than oem filters maybe. But I wouldn't use it if i had one. You can use 30 grade in them. This is for a variant with 1 cylinder less but still the same new dynamic force architecture that can use 0w-8. Same clearances and such. The cvt is incredible, no torque converter, no lockup clutch or any clutches or valve body. No belt or chain either just normal gears.


Screenshot 2025-02-03 143555.webp
 
Engines in hybrids don't run all the time, thus mileage based oil changes are not clearly defined as compared to a normal engine. That said, hybrid engines turn on and off more frequently, so there is some impact there (I'm not sure how much). Overall, Toyota hybrids, when maintained per the manual as most people do, are very reliable, so hand ringing on BITOG must be tempered. Personally, I'd run 0W-20, and not give it much further thought.
 
If I'm not mistaken, Toyota is making the Camry only as a hybrid now and uses an electronically controlled CVT transmission. I would be far more concerned about this aspect of the vehicle than I would the motor oil recommendation.
Its not a CVT with a belt / chain. Its an ECVT which is purely a planetary gearset - and likely the most reliable transmission design possible.
 
What's wrong with the 8 speed automatic?
Lawyers looking for a pay out.

There were some issues early on. Were fixed. The issues were its jerky because it locks in every gear - to get amazing mileage. Its also a learning transmission. Mine is still jerky at rolling stops. This is what the lawsuit alleges. It doesn't fail. It works as intended. Some people just don't like it. I definitely suggest driving one before buying it - you will either hate it or not care.
 
The American Toyota owners manual for the 2026 Camry clearly states to use 0W-8, but you can use 0W-16 if 0W-8 is not available, but you MUST go back to 0W-8 for the next oil change.

I read that is you continue to use 0W-16 or 0W-20, it may void the warranty.
 
The American Toyota owners manual for the 2026 Camry clearly states to use 0W-8, but you can use 0W-16 if 0W-8 is not available, but you MUST go back to 0W-8 for the next oil change.

I read that is you continue to use 0W-16 or 0W-20, it may void the warranty.
Don't know how one can be concerned since there are thousands upon thousands using the manufacturer's spec. Have not seen any on the side of the Interstate....ever.
 
Engines in hybrids don't run all the time, thus mileage based oil changes are not clearly defined as compared to a normal engine. That said, hybrid engines turn on and off more frequently, so there is some impact there (I'm not sure how much). Overall, Toyota hybrids, when maintained per the manual as most people do, are very reliable, so hand ringing on BITOG must be tempered. Personally, I'd run 0W-20, and not give it much further thought.
It really depends on your operating conditions. Having owned/currently own 3 Toyota hybrid products, it is somewhat rare for the gas engine to not be running in some capacity, especially if you use the HVAC. The gasoline and electric powertrains are blended together.
 
We very seriously considered the Camry when we were shopping around a few months ago - AWD available, good looking, beautiful in the ocean blue with black roof version.
My main issue with every Toyota we tried was that they were consistently $4k to $5k more expensive than they should be, in my book - with the notable exception of the Corolla. The Camry was north of $40k fully loaded. Yes, you put that money upfront and mostly recover it on the resale, but still.
The other thing was that in the brand new one we tested one of the plastic covers on the headliner (can't remember if it was a bolt cover or a poor man switch cover) had already popped out and fallen in my footwell. Car had 40 miles on it. The other - nothing to write home about it neither performance, comfort, finish - anything. Decent all-around, yes. And that banana-shaped piece of trim around the passenger section - really not needed.

Can't go wrong with it, I'd say.
 
The American Toyota owners manual for the 2026 Camry clearly states to use 0W-8, but you can use 0W-16 if 0W-8 is not available, but you MUST go back to 0W-8 for the next oil change.

I read that is you continue to use 0W-16 or 0W-20, it may void the warranty.
Pleas search existing threads on this exact topic for answers to your questions.

But no it will not void your warranty. Your manual does not say this.
 
The American Toyota owners manual for the 2026 Camry clearly states to use 0W-8, but you can use 0W-16 if 0W-8 is not available, but you MUST go back to 0W-8 for the next oil change.

I read that is you continue to use 0W-16 or 0W-20, it may void the warranty.
Care to share that part of the manual with us here ?
 
Toyota is making the Camry only as a hybrid now and uses an electronically controlled CVT transmission. I would be far more concerned about this aspect of the vehicle
Toyota isn't.... They warranty the hybrid system for 10 years/100k miles.
I read that is you continue to use 0W-16 or 0W-20, it may void the warranty.
Did you read this in a statement from Toyota North America ? If not, it means nothing.
 
The American Toyota owners manual for the 2026 Camry clearly states to use 0W-8, but you can use 0W-16 if 0W-8 is not available, but you MUST go back to 0W-8 for the next oil change.

I read that is you continue to use 0W-16 or 0W-20, it may void the warranty.
First, your engine will not fail due to a mechanical issue related to oil under the warranty. Second, Toyota will not ask you for evidence of what oil you have used. I don't know where all the fear comes from, but "warranty" related to oil is a non issue.
 
First, your engine will not fail due to a mechanical issue related to oil under the warranty. Second, Toyota will not ask you for evidence of what oil you have used. I don't know where all the fear comes from, but "warranty" related to oil is a non issue.

Don't know about Toyota. But I can defiantly tell you GM will pull an oil sample in some instances to confirm a warranty repair. To be clear-I am not refencing anything currently happening with one of their motors.
 
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