Excessive oil consumption (2AR-FE 2.5L engine)
high- Typically appears
- 30k–100k mi
- Estimated repair
- $100 – $600
2013 Toyota
CamrySedan
Sedan
The 2013 Toyota Camry is the eighth-generation (XV50) version of America's best-selling sedan, a title it has held for well over a decade. Refreshed in 2012, this generation brought a sharper exterior, a quieter cabin, and improved fuel economy while keeping the Camry's core promise: a practical, spacious midsize sedan that rewards you with low drama and high miles. The 2.5L four-cylinder is the volume engine, pairing respectable fuel economy (28 mpg combined) with enough power for everyday driving. The six-speed automatic is smooth and rarely causes trouble. Interior quality is a step up from the previous generation — soft-touch surfaces, a sensible layout, and enough rear-seat legroom to seat adults comfortably. For Lake Geneva commuters and families, the Camry makes a strong case: it's easy to maintain, parts are cheap and available everywhere, and well-cared-for examples routinely cross 200,000 miles without major surgery. It's not exciting, but it's genuinely dependable.
Reliability
4/5
Verified data
Specs shown for Camry — the most common configuration.
Other trims may vary in engine, drivetrain, or fuel economy. Sign in to see your vehicle's exact specs.
Engine
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Drivetrain
FWD
Fuel
Gasoline
MPG
25 city / 34 hwy / 28 combined
Seats
—
Doors
—
Body
Midsize Cars
Overview
AI-curatedThe 2013 Toyota Camry is the eighth-generation (XV50) version of America's best-selling sedan, a title it has held for well over a decade. Refreshed in 2012, this generation brought a sharper exterior, a quieter cabin, and improved fuel economy while keeping the Camry's core promise: a practical, spacious midsize sedan that rewards you with low drama and high miles. The 2.5L four-cylinder is the volume engine, pairing respectable fuel economy (28 mpg combined) with enough power for everyday driving. The six-speed automatic is smooth and rarely causes trouble. Interior quality is a step up from the previous generation — soft-touch surfaces, a sensible layout, and enough rear-seat legroom to seat adults comfortably. For Lake Geneva commuters and families, the Camry makes a strong case: it's easy to maintain, parts are cheap and available everywhere, and well-cared-for examples routinely cross 200,000 miles without major surgery. It's not exciting, but it's genuinely dependable.
Known for
- Exceptional long-term reliability with proper maintenance
- Roomy, comfortable cabin for a midsize sedan
- Low cost of ownership and widely available parts
- Smooth, refined ride quality
- Strong resale value
Best for
- Daily commuters who want low-stress ownership
- Families needing a dependable second or primary car
- High-mileage drivers who prioritize economy over excitement
- First-time used-car buyers seeking proven reliability
Watch for
- Oil consumption on the 2AR-FE 2.5L (some owners report 1 qt per 1,000–2,000 mi)
- VVT-i system faults when oil changes are skipped — can cause expensive cam phaser damage
- Premature brake pad and rotor wear reported by many owners
- Interior plastics can creak and rattle as the car ages
- Airbag inflator recall history — verify all open recalls are closed before buying
Common issues by mileage
6 knownVVT-i cam phaser / oil control valve fault
medium- Typically appears
- 60k–150k mi
- Estimated repair
- $250 – $900
Premature brake rotor warping and pad wear
high- Typically appears
- 20k–60k mi
- Estimated repair
- $200 – $500
Oxygen / A/F sensor heater circuit failure
medium- Typically appears
- 80k–150k mi
- Estimated repair
- $150 – $400
Interior rattles and dashboard creaking
medium- Typically appears
- 40k–100k mi
- Estimated repair
- $0 – $150
Power steering noise / electric motor whine (EPS)
low- Typically appears
- 50k–120k mi
- Estimated repair
- $300 – $900
Maintenance schedule
- 1 Every 5,000 miles or 6 months — do NOT stretch to 10k on this engine Engine oil and filter change
The 2AR-FE is prone to oil consumption and VVT-i sludge. Shorter intervals prevent cam phaser damage and keep the variable valve timing system clean. Use 0W-20 full synthetic as specified.
- 2 Every fill-up or at least monthly Check and top off oil level
Given documented oil consumption on this engine, running low between changes is a real risk. Low oil accelerates wear on the VVT-i system and bearings.
- 3 Every 60,000 miles Transmission fluid change
Toyota rates the U260E as 'sealed,' but upper Midwest driving (cold starts, stop-and-go) degrades fluid. A drain-and-fill at 60k extends transmission life significantly.
- 4 Every 2 years regardless of mileage Brake fluid flush
Brake fluid is hygroscopic. Wisconsin winters with constant temperature swings accelerate moisture absorption, which lowers boiling point and can promote internal caliper corrosion.
- 5 Every 100,000 miles or 5 years (Super Long Life coolant) Coolant flush
Toyota SLLC is long-lived but should not be mixed with other types. Degraded coolant accelerates corrosion in the aluminum head and radiator.
- 6 Every 20,000–25,000 miles Cabin and engine air filter replacement
Wisconsin road salt, grit, and agricultural dust clog filters faster than the factory interval suggests. A plugged cabin filter strains the blower motor.
- 7 Every 5,000 miles (with each oil change) Tire rotation
FWD puts extra wear on the front tires. Rotating consistently evens out wear and avoids early replacements.
- 8 Every fall before winter season Battery load test
Lead-acid batteries lose significant cold cranking amps below 0°F. A battery that tests marginal in October will likely fail in a Lake Geneva January.
Always defer to the manufacturer's service manual for warranty-mandated intervals.
Cost of ownership
Annual maintenance
$400 – $900
Fuel
At 28 mpg combined and ~15,000 miles/year, expect roughly $1,500–$1,900/year at $2.80–$3.50/gal regular unleaded.
Insurance
Typically $900–$1,400/year for a 2013 Camry in southern Wisconsin for a driver with a clean record, depending on coverage level and insurer.
The Camry is one of the cheaper midsize sedans to own long-term. Parts are plentiful and inexpensive, independent shops know this car cold, and the 2.5L four-cylinder avoids the complexity of the V6. The main budget wildcard is the oil consumption issue — if a used example has been neglected, a VVT-i repair or cam phaser replacement can run $500–$900. Budget for brakes every 30–40k miles as they wear faster than the reliability reputation implies.
Seasonal care
Lake Geneva, WI Winter
- Test and replace the battery if it's 4+ years old before temperatures drop below 10°F — cold cranking capacity drops sharply and the Camry's electrical draw is not trivial.
- Switch to full winter wiper blades rated for ice; the standard blades ice up quickly in Wisconsin freezing rain and leave dangerous blind spots.
- Fill washer fluid reservoir with -25°F or colder rated fluid only — summer fluid will freeze in the lines and crack the pump or reservoir.
- Check tire tread depth and consider dedicated winter tires; FWD helps in acceleration but does nothing for braking on ice — winter rubber makes a significant safety difference.
- Apply an underbody rinse every 2–3 weeks during salting season; pay special attention to the rear subframe, suspension arms, and brake lines, which are known to corrode on older Camrys in salt-belt states.
- Use 0W-20 full synthetic oil year-round — it flows immediately at cold starts, protecting the VVT-i system during those critical first seconds of a sub-zero start.
Summer
- Check tire pressure monthly — tires gain roughly 1 PSI for every 10°F increase in temperature and overinflation accelerates center-tread wear on hot pavement.
- Inspect and recharge the A/C system if cooling is weak; the 2013 Camry's cabin heats up quickly and a marginally performing A/C system is very noticeable on humid Wisconsin summer days.
- Check coolant level and condition — summer heat combined with any small leak can push the engine toward overheating, which is hard on the aluminum head.
- Inspect the cabin air filter before heavy summer use; pollen and road debris from spring accumulate quickly and reduce A/C airflow efficiency.
Comparable vehicles
2013 Honda
Accord
Direct rival in the midsize sedan segment. The 2013 Accord (ninth generation) offers similar reliability, slightly more engaging driving dynamics, and a comparable 2.4L four-cylinder. Also strong at high mileage. Worth cross-shopping on price and condition.
2013 Mazda
Mazda6
Third-generation Mazda6 is sportier and more fuel-efficient than the Camry. Slightly less spacious but very reliable. Good alternative if driving enjoyment matters more than maximum interior room.
2013 Ford
Fusion
The 2013 Fusion is a strong-looking, well-equipped alternative. The 1.6L EcoBoost engine has more issues than the Camry's naturally-aspirated four; the 2.5L base is more reliable. Lower resale means better used-market value but higher maintenance risk.
2013 Nissan
Altima
Similar price point and FWD layout. The 2.5L CVT combo is fuel-efficient but the CVT has a shorter lifespan than the Camry's 6-speed automatic and is more expensive to replace. Choose the Camry if long-term reliability is the priority.
If you're shopping for one
Red flags
- Any active cam timing DTC (P0012, P0015) combined with a high-mileage, oil-starved history — repair cost may exceed the car's value.
- Evidence of coolant in oil (milky residue on dipstick or oil cap) — points to a head gasket or worse.
- Rust-through on the rear subframe or brake lines — structural repairs in this area are expensive and sometimes not worth doing on an older car.
- Odometer inconsistency or missing service records on a high-mileage example — oil change history is critical on this engine.
- Airbag warning light on, or any unresolved airbag-related recall — do not drive until resolved.
What to inspect
- Pull the oil cap and dipstick — look for thick, dark, or sludgy oil which signals neglected oil changes and possible VVT-i damage.
- Check the oil level cold before startup; if it's a quart or more low on a maintained car, the oil consumption issue is active.
- Scan for DTCs before purchase — P0012 or P0026 codes indicate VVT-i/cam phaser problems that can be costly to resolve.
- Test the A/C and heater thoroughly; blower motor resistor failures are not uncommon on high-mileage examples.
- Inspect the undercarriage for rust on the rear subframe, brake lines, and suspension arms — salt-belt cars from Wisconsin, Illinois, or Minnesota can have significant corrosion by 80k miles.
- Check all four brake rotors for deep grooves or heat cracks; rotor warping is common and often deferred by previous owners.
- Verify all open NHTSA recalls (especially airbag inflator) are closed — some 2013 Camrys were subject to Takata airbag recalls and should not be purchased until confirmed remedied.