Good morning! I know some of my recent choices have been of questionable use as actual transportation recently, so today we’re going to celebrate durability and look at two vehicles that are known for piling on the miles. That rabbit with the battery has got nothing on these two.
First, however, let’s look at yesterday’s results. I figured the Element was going to win, and by a lot, and I was right. Those things are way more popular now than when they were actually for sale new, it seems, especially with a manual. Just try to find a crossover SUV for sale with a stickshift these days. Sure, it has a lot of miles on it, but it’s a Honda.
The little Fox wagon had its fans, too, and I sure like it – it reminds me of the VW Golf I drove in college, same color and everything. But I can’t deny that the Element is a way better deal. A lot of you took the VW’s seller to task for replacing the Bosch fuel injection with a carburetor. I’m no big fan of Bosch CIS, but if you’re going to switch to a carb, at least do it right and slap a Weber DCOE (or two) on there so it looks cool.
When cars are new, it’s hard to tell which will go the distance and which will end up in neat rows at self-service junkyards within a decade. And of course, the old nature versus nurture discussion comes into play here as well; any car can be reliable if an owner fawns over it enough, and any car can be a lemon with enough neglect and abuse. But some cars have a knack for consistently achieving big numbers on their odometers. Today we’re looking at two such cars, one from Toyota and one from General Motors. Here they are.
1996 Toyota Camry LE – $2,500
Engine/drivetrain: 2.2-liter dual overhead cam inline 4, four-speed automatic, FWD
Location: Portland, OR
Odometer reading: 200,000 miles
Operational status: Runs and drives great
The Toyota Camry’s durability and reliability are well-known, even outside of gearhead circles. The XV10 generation, sold from 1992-96, was even famously lampooned in The Onion for being too reliable. These cars are practically perpetual-motion machines: Keep gas in them, change the oil once in a while, replace the timing belt once a decade, and they’ll just run and run.
That durability comes at the expense of excitement and driving dynamics; the Camry is a means of conveyance and not much more. And it’s no luxury car, either. But the seats are fairly comfy, the ride is all right, and the interior materials hold up nearly as well as the mechanicals. Put the photos of this car side-by-side with a ’96 Camry brochure, and you’d be hard-pressed to tell which is which.
I’m sure that’s partly due to the fact that this is a one-owner car. Someone obviously cared for this car ever since it was new, and it shows. A one-owner used car in this price range is rare, and definitely desirable, especially if they have all the service records. It eliminates the possibility of some nasty surprises.
It’s pretty clean on the outside too, and it’s the best color for this generation of Camry. The headlights are cloudy, but that’s to be expected at this age. You could try to polish them, but why bother, when replacements are cheap? The aftermarket wheels aren’t a terribly welcome sight, for me anyway; I’m generally a fan of original equipment wheels. But at least these look like the right size for the car.
2004 Chevrolet Tahoe – $2,500
Engine/drivetrain: 5.3-liter overhead valve V8, four-speed automatic, RWD
Location: Lacey, WA
Odometer reading: 203,000 miles
Operational status: Runs and drives well
In the beginning, SUVs had two doors. And they were good. But then, families started buying SUVs instead of minivans, and the SUVs grew an extra set of doors. But they were still pretty good. Chevy’s now-legendary Tahoe and its sister model the GMC Yukon came from the original full-size Blazer/Jimmy, which were put out to pasture after the 1994 model year. A two-door version of the Tahoe/Yukon limped along for a few years, but the four-doors were far more common. By the time this GMT800 Tahoe was built, the two-doors were only a memory.
The heart of the Tahoe, and a big part of its durability, is the LS-based “Vortec” V8, here displacing 5.3 liters and putting out a stout 285 horsepower. The only transmission available is GM’s ever-present 4L60E overdrive automatic, and in this case it drives the rear wheels only. A push-button part-time 4WD system was available, and probably more common than these 2WD versions. But I guess if you don’t need 4WD, not having it is one less thing to go wrong.
“Things going wrong” isn’t a common GMT800 occurrence anyway; with the exception of some annoying electrical gremlins, these are sturdy and reliable trucks. This one has surpassed 200,000 miles, and the seller says it runs well. The tires, battery, exhaust, and water pump are all new. The interior is a little rough; this is GM toy-quality plastic at its finest, and this one hasn’t been treated too kindly. The seller says the headliner is in rough shape too, but doesn’t include a photo.
Outside, it’s “honestly scruffy,” with a few dents to its name, but basically in good shape. SUVs are working vehicles, and no one expects them to win any beauty pageants. But it’s not going to embarrass you either. In fact, one of the upsides to a Tahoe or Yukon is that no one is likely to notice it at all.
There’s no guarantee that either of these cars won’t conk out tomorrow, of course, but the odds are in their favor. I’ve seen examples of both of these cars closing in on half a million miles. And for the price, both of them seem worth the gamble. Which one of them would you choose?
(Image credits: Craigslist sellers)
I know this isn’t a new comment, but that Camry’s paint is the right color and as nice as I’ve seen on one of those since elementary school. What did it look like a year ago, actually? If they’re the original owner, I’d want to see the before photos.
The Tahoe’s a good deal as well, though… well, Pneumatic Tool just beat me to it. It’d need snows to use all year ’round.
It’s that paint job, really, that makes me suspicious. It’s too good. Really, Toyota clearcoat of that era? What barn find would this be? I’m optimistic yet skeptical.
On the other hand, the Tahoe has those taillights.
I think I’d still rather deal with the Chevy’s seller and then hit up the nearest Ewe-Pullet.
Edit: To be clear, if that Camry’s owner is its original owner, with paperwork documenting the respray, it’s a bargain.
Unless it’s covering up rust, I don’t get the concern about whether it’s been resprayed (probably). Is the thinking that this could otherwise be a future concours contender?
That’s pretty normal for older Camrys that were garage queens. Someone kept this one in a garage when it wasn’t being driven, and the interior backs that up.
Has anyone else ever noticed that on every GMT800 the left parking brake cable is hanging below the axle? Every single one. (unless this is just a rust belt thing?)
Weren’t they like that from the factory?
Maybe? But if so, that is a terrible design flaw, particularly for a vehicle with any off-roading pretensions.
For the number of them I’ve seen from before they were old, I think they came like that. Always made me think that if they’re that half-assed about such a thing, what else is half-assed that isn’t obvious?
Why does it seem like every GMT800 I see has these shitty taillights.
It’s the curse of the third (or fourth) owner who goes online with their shiny new credit card and orders LED bulbs and those taillights.
As the parent and mechanic of an XV10 owner, I’ll vote for one of these every single time. The Japanese bubble-era investment is obvious, from the extra-thick body panels that resist even Illinois rust, to the bulletproof yet soft interior surfaces, and the sewing-machine purr of the engine. This generation is one of the best cars ever made, period.
I wouldn’t kick the Tahoe out of bed, though. These two would make a nice pair of work beaters.
I was gonna slam the Tahoe button until I saw that it was 2WD. I can’t fathom leaving this thing home when it snows, so I’ll take the very clean Camry, knowing that it would probably do better in the slippys.
“I can’t fathom leaving this thing home when it snows,”
No worse than any other RWD station wagon. Put on some snow tires and maybe some sand bags in the back and it’ll likely be fine.
Plus the 2wd version weighs around 300lbs less and is likely a bit better for towing.
But having said that, I’ll take the Camry over the Tahoe as well. A 200,000 mile Toyota is a better proposition than a 200,000 mile GM product unless the Toyota is a flood car or something like that.
That Camry will survive multiple apocalypses and still run, gotta go with it.
I haven’t seen a Camry of that generation in such good shape in years, so I went with it. I drove one that a friend bought for $300, with over 350k on the clock it drove…well, just okay, but it was clearly abused and absolutely refused to die. I’ve driven cars with a third of those miles that felt more ready to fall apart.
I came here all ready to jump at the Tahoe, but damn, that Toyota is clean as a whistle. I voted for it in the end.
But I love that for 5 grand you could have both of them.
The only reason that I didn’t choose the 1996 Camry is because I already have a 1993 Camry. Though I do like that deep dark green color, and the clearcoat isn’t coming off like it is on my own trusty steed.
My kid’s has also lost a lot of clearcoat, especially on the hood and fenders.
Yeah, that’s where mine is losing it. Also on the roof.
Chevy, please.
I do like the Camry – more than I expected. It’s good at doing car things and it appears to be in amazing condition given the age.
However, the Tahoe would be able to do car things and some truck things – moving people and/or stuff – though with lower fuel economy.
One thing I don’t understand: I’ve known a few folks who have had Tahoes and they always refer to them as such. For example, in a normal conversation it’s not “Let’s take my truck”, it’s “Let’s take my Tahoe”. It seems like an odd thing to do.
Macbook syndrome
If both are similarly reliable, I’ll go for the Camry, only because it better fits my typical use cases. If I want a vehicle for transporting lots of people and/or things, I want a full-size van, not an SUV.
I just couldn’t on the camry, its cute but so boring! GMT-800 for me, Id pick up some pick and pull parts and spruce up the interior a bit.
If I’m getting a high-mileage, 20+ yr old vehicle, I’m getting something that can haul a lot of shit from Home Depot/Lowes.
I need something more engaging than a 28 yr old Camry to DD.
When going for durability you have to go Honda. While replacement headlights are cheap $88 a set for 2007, replacing them does require removing the front bumper so a simple spray of Off cleans them up like new.
but its a Toyota! 😛
No, IT’S A TOYOTA!!!!
Solid lifter cam does not equal “reliable”. And don’t even get me started on early 2000’s Honda automatics.
The Camry wins by default.
LOL the truck didn’t even stand a chance. I mean come on, it doesn’t even have the barn doors 😛
If you want a daily driver to work and such: Camry
If you have family or need the space to haul things: Tahoe
Both cars are good for what they are, my only concern will be the transmission of the Chevy but if they were good servicing it, it should last.
I was prepared to vote for the utility of a larger hauler, but that Camry is in such great shape that I had to vote for it. It looks fantastic. I’m actually tempted.
If there was an option for both, I’d pick it.
This is a definite enthusiastic BOTH day. As a card-carrying GMT-800s are the best trucks ever made fan club member, I’m duty bound to pick the scruffy Tahoe. There are plenty of parts out there to fix up that interior on the cheap. My 800 is also a 2wd, and it suits me just fine.
I dunno man, I heard this whole timing belt thing instantly turns a car into an unreliable heap.
I know you’re being tongue-in-cheek, but I believe the 5S-FE is non-interference, so worst situation, you just need a tow. That’s one of the reasons I like this engine.
And they’re pretty easy to replace. First time I did my old boss’ at 170k, it pretty much took all day because I did the water pump and all possible wear items. The next time it was a quick afternoon job for just the belt & tensioner pulley.
It was rather soul-sucking to drive, but I definitely respect the engineering that went into that generation.
My dad still has the ’96 Camry V6 that I grew up with. I need to take it off his hands one day and properly restore it to its former glory.
Neither are bad options, but every single part on that Camry is going to cost about half as much as a truck equivalent, rotors, pads, tires, oil changes, you name it. Both will run forever, but I’ll take the Camry for double the MPG and half the running costs.
This is really only true for tires. Oil and filter will cost the same, brakes are comparable within a few bucks on Rockauto, etc.
Fair enough! I’ve helped out my roommate on his GMT800 in the past, but its a 1500HD, so most parts were Heavy Duty sized and price, not the standard duty GMT800 parts which you’re right, are much cheaper.
Also why in the world did GM make a 1500HD? All it’s done is make parts ordering far more confusing when I need to.
I believe the 1500HD was the only way to get a full 4 door crew cab in the 1500 GMT800, at least early on.
I also know that it shared its frame with the 2500 Suburban and Avalanche, which only adds to the confusion.
The size/length configuration makes sense, I just know that it has the 6.0 and all the HD suspension as well as 8-lug wheels, which makes parts shopping annoying, especially the usual parts counter guys that don’t understand why you’re REALLY adamant they check to make sure it specifically fits a 1500HD specifically.
An XV10 Camry with a deep green exterior and tan fabric upholstery interior? And with the 5S-FE? That is my ideal configuration. The only thing that could make it better is if it were the wagon, replete with funky rear wipers. But I’d very happily daily this, elevated conveyance of understated elegance and class.
Mmmm mmm! This absolutely should be tagged NSFW.
Camry is the driving appliance that will continue to gift you with decent fuel mileage, and, hopefully, few surprises.
I have no use for a tow vehicle of the scale of that Tahoe. The Camry would suit me just fine to tow a motorcycle as-needed.
An easy “both” vote if the Tahoe was 4×4, but a 2wd truck around here is about as useful as a poopy flavored lollipop.
Camry.
Y’know, not many people get excites about a Camry, but for whatever reason, this one just does it for me. I have driven the Suburban version of that Tahoe, and it was fine.
But I could see myself flying into the PNW and driving that Camry back to Oklahoma and loving every mile of it. And I would spend the entire trip seeing what my personal best MPG would be.