Can You Have Fun Driving Fast In A Slow Car? 2001 Toyota Camry LE - Hot Take

[@codegreenie3429]

Here in Nigeria this car is what someone like me would save up for. Your sister rejecting it makes me realise life is of different phases

[@growwithodaro]

I am a Nigerian so I can relate.

[@tysone1254]

yes thats how many americans think too. She must be used to getting what she wants.

[@M-t3ch]

@codegreenie3429 The lack of a backup camera was the killer for her. I am a car enthusiast, so I appreciate and like older cars, but here in America, this car is a little more compromising than anything newer. There are also things that you need to be conscious of with an old car that most non car people will forget to do in this day and age. Check the fluids periodically, be gentler with the interior, let the driveline get up to temp, etc.

[@codegreenie3429]

@@M-t3ch You're right. Newer model cars literally take care of themselves with a lot of computing and safety features hence the convenience. Also in USA I know virtually everyone owns a car on credit. In Africa there is nothing on credit you have to save up and buy it yourself which I think is a better financial move in the long run

[@StinkyIndianStudent]

​@@growwithodaroYou Nigerans can afford a car ? I thought maybe only a donkey

[@meltingspot1064]

I love my 1999 Camry with 222000 miles. The 4th generation Camry is the only generation I like. I drive mine as a highway cruiser so smooth, reliable, and good on gas.

[@M-t3ch]

It does have a sort of classicness to it. This was THE CAR for many years.

[@Wildbillcooper]

“Can you have fun driving fast in a slow car?” Any manual Miata: “Hold my soju.”

[@M-t3ch]

For real lol. Although I think this car makes a Miata look fast.

[@Wildbillcooper]

@@M-t3ch as an NA owner, I completely agree.

[@farz1as]

Seeing you happy makes me happy bro. You got one of those faces that just makes ppl happy. Keep smiling buddy. -- Fellow Michigander

[@M-t3ch]

Haha thanks, that made my day. I'm glad you enjoyed the video 🙂

[@farz1as]

@@M-t3ch Thank YOU for making my day. Haven't seen a lot of high quality POVs of 90's cars with good storytelling.

[@M-t3ch]

@vajd I am finding that I fill a sort of niche with these odd ball cars. I'm very thankful for the owners who let me drive a lot of them!

[@xirmanatee3763]

Hell yeah ! Reliability is fun as hell !

[@M-t3ch]

I do like knowing my car will start in the morning.

[@bbsal4031]

I'm going to be buying a 2000 Camry next month off of my niece. Her grandma bought it brand new. I am so super excited all the videos I watch on this car are excellent!!

[@M-t3ch]

@@bbsal4031 I appreciate the support! I can't say enough great things about my Camry.

[@daleshufelt9217]

I have a 2001 toyota camry le gallery series with 323k. I've had it 19 years. I'm the 2nd owner and have all service records since car was new.

[@M-t3ch]

@@daleshufelt9217 That thing will run forever.

[@divineoracle4809]

I love this generation of the camry, my dad owned a 2000 from the time I was 1 to nearly 13 years old. He got over 300,000 mi on the original power train, it was still running when he sold it. It was the family car, so many miles we spent together in this car. It held up very well. The seat material is great, it hides stains well, it had zero rips or wear in general through the interior. These are very very reliable cars if they were maintained properly. If they weren't maintained, they were known for oil sludge buildup on the 2.2 and 3.0 from 97-01. Due to my dad's Camry experience, I bought a 99 Camry that didn't have many maintenance records. They claimed it was maintained , and I was in a pinch so I bought it... It blew the engine after 3 months at 145k due to sludge 😂. I still want another one of these Camrys, I know my Camry wasn't at fault for the prior owners negligence. It was a bummer situation, because it was mint. Looking back, I should have just replaced the engine instead of selling it for a grand. I feel like this was genuinely the pentacle of Toyota build quality. They're very solid cars! I do want another, I just have to find one that has been maintained, which is hard to find/prove with an almost 30 year old car 😭 great video!

[@M-t3ch]

I agree! The build quality was very good on these back in the day. The interior is my favorite part; it's so utilitarian and simple. And the seats feel like sitting on a couch haha. Perfect daily driver for me. I'm glad you enjoyed the video!

[@camryuser]

@divineoracle4809; Hey I have this generation of Camry. I recommend you use 'Marvel Mystery Oil' on any Camry you buy to remove the sludge build up. Watch CarCareNut on this generation Camry, he has a deep dive on all the quirks.

[@bruhmanguy34]

whenever im older and start working toward buying a car it would probably be one of these . my uncle had 1 and i always loved them for some reason and theyre so neat and cool

[@M-t3ch]

@@bruhmanguy34 Agreed. It's been the best car I have ever owned.

[@Goodwillwinoverevil1984]

Actually, I think the early 90's to mid 90's Camry's were the ones that started the trend to having it become a popular consumer car, if not the late 80's. My family owned a red 1993 Toyota Camry and it had been in our family till 2023 when I rear ended it on a low speed on the road. I wish my family had the money to fix it but we didn't. We also own a 1999 version which is gold just like yours (body style wise) and that is why when it came time to replace that car I ruined, naturally I went with a 2000. I've owned it for a year and some months now. It runs great for it's age and I just love the simplicity like you said. I was 16 when that body style became available. I love cars and learning about them and I learned to drive in this model of a car.

[@M-t3ch]

@SVAsianPhilippinesGo6858 This was the car that started the trend in 1997! These were the golden era of the Camry. Like you said, everything is so simple, easy to use, and perfectly placed for the driver. Love the story. Appreciate the comment!

[@Goodwillwinoverevil1984]

​ @M-t3ch Hmm, could have sworn it was the early 90's version, but alright if you did your research. My family came over from the Philippines in 1991 and my family's first car was a 1988 Gray Camry. I didn't like it and called it a "Monster" because I was kinda small for my age, lol. But don't get me wrong, we had money to go here as we were above middle class at the time. I remember the first ever time I tried to park this style of Camry (when I was learning to drive at 16 back in 2000), I parked it diagonally in the shopping center near my house lol. It's a good thing there were hardly any parked cars there at the time. 😛

[@M-t3ch]

@SVAsianPhilippinesGo6858 Haha, Camrys are awesome. That is how a lot of them get the "Camry dent." It's that blind spot in the rear. 1997 was the first year of them being the best-selling car every year, I believe! 2001 is the only exception.

[@Goodwillwinoverevil1984]

@@M-t3ch Actually, I drove a 1995 Honda Civic for 20 years (from 2002 till 2022-ish), but in 2019, I inherited our Red 1993 Toyota Camry that I mentioned earlier, so by then, I had TWO cars to drive to work haha lol. I had my choices...Unfortunately, as mentioned, I rear-ended a small truck with the 1993 one. If my family just had the money, I would have loved to fix the 1993 one. I'm usually a careful driver and because of my many years of experience, that's been my only "big" accident since 2001 when I got my license. The fact that the old Camry's have HUGE windows makes it a lot better (in my opinion) for changing lanes than the new cars with huge head rests! Granted I've never driven a newer Camry (my mom has one, but she won't let me drive it for some sad reason). Anyway, thank you for the lovely chat! 🙂

[@Goodwillwinoverevil1984]

@@M-t3ch Camry dent? Lol, I don't have any dents in my car. And changing lanes, as I mentioned, in this type of car, is a synch because of the huge windows. 😛

[@MegaMC777]

It’s actually one of my favorite generations of Camry, in regard to design. Just enough round and straight lines. I’ll agree, when I had my 14 Mustang GT Premium, it was an absolute blast going on the highway or getting up to speed, especially from a stop. But the most fun car I think was the 99 Civic EX on the back roads. It’s very nimble and the handling is light. Also with a slower engine, you really get to use it all, real quick, unlike the Mustang.

[@M-t3ch]

I agree 100% with all of that. It’s a different kind of fun.

[@juaneramirez3350]

I love driving those on the winter…such a cozy car to just get you around.

[@M-t3ch]

Cozy is the word I would use to describe it too!

[@insid3493]

I had a 2000 CE. No traction control, no ABS. Automatic. I'd enter some corners at 90mph + (after a brake upgrade, cause I got fade at one point) and I was genuinely having ZERO issues keeping up cars like E46 M3's and WRX's on the really really windy roads. I'm so sad it's gone. Long story short a lady rear ended me going 50 whilst I was stopped at an intersection. But this car, this car was my favorite, I had it sideways all the time in the winter, or on dirt, I'd drive it like I was competing in a rally constantly. I have a 1988 5 speed base model Camry today, and I still miss my 4th gen more than anything.

[@M-t3ch]

@insid3493 This is so awesome! What brakes and suspension did you have on it? Any oil starvation issues? I tried to do some hand brake turns last winter, and I could not get the rear end to step out for more than a second. It kept under steering. Which is a testament to how well Toyota set up the car.

[@jtsandig]

had a 98 camry. thing was nearly bulletproof. downside is that they shake at higher speeds around 80 mph.

[@M-t3ch]

Yup haha, these cruise at a comfortable 65mph.

[@690_5]

I learned how to rev match automatics in this car. I can heel and toe a manual but it’s never felt as satisfying as my old Camry. I loved throwing this thing around at car meets, keeping up with the M3s and Mercedes sports cars. On the straight aways, they left me in the dust though.

[@M-t3ch]

@690_5 On the street, most cars can not use their capabilities, but a Camry can! In real world conditions it's not much slower haha.

[@chrisb2844]

Well I have a Genesis and an older 2003 Camry and I drive that Camry everyday and I enjoy driving that vehicle a lot, its very basic but something about it I really enjoy driving everyday.

[@M-t3ch]

Same feeling I have!

[@Sonic_1000]

Nice! I have a 2000 BMW 528i Sport for my daily. 1-owner and I've done every upgrade/repair there was.

[@JtbBlendz]

Theses Toyota Camry model years are the best

[@M-t3ch]

@@JtbBlendz This was THE car haha.

[@thomaswagner3885]

I love my 98 Camry 4cyl 5 speed manual with 276 000 miles on it I was all around Europe in Ukraine Moldova Hungary Austria Italy Czech Republic and some city trips in germany greetings from Germany:)

[@M-t3ch]

Love to hear it! A 5 speed manual would be pretty cool. Probably helps the acceleration a lot.

[@thomaswagner3885]

@@M-t3ch Yes it hepls :)

[@zerowater1645]

I have an 05 camry running like a dream even tho its rusty and might not be in the best condition it refuses to die even with 300k kms only simple maintained required great beater cars the check engine light is just a reminder of that lol

[@M-t3ch]

Haha yeah, they all do. Funny enough the CEL went off 2 days after this shoot. It kind of comes and goes as it pleases.

[@gwrider2146]

Have a 99 Camry v6 auto XLE model. Replaced original struts with KYB replacements and rear springs with stiffer Moog cargo type, these firmed it up pretty well. Pretty fun car.

[@M-t3ch]

@@gwrider2146 Maybe I'll do something like that! Just to get a little more handling capacity out of it. How is the ride quality?

[@gwrider2146]

@M-t3ch If you're asking about the ride quality, I'm going to say you may end up wanting to stick to what you have as it does firm it up, especially with the stiffer rear springs.😅

[@M-t3ch]

@gwrider2146 I believe that. My e36 m3 has modified suspension, so I know the deal. I'll probably leave it stock then. This is the daily mobile, haha. The ride quality is actually really good for the price the car is.

[@ElGhostPresents]

When it comes to dailies, these are my go tos! I own a 99' Corolla. I love them. I also love 1991 Nissan Sentras, Toyota Tercels, Geo Metros. I prefer these cars over newer cars as dailies. But for sports cars, JDMs all the way. G35, 350z, Supras, and all that! 💯

[@M-t3ch]

This thing is an incredible daily. Super cheap to run and pretty dependable even despite it's age.

[@ElGhostPresents]

@M-t3ch I agree 💯

[@niksonrex88]

Im from Europe and currently own a 97 Skoda Felicia. Its a little tin can but its fun as hell to drive despite being incredibly slow. And when you have to floor it in 2nd gear just to keep up with a Rav4 that is normally just starting off a red light is so funny but genuiney fun. The thing weighs 900kg with a full tank which is nothing and it def feels that way. But yeah, so far ive only driven the Felicia and a Renault Megane 2017 which definitely had a lot more power that i couldnt really test cause i was taking driving lessons on it. Also the roads in Europe are waay tighter and more crowded so you can only really test it on weekends. And is genuinely only enjoyable that way. I hate driving through dense traffic.

[@M-t3ch]

That's super cool! The only downside to living in the states is larger and less tight roads, haha. I try not to redline this Canry everywhere, but sometimes I have to.

[@niksonrex88]

@@M-t3ch hahahahahaha id honestly say that the biggest issue with the states is not being able to walk anywhere unless you live in huge cities. The whole continent is very car dependent. And then you also get a lot of people who dont want to drive driving because they have to. Then you have bad drivers. Here people who dont want to drive just dont drive, they walk/bike or take the bus to work.

[@M-t3ch]

@niksonrex88 100%, a lot of people here don't know basic road etiquette.

[@tbaloni]

I'm not sure if you remember my comment from when you got your toyota camry v6 with the stick shift. But I did not end up getting her car and I got my own Honda civic 2016 with a 2.0 4 banger. I can say that the smaller engines are pretty fun for daily drivers. It's also a automatic and its pretty simple to work on too

[@M-t3ch]

@tbaloni A Honda is still fun! That v6 manual was not mine, it is a super rare spec. Hondas are great dailies, I'm glad you got something that fits your needs.

[@PenguTT44-sh2oe]

I love my 2015 6 speed manual Corolla, but I had a 2000 Camry with the small engine option and the automatic, and I miss that car.

[@M-t3ch]

@PenguTT44-sh2oe They are great cars! I love mine. A newer manual Corolla sounds cool too though.

[@GXKid06]

My friend had one of these with the v6 and blown stock suspension, i think if it had good suspension it might be good to drive fast, but with blown shocks it was just scary sketch.

[@M-t3ch]

@GXKid06 That will do it. These are pretty soft from the factory. Fresh suspension and good tires help greatly and make these way more composed.

[@emmanueltgbanyah3971]

I just bought a fairly used one from the United States to be shipped to me in Liberia in early January or February

[@M-t3ch]

@@emmanueltgbanyah3971 Fantastic cars!

[@JundaComputersGmbH]

The 2001 and older Camry were made in Tsutsumi, Toyota Aichi Japan 🇯🇵 among the finest build quality and reliability in the world, only a few batches of 2002 Camrys are made in Japan before production moved to Georgetown Kentucky USA for 2003 and newer Camry’s which the quality isn’t nearly as good as the 2001 and older, true made in Japan Camry’s, my 2005 Camry has few issues while family friend’s 1999 made in Japan Camry with double the mileage almost 200k miles still runs like new!

[@M-t3ch]

@@JundaComputersGmbH Really? I had read online that these were built in America. Could you send something to verify this? That would be very cool!

[@saltyparabolas9561]

see the "Markets", and "North America" section of the page -- en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Camry_(XV30)

[@JundaComputersGmbH]

@@M-t3ch if the VIN start with JT is made in Japan 🇯🇵 and if VIN start with 4T its made in USA

[@M-t3ch]

@@JundaComputersGmbH Mine is American made! But very cool information nonetheless.

[@Slim1423]

I like your Toyota. I have seen the 99 Corolla and some of the Camrys. I know some of the 99 Corolla were kind of loud on the inside, because you could hear the engine exhaust pipe, inside car as you drove it. My question here is, on your 01 Camry, when you crank it up and drive it, are you hearing the sound from the engine exhaust pipe inside of your vehicle loudly?

[@M-t3ch]

@Slim1423 Not at all! In this video, it had an exhaust leak, too. It's even quieter now. Toyota built these and the Lexus model on the same platform. Car reviewers raved it for being way nicer than its price point suggested back in the day. It has less wind noise than on my e36 m3. Part of that is mileage/condition of seals. However, I have been consistently impressed with this car. Corollas from the same year feel more tinny. If you don't care about touch screens and lane keep assist, I can not recommend these enough for their price point.

[@Slim1423]

@M-t3ch Ok. Thats good to know. I appreciate that info. One other question, do you have any oil consumption issues with your 2001 Camry? Some say specific years of Toyota Camry had oil consumption issues, where you had to keep adding more oil between oil changes.

[@M-t3ch]

@Slim1423 These do not consume oil. Even at high mileage, as long as the boil changes were done on time. These do have carbon build-up problems that can cause oil starvation if gone unchecked. Otherwise, they are cheap and easy to run!

[@Slim1423]

@M-t3ch Ok. This is good to know also. I am thinking about buying a used Toyota Camry, but was unsure of what year model is best to get. Want to avoid oil consumption issues with specific year models of Toyota. Never had Toyota, but i like the simplicity and long reliability of them. Not concerned about lots of bells and whistles, just want a simple, reliable car that is good on gas. Does your 01 Camry have the (i4) 4 cyl engine? If so, what is the model number of that engine?

[@therealcarlmarti]

Any particular reason why you aren't using the 4th gear lockout button and just going straight from 4th to 2nd and back?

[@M-t3ch]

@@therealcarlmarti I was waiting for this comment. I just discovered the overdrive button recently. I actually would have used 3rd for most of this had I known I could.

[@tzurtex6336]

My 99 Corolla 111k miles already put 4k but I just need a valve cover gasket timing chain reseal and a wheel bearing but I already put 4k miles lol

[@M-t3ch]

Toyotas from this generation are gold.

[@CleverCheetah]

You definitely can have fun in it if you take it on the backrooms and just go full throttle around corners with the wheels squealing.

[@M-t3ch]

@@CleverCheetah I do that sometimes haha. It's loads of fun!

[@BeatersAndCompany]

I have the same spec camry, same year and color too just in way worse condition lol. These things are basically cheating in terms of costs and reliability 😂 cheap & bulletproof. But with the trade off of being one of the slowest on the road, and albiet lack luster driving experience. You summarized it very well, especially the part about keeping up with modern traffic! Cars are just too damn fast these days lol!

[@M-t3ch]

Haha, love to hear it. As a college student, the peace of mind in terms of cost is awesome. Nothing on this car is more than 100 dollars. The speed trade-off is real though. My friends make fun of the car haha.

[@tiorange1235]

I got the same camry and it blows the doors off most cars let alone keeping up with traffic, maybe you're just scared to press the accelerator lol

[@M-t3ch]

@user-ex2hg5rv6p The 0-60 of the 4 cylinder is 11.5 seconds. It will be a moped or walking.

[@RoseStrohm]

My 06 corolla has way better suspension than my moms 2017 Rogue. The ride feels so smooth on it, when i hit a bump on the rogue it feels so stiff but also feels like it has no damping at all

[@M-t3ch]

This is a common thing with new cars. Cars are stiffer than they used to be. Old economy cars with good suspension ride really well!

[@veeembee]

those generation corollas drive so well

[@KtothG]

it's absolutely incredible how little time is spent answering the question posed in the title (is the damn thing fun or not). way to milk that uTube watch-time algorithm good buddy

[@M-t3ch]

@@KtothG Incase you couldn't tell, the answer to the title is yes. You can have fun driving fast in a slow car!

[@artistnyc123]

Were you really expecting it to overheat? 🔥🤣

[@M-t3ch]

You can tell I own and drive a lot of BMWs haha.

[@april-5363]

i love my 2001 camry but the worst part is the interior during summer 😭

[@M-t3ch]

Better than black leather...

[@nuffsaid8082]

I want mines to sound like yours. I got a 99

[@M-t3ch]

@nuffsaid8082 Create an exhaust leak between the mid pipe and headers then yours will sound just like mine, lol.

[@emdfilms5785]

Now I’ve gotta find some back roads and rip my 02 Toyota Corolla lol.

[@M-t3ch]

@@emdfilms5785 Yes! It needs to be driven 🤌

[@dbona4445]

I just don't get why you have to rev the hell out of it.

[@M-t3ch]

@dbona4445 It's fun. The car has new fluids. High-quality oil and ATF. Trust me when I say this Camry gets treated way better than most.

[@fenwickc2274]

what watch are you wearing friend ?

[@M-t3ch]

@@fenwickc2274 Hugo Boss 1513864.

[@jacobgardner5733]

That's not Mexico on a closed course. Looks like mid Michigan where I grew up

[@zerowater1645]

everyone knows that just some stupid lie to not get in trouble even though hes driving like an npc but its obvious lot of other youtubers do the same thing

[@M-t3ch]

👀

[@farz1as]

NEVER SHARE UR REAL LOCATION ONLINE. But you're absolutely right, it does look like Michigan.

[@niksonrex88]

How does sarcasm go this hard over your head?

[@SnoopDoggyDoge]

i have an Xv20 in the form of the ES 300! great first car that you know that’ll be easy to fix and cheap, a rear sway bar actually did a lot for me, and the body roll was kinda fun for an autocross. they’re a very utilitarian car, and make me enjoy my sports car more

[@M-t3ch]

Maybe I'll look into a rear sway bar. I imagine it would help keep the rear end more in line with the front. I'll need to try it at Auto X at some point!

[@aetherkiller]

I drive a 98 corolla CE, looks almost identical to this car but just a little different so seeing you pov drive this is giving me major uncanny valley lmaoooo

[@M-t3ch]

Haha, we drove a really rough one of those last year. Similar car, but it's a different flavor!

[@ShellShockerSporanox]

Where was the fun part? You were way under the grip limit even for a 2001 Camry. Not saying you should wreck the car but I was expecting trail braking or e-brake or something on corners where you could see ahead.

[@niksonrex88]

Just flooring a slow car feels fun. You dont have to do powerslides to have fun.

[@M-t3ch]

Video doesn't really show it well, but it felt a lot faster in the car, lol. The tires give out really soon on this car. For a lot of those turns, I was almost up to the limit. When it's warmer out, I'll do another one going a bit quicker!

[@farz1as]

Trust me what he is doing is very fun without taking major risks. Camrys aren't built for cutting up in traffic and cutting corners, especially not one as old as this. Honestly old cars are so fun because they can't do all this but just gives you the feeling of going all out.

[@niksonrex88]

@@M-t3ch this is honestly perfectly fine. This guy thinks a Camry is an Audi TTRS that can zip in and out of corners like nothing. This is having fun responsibly and i cant stress how important that is. I hate seeing guys totally risk it on the roads. Risk mortally hurting themselves and others when they can just go to a track and do it safely. Roads are for traveling and tracks are for racing.

[@M-t3ch]

@niksonrex88 Exactly, I like to push cars, but you will never find me cutting lanes on public roads.

[@ItsPainnz]

so my 2001 camry makes def more than rated torque after watching this. mine is faster than yours, shift points are all off it should hit 6800 every gear

[@M-t3ch]

@ItsPainnz If yours is hitting 6800 rpm, that is modified, my friend :)

[@superbros1690]

problem is these cars are a coffin

[@laurenSmith-bf4fc]

Does it have abs?

[@M-t3ch]

Yes!

[@laurenSmith-bf4fc]

Traction control? ​@@M-t3ch

[@M-t3ch]

@@laurenSmith-bf4fc No traction control.

[@laurenSmith-bf4fc]

@@M-t3ch ok was gonna buy one but I changed my mind safety first 🦺

[@M-t3ch]

@@laurenSmith-bf4fc It doesn't really need traction control but it is also a car from 25 years ago so safety will not be up to par with modern standards.

[@Jack-hx5hr]

Honestly, any car can be fun just by virtue of being a car. Show even a Mitsubishi mirage to someone in the 1930s and it would blow their mind... its all relative.

[@M-t3ch]

Haha, very true.

[@zaffo757]

Nothing special? It will go 400,000 miles!

[@M-t3ch]

@zaffo757 True haha

[@fredc.o.4495]

You can run hundreds of laps without overheating if you know how to race, silly child 😅.

[@M-t3ch]

@@fredc.o.4495 Maybe the engine but definitely not the brakes lol.

[@alta_mnyssa]

This car is sickening boots the house down, mawma 👀🫦👀