Type in 'Toyota transmission problems' in any internet search and you will see what I'm talking about. In some cases, the cars have had to be taken back to the dealerships for the transmissions to be reprogrammed, and these were brand new cars so if you are buying one used make sure you have it checked out completely before you buy it. And, when you test drive it don't just take it for a light spin. Drive it on the highway and push the engine so you can see and feel how it accelerates and decelerates. What you are looking for is a jerky shift in the transmission, as if the car can't make up its mind what gear it wants to be in. In some cases, you might press the accelerator and the car will hesitate noticeably before the gear engages—extremely dangerous when overtaking or pulling out into traffic. I've owned Camrys and also had this problem.

Another note on build quality of the mid to late 2000 model Camrys is that Toyota has cheapened the interior of the car considerably. It has gotten especially bad since the 2007 redesign. In the 07, 08, and 09 models they have replaced what used to be a very high quality design with very cheap plastic materials, panels that don't match up properly, and parts that rattle, squeak, peel, and even panels falling off due to poor construction. The tackiest thing they've done is to replace the once classy dash inside the Camry with a very low rent, ridiculous blue, plastic panel and too big buttons that scream CHEAP!!!! And there are some serious flaws with the exterior construction on some of these Camrys as well, such as the hood and trunk not properly lined up when closed, no rubber insulation on the trunk, and low quality factory paint that easily strips and peels. Totally unacceptable for a new car that costs over $25,000! So, don't be surprised to find that the Camry you're thinking about buying isn't much better than the way you described your old Ford Taurus.

When you compare these late model Camrys to the older ones (2005 and earlier) you will immediately see that Toyota has cut some corners and that they have fallen way behind Honda, Nissan, Hyundai, and even some of the American brands in many ways. If you're going to buy a good quality newer car, look into a Honda Accord, a Nissan Altima, or a Hyundai Sonata while doing your research—all these cars and many others are much better quality than the 08/09 Camry.

I can't stand to see people get suckered, so my advice to you is don't buy this car from a private owner. Buy it as a 'certified pre-owned' from a Toyota dealership which would give you the option of returning it after a few days if you drive it and find that it has problems. Just follow my advice: tune out the sales pitch from the dealer and inspect the car carefully inside and out before you make your decision.