If you are in the market for a good practical used car, there is almost no better choice than a Toyota Camry. Spanning eight generations, the Camry offers near-perfect reliability and longevity ratings from just about every automotive media outlet.

To circumvent record-high Camry prices, many potential owners look at wholesale market offerings to see if an older Camry might fit their lifestyle at a bargain price. With some 10+ year-old Camrys offering a ton of value and longevity at a wonderful price, it may seem like a no-brainer. If you are in the market for a used Toyota Camry, here is everything you need to know about the 2008 Camry according to U.S. News.

2008 Toyota Camry: specs and features

The 2008 Toyota Camry is the second model year of the XV40 Camry, which ran from the 2007 model year to 2011 in North America. The 2008 Camry came in three main different trim levels including the base LE trim, mid-range SE trim, and the top-of-the-line XLE model.

This model-year Camry was built using two different engine options, a 158 horsepower 2.4L four-cylinder engine, and a 268 horsepower 3.5L V6 engine. Both of these engines were available on all trim levels, but the four-cylinder engine was offered with both a manual and an automatic transmission. The V6 engine came equipped with a brand-new six-speed automatic transmission.

U.S. News reports that the 2008 Camry offers a wonderful, planted driving experience out of every model, with a ton of exciting power offered with the V6 engine option. The 2008 Camry also feats five passengers comfortably while producing good fuel efficiency numbers of 19-21 mpg city and 28-31 mpg highway.

The 2008 Camry does just about everything well, and if you are in the market for a reliable vehicle at a bargain price, it is hard to pass up a 2008 Camry.

The Honda Accord offers more excitement

The one downside to owning a 2008 Toyota Camry is the driving experience and lack of excitement behind the wheel. While the V6 engine can produce some exciting power, especially for its class, the Toyota Camry is still a basic, barebones midsize sedan.

It is focused on being inoffensive and marketable to everyone with a pulse. According to U.S. News, the 2008 Toyota Camry carries an average used price of $5,302 and $10,204, depending on the condition.

For the same price, consumers can find much more excitement in the 2008 Honda Accord, which is priced at a slightly lower price point on the used market but offers just as much power and more features than the 2008 Camry.

Don’t sleep on the Nissan Altima

For those potential owners looking for one of the best deals on the used market, the 2008 Nissan Altima can be bought for under $4,000 in good condition and offers more horsepower than the Camry and Accord at 270 horsepower in its V6 configuration.

If you are committed to owning a 2008 Toyota Camry, you are bound to have a great vehicle at a bargain price, but you just may find a much better vehicle at a much better price with the Honda Accord or the Nissan Altima.