Scotty Kilmer, the Renowned Mechanic, Purchases His First New Car
In a surprising turn of events that has captivated his extensive online following, renowned YouTube mechanic Scotty Kilmer, aged 72, has departed from his long-standing advice of avoiding new car purchases, acquiring his first-ever brand-new vehicle. This decision marks a significant moment for the automotive personality who has consistently championed the benefits of used cars. His choice, a 2026 Toyota Camry Hybrid, underscores a practical approach driven by factors such as vehicle longevity, fuel efficiency, and established engineering, rather than a fundamental shift in his core automotive philosophy.
For over a decade, Scotty Kilmer has cultivated a substantial platform by delivering straightforward, often outspoken, guidance to car buyers. His central message has consistently warned against the rapid depreciation, excessive technology, and financial drain associated with purchasing new automobiles. Instead, Kilmer has ardently promoted the economic and practical advantages of meticulously maintained pre-owned vehicles, positioning them as a more astute long-term investment. This firm stance has earned him a loyal audience, making his recent acquisition all the more unexpected and newsworthy.
Kilmer's decision to purchase a 2026 Toyota Camry Hybrid SE for approximately $31,000 stands out, especially when considering its price point well below the current average for new car transactions. The vehicle is equipped with Toyota's well-regarded 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, integrated with an electric motor, collectively producing 225 horsepower. Kilmer highlighted the hybrid powertrain's immediate electric torque, which lends the sedan a sensation of greater agility than its specifications might suggest. Furthermore, he commended its impressive fuel economy, achieving around 50 miles per gallon in urban settings and high 40s on highways. This optimal balance of performance, efficiency, and straightforward design was a key determinant in his selection.
A critical factor influencing Kilmer's choice was Toyota's established expertise in hybrid technology. He noted that Camry Hybrids have been available for nearly two decades, with the underlying Prius technology boasting over 25 years of development. Kilmer specifically lauded the non-plug-in hybrid configuration, arguing that it mitigates the long-term complexities and potential exposure issues often associated with larger battery packs typically situated beneath the vehicle. The practical attributes of the Camry further solidified his decision, including its ample trunk space, fold-down rear seats, the inclusion of a spare tire, user-friendly controls, and an interior prioritizing robustness over superficial aesthetics. According to Kilmer, this vehicle embodies a contemporary design while still adhering to time-honored principles of common sense, precisely the kind of vehicle he has advocated for over many years.
Far from undermining his authority, Kilmer's latest purchase arguably reinforces the credibility of his long-held views. His selection was not swayed by luxury features, all-wheel drive, or top-tier trim levels. He intentionally sidestepped the popular SUV segment and dismissed more expensive alternatives as offering poor value. In essence, he applied the very same discerning logic he has consistently preached for years, albeit this time to a new car rather than a used one. As he has frequently iterated in previous discussions, factors such as reliability, mechanical simplicity, and the overall cost of ownership over time hold greater significance than fleeting trends or impressive specification sheets. It is noteworthy that the Toyota Camry is perhaps the sole new vehicle that Kilmer has previously endorsed.
Scotty Kilmer is unequivocal that this purchase does not signify a universal endorsement of buying new cars. Instead, he characterizes it as a rare exception, influenced by factors such as equitable pricing, proven technological advancements, and his personal circumstances. If anything, this moment serves to humanize a figure often perceived as unyielding in his automotive opinions. After decades of advising millions on what not to acquire, Scotty Kilmer has ultimately discovered a new vehicle that he can genuinely embrace, one that offers comfort, economic sensibility, and peace of mind.