Re: Right. I just hate spending money.
Pity that, re 'used'; while the new Toyota Avalon appears to be >> price range (and also recently improved, over a basically bulletproof, comfy OK-handling mid-size car) - the older models have close-enough the same qualities; were not so Popular, thus - better buyer's market.
Camry is/was always Popular, ergo less is to be gained used/clean (We found this the case with the Integra purchase -- it made no sense to buy a 1-3 yo used one, at the time.) All smart car buyers eschew the New, of course.. but *time* may be your deciding factor, and no one should (could ;-) argue that with you.
Concur with the observations re what YOU like, not only in er, clearance-room - but in adjustments being flexible enough to accommodate more than one driving position. But as was also suggested - this isn't necessarily as much about car size, as it seems: bigger isn't always a better assortment of driver's space + adjustability.
(I, for one - would rate +5 for EZ seat height adjustment; wouldn't consider absence of, at least tilt, in addition to fore/aft as all supply. 'Course you need a tad of headroom to go with that..) Some have adjustable lumbar support - I know someone who Won't ride in a seat sans that - or brings own pillow.
In that regard, you might want to take another jaundiced but sanguine? look at the humble Corolla's actual adjustment range + clearances, ignoring the outside sheet-metal. If that dealer proves to be too skanky - there are oodles. Commodity yada.
Luck with the Sharks,
moi