1st & 2nd Generation (1983–1986 & 1987-1991)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1983-1986 & 1987-1991.
Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving America's favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.
Picked up this beater for $450 a couple days ago. Started costing too much to drive the Mustang or Dodge Ram back and forth to work, I figure this thing will pay for itself in no time. I'm 6'1", I'm surprised at how roomy the thing is! Interior is in great shape too.
Thing came with a stack of maintenance records too, I'm impressed. 206K miles. Should run for a 100K or 200K more eh?
It's got a 5-spd in it, has a little bit of grind shifting to 2nd, but the clutch pedal feels a little odd, I'm going to see if I can adjust it, or if it's hydraulic, flushing the fluid in it.
What kinds of issues should I look for in this thing or watch out for?
Oh, I need shocks too I think. It's awful damn bouncy, but hell they cost half the cost of the car! Any advice?
Try changing the tranny fluid to 75w90 instead of the stock Dexron ATF (yes, the MT takes ATF stock). It should help with the grind. If that doesn't work, try GM Syncromesh.
The clutch is hydraulic and may just be old. I've had two manual transmission Camry's and have had four different clutches (two of them high-performance ones) and none felt odd to me.
If you have servicable struts, you can do the struts for cheaper. Check for a nut at the top of the strut casing (near the lower spring perch). Otherwise, check out the KYB GR-2 struts. I think they are still a reasonable price. It's a safety issue, so even if it is expensive I'd suggest you do it.
Congrats on the deal!
-Charlie
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2003 Impreza WRX Wagon 5spd - 2.2L stroker + other goodies
1989 Camry Alltrac LE 3S-GTE 5spd - SV25/ST205 hybrid
1990 Camry 3S-GTE 5spd - parted out / junked
1990 Camry DX 3S-FE 5spd - The original white90dx; gone but not forgotten
Watch the oil level closely, as they do tend to burn alot of it. The 90 & 91 models have a carburetor instead of fuel injectors, so they are more sensitive to what grade and brand of gas you put in it.
The 90 & 91 models have a carburetor instead of fuel injectors, so they are more sensitive to what grade and brand of gas you put in it.
What the? Since when? There are some in other countries that have carbs, but in the U.S. they came injected. See that "EFI" on the intake in the picture above? It means Electronic Fuel Injection.
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90 Lexus ES250 Auto, 90 Lexus ES250 Stick, 88 Camry LE AllTrac Stick, 88 Camry Wagon
^Like it? Get yours from XSPEED!
Watch the oil level closely, as they do tend to burn alot of it. The 90 & 91 models have a carburetor instead of fuel injectors, so they are more sensitive to what grade and brand of gas you put in it.
Erm, my 90 has EFI. And if you're burning oil, you have a problem.
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I'm strongly against picketing, but I'm not sure how to show it...
Just Febreeze'd the hell out of it last night, should be dry today, going to give the interior a good scrubbing tonight. Need to convert and recharge the A/C, hopefully no leaks.
Congrats on the purchase. Yes, gas mileage (and making this your primary and moving your other vehicle(s) to pleasure status with insurance) will save enough cash to pay for the car in short order.
If you have strange clunking sounds in the sus (after you do the shocks), check the sway bar end links. Can be difficult to diagnose.
Also check your CV boots. They often get cracks. Although you can drive them just about forever even if they are damaged, and then just put in rebuilt axles, which is almost easier than changing the CV boots.
Let me know if you need any parts, I'm parting one of these cars (bent frame, good car).
What the? Since when? There are some in other countries that have carbs, but in the U.S. they came injected. See that "EFI" on the intake in the picture above? It means Electronic Fuel Injection.
thats true..using the same engine as the newer one but instead its 2.2
Wow...thats some bouncyness...lol. You actually lifted the car off the ground XD.
The only real ting that seem to plague the Gen2s if proper engine maintenance was done is just body rust. Tons of Gen2's here are all a bit rusty. Parts for them are quite easy to come by here at lease with a handful of Gen2 laying around in the junkyard here.
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Since when? There are some in other countries that have carbs, but in the U.S. they came injected. See that "EFI" on the intake in the picture above? It means Electronic Fuel Injection.
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