new guy

[dubtastic]

Hey all..

I needed a reliable daily driver so I recently picked up a 1991 Camry [2VZFE] with 107,000 miles, clean title for $1500. It's an automatic, which I don't mind since it's a daily driver.

This is my first Toyota, all of my previous cars were 240sx. I hope to get my hands on a MK3 Supra in the near future as well.

Anyways I'm really impressed with the quality of these cars, I did not expect so many power features in a 2nd gen Toyota! I'm still a high school student so I plan on driving it for as long as it lasts.

I had a few questions/concerns and was wondering if I could get a word of advice:

- Its running great, but when in Neutral it idles at 1300 RPM. Is it suppose to, should this be a worry?

- Some of my interior dash lights aren't working (gauge cluster, temperature control, tranny, etc). Stupid question = I'm assuming it just needs new bulbs/fuses, right?

- Another 2nd gen owner told me it's suppose to run on 93 octane, is he serious? I hope premium fuel is not necessary, because I just filled the tank up with 89.

- What kind of maintain do you recommend at this milage? I plan on replacing the plugs/wires/distributer cap/filters/etc. Anything else needed?

- I've noticed the shocks are either blown or going bad. I plan on improving the entire suspension (springs/shocks/sway bars/tires/etc). Any recommendation on where I can get a good deal on these parts?

Overall I'm really satisfied with my camry, is there anything I should be aware of?

Thanks for reading. I'll stick around.

[fredk]

change every fluid in the car and check the trunk for leaks

[TBayToyotaBoy]

Hi, welcome to the wide world of Toyota. To answer some of your questions (from experience):

Idle: the car should idle at 700rpm, but anywhere from 650 to 750 is within reason on a 2VZ-FE as it ages.

Yes, they're just little, tiny bulbs that are burnt-out. Dirt cheap at the dealer.

No, 93 octane is rediculous. They are supposed to run "optimally" (Toyota's word) on 91 octane, but I've been using 87 and 89 for two years now with zero problems. Just be sure to change the fuel filter often.

Get under the front end of your Camry (with jackstands under it, of course) and inspect the lower control arm bushings (inboard and outboard, where the front stabilizer bar fits through the control arm). They rot like hell, especially on the passenger side where oil leaks often develop. Makes for a sloppy, noisy ride.

Good luck, let us know how it goes. And post some pics, if you get a chance.