1984 Camry LE, loaded, $200, 103k miles

[awcforever]

Hey folks, just posted in the noob section, figured I'd give you guys a shout.

Just bought an 84 Camry LE for $200 to avoid it getting scraped.

It has 103k original miles, A/C, Heat, spotless interior,

The options are crazy, and I was wondering if anyone has any tips/tricks, or just information about them, or the 2se motor.

Oh, I should mention that I drove it home, and it runs great. Some kid broke the wheel studs off after a blow out, and I just fixed it and drove it home.

Also, what changes with the "economy" and "power" buttons?

Thanks.

http://

[white90dx]

Originally Posted by awcforever

Also, what changes with the "economy" and "power" buttons?

Thanks.

Nice find! Most guys on here have a gen2 Camry, but if you search you'll find a bit of info on the 2s-e. Keep up on the fluid changes and fix any leaks and you should have a reliable car.

The normal/power switch just changes transmission shift points.

-Charlie

[Kingdom934]

I am super envious...

MORE PICTURES! It looks awesome. I'll post later when I'm at school.

[Kingdom934]

OK, a bit more to add in.

The hatchback (5 door) Gen1 are very very rare. They are even MORE rare in a LE trim, none the less with sunroof...

Looking at your picture, it has pretty much every option on the outside except the two tone paint, not sure if that was an option for the hatch. Yours even has the plastic visor for the sunroof...first one I've ever seen, and I've seen a lot of Gen1.

I've got some brochures on these cars. I'll try scan'em for ya


So the issues with the Gen1 ('83~'86).

--Rust. Rust will kill it. Rust is a BIG issue in places where it is humid/salty. These cars WILL RUST commonly around the rear wheel wheels and lower quarter panels. Check around the front wheel fender near the mudflap/lower front fender bolts. These tend to rust and start eatting on the inside of the fender. Rust also tends to be common around the trunk weatherseal (the channel around the trunk) and underneath the taillight. Rust also tends to be common on each four corners of the rear windshield. Check each door around the edges. Also, the roof area tends to rust too. Oh yea, around gas door rust is very common too.

--Squeaks and rattles. If you have a creeking like noise fron the front, they are most likey caused from the lower control arm (LCA) bushings (both the sway bar and to the frame). They are a PITA to do and you WILL NEED a shop to press the old bushing out and new ones in (unless you got access to a shop...). Rear sometimes make noise too. AGain, bushings in the rear. Most times, you will need to do struts all around. The front should be cartridge and the rear is non-servicable (not exactly sure on the hatch, but i think it's the same)




To really be honest, there isn't much that goes bad with these Gen1 Camry. A lot of them are dead due to rust or they are just run without maintance. Engine wise, the 2SE is rock solid, a little noisey compared to current engines. No real common issue except that it will leak oil (any old engine problem). Valve cover is easy to do; however, you will most times need to replace the PCV valve and the hose. there is als another hose on the top that the outlit is facing backwards toward the firewall. I think this is a toyota only pcv hose as each side of the hose is different size nipple. Power output is marginal at best and there isn't much you can do to increase it except by peforming a full serivce (e.g. tune up, all gasket replace, clean out EGR, etc, etc). Everything on the engine is pretty easy to gain access to and replace (I wish most engines was like this!). Exception would be the O2 sensor which is on the back of the engine.

Peform oil changes on regular basics and do a transmission flush should keep this car on the road for a long time.

All in all, it's a nice small car that is actually pretty roomy inside.

[blu_91_cam]

Wow nice find/save.

[awcforever]

I definitely like it, and it does have a TON of room. It did have some surface rust near the rear tail light, and the fender well, but I have sanded it down and primed it to prevent spreading.

I noticed that it smokes a bit until warmed up, and after warming up it will smoke if you get on it really hard.

I can only assume by the mileage being so low that it sat somewhere for a long time, but all in all it runs well.

I am going to run some BG treatment, or some marvel oil in it to hopefully seal up and leak by or oil burning. If it continues to smoke I may just do a gasket and valve job.

The motor seems pretty easy to work on. Hopefully everything goes well.

I definitely don't want to resell it, I have actually had a BOAT load of offers for it. My neighbor being one after I got home with it......lol

I own an 05 tC which I like a lot. Noisy, but very reliable. 160k on it.

I am mostly a diesel guy. I drive my 03 Duramax to and from work, but if I get to driving this little beast and I am sure I will like it. I will drive it and save the money.

Parts for it are dirt cheap and plentiful. I also found a 700 page Toyota dealer repair book on ebay for about $20.

Thanks for the replies

Also, the paint is two tone, but you can't tell in the picture. It has a beige bottom, and a tan top. I noticed that when I looked at it.

[awcforever]

I don't have a shop press per say, but I do have A LOT of tools. Ball joint service kits, pullers, machine shop access, you name it.

The 03 ext Duramax I have was actually free. My Dad totalled it, and I rebuilt it from the ground up. Took about 6 months, but turned out well.

I am just a fanatic for old broken vehicles. I don't really hoard them, but if I can find one for cheap that I feel like working on I will buy it in a heartbeat for the right price.......$200 was def the right price.....lol

[awcforever]

Here are some more pictures of the car.

http:// Interior by awcmechanical, on Flickr

http:// Front end by awcmechanical, on Flickr

http:// Front end by awcmechanical, on Flickr

http:// Back seat by awcmechanical, on Flickr

http:// Drivers side by awcmechanical, on Flickr

http:// Motor info by awcmechanical, on Flickr

http:// sun roof and light controls by awcmechanical, on Flickr

http:// drivers seat by awcmechanical, on Flickr

http:// passenger side by awcmechanical, on Flickr

http:// motor by awcmechanical, on Flickr

http:// Controls by awcmechanical, on Flickr

http:// sunroof by awcmechanical, on Flickr

http:// door panel by awcmechanical, on Flickr

[Kingdom934]

omg...

You got a steal for $200....serious. That thing looks like it's loaded with every option there was. Even has the 'premium audio'...

Soooo envious hahahaaa. I'd love to pick one up for $200.



EDIT:

Something I[d think you'd like











EDIT: More stuff. THis is from an '83 one I have. Can't scan because won't fit on my scanner

[96paseo]

Wow what a post!!! I was two years old then. What a cool car. This thread is getting me all project hungry again and I'm still not finished with the Gen2 or the pickup. Gotta be on the lookout for one of these beauties. Thanks kingdom934 for a very informative post.

[awcforever]

Thanks for the information, I am getting a little fond of the little beast now. I was born in 84 as well, so I am sure that is a little kicker as well.

Its kind of funny, it doesn't really smell old either.....lol. My old 85 Ford F250 smelled old, but this car smells like..........fresh cologne. Not bad stuff either. Not mildew smell, or that musky interior smell.

[Kingdom934]

Haha no problem folks.

Yea, these cars tend to grow on you. They are rare...and as for me being on the island, I can remember which Gen1 camry I see. That is how rare they are. Lets just say I have not seen a Gen1 Camry hatch for a good few years. Only seen Gen1 '85-'86. All the true 'gen1' of the '83~'84 are all gone.


I had an oppurtunity of a lifetime to pick up an '83 Camry LE Fully loaded with EVERYTHING (premium audio, all power opt, two tone, sunroof, working AC, alloys)....no rust except on the sunroof. It was the SAME COLOR as the one on the picture (Red on tan)....looked the same too. Only for $1050...and of my enitre life I've lived on this island, this was the ONLY ONE (I ran a vin check, it was brought in from CA in 2000). Sadly, I had to help a friend in need..........so I had to pass my dream of a life time. I was abit depress but hey, maybe it wasn't my time to get one. I keep telling myself maybe it wasn't time and maybe something better will come along...but something so rare, so nice...and knowning how rare they are, I knew I am lying to myself.











You mention that it has two tone paint yea? I see it now when I look closer.

I believe you got one of the rare ones. It's a fully loaded with pretty much all options that could had come with it

[awcforever]

Yea, its pretty cool, I drove it again today down the road, I don't have my own tags til Friday, but I had to drive it a little bit.

I may have to throw some valve seals in it, but I am not too worried about it. Shouldn't be too hard though due to the amount of room.

I am going to have to take a crash course in the vacuum set up though. I haven't worked on much with vacuum lines. I am sure it'll be okay though.

Also, I think I am going to replace the power steering pump. It is wining pretty loud, and it is really wet all around. I can't find any leaks, but since its so loud I may just throw one on there. Not too bad.

I am hoping to do it all professional with my car. Try to put OEM parts on it, and keep it stock. I may put an aftermarket air filter on it for commuting purposes and MPG, but thats about it.

[84Cressida]

Gotta love old school Toyota porn. It doesn't get any better.

Still see a good number of Gen 1s in my area.

[Kingdom934]

Originally Posted by awcforever

Yea, its pretty cool, I drove it again today down the road, I don't have my own tags til Friday, but I had to drive it a little bit.

I may have to throw some valve seals in it, but I am not too worried about it. Shouldn't be too hard though due to the amount of room.

I am going to have to take a crash course in the vacuum set up though. I haven't worked on much with vacuum lines. I am sure it'll be okay though.

Also, I think I am going to replace the power steering pump. It is wining pretty loud, and it is really wet all around. I can't find any leaks, but since its so loud I may just throw one on there. Not too bad.

I am hoping to do it all professional with my car. Try to put OEM parts on it, and keep it stock. I may put an aftermarket air filter on it for commuting purposes and MPG, but thats about it.

Power steering making noise? The hoses underneath the reservor might be leaking slowly. Mines looks wet...slow leak. Common area to leak is the main high pressure power steering line, usually just from age the hose wears out. Wining usually means low fuild or the power steering pump had it already, lol.

Originally Posted by 84Cressida

Gotta love old school Toyota porn. It doesn't get any better.

Still see a good number of Gen 1s in my area.

Yea...I got a MX32 and a MX63 too lol.

I am the only Gen1 in my town...maybe another one I think. I only recall seeing maybe a total of 10 or so around town/main city time to time. The same ones too.