3rd & 4th Generation (1992–1996 & 1997–2001)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1992-1996 & 1997-2001
Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving America's favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.
Hello guys & gals , I just purchased my first Toyota ever , a 97 Camry LE with the 2.2 and 5 speed . It has 134,000 KM or about 85,000 miles . The timing belt has been replaced at around 100K and the car looks to have been fairly well maintained . I purchased this car for reliable transportation ( I almost bought a 00 Malibu with the dreaded 3.1 ) and it's replacing a 96 Taurus which had been a pretty reliable car with 285K but was getting to have a lot of on coming expensive issues and felt it best to part on good terms .
What issues should I look for with this 97 Camry ? I'm looking for tips from you experts who have put a lot of miles on these cars . What is a realistic amount of miles that can be put on these cars with mainly HWY use ? I travel about 90 + Km per day so it adds up fast . Is there any better motor oils etc. to use in these....looking for good advice on anything and everything to get as many good miles out of this car as possable . I had a Volvo go 428,000km and should have fixed it at that ( seal went due to excessive blow by ) . Is it possable to rack up 400+ K's ??
I'm also planning on replacing the struts and bushings next spring ( I've got one rear strut mount clunking a bit ) . I see a lot of kits..etc on ebay . I see one that has springs and struts as well as no name strut bushings so I'm not sure if these are quality parts or not . I'm 52 BTW so not into racing but like a nice not too firm ride with nice cornering/handlling and a good speed . I am a retired mechanic who has restored several 50's and 60's cars as well as bring junkyard cars back to life with mechanical , body and paint work
Here is a few before during and after pics of my last major project I did some years back , unfortunately no suitable shop for such projects now .
I live in SW Ontario so we have hot summers and somewhat cold winters .
Thanks !!
Last edited by nitehawk55; 10-20-2007 at 07:21 PM.
Congrats on the purchase! Im jealous of the 5spd, lol. Got any pics? Ive got an 01 2.2 with ~74000 miles and the only defective items ive had to replace were the EGR valve and the VSV valve.
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Welcome! Its good to have another 50+ er here! Congratulations on ur first Toyota. I'm on my 5th myself. As far as oil go's just use manufactures recommendation, and u should be fine, imo. Springs, I went with HR sports and KYB struts, lowered it slightly, but maintained the OEM ride, u say u want to keep. I also added a TRD rear sway bar, and that made the biggest improvement in handling. Unbelievable!
Tons of information about ur Gen 4 here and friendly people too, use the search, and u can fine just about everything u have ?'s about.
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96 Camry Coupe LE V6
98 Honda CRV
08 GMC Crew
11 Kia Sportage EX AWD
Welcome to the forums! Don't go around insulting our cars or giving bad info and we'll get along fine. Congrats on the purchase, that's pretty low mileage for that year. I've got a 96 with almost 110,000 miles on it, still going strong.
Welcome to the forums! Don't go around insulting our cars or giving bad info and we'll get along fine. Congrats on the purchase, that's pretty low mileage for that year. I've got a 96 with almost 110,000 miles on it, still going strong.
a little paranoid arent ya?
welcome to TN. i hanvt owned a gen4(97-01) for long but i can tell already that the damn window control pannel on teh driverside tends to pop up after a while. as for suspension, stiff but cumfy. eibach springs(very small drop in ride hight), KYB GR2 shocks and that TRD rear sway bar are a great combo for what ur lookin for imo.
I think it is EASY to get as many miles on that car as you are hoping to get...and then some! Ive got over 324,000 miles (over 521,000 km) on my 93 and still going strong...with the exception of needing new suspension (still on originals).
There is also a sticky at the top of the Gen3/4 forum that holds all the FAQ (frequently asked questions) that will help with some DIYs you may do in the future. Also...the Factory Service Manuals are available for download in a sticky there.
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1993 Camry LE I4 Bone Stock - 380,000 miles (as of Aug '11)
1993 Camry XLE V6 Bone Stock - 260,xxx miles (as of July '11) Blown Head Gasket
2003 Chevy Trailblazer EXT I6 - 107,000 miles (as of Aug '11)
You restored a 58 impala!!!!!!!!! Probably my favorite car ever, it's beautiful!!!
Will you do a 65 as well?
Camry is an obvious good choice for reliable transportation, also well equipped, welcome to TN
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Restoring '65 Chevy Impala Super Sport w/ 327-300 small block, Edelbrock carb/intake and T-5 tranny that will probably blow up.
Black '98 Camry LE 4Cyl Auto, 188 000Kms and counting
Black '98 Camry CE 4Cyl Auto, 295 000Kms and counting - SOLD
Well other then the Camry my other vehicals are Fords and I've had good luck with them plus I was a mechanic at a Ford dealership for years .
Good on the Toyota's being able to rack on a lot of miles , that's what I wanted this for plus it's fun to drive and looks pretty straight forward to work on
Down side at the moment is a fuel leak from the gas tank , line or both as there is some rust showing ( we have salt put on our roads here in the winter ) on the tank and lines so I suspect they will need replacing to eliminate any other issues with the fuel system and at the price gas is I don't want to lose any !!
I will be looking into upgrading the suspension next spring , I'll let the winter and salt have at it this winter .
Last edited by nitehawk55; 10-21-2007 at 04:37 PM.
welcome to TN. i hanvt owned a gen4(97-01) for long but i can tell already that the damn window control pannel on teh driverside tends to pop up after a while. as for suspension, stiff but cumfy. eibach springs(very small drop in ride hight), KYB GR2 shocks and that TRD rear sway bar are a great combo for what ur lookin for imo.
One of us has to give the new guy a hard time I'm just joshin'.
I've done a 61 convertable but not a 65 yet although I would like to some day . Like to do a rodded one
Yes! People need to realise that '65s were badass!!
I agree with you on the "Easy to work on" part regarding Camrys, I was a complete noob at cars 3 years ago and getting to know my first Camry got me able to troubleshoot my own problems and fix them myself today. You'll love it
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Restoring '65 Chevy Impala Super Sport w/ 327-300 small block, Edelbrock carb/intake and T-5 tranny that will probably blow up.
Black '98 Camry LE 4Cyl Auto, 188 000Kms and counting
Black '98 Camry CE 4Cyl Auto, 295 000Kms and counting - SOLD
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My 1st post...Just purchased a 97 W/ 2.2 5 Spd
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