92-96 Camry LE V6 suspension- supposed to be firmer than 4-cylinder?

[93 Camry LE V6]

Hello. I have a like new, 1993 Camry LE V6, with 212K highway miles. I believe it has the original struts, from what I can tell. I am the 2nd owner and I do not see anything about new struts on any paperwork.

My problem is that my car has a very firm and harsh ride. The front is almost impossible to push down. When I go over a speed bump, there is barely any strut action. When I first press down on the rear bumper before driving it, it will bounce a few times, then it will not bounce as much. When I push down and pull back up continously on the rear bumper, it will not hardly move. The front seems to be worse than the rear. My other 87 Camrys I had a few years ago, had a smooth, soft ride. I also tested the suspension on a 96 Camry LE 4-cylinder, with 89K, but pressing on the bumpers and the suspension was very soft and the car easily bounced. Also, my old 91 Accord LX also had a soft suspension. I actually want a smooth, soft ride. Is it possible that my struts have failed? New ones from Toyota are $130. each- not to mention the price of installation. I am guessing about $800-$900. just to replace these and I do not want to spend that much more money on this car. I also tested the difference between the strut dampness on a 99 Camry LE V6 and a 99 Camry LE 4-cylinder and the V6 had a firmer suspension. My uncle has a 93 Camry LE 4-cylinder and his also has a firm ride, but not as harsh as mine. I have seen other 92-96 Camry's, smoothly bouncing down the road, absorbing the bumps like a Cadillac, Buick or Lincoln.

So- it is normal for super firm struts on the 92-93 V6 Camry's, or are my struts bad? Now I do have three larger American cars, so it is not where I am used to their soft ride, because as mentioned- I have had other Toyotas and Hondas before, with a comfortable ride. If I do need to replace them- any idea of where the cheapest place to get original Toyota struts are, and about how much $$$ am I looking at to replace them. I have had the car up for sale- just because of the ride, but if I can not sell it for my asking price- I will do something to get a smoother ride and keep it. ANY information appreciated.

Tony
1993 Toyota Camry LE V6 (212K)
1992 Buick Park Avenue (149K)
1995 Chrysler Concorde (92K)
1989 Pontiac Grand Safari wagon (165K)

[93 Camry LE V6]

Another - "its only a problem with my car" problems.

[Tex97]

Not sure about the suspension difference, I know I've never heard anything like that.
On your struts though, yeah I think after 212K they are gone. I bet when you replace them, your ride will smooth out quite a bit.

[Eye8Pussies]

sorry, didn't read your whole post....you should really use paragraphs.....

but I read the part about not being able to press down on the front of the car....just a speculation here, but your springs may be all saggy and your struts may be permanently pressed in with no bounce....how much wheel well space do you have in the front? does the car still ride like a 4x4 or not?

[93 Camry LE V6]

Thanks for the replies. My negligence about the paragraphs- I went back and made a few paragraphs, so it is a little easier to read. I did not realize that the post letters would be so small, as the other automobile forums that I am on similar to this one have larger letters and no need for paragraphs, as it is easy to read- even all together.

**I was thinking that maybe at 212K, that they would be worn out, but typically a car will have excessive bounce when the struts fail. But I have heard that they can sometimes get overly firm when they go bad.

About the last post- I am not sure if the springs are "saggy". IN a couple of days- I will attach a photo of the car- and maybe someone here can tell me if they think the car is setting lower than the typical 92-96 Camry. I think it is setting normal, as best as I can tell. Also- about the car riding like a 4x4- it is not quite that bad. On the highway- it rides smoothly. On larger bumps- it seems like the initial absorbing of the pressing in of the strut on the rear is OK, but the rebound it so slow- it is unnoticable. The larger bumps are less noticable than the smaller bumps. I guess the struts and springs are shot. Probably cost a fortune to replace them all. Thanks again.

[93 Camry LE V6]

Thanks for the replies, but I sold the car last evening.

[Eye8Pussies]

ha...well....I guess that solves all your problems then.....