Life of 4cyl -5sfe - 150K+? new buyer maybe - radiator only likely prob?

[96-tx-dx]

I am thinking about getting a 96-97 camry for my stepdaughter (new driver). She needs something safe and trouble free. From everything I know, nothing (except maybe an accord) comes close to a well maintained third gen camry.

CraigsL has a number of them in the houston area for 3500-4000. They seem to be in the 150K miles range. Are these things still going strong (I know about the timing belt requirement at 90K) and last long with just routine maintenance?

I know radiators (with their plastic parts) tend to crater after 5-7 years.. but someone said that the thermostat housing is a integral part of the head and the new radiator will just put more strain on the T-stat housing and require it to fail next.

Everyone I have seen and about 4 shops in the area said they never have had to do anything except put a rad in and maybe a waterpump if thats starting to leak but they also said there have never seen a t-stat housing made on the head.

This individual also seems to think that 'some Japanese' cars require the head to be removed to replace the timing belt. Again, I think this guy is a bit old school and does not know what has changed in the last 10 years.

Any input would be appreciated.

Yep, and its been a while since Iv been here.. got to fix that sig.

[dc_98_cam]

There was a post a few weeks ago ... a Toyota tech ... giving his opinion that the idea of keeping so-called lifetime coolant in the vehicle for many years was not in fact a good practice ... that is, you shouldn't leave the same antifreeze mixture in the vehicle for 5 or 6 years, despite what the advertising said on the bottle. His recommendation was a coolant flush every two years.
I hadn't given it much thought, but I think he had a good point. After several years, contaminants, and other materials could easily cause the coolant to become acid ... and gradually start weakening the radiator, the heater core, the water pump seal, and all the other weak points. I think I will make it a point to at least drain and refill the coolant on my Camrys .... every two years or so ....Definitely not 5 or 6 years.
The comment about the timing belt was certainly erroneous .... plenty of posts on that in the forum search tab.

[Kep]

In the Houston area be particularly suspicous about high water damage. If it wasn't actually in a flood a lot of people drove through high water. A well maintained Camry will give you decades of good use but "well maintained" is the key. It would be particularly good if you could review written records of the transmission maintenance and engine oil changes (I no longer trust verbal reassurances). Extensive repairs are an obvious problem since you don't know anything about how they were done. Run a carfax report on the car (second thing that I didn't do--DUHHH). Air conditioning is important down here so figure out a way to check it in the cool weather. Look at the bushings in the suspension system.

Good luck...
Kep

[BlueFusion6851]

If the car comes with receipts from all maintenance (routine or otherwise) And you're able to really give the car a GOOD lookover, you may be good. The engine is definately good for 150,000 miles and beyond... but you just have to keep up with maintenance and make sure that you do everything possible to get a car with a clean history.

[Dr Thunder]

My 5SFE camry has 205,000 miles on her and it runs strong and gets about 30 mpg.

Its a good motor

[bcsbadboys]

Originally Posted by Dr Thunder

My 5SFE camry has 205,000 miles on her and it runs strong and gets about 30 mpg.

Its a good motor

I agree with the dependability. I'm at 135,000 and it runs like new with no oil use or problems whatsoever. Definately shooting for 200+ on this motor.

[Grayguy]

My friend bought my 96' from me with 195K on it. It now has 200K and all that's been replaced is timing belt, oil pump, plugs, wires, and distributer cap. He's run several engine cleaners (sea foam and what not) through it, and it runs better now than it ever did when I owned it. 150K is nothing for these motors.

[bcsbadboys]

Originally Posted by Grayguy

My friend bought my 96' from me with 195K on it. It now has 200K and all that's been replaced is timing belt, oil pump, plugs, wires, and distributer cap. He's run several engine cleaners (sea foam and what not) through it, and it runs better now than it ever did when I owned it. 150K is nothing for these motors.

150k is just getting broken in on these, even the 4cyl's.

[bcsbadboys]

I think you'll be happy with any Camry! My '97 has been trouble free. These things are so well-built, well-designed, and easy to work on yourself. I'd recommend the 4cyl, more space and easier to do your own repairs, plus slightly better gas mileage. They still have plenty of pep, they're not Chevette's.

You'll know if it's been well maintained by the previous owner. Look for fresh fluids, clean engine compartment, clean interior, blah, blah, blah.

Once you find one you like find out about a few things: timing belt replaced, and transmission fluid changed regularly. Otherwise, keep up with regular maintenance and they will treat you well.

[camry man68]

Camry's are extremely reliable and they are easy to drive, also they're not that fast.

[Heat]

Before spending $3,500 to $4,000 on an eleven year old car with 150,000 miles, take a look at new Toyota Corollas. You can buy an ’08 with a few options for about $14,000 before tax/title/license (this includes a $750 rebate currently going on). The Honda Fit is under $14K also (base model). You could get her a car with manual transmission and save another $700 or so.

If you do go with a used Camry, be sure to see how the struts are doing. My mom’s 95 Camry had it’s struts replaced a year ago, cost her $1,000 for the struts and CV joint boots. Then she bought a new (’07) Accord SE and gave me the Camry since they were wanting to give her so little on the trade-in (I use the Camry as a commuter car). Thanks mom! Anyway, you asked about the life expectency - if the used car has been maintained well (another reason to consider new), it should last over 200,000 easy. My car has 164,000 miles on it and is still going strong, but I wouldn’t pay $3,000 for it.

Also… figure about $150 to replace the radio and another $100 or $120 to replace the four speakers. Does a 16 year old even really know what a cassette is?

[bcsbadboys]

Originally Posted by Heat

If you do go with a used Camry, be sure to see how the struts are doing.

Great point. When test driving the vehicle make sure there's no rattling, popping, or other noise coming from the 4 strut areas going over bumps. Any noise there could be the notorious strut mounts, aka $$$.

[RichieRichJP]

I forgot, how many lbs of pressure does the radiator cap or radiator hold? 16?