High mileage question

[hissandtell]

Hi, new to this forum. I just bought a used 00 Camry LE with 150K miles for $4500. I took it to my mechanic to get checked over. He changed timing belt, steering and one other belt. Made a big difference in vibration under hood.

I also went ahead and had 4 new tires, front end alignment and new plugs and wires (still had original plugs and wires).

Anyway, I am financially crunched right now and trying to make do with this high mileage car. I am female, know when something isn't right about a car, but don't always know what it is or how to fix it without taking it to a mechanic.

Just wondering who has high mileage camry's and if you have any advice for me as far as doing anything else to revive it. It doesn't have the pep that my 05 camry has (I have to sell it unfortunately) but I can get used to it. It will go 80 on the interstate but doesn't have the *punch it* power I am used to.

Oh, where is a good place online to buy parts....or should I try a junk yard? The radio needs replacing and I'd like to replace it with a factory one if they aren't too expensive.

Thanks for any help in advance.

[xtremeskier97]

That isnt high mileage. That car isnt even broke in yet.

Are you currently having problems with it..or is everything good right now..just preparing? As long as you take care of it and change the oil and watch the fluids..itll run forever.

See sig.....

[hissandtell]

Originally Posted by xtremeskier97

That isnt high mileage. That car isnt even broke in yet.

Are you currently having problems with it..or is everything good right now..just preparing? As long as you take care of it and change the oil and watch the fluids..itll run forever.

See sig.....

Well that certainly makes me feel better!! What a beautiful car you have. Mileage is unbelievable!! Is that the original paint??

I'm not having problems with the car....just trying to get it in the best condition I can while I have the money. I do wish they had put a new water pump in when changing the timing belt but I didn't think to ask them to check it.

I have been reading this forum for a couple of hours and read somewhere where a guy was told to do a compression check before he threw any more money in the engine. He was asking how to add pep to the engine. Do you (or anyone) know the cost of this test and if I should have it done as a precaution??

Thanks,

[tarbasd]

I don't think you need a compression test unless something feels wrong with the car (no power, oil consumption, etc.)

When you get a new car it is a good idea to change all fluids, unless you know when they were changed. That means, transmission fluid, differential (if it is separate from transmission), coolant are the basic one. Check if the air filter is dirty.

Then just make sure to have the scheduled maintenance done.

[Mazeraski]

^^+1

Obviously, doing the compression test is up to you, not sure on cost, but I'd say as long as you do fluid change/filter check initially and regularly scheduled maintenance from then on it will last for a long time. It is a Camry after all

[Eye8Pussies]

same as what everybody else was saying

and I presume by your statement about the lack of punch in the car that you have a 4cyl gen4?



If that is the case and you're looking for power....then long story short...it's best to look elsewhere and just keep your car in good shape until you can afford a better car. because nothing short of several thousand dollars worth of modifications will give you any noticeable power gains

[BlueFusion6851]

If you want a stock radio:
car(dash)part(dot)com.

But why not go aftermarket and have something NEW that will sound better than a stock radio?

[xtremeskier97]

Originally Posted by hissandtell

Well that certainly makes me feel better!! What a beautiful car you have. Mileage is unbelievable!! Is that the original paint??

I'm not having problems with the car....just trying to get it in the best condition I can while I have the money. I do wish they had put a new water pump in when changing the timing belt but I didn't think to ask them to check it.

I have been reading this forum for a couple of hours and read somewhere where a guy was told to do a compression check before he threw any more money in the engine. He was asking how to add pep to the engine. Do you (or anyone) know the cost of this test and if I should have it done as a precaution??

Thanks,

Thank you...it isnt the original paint. It was painted like 10 years ago when my step-mom bumped into the rear of another car. Was very light damage but was repainted by the Stealership.

And on the compression test question..you can go to AutoZone and do the loan-a-tool program and test the compression yourself. It isnt hard at all. Its just a unit that you put in the place of a spark plug and it reads the compression. It will cost you nothing once you return the tool. Can't beat that!