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.
I'm looking into buying a new car and found a good deal on a 1996 Camry Coupe, I4 with a manual. Having two Gen 4 Camrys, I can be pretty confident about the reliability of these vehicles but I was just wanted to check on the Forums to see if anyone had any specific trouble with the Gen 3s or just this model in general that I should look out for when I take a look at the car tomorrow. Thanks!
I have a gen 3 (93) and a gen 4 (98) and I prefer the gen 3. My gen 3 is more comfortable and although it's not on the road right now, always seemed like a better car to me. From a design standpoint, I like the style of the gen 3 over the gen 4, especially the cabin. My gen 3 has a 6 cyl, so it has an edge over my 4 cyl gen 4.
My car was in a fire and needs a little bit of work, but nothing related to the quality or lack of quality of the car. I never had any issues with the car outside of the normal maintenance and never had to invest any more than $60 at any time, except tires.
We will be turning in our Highlander in the late fall and I've been keeping my eyes open for a gen 3 in good condition as a replacement for my wife.
I've got a '95 I4 with 140k miles that I bought new in '95. My mechanic says I've only gotten about half the life out of it.
I have a '95 V6 with 65k miles that I bought used about 16 months ago. I bought the second one because the first one has been so reliable and is showing no signs of problems at 140k miles other than normal maintenance type stuff.
I have a 95 v6. Im currently at 277,000miles. Only thing done was the power steering pump, and the transmission was just replaced at about 270,000. My grandpa has been the only owner of the car, and I have it now. I also commute about 80-100miles about 3 times a week. Its pretty reliable if you take care of it
gen 3's are really reliable as long as you keep up the maintenance. the 5s engine of the 4 cylinder is pretty bulletproof. it's kinda on the weak side but perfect for a simple commuter car.
btw, where in berkeley are ya!?
__________________ "live in the moment, forget the past and ignore the future"
Quote:
Originally Posted by white3ch0c0late
Yes, Alex is the resident woman-problems guy here at TN... take his advice...
'95 i4 camry sedan -> wrecked june of 2006 by a girl who couldn't drive
'95 v6 camry coupe (dropped, rimmed, front end converted, tinted and debadged) -> current
Wow so it sounds like you guys have had no trouble! That's great to hear actually because I'm really into this camry coupe. I drive a '97 Camry V6 and the gas prices are killing me so getting an I4 to replace it. If anyone else has anything to add to these guys, I'll be happy to hear it!
I think the generation 3 (92-96) Camry 4 cylinder (5SFE engine) is the most reliable car Toyota has ever made. You will notice a little vibration at idle in drive. That is simply the nature of the beast. I have owned a generation 1, had 2 nieces that owned generation 2's, currently own a generation 3 and a generation 6. I also owned a generation 4 that was totaled in an accident, so I have a lot of perspective on the various Camry generations. All my cars have been 4 cylinder Camrys. There are obviously ergonomic, fuel mileage and safety improvements in the later generations, but as far as long term reliability, I will take the generation 3 4 cylinder Camrys over the other generations. IMHO.
gen 3's are really reliable as long as you keep up the maintenance. the 5s engine of the 4 cylinder is pretty bulletproof. it's kinda on the weak side but perfect for a simple commuter car.
btw, where in berkeley are ya!?
Actually, I live near Walnut Creek now, near the other side of the Tunnel. And to the person that posted above you, I fully intend to get it hopefully
PS: I'm just also going to use this to post the pics of the car when I get it tomorrow. You guys have totally convinced me!
^ I used to Live in Concord near the Concord - Walnut city line.
Glad they convinced you, the Gen 3 camry is a fantastic car. Also finding a Gen 3.5 5spd coupe is a whole other kind of diamond my friend. You got yourself a unicorn, enjoy it
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The worst part of dying is being alive.
Im currently at 277,000miles. Only thing done was the power steering pump, and the transmission was just replaced at about 270,000.
Wow!!!! 277K!!! That is amazing. I was going to post the exact same question regarding the gen3's reliability. I was concern since I wasn't certain about my car's reliability. At ~168K, I've been fortunate and hadn't had a need for a major repair for my '95 I4. Thanks to this forum, I know what to anticipate for maintenance work. So no major engine rebuild needed for quite some time.
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'95 I4 Camry sedan (Japan), Silver Annv., nearing 200K
I'm looking into buying a new car and found a good deal on a 1996 Camry Coupe, I4 with a manual. Having two Gen 4 Camrys, I can be pretty confident about the reliability of these vehicles but I was just wanted to check on the Forums to see if anyone had any specific trouble with the Gen 3s or just this model in general that I should look out for when I take a look at the car tomorrow. Thanks!
I'm no expert, but I have a 96 auto I4 sedan, and have had one, and only one problem that stranded the car, when the timing belt broke at 8x,xxx miles.
Otherwise, parts have been gradually replaced over the years, including some work on the suspension, the starter motor, and the radiator, but nothing else major that I know of.
Almost at 140k miles now, and still going well, the car stays amazingly quiet up to around 70, but then wind noise kicks in.
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1996 Toyota Camry LE 2.2 - 139xxx 162xxx
2000 Toyota Sienna XLE 3.0 - 82xxx 104xxx
^ I used to Live in Concord near the Concord - Walnut city line.
Glad they convinced you, the Gen 3 camry is a fantastic car. Also finding a Gen 3.5 5spd coupe is a whole other kind of diamond my friend. You got yourself a unicorn, enjoy it
Haha I go to DVC actually! And thank you all for the feedback on this car. I am seriously stoked about seeing it tomorrow! But, please feel free to keep posting your experiences with your Gen 3 Camrys! I'm actually enjoying hearing about the certain mechanical experiences all of you have had with your own cars.
This thread got me going and I spent part of the day cleaning my 93 Camry and getting ready to move it into the garage to start work on the fuel line and getting the engine ready for starting after sitting idle for awhile.
This thread got me going and I spent part of the day cleaning my 93 Camry and getting ready to move it into the garage to start work on the fuel line and getting the engine ready for starting after sitting idle for awhile.
Keep us posted on your purchase.
Glad I got you motivated! And I did buy the coupe actually! The clear coat is cracking so it might need a repaint(unless someone has a way of getting it off) For the time being, I'm using TR3 Resin to cover up the parts that have already cracked and come off to make it look decent. Car drives GREAT though! Shifting is nice and smooth and the steering is pretty precise. Just got a Pioneer stereo installed as well today. I will take pictures later tonight as I just do a basic clean up of the car so its looks decent.
Haha I go to DVC actually! And thank you all for the feedback on this car. I am seriously stoked about seeing it tomorrow! But, please feel free to keep posting your experiences with your Gen 3 Camrys! I'm actually enjoying hearing about the certain mechanical experiences all of you have had with your own cars.
I used to go to DVC. Lots of bittersweet memories from out there in NorCal.
The only major issue i ever had in the Scepter (and in fact the only time it broke down since my parents and then i took ownership in 1999) was a freak water pump failure (at speed) that cost me a timing belt too. The water pump they (toyota dealership, new OEM parts) replaced it with actually failed too (but not on me, failed in the shop) so they replaced that again. Never had another problem.
The plastic radiators are notorious for cracking though. Also, i'd seriously consider suspension, since any 12-13 year old car has about beat it's original suspension into submission.
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The worst part of dying is being alive.
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Questions about Gen 3 Reliability
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