My parents are thinking about junking my car.... - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

redtigerrocks · 12-10-2008, 08:54 PM

I have a 1994 Camry XLE V6' its a great car by far. It's been getting really cold lately ( temperature dropped from 70 degrees to 25 degrees) and this morning my battery died. Took it to the stealer dealer, and they said it needs a new battery, alternator, and that my timing belt/seals/water pump is cracking . The battery and alternator are only 2 years old and im wondering why it keeps going out on me like crazy (previous owner who was my uncle had the same issue). I noticed that it mainly happens cause my car is parked outside in the cold/hot/snow/rain.... so any suggestions? I don't want to junk it ; its a great car and i love it

. the timing belt + alternator + battery is running me around $1300

.

Luckynumber5 · 12-10-2008, 09:17 PM

Uhh, dealerships like to tell you the car desperately needs maintenance when in fact the issue can be lived with or may be nonexistent. If the rents are offering to let you trade the car in for something else I say why not, but if you want to keep it I suggest you figure out if it really needs the things the dealer quoted you.

redtigerrocks · 12-10-2008, 10:09 PM

i know the alternator is not an issue; The service guy told me it was pushing out 60 AMPS and that it should be between 80-100 amps supposedly. Im thinking if i change the battery to a fresh new one , maybe my ampage will go up.

***ASG14*** · 12-10-2008, 10:52 PM

Usually batteries come with at least a 3 year warentee, so I don;t see why your "paying" for a new one. When was the timing belt last done?

***REN69*** · 12-10-2008, 11:18 PM

woah.. there's cold weather in Texas?

***darksparkz*** · 12-10-2008, 11:55 PM

How much snow and cold could you get in Texas, lol.

I know plenty of cars that are parked outside like that in Chicago weather, not the worst in the US, but still plenty of ice and snow.

Just find a local repair shop to do the repairs, should cost almost half as much, get the battery and alternator tested, see what the real issue is. If the timing belt hasn't been replaced, then that's why they'd probably recommend so, especially for a car of that age or if mileage is 90k+.

fakehawk · 12-11-2008, 08:04 PM

get your battery and alternator tested at advance auto or some place like that ..... for free

if it is your battery, find out where it was purchased (if it wasn't you) and get a new one. most places will replace it without putting up a fit

also, is the battery the right size? i.e. cold cranking amps?

Nushadow · 12-12-2008, 02:19 PM

Cold weather shouldnt be the problem, over here in pennsylvania temperatures range from 105 to below zero, and yes my car stays outside, its been that way for 13 years.

xtremeskier97 · 12-12-2008, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by REN69

woah.. there's cold weather in Texas?

It snowed here in Louisiana just south of me yesterday.

.Camryman97. · 12-14-2008, 11:59 AM

parts of houston got around 4" of snow... i know that aint a lot compared to like northern cities but thats a lot for houston

but if your parents are willing to buy you a new car then see how much there willing to pay for and do research but if you want to keep the cam then go for it and fix it up

porschebk85 · 12-14-2008, 12:04 PM

I would suggest just to pick up another battery even at Walmart, keep the slip and if it dies again just return it and get another, that's what I did with an '87 Accord that used to eat my battery juice when parked. But yeah, if the parents are looking to help you get something better go along with it, like many people have said....