Expected repairs and maintenance for 96 Camry?

[rstl99]

Hi all,
I recently bought a 1996 Camry Wagon, in very nice condition (given I live in the snow/rust belt - this one had been pampered and copiously treated with anti-rust products). About 125,000 miles, I-4 engine. Had to get the front pads/rotors replaced, and new rear wipers, and that was about it. It passed safety inspection without a problem, and the air emissions test results were stellar!

Recent work done to the car (it didn't come with receipts, but is a 2 owner car and I bought from the second owners, who cared for it very well):
- catalytic converter 2 years ago
- new battery 1 year ago
- new NGK spark plugs
- new timing belt and water pump about 30,000 miles ago

I have read Camry reviews/messages on the net and on this forum, and conclude that these 92-96 are very reliable and don't require much in the way of repairs, until a higher mileage is reached. The previous owner used synthetic oils in the engine and transmission, and I will continue that approach.

I would be interested to know, based on your experience:

1. what I can expect to see come up in the next couple of years insofar as mechanical/electrical breakdowns and repairs, with average use
2. any preventative maintenance (other than frequent fluid changes and general upkeep) which would be a good idea to do sooner than later (fuel pump, shocks, coolant system, etc.?)
3. any particular synthetic oil you would recommend for the engine?

Thanks for your input. And Happy Holidays to all!!!

[uibalnme]

1) Replace all engine mounts, and transmission mount
2) Replace struts, and strut mounts, rack&pinion boots (if torn or cracked), axle boots (if torn or cracked), valve cover gasket, spark plug tube seals, distributor o-ring.
3) If you stick with synthetic, then Mobile 1. Although, my personal choice is Royal Purple for the motor and trans.

[rstl99]

Thank you very much for the advice. Sounds reasonable and I'll get at this stuff in the Spring. CHeers!

[96paseo]

New fuel filter if it hasn't been replaced by previous owner. 50,000 mile interval for this part. Check on the condition of the rear brakes. If your brake fluid is a dark color in the master cylinder, get your brake lines vacuum flushed and pressure bled. New distributor cap, rotor and plug wires if they weren't replaced along with the spark plugs.