Newbie seeking advice

[carpetguy00]

Hey all. Just bought a 97 Camry LE 2.2 auto with 92k on it. Have a few questions.

Which oil/filter is best?
Which trans fluid is the best for this car?
Should I change the original factory plug wires?

Also, i have keyless entry. I have noticed about half the time, when i lock or unlock the doors, the car beeps, but sometimes it doesnt. Dont understand that one. It has the factory alarm. And the keyless remote that came with the car has two buttons. Dont think its the original, tho it does have the toyota logo. The top button locks/unlocks, the bottom button does nothing (but the red lite on the remote still lites.)

And, the illumination for the A/c controls and the shift indicator on the shifter does not lite up. Havent checked the fuses, does anyone know where to start looking for the problem here? Have also noticed a small rattle in the engine compartment, mainly when im parked next to a concrete wall. have heard this in other camrys. Engine is smooth and quiet in the cabin tho.

It originally was a toyota lease, I think im the third owner. Have attempted to find out if the timing belt service has been done, but no luck. Guess Im changing that out to be safer rather than really sorry. Not sure if there is a Toyota database somwhere with this info.....

Any way to coax a little more power out of the 4 cyl engine? And about how many miles are you guys getting out of a tank of gas?

This is my first Toyota, i love it and want to take good care of it. Any advice is welcome...... thanks

[ONE_to_HATE]

Welcome to the boards!

1. These engines run hot, so IMO.. go with synthetic because it has a higher temp. resistance opposed to dino oil if that's a little much for you- go with Castrol/Purolator filter. NEVER GO TO THOSE $22 OIL CHANGE PLACES.. the motor oil in those drums they roll around for everyone is bullshits. BUT thats me. I use Royal Purple & Toyota filters.

2.When i got my car's fluid changed, i brought in Royal Purple Max ATF and called it a day.

3. Yes. If you have not done yr 90K, i say do it. Since the car you have is a used car.. change out all the BELTS, HOSES, and FLUIDS to avoid getting stuck on the side of the road.

4. The keyless entry is factory, i use to have the same on the car- as for beeping wise, i have no clue since i got rid of that the 2nd day i had the car.

5. As long as all the panels light up, you shouldn't worry about the fuses.. the lights behind those eventually go out- so look around the boards and find the tutorials on how to replace those in the car. You'll find that this car has pretty straight forward layout and its easy to work on.

good luck!