60K maintenance for '97 V6 Camry

[97V6CamryGirl]

You all seem to know what you're talking about! I'm so glad I found this site. Every time I enter a dealership or repair shop, I get a different story on what maintenance I need for my '97 V6 LE Camry with 58K miles, so I tend to be do the minimum. The Camry manual also always offers different recommendations from the shop. I'm getting ready for my 60K mile service and would like you're advice on what needs to be done. Beside regular oil changes, alignment, tires,and tire rotation, below is what I've had done.

Front Break Service-pads and repack wheel bearings - 41K miles
Minor Transmission Service - 48K miles - 12/02
Injector Service - 48K miles - 12/02
Clean Throttle Body - 48K miles - 12/02
Replaced faulty transmission sensor- 53K miles - 8/03
Replace rear brake pads and machine rotors - 53K - 8/03

I know I need a timing belt. Also, the dealer advised 'left and right front upper strut support' for $400, left rear speaker for $325, and a battery (car starts fine) for $60.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

[Phi]

Originally posted by 97V6CamryGirl
I know I need a timing belt.

They might also recommend changing the water pump. This is normal. It's to try and save labour cost down the road. Kill two birds with one stone kinda.

Also, the dealer advised 'left and right front upper strut support' for $400

There are actually numerous Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) about premature failure of the strut mount supports for this particular production year. If you've been fortunate enough not be affected by rattling suspension, skip that. The car will let you know when it's time to replace

left rear speaker for $325

What's wrong with them? I'd opt to have an automotive audio shop upgrade to higher quality aftermarket speaker instead. Skip it. It's not a priority. The timebelt service is gonna cost you enough.

and a battery (car starts fine) for $60

That's not too bad. The battery is 6yrs old now. You're lucky it hasn't died unexpectedly leaving you stranded at the mall. It's a good idea to replace it now.

Here's what Toyota officially recommends;
http://www.toyotapartsandservice.com...service_97.pdf (go to page 41 for 60K)

I noticed you haven't changed your coolant. This might be worth doing.

I'm a strong advocate of transmission service. You mentioned that you had "Minor Transmission Service - 48K miles - 12/02" done. I'm assuming this was a simple empty and refill type service. This only addresses a portion of the fluid. The majority of the fluid is trapped in your torque convertor and isn't drained with this type of service. Ask them to flush your transmission. The service should cost about $80-100. This is money well spent instead of a $2000 transmission rebuild.

In addition, be diligent about changing your oil regularly. The engine found in your Camry is suseptable to "sludge" if neglected resulting in engine failure.

Stay on top of the maintance and your Camry will last you years!!

[CDNVITZ]

^^^^^ Well put ^^^^^

I was about to bust out the glove box book and take a look!

But no need phi is here to save the day!

[richcam]

yea get oil changes like every 2000 miles i blew an engine by waiting to get my oil changed

[cam2Xrunner]

your spark plugs are due as well. i changed my spark plugs at 75k and noticed that it ran a little smoother at idle. use ngk or denso laser platinums and nothing else. unless if you're supercharged, in that case denso iridium.

[battlekat49]

Originally posted by 97V6CamryGirl
...left rear speaker for $325, and a battery (car starts fine) for $60.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

thats crazy. like phi said, just go to a beatshop and get a pair of real speakers for about half the price. its obviously not necessary to keep the car running properly so it isnt a priority, but if you plan on fixing it then get some aftermarket speakers.

[1radtoy]

LH strut mount $69.00
RH strut mount $65.00

Labor to do both is right around 3.5 to 4.00 hrs. Depending on labor rate(delray beach is $78.00

Timing belt is $299.00 for the belt and labor.
Waterpump shpuld alo be replace is 96.04
All four seals as well are right around $40.00

If you need any more info, I can assist you. I work at a Toyota dealer and can give you pricng so you don't get ripped off