Hey guys! New 1992 Camry owner here - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Gipset · 09-09-2011, 02:39 PM

Just saying hello, and I'm glad to find this forum!

Bought a Camry nice and cheap, and I'm planning on fixing the thing up a bit. Any suggestions on things to watch out for from this car or any recommendations?

***BMR*** · 09-09-2011, 04:48 PM

Which engine, V6 or 4 cylinder?

***eyeball96*** · 09-09-2011, 05:08 PM

We need more information about your car.

Pics would be nice too

to TN

oopssorryy · 09-09-2011, 06:40 PM

Pics or it didn't happen! Aside from what Eyeball96 and BMR said there is also a great DIY section on this site, full of basic maintenance info for these cars. Inform us about your engine and you will get better info faster.

Gipset · 09-10-2011, 01:03 AM

It's an XLE so 4 cylinder. 169k miles. Cars slightly dinged up, but in "great condition, for a car that wasn't taken care of" as my friend said.

I'm interested in doing some DIY stuff to it, but I only have basic driver knowledge. Have to brush up before trying anything!

Got it for an amazing price ($500 for a car worth definitely more then that) and if I fixed up a few simple things I'm sure it'd be worth much more.

To be honest, I'm not sure what other information would you guys be interested in? I'm going to get some pics up sometime tomorrow

P.s. surprised how helpful you guys seem haha, thanks!

RichieRichJP · 09-10-2011, 03:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gipset

but in "great condition, for a car that wasn't taken care of" as my friend said.

Ah, the greatness of someone trying to save face by creating an "honest" image of himself.
If it wasn't taken care of, you can't really say it is in great condition.
That's like if I sold you a car with a blown engine, but it runs! Ok, not that extreme, but point should be taken.

Any leaks? CEL? Those are the more tough buggers to figure out.
Also refer to post #4.

WaxonWaxStillOn · 09-10-2011, 07:09 AM

Welcome. This thread will become your best friend...a ton of DIY tutorials made by people here, many with awesome discussions that are still active after years.

These cars are built so well that even tho yours has been neglected, if the engine and transmission are still in decent shape, you will be able revive yours and it can still become an awesome performing car again for you. (well, not power-wise but economical, lol.)

I knew nothing about camry's and hadn't worked on a car for a few decades, but the piece of crap that I thought I bought for a teenager (who spurned it) has turned out to be my favorite car to drive.

Gipset · 09-10-2011, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RichieRichJP

Ah, the greatness of someone trying to save face by creating an "honest" image of himself.
If it wasn't taken care of, you can't really say it is in great condition.
That's like if I sold you a car with a blown engine, but it runs! Ok, not that extreme, but point should be taken.

Any leaks? CEL? Those are the more tough buggers to figure out.
Also refer to post #4.

Oh I was just kidding around mostly. The car definitely has it's fair share of things that I need to fix up. That's why I made an account here! You guys seem to know your stuff and I'm here to learn.

Well from what I see, there are no leaks, but I'm not an expert. Besides looking underneath the car, is there another way I could check? I'm taking it to a mechanic today (or tomorrow) to get it fully checked out/fluids/etc.

The CEL is on, but it only came on within the last 2 weeks. I bought the car a few days ago, but I know the guy who owned it previously and I saw it personally turn on. With my little car knowledge, I'm not taking it lightly though.

Like I said earlier, I'll have some pictures up today! Thanks for the interest so far guys

Edit: Just took a closer look at my trunk, and it seems that the V6 emblem fell off. What should I look at under the hood to be sure?

ty**20 · 09-10-2011, 05:45 PM

so what actually do you have? 4cyl V6? here is a easy pointer for you. when the hood is pop open, if you see "16 Valve" on top of the valve cover then its a 4cyl Camry, if you do not see it, then you have V6 Camry. so you saw the CEL came on when the car was still belonging to the previous owner?

oopssorryy · 09-10-2011, 08:40 PM

And on the 2.2 there is a rather large 2200 on top of the...Throttle body? Can't miss it lol. Also there is a far bit of room in the engine bay with the 4 banger, but the 3VZ-FE is crammed right in there. If your still unsure take her for a spin and when your at a stop sign or something, floor it from a stop. If you bark your tires you have a V6, if not you've got the I4.