Gen 4 questions

[camryto]

Hi all,
Looking for a car soon. Well, I'll be getting help, hopefully. I had to scrap my car and my loaner (borrowed a car sometimes! :-) is scrapped, now, too.

So, here I go for the long search and quest.

I'm interested, still, in Toyota Camrys, although I have had mixed reviews on the 4th generation. I like the look of these cars, though, which might be odd? lol It seems they are not always popular designs. But, I like them.

Would it be ok to post about the 3rd gen. later? I thought I should consider those, too.

But, I have questions about the 4th gen. I was wondering if there's two main things to look for: 1) taking the oil plug out and looking down the filler and 2) getting someone to take the engine valve cover off to check for oil gel/sludge.

Is that what one does? I know there's other checks but those are the crucial ones? That's mainly for V6 cars, right? I'm in Canada, so most likely I'm stuck with Made in the US cars, right? Unfortunately, we probably don't have any 4th Gen. MIJ Camrys? :-( Or at least, I won't be lucky to come across any for sale at my price.

My budget will be low, unfortunately, which brings me to another question. I think it'll be around $2000 to $3000 at the upper end. I'm afraid that won't give me too many options. What are my chances finding a decent Camry for that price that doesn't have an oil gel/sludge problem? Is my chance better with the I4 2.2L engine?

I guess the other major issues are EGR-related, possibly brakes and EVAP system? Of course, if you have anything to add or change, please let me know.

I thought I'd try for a 2000 model but I guess '97 to 2000 is acceptable.

I understand the quality deteriorated with this generation but is it that bad? I'm wondering with my budget, maybe I should pass on it but I thought I'd get some opinions.

These are the other cars I'll be looking at in particular:
1997 Honda Accord (possibly up to 2000 but only 5spd models)
2000-2002 MGM or Ford Crown Vic

Very different cars in feel/style/performance to the Camry, I know. I want something with reliability and low maintenance if possible. I think all these cars have an abundance of parts at a relative low cost. Insurance is probably not bad either?

I am also wondering whether I should look for any decent condition Camry and not worry too much about whether it's a V6 or 2.2L. But, to make sure someone, probably a mechanic checks under the engine valve cover especially if it's a 3.0L engine?

Oh yes, I must emphasize, I'm looking for cars near Winter time so this is in Canada with the weather getting colder. I am wondering if I should pay particular attention to certain areas for rust and/or corrosion. I'd like to get a rust proofing/oil spray (Krown, here, is considered the best one) but I guess that is best done after Winter so just before Summer? So, I wonder if I can even find a decent Camry with less/no (impossible to have little to none??? :-O) rust? And what I have read, the recommendations are for synthetic oil (which brand/type, though?!?) and oil changes every 3,000 miles. Right?

Anything else to add? Any comments/advice?

If I have missed anything or I have some incorrect or inaccurate assumptions about anything, please correct me. Thanks!

[Yuko]

I like the Gen 4 design (well, I drive one) because of its boxer design. I take the Gen 4 interior over the Gen3 because it's more symmetrical but the cup holders are a joke. Too each, their own.

Moving on, the Gen 4 and gen 3 shares the same platform and uses both the 5S-FE 4-cly and 1MZ-FE V6. (3VZ-FE available on the early Gen 3) They are all bulletproof engines but can be subject to sludge if oil changes were negligent. The quickest way to check is to look at under the oil cap and in the valve cover for the thick slime. It won't tell must but a start. Pull off the valve cover will tell the whole story. It's easy on the I4, not too bad on the V6. All have timing belts (same with the early Accord) which needed changing on time.

The EGR and EVAP vacuum switches do fail easily on the Gen 4. Luckily they are easy to fix. As for rust; check the rocker panels, sub-frame, and the rear wheel wells. Sadly, the US made Camry's paint is not as durable as the JDM or gen 3. If you find that the car been wrecked, walk away.

With your range of $2000-3000, you're most likely to find the I4 w/ Auto as they are the most popular combination. But if you can, go for the V6 as I find the 4 cly to run out to breathe too quickly. Oil change depends on the person. I run conventional with a good filter every 3K while other run full synthetic to 10K. Just find what you're comfortable with but change the first few early to clean out any gunk on the engine. Some will say run sea-foam, I don't.

Good luck on your search.

[camryto]

I'm looking at Gen3 much more now.

Prices are cheaper. Anything to keep in mind or look for?

The 1MZ-FE V6 is the same?

I'm considering 2.2L I4 as well of course so at least no sludge problem with those engines, right? Fuel economy is better but not as much power?

Design is different but quality is said to be higher than the 4th gen.?

[camryto]

I read over my old thread:

Third generation help: Accord vs Camry?

There were answers to my current questions but I was wondering how difficult it is to work on the V6 Camry?

I guess this is getting a bit off topic asking about the Gen3 but I am more likely to get one unless a mint condition Gen4 pops up when I'm looking and able to get a ride out to the car and it's in my price range.

[Chris Crash]

The V6 is not difficult to work on, it's just very very time consuming. If you can find one in good condition, I would opt for the V6 engine over the 4 cylinder. You don't lose a WHOLE lot of fuel economy, but you gain so much glorious power!

[camryto]

Originally Posted by Chris Crash

The V6 is not difficult to work on, it's just very very time consuming. If you can find one in good condition, I would opt for the V6 engine over the 4 cylinder. You don't lose a WHOLE lot of fuel economy, but you gain so much glorious power!

Ok. Thanks for that info.

So, inspecting for sludge and trying to get records or info about engine oil changes + regular maintenance is then key, right?

So check after the valve cover is removed and check under the oil cap....

I believe I want no longer interval than 5,000 miles although 3,000 is preferable and what I would do once I owned whatever (V6) car.

And use synthetic and premium unleaded...

Anything else?

[Chris Crash]

Correct, but I wouldn't waste your money on premium gas. These engines are just fine on 87 grade

[bigbird]

Originally Posted by camryto

I read over my old thread:

Third generation help: Accord vs Camry?

There were answers to my current questions but I was wondering how difficult it is to work on the V6 Camry?

I guess this is getting a bit off topic asking about the Gen3 but I am more likely to get one unless a mint condition Gen4 pops up when I'm looking and able to get a ride out to the car and it's in my price range.

Gen 3 is just as good or better then the gen4, trick is finding one with low miles. In either the v6 is always harder to work on then the 4cyl. the angle of the engine makes working on the rear bank very time consuming for a first timer, but not dificult.

Originally Posted by camryto

Ok. Thanks for that info.

So, inspecting for sludge and trying to get records or info about engine oil changes + regular maintenance is then key, right?

So check after the valve cover is removed and check under the oil cap....

I believe I want no longer interval than 5,000 miles although 3,000 is preferable and what I would do once I owned whatever (V6) car.

And use synthetic and premium unleaded...

Anything else?

personally with the v6 I wouldnt use anything less then what is recommended by toyota for gas...89 or higher. Especially in the gen4. the ECU is a little more sensitive to fuel/air changes and on the gen3 the knock sensors are weaker so lower grade fuel can ware them out faster or throw knock codes if the rest of the components are not in proper condition. in most cases your talking maybe a couple bucks more on a fill up.

[camryto]

Thanks, Chris....and bigbird!

I will try to find a V6 and if I have to, I'll go for a 4-cylinder. I can accept taking a bit longer to work on the V6. I am not a mechanic but I've worked on a few cars usually with help.

There's factory manuals at the local library or I can try to find one online and/or on ebay.

I noticed a couple of 3rd gen Camrys in parking lots today. Lots of Camrys still on the road, of both 3rd and 4th gen! I have to say I do have an appreciation of the 3rd gens! I like the look of them! Actually, both. Some say the 4th gens are boxy but I like both!

The 3rds look a bit old but I really like the look of them. A lot of green and gold ones out there. Those are the colours I seem to see a lot.

You guys posted some info I didn't know about so thanks a lot! It's good to know! I hope it's the car I get although I am at the mercy of my chauffeurs... :-/

I am currently awaiting quotes for a '96 Camry LE (to give me an idea - I just chose a common model) but I suspect it will be very low and affordable. It was last time I requested one.

[Creeps228]

I honestly if i could have my ways, I'd have the gen 3 body style with the gen 4 interior, best combination. But that isn't possible. I personally love the gen 3's body lines, but I love my gen 4. These cars are bullet proof, except the timing belt. Main areas to check I'd say is valve cover seal ( best known place for oil to leak ), always check your transmission, radiator; OEM radiators over time tend to get a hair line fracture on the plastic piece, power steering pump like to leak ( well mine does anyway ). My car personally leaks from the oil pan ever so slightly, so check the oil pan for leaks. Areas of rust living in NYC with seasonal changes, end links rust, so either change them so find someway to loosen them up and rust proof them because they won't budge for anything once they are rusted, and rocker panels. For the price your looking for really anything is possible you can find gen 3/4 v6 for a low price if you look around and don't hesitate. Maintenance on this car are difficult so you can always save money by DIY.

[BMR]

Both the V6 and I4 engines were included in Toyota's "sludge settlement"; you can read about it here. Here's a list from that link of the applicable models/engines/years:

• Camry 4 cylinder from 1997-2001,
• Camry 6 cylinder from 1997-2002,
• Camry Solara 4 cylinder from 1999-2001,
• Camry Solara 6 cylinder 1999-2002,
• Sienna 6 cylinder from 1998-2002,
• Avalon 6 cylinder from 1997-2002,
• Celica 4 cylinder from 1997-1999,
• Highlander 6 cylinder from 2001-2002,
• Lexus ES 300 from 1997-2002 and
• Lexus RX 300 from 1999-2002.

[zythr]

Originally Posted by camryto

Thanks, Chris....and bigbird!

I will try to find a V6 and if I have to, I'll go for a 4-cylinder. I can accept taking a bit longer to work on the V6. I am not a mechanic but I've worked on a few cars usually with help.

There's factory manuals at the local library or I can try to find one online and/or on ebay.

I noticed a couple of 3rd gen Camrys in parking lots today. Lots of Camrys still on the road, of both 3rd and 4th gen! I have to say I do have an appreciation of the 3rd gens! I like the look of them! Actually, both. Some say the 4th gens are boxy but I like both!

The 3rds look a bit old but I really like the look of them. A lot of green and gold ones out there. Those are the colours I seem to see a lot.

You guys posted some info I didn't know about so thanks a lot! It's good to know! I hope it's the car I get although I am at the mercy of my chauffeurs... :-/

I am currently awaiting quotes for a '96 Camry LE (to give me an idea - I just chose a common model) but I suspect it will be very low and affordable. It was last time I requested one.

...Part of the reason you probably have also have seen so many Gen3/4 Camrys, they are not only long lasting, but they were expensive (at the time) when new as well.