car takes forever to warm up

[93cr250]

my 95 4cly camry takes 2-3 times longer to warm up than my dads 96 when driving, and after you just reach the halfway point on the gauge and blast the heat, it will drop back to 1/4 way up, im guessing theromostat even though the one in it is only 6 months old, but that wouldnt really explain the way the heater has so much of an effect on the engine temp, if you drive it for 15 minutes or so and let it be fully warmed up for a while, the heater will not drop the temp gauge

[Zembonez]

Sounds like a stuck open or missing thermostat. First thing I'd check.

[93cr250]

also the heat never is as warm as in my dads car even when both indicate they are both at full operating temp. So i will probably get a new thermostat, where is the best place to get an oem one?

[Zembonez]

Dealer or one of the sponsors here for the OEM.

I would not be afraid of a name brand thermostat from a auto parts chain. I've used a bunch of them with good success.

[fenixus]

get the thermostat either straight from dealer (online cheapest, around $15 from TOYOPARTSMAN) or get an aftermarket equivalent like this:

a) Kuzeh (this is same as OEM)
kinda expensive, you will get it cheaper as OEM part from online dealer

b) Stant with the Jiggle Valve/Pin (different brand, but same design as OEM)
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=1145694

get the matching seal/o-ring for it too.

EDIT:
the OEM p/n is 90916-03090 for thermostat (95 Camry LE 2.2L AT, TMMK) ~$15
http://www.toyotapartszone.com/oem/t...916-03060.html

and the gasket 90916-03060 (~$4):
http://www.toyotapartszone.com/oem/t...325-63011.html

[71Corolla]

Definitely replace the stat with OE or equal. But also look for leaks, and make sure you properly bleed the air of the system. If you have even a small leak, air will be sucked in when the engine cools, your car will take longer to warm up and you will never get proper heat.