Bought Grandmother's Mint '02 Camry XLE

[2CamryFan]

I just picked up/bought an '02 Camry XLE that was my wife's late grandmother's car. It is in mint condition with only 30K miles. This is our second Camry. We also have an '06 LE.

Before I started the trip home I took it for an oil change at the Toyota dealership near her home. The tech overfilled it with oil but that's another story.

After a little clean up, the car looks and runs just as good as our '06 Camry. My wife's grandmother drove it around town and on a few trips. I'm thrilled to have it. We didn't really need it but we really like our other Camry and gas prices are taking the fun out of driving my '03 Dodge 1500 QuadCab truck.

I don't think anything other than oil changes have been done to it in the last five years. The battery is original and seems to be in good condition. The fluids were at the right levels and looked good. No leaks. I have replaced the air filter. What else should I do? I figure I should have the transmission fluid and coolant changed soon. I bought new tires because the originals had dry rot/cracked sidewalls.

[sundarpn]

cool. I have an 02 XLE too but with 56K miles.... Got it froma toyota dealer and it was toyota certified used at 48 K miles...

I am not sure if my coolant & tranny ATF were ever changes but looks good...

and the AFT dipstick says no need to change under normal driving conditions.

I changed my PS fluid as it was getting dark.

[Yazovets]

Good call on the tire replacement. There are many misinformed people out there who seem to think that mileage is the only wear-factor for tires. So wrong...

I recommend checking the brakes (specifically pads). Also replace the front wipers. That rubber also cracks and gets dried up over time even if it's not used.

[2CamryFan]

I have now changed the tires, air filter, wipers, oil, and transmission fluid. The service manager at a different Toyota dealership said the original transmission fluid was very clean and the coolant was fine. I expect the original battery to die this summer. The brakes appear to be in very good condition.

Now all that's left to do is drive it. It seems that I got a great deal and have many good years of service to look forward to. I am really enjoying driving the Camry.

I'm going to change the oil to Mobil 1 5w30 and a Wix filter in a couple of weeks.

[mrshyvley]

I had a 2002 Camry V6 XLE before a deer destroyed it last October.
It was a good car, and I'm sure you'll like yours.
I used Mobil 1 5w30 in it, and never had any problem.

There are some TSBs I had done to mine (if memory serves):
TSB EG017-02 - "Some 2002 model year Camry vehicles equipped with the 1MZ–FE engine may exhibit a surging during light throttle input at speeds between 38 – 42 MPH"

TSB EG022-02 - "Some 2002 and 2003 model year V6 Camry vehicles produced at TMMK may exhibit a triple shock (shudder) during the 2–3 up shift under “light throttle” acceleration.

[V6 LVR]

Often overlooked is the need to change the brake fluid and flush the system, especially since your car is 5-6 years old. Brakefluid absorbs moisture, especially in humid climates, and it affects its braking performance directly. Its good insurance and very cost effective.