NEVER did maintenance on my 05 Camry @ 92k Miles... NEED HELP!!

[htownplaya]

Heres the deal, I have 2 camrys in the house (both my parents car) one is a 02 XLE and the other is 05 LE. We do not keep up wiht the maintenance on the cars BUT oil changes ONLY...lolll

I usually take care of the maintenance because my parents dont get time to do all that stuff. I have a 05 LE 4cyl. Camry @ 92k miles and ONLY has oil changes done.

Went to the dealership and told me the transmission fluid, coolant flush, spark plugs, power steering, fuel system service needs to be done. Is this correct? The total for all this will be over $$500+ and I DO NOT want to pay that much at a Toyota Dealership when I know it can be done cheaper. Can someone break down how much each should cost?


Also, got a 02 Camry XLE with 150k miles. What maintenance should I get done for this car?? I dont even remeber when my dad changed out the fluids or spark plugs.... ANy suggestions on these maintenance requests???


Thanks

[RningOnFumes]

** Breathe!***
Let us start with: When you refer to oil changes, you also mean the filter as well, right?... RIGHT??

Find that little booklet that came with both cars that state when things should be done...I think it's also the same book as the fine details about warranty. Towards the back of this, you'll find service intervals for everything.

Onward: The 05. At least you did oil changes...the simplest thing anyone can do.
About everything the dealor said...transribe the list to another paper and burn it.

With 92k on the clock, you're only really looking at a couple of missed radiator flushes. As far as the other fluids and sparkies, I think they come up around the 100k mark. I'm not too familar with gen 5s, but I can tell you you're still on schedule if not just about 10k behind. Sparkies...easy, radiator flush, real easy. Don't even worry about the fuel system. Don't even worry about the power steering (just make sure it's topped off and not leaking).
05 conclusion: if you are willing to do the work yourself, your budget is an easy 50 bucks plus letting them do the tranny for however much.


Onto the 02 with 150k miles... Ya, you're gonna need to do all that stuff. plus just checking up on the water pump and timiing chain/belt.

I'll go into more details when I see your reaction. Others with more experience with gen5s will chime in.

[the critic]

Both cars: transmission flush, coolant flush, replace engine air filter and replace cabin air filter.

Have the transmission flush done at the dealership as the unit requires T-IV. Cost should be about $150-$175. Independent shops use a multi-vehicle product, and I highly recommend using the approved T-IV fluid. I would also flush the cooling system at the dealership, as the 05 requires the pink Super Long Life coolant and the 02 requires the red long life coolant. Cost of the coolant flush should be $100-$150.

The engine and cabin air filters need to be replaced. You can buy both filters for about $40 and swap them out yourself. It's a fairly easy job.

On the 02, the spark plugs need to be replaced. Go to the dealership and buy four new plugs, it should cost about $50. They were supposed to be changed at 120k. You can replace these yourself if you have a spark plug socket, 3/8" drive torque wrench and anti-seize. You do not need to replace the plugs yet on the 05.

I would also consider replacing the serpentine belt on both vehicles, especially on the 02. I personally prefer using the Goodyear Gatorback belt, but OE should work fine as well. This is a fairly easy job as well for a DIYer.

Hope this helps.

[TRD VVTi]

The '05 doesnt' need spark plugs until 120,000 miles. They're iridium plugs.

If the transmission fluid still looks good, a simple drain and fill with be fine. If it's dark, have it flushed but don't let anyone use any additives when flushing or filling the fluid.

The coolant will only require a drain and fill also (it's not actually due either). Neither car should actually need a flush unless there is buildup in the cooling system. As stated above, the '05 has Super Long life pink coolant. Your other car may need a flush, but it's not likely.

I would recommend cleaning and adjusting the rear brakes and a brake system inspection.

Clean the throttle body and SeaFoam the engine. Being you're in the south, I'd add a quality fuel injection cleaner and a can of SeaFoam to the fuel tank also.

Check the tires for uneven wear and align if needed.

Replace the cabin and air filters.

Inspect the serpentine belt for replacement. I also use OEM or Goodyear belts if needed.

The Camry has it's own maintenance guide, you should use it.

Also, the search feature will allow you to find threads regarding this topic or any other questions you have. Try it first. If you don't find the answers you need, then ask.

[Mike Murrell]

As already mentioned -> air filter.

Easy to change. Do it yourself.

[htownplaya]

I dont do the maintenance work myself, I take it to the shop just to clear things up. I think yall are under the impression that I do the oil changes and maintenance....

[geoff5093]

It's not a big deal, my parents actually have an '03 Camry I4 that has 130K miles on it, and all they've done was oil/filter changes and the occasional tune-up (no work done at a Toyota dealer either), the car still runs like a champ. It's not a huge deal if there was no other work done on it for 92K miles, since as others have said the majority of other repairs and service is done near 100K miles to begin with.