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5th & 6th Generation (2002-2006 & 2007-2011) Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 2002-2006 & 2007-2011 Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving America's favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.

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Old 11-21-2008, 10:28 PM   #1 (permalink)
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Gen5 toyota Dealer is expensive! Alternative?

Hi guys here the deal, I went to my local Toyota dealer department in NorCal yesterday and asked for a 2003 Camry engine coolant, the department guy proceeded to tell me that my car use the pink coolant but I told him that it should be red since that is what currently in my coolant reservoir so he then took out the official Toyota book and show me that the 2003 Camry use the pink coolant. I didn’t want to take the chance so I bought the red coolant. I also bought a cargo net for the trunk and a cabin air filter since the filter was looking pretty dirty. Couldn’t believe the total was $116.45.

Toyota Long Life $32.26
Cabin air filter $31.56
Cargo Net $43.26

I was also thinking of buying an air filter from them, but now I will probably won’t. So where do you guy get your parts from? I can’t do Ebay because I have never deal with them or PayPal. Would anyone living in the SF Bay Area willing to help me out by ordering it for me and I will pay you.

Also the 2003 camry have some type of bolts locking the air filter box. What type of tools do I need to get it open. Also what’s the best brand of tools to get (ex. Auto part stores such as Autozone and Kragen or Sears). Thanks a lot.
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Old 11-21-2008, 10:34 PM   #2 (permalink)
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Pep Boys! Good selection, they can order anything they don't have in stock, and prices are better than at the dealership. Advanced Auto Parts or any of the other similar stores are good too. Watch for coupons and specials in the paper.
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Old 11-21-2008, 10:37 PM   #3 (permalink)
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i think the bolt on the air filter box use a 10mm, just use a wrech and stocket. you can buy tool at any store you like. As for the air filter, i think it cost around 20 buck at the dealer anyway, are you looking for a reuseable filter??? k&N make them also there is a TRD filter too.

you can go to trdparts4U.com
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Old 11-22-2008, 12:45 AM   #4 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by iconman View Post
Hi guys here the deal, I went to my local Toyota dealer department in NorCal yesterday and asked for a 2003 Camry engine coolant, the department guy proceeded to tell me that my car use the pink coolant but I told him that it should be red since that is what currently in my coolant reservoir so he then took out the official Toyota book and show me that the 2003 Camry use the pink coolant. I didn’t want to take the chance so I bought the red coolant. I also bought a cargo net for the trunk and a cabin air filter since the filter was looking pretty dirty. Couldn’t believe the total was $116.45.

Toyota Long Life $32.26
Cabin air filter $31.56
Cargo Net $43.26

I was also thinking of buying an air filter from them, but now I will probably won’t. So where do you guy get your parts from? I can’t do Ebay because I have never deal with them or PayPal. Would anyone living in the SF Bay Area willing to help me out by ordering it for me and I will pay you.

Also the 2003 camry have some type of bolts locking the air filter box. What type of tools do I need to get it open. Also what’s the best brand of tools to get (ex. Auto part stores such as Autozone and Kragen or Sears). Thanks a lot.
The pink will last longer than the red, pink is the new red.

Trademotion or the local auto parts store, there are some things you don't have to go OEM on since most of the time it will be cheaper.

I like craftsman cause of their warranty and their lower cost. They carry them at sears. If you are using the tools for basic use with small amounts of torque the cheaper brands will do.
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Old 11-22-2008, 05:19 AM   #5 (permalink)
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The Camry my dad bought came with the red coolant so I’m sticking with that. I know the pink coolant is premix 50/50 but I don’t know if adding the new pink coolant into the reservoir with red coolant will have ill effect.

As for the tools I’m going to perform basic common maintenances such replacing air filter, drain and refill my engine coolant, replace spark plugs and change oil. I have no idea what tools are required for those jobs. Should I go to Sears and get one of those big set of tools or buy them individually?
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Old 11-22-2008, 09:16 AM   #6 (permalink)
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i always buy coolant from toyota $20.00/gallon, and tranny fluid from toyota $5/qt. not bad since you hardly ever replace these fluids. everything else i buy from pepboys.
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Old 11-22-2008, 09:24 AM   #7 (permalink)
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Take everything back! Have them replace the coolant with the pink one. Shop around for the other items you are interested in, some websites have been provided for you already.
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Old 11-22-2008, 10:11 AM   #8 (permalink)
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your car came with pink. Thats what Toyota uses now. IT lasts longer. IF i were you, id get a K&N filter. Thats what i have, Just clean it when it gets dirty.
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Old 11-22-2008, 02:34 PM   #9 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by iconman View Post
The Camry my dad bought came with the red coolant so I’m sticking with that. I know the pink coolant is premix 50/50 but I don’t know if adding the new pink coolant into the reservoir with red coolant will have ill effect.

As for the tools I’m going to perform basic common maintenances such replacing air filter, drain and refill my engine coolant, replace spark plugs and change oil. I have no idea what tools are required for those jobs. Should I go to Sears and get one of those big set of tools or buy them individually?
The pink are superior to the red, but if you want to continue using the red by all means. You can do drain and refill but don't mix.

The packaged tool kits usually offer the better deals but most likely you won't use all of them. From the type of jobs you are doing it will be cheaper to just piece them together. A socket set, few attachments, some screw drivers and you can take apart any Toyota. Don't forget the oil wrench and the spark plug deep socket attachment for your particular job.
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Old 11-22-2008, 02:42 PM   #10 (permalink)
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my 03 use red coolant, not all camry use pink, i think late 03 camry use pink, this topic have been cover before, i for forgot

just buy a nice tool craftsman tool set at sears, it should be on sales for the holiday anyway.
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Old 11-22-2008, 03:16 PM   #11 (permalink)
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Pink is supposed to be better then red but it is premixed. Either one should work OK.

I use Zerex GO-5.
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Old 11-23-2008, 04:20 AM   #12 (permalink)
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Great helps thanks a lot everyone.
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Old 11-23-2008, 08:49 AM   #13 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by iconman View Post
Toyota Long Life $32.26
Cabin air filter $31.56
Cargo Net $43.26
Can't imagine those prices, get the part number and search on ebay and buy in bulk. I do the same so my basement full of filters (engine, cabin and oil).
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Old 11-23-2008, 08:55 AM   #14 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by iconman View Post

Toyota Long Life $32.26
Cabin air filter $31.56
Cargo Net $43.26
Try one of our vendors next time, specifically ToyotaPartExpress (aka Lakeland Toyota). He has cheaper prices than those you listed and everything is 10% off until the end of the year.
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Old 11-23-2008, 09:06 AM   #15 (permalink)
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Should I go to Sears and get one of those big set of tools or buy them individually?
This depends upon your budget. If you have the money, buy a full set of everything. Most you will rarely use, but you will have them, and the tools are good quality. If your pockets aren't that deep, buy the tools individually that you need now and add to the collection later. I have Craftsman hand tools that are 50 years old and when they break, and they can, they are swapped out for new ones immediately.
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