Camry & Solara LoungeDiscussion area for every generation of Toyota's family car, the Toyota Camry. Lexus ES250/300 owners welcome! Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance and more.
My wife and I have owned a 1998 Camry for 2-3 years. It has 178K miles. We've been pretty broke so we haven't been able to maintain it properly. We've had the oil changed only a few times, replaced the battery, and bought 2 new tires.
Times have been a bit better lately so we'd like to take the car to a mechanic and have him go over it to keep it running for as much longer as possible, but I can imagine some unnecessary work being done if I take that approach. What would you guys recommend I do? Are there things on the car I can inspect myself to see if they need fixing, and then instruct a mechanic to fix those things?
Am I best off just taking it to a mechanic and asking him to go over it?
Ditto the timing belt. It shouldn't destroy the engine if it breaks but you will be stranded. Also, look at your CV joint boots. If they are starting to crack it's sometimes cheaper to replace the boots rather than the joints. (But sometimes new half shafts aren't much more.) If it's auto you may want to drain and fill the tranny fluid and repeat around 3K miles about 3 times as this will change out most of the fluid. When's the last time the plugs were changed? Throttle body cleaned? Definitely check/replace the air filter.
Check and/or replace all fluids; engine oil, transmission fluid, engine coolant, and brake fluid. Air filter needs to be replaced evry 30,000 miles. Timing belt on this generation Camry nees to be changed every 90,000 miles. I would also replace the 2 additional drive belts when doing the timing belt, especially if they are original or you don't know when the last time was that they were replaced. There should be no additional labor if done in conjunction with the timing belt. If you have the owner's manual, it will give you a pretty good indication of what needs to be changed and when.
Is all of that necessary? About how much should it cost?
When starting it in the morning, the engine needs to be coaxed into staying started with careful throttle usage for about 5-60 seconds depending on the temperature outside.
I also noticed the brakes have a definite grinding sensation and grinding sound, but only at the first couple couple stop signs after starting in the morning.
Is all of that necessary? About how much should it cost?
When starting it in the morning, the engine needs to be coaxed into staying started with careful throttle usage for about 5-60 seconds depending on the temperature outside.
I also noticed the brakes have a definite grinding sensation and grinding sound, but only at the first couple couple stop signs after starting in the morning.
Do either of those things ring a bell?
Major item. Old service records from other owner! How man miles have you put on it with out proper servicing? It's important to know to give good answers.
But at the minimum.
If you have never done any of these things (above). Get that timing belt changed NOW (if as stated above you have done over 80K)! it will be huge cost if it lets go.we are talking bent valves and maybe even wrecked pistons, most likely having to put a new head on it. That is not a clearance engine. If you have never done the brakes get them checked right now! Hitting walls or stopped cars is not a good way to stop.
It all comes down to the other owners service and when you did the stuff that is needed. If you cannot find the old records it might be wise and just get that timing belt done.
I would ask around find a good reliable mechanic that knows that car and have him inspect it.
This will not be cheap. But is mandatory. An everything else on that list is very sound and good advice. But after those first 2 the rest may take a while to save for. I cannot give prices I live in Canada on the opposite side of the country.
EDIT: that mandatory is meaning over that mileage combined. You and original owner.
Good luck and happy driving.
Last edited by judge34411; 07-30-2009 at 11:44 PM.
Didn't think the Camry had an interference engine. I would have sworn none of the I 4's were. But still, why risk being stranded.
That is correct up through 2001. The engine will simply die if the timing belt breaks. There will be no engine damage. Starting in 2002 with the 2.4 liter 2AZ engine, Toyota went to variable valve timing and an interference fit engine. With these engines they switched to a timing chain. I'm not familiar with the new 2.5 liter engine introduced for the 2010 Camry, so I can't comment about it.
Hmmm, I did a quick Google search and it sounds like it might cost around $500 to have the timing belt replaced. I have to say, this is a salvage title vehicle and not in fantastic condition (although not *too* bad).
I wonder if we should change the oil and drive until she quits. Getting stranded isn't an issue. We're in a rural area with cell phone coverage and AAA memberships. We drive a maximum of 20 minutes at a time on the freeway, usually just around town.
What should all of this cost, along with possible brake fixes and the engine rough start problem?
That is correct up through 2001. The engine will simply die if the timing belt breaks. There will be no engine damage. Starting in 2002 with the 2.4 liter 2AZ engine, Toyota went to variable valve timing and an interference fit engine. With these engines they switched to a timing chain. I'm not familiar with the new 2.5 liter engine introduced for the 2010 Camry, so I can't comment about it.
That's the great thing about TN. Anyone of us might get something wrong once in a while (I know I have) and it's probably the quickest way to get the correct answer.
That is correct up through 2001. The engine will simply die if the timing belt breaks. There will be no engine damage. Starting in 2002 with the 2.4 liter 2AZ engine, Toyota went to variable valve timing and an interference fit engine. With these engines they switched to a timing chain. I'm not familiar with the new 2.5 liter engine introduced for the 2010 Camry, so I can't comment about it.
Mike
I have the new 2.5 I don't know yet either if it is clearance or not. It however is a real chain drive on timing. The sales man claimed I never needed to change it. I will need to find out the actual service interval for it. Assuming he is incorrect. I imagine it will be very high time.
That's the great thing about TN. Anyone of us might get something wrong once in a while (I know I have) and it's probably the quickest way to get the correct answer.
EDIT: Guess I should add; except Mike G.
No, I've made a few mistakes too. Sometimes my typing fingers get in motion faster than my brain. I just hope I help more than I do harm.
Hope that's the goal for most of us here. Sometimes I even give an opinion when no one else is answering, knowing if I'm wrong someone will no doubt be all over it to set me straight!
No, I've made a few mistakes too. Sometimes my typing fingers get in motion faster than my brain. I just hope I help more than I do harm.
Mike
.
Lord I know how that feels, sounds just like me. I feel very few here try and do any harm, and with all the answers from all the good filters through the cracks.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave's
Hope that's the goal for most of us here. Sometimes I even give an opinion when no one else is answering, knowing if I'm wrong someone will no doubt be all over it to set me straight!
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