New Guy - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Jedimind · 02-13-2005, 05:56 PM

Hey, My name is Chad, This is my first time posting here. I am in the market for a new car. I really like the Tc I want a really reliable daily driver. I was wondering if there is anything I should know about the Camry engine that is in the TC. I will definitely get a 5 spd. I have a 99 accord currently so any suggestions or recommendations welcome

braddog0128 · 02-14-2005, 12:05 AM

look at any reliabilitiy ratings from consumer reports for camry over the last 3 years in which they have used that same 2.4 and you will see all perfect scorings for that engine. Also, those engines do not use the timing belt. So not heavy expenses at 60,000 miles. Also for informational sake, the manufacturers scheduled tune up is not due until 100,000 miles, and all it calls for is spark plugs... This engine has direct ignition, and does not have a distibutor cap and rotor... just individual coil packs per cylinder, so as far as maintaince, and reliability, its an A+++

Jedimind · 02-18-2005, 12:08 AM

No timing belt? How does that work>

fufu · 02-18-2005, 12:45 AM

The tC's engine has a VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence), it's suppost to last as long as the car does... who know how long that is, 300K? I can only assume with Toyota's history of reliablity.

braddog0128 · 02-18-2005, 03:32 AM

It uses a timing chain... chains normally do not need changing.

Jedimind · 02-20-2005, 02:58 AM

I was told a chain could "stretch" and it needs to be replaced at 100K

sciontc_mich · 02-20-2005, 05:44 AM

belts "stretch" then they snap.. chains don't stretch, the look like a bicycle chain..

fufu · 02-20-2005, 11:08 PM

a chain streching?

braddog0128 · 02-21-2005, 01:06 AM

I've not heard of that problem. Unless you buy an american pushrod car you shouldnt worry about a chain going on ya. (no offense to any american car owners)

CamNub · 02-22-2005, 12:30 AM

If you don't know what VVTI is, It's very similar to I-Vtec.

pjsammy · 02-22-2005, 11:57 AM

While chains obviously don't stretch, their tension can be reduced. For this reason, a timing chain tensioner is usually the only maintenance that may be needed.....and this usually only needed after 100K (if at all). Replacing a tensioner is WAY cheaper than replacing a timing belt, so it works out well.