No, I've not given up the camry by any means.
I;ve learned WAY too much about the 7th Gen over the last couple weeks.
I got the car a couple months ago from my Nana (Grandma) in FL, who sadly dies a few days after she gave me the car. But it was good that I was able to see her. One of the last things she said to me was I could sell the car if I wanted, an dI told her I was not going to.
It;s a BASE (no options, not even clock) '95 AE101.
So far I have added:
1: Rear Speakers
2: 60/40 Split Folding Seats (Need to weld on the side brackets still)
3: Center Console storage box
4: Kenwood HU
5: Tilt Steering Wheel
6: Variable Int Wipers (It only had Hi/Lo as a BASE model)
7: Trunk Light
8: Drivers lower Dash HVAC Vent (I need to add rear floor ones still)
9: Clock
10: Instrument Cluster W/Tach (Fuel guage is messed up so need new one)
11: Power Mirrors (One done and installed, need to finish painting the other)
12: Power Windows and Door Locks
Right now I;m changing the struts/mounts as at 23k miles (Yes, Car has an original 23k miles) the struts are dead. I blame it on the speed bumps where the car used to be. Also changign the ball joints and outter tie rod ends.
Also adding a front sway bar.
Money dependant, I'll upgrade the suspension late this year.
Then 1-2 years down the road, I plan an engine swap. Not sure what engine (Bouncing around 4 or 5 possible engines). Either way, it will be a factory OR TRD boosted engine no matter which one I choose. And likely swapped to a 5-speed to save on weight in the front end.