I was looking for seat covers and unknowingly contacted an Australian company. They argued that there are NO side airbags in the back seat--until we figured out we were talking different cars The apologized that they could not make seat covers allowing for airbags since they no model to look at.

 

No rear airbags…. matches to the 2016 Aussie ebrochure. Good One!

The things that really jumped out at me are the oil viscosity recommendations and the maintenance schedules for brake fluid and an “In-tank fuel filter” both of which aren’t mentioned in the US schedule. The remaining maintenance items seem to fall more in line with the US Lexus schedules and provide a higher level of care. Not all of course but it certainly seems to make the US Camry schedule at some points look like the absolute minimum.

I went to Cool Springs Toyota and tried to find an “In-Tank” fuel filter and didn’t see anything. Perhaps it’s in the Suction Case or part of the Pressure Regulator…I don’t know. Most of what I have seen for in-tank fuel pump filters is just a sock strainer type set-up and is often part of the fuel pump. Either way… at face value the part plus labor seems a pretty expensive proposition, perhaps costing even more than a full transmission service ($300+). Not so good!

What happened to the good old days of a simple replaceable inline fuel filter? Why do the Aussie’s need an in-tank filter replacement while we don’t? …..

Best, Dave

 

Oil differences are mostly related to gas mileage requirements set in the US by the EPA. 0w20 will help Toyota eek out every bit of MPG on those tests vs thicker oils. As for Australia, average climate is more like the American South/Tropical-ish, iirc anyways, so the thicker oils are probably recommended there. I imagine they haven't set a standard for a MPG requirements yet either, so that's probably helping in suggesting different oil weights.

Regardless though, you can use any of those oil weights here fine in the US. I'd prefer the thicker 5w30 if you're in in a hotter area versus 0w20.

 

Good input… and I agree 100% that the US EPA is influencing oil viscosity via MPG requirements. Interestingly though, the 2016 Aussie brochure indicates an average expected fuel efficiency at 7.8L/100km. Unless I missed something…that equates to about 30 MPG US… while the US 2016 Camry 2AR-FE indicates an average 28 MPG (2017 even less at 27 MPG combined). Computation difference perhaps, but the vehicles share the same transmission, engine ID, compression ratios, spark plugs, oil capacity, and weigh about the same. The only differences I see are the Atara 3HP increase with dual exhaust and the Altise 16” wheel and tire size (US… 16x7 steel (P205/65 x 16)------ AU… 16x6.5 alloy (P215/60 x 16) ) which I think would decrease MPGs very slightly for the Altise when compared to the US Camry LE. So…assuming the US & AU models share the same differential ratio, it doesn’t look like oil viscosity has much of an impact at all.

Computation note: 7.8L = 2.07 US Gal, 100km = 62.15sm; (62.15sm/2.07 US Gal) = 30.02 US MPG

(LOL Molsen… maybe you better check my math again!)

Best to all , Dave

 

Different testing methods to get those numbers, you can't compare them apples to apples.

From 08+, the EPA has tried to use a more.. "Real World" estimate. I'm not entirely too sure how Australia does their testing, but it seems like most estimates for cars over there have higher numbers than we do here. I wouldn't rely on them too much though. Your average numbers may differ a little, or a lot when comparing it to their estimates depending on your driving style, where you live, winter/summer gas blends and use of ethanol.

 

Our old '99 Civic has an in-line fuel filter mounted on the firewall. It takes 10 minutes to change. Never-the-less.... I sent a note to Chris (a friend in the Parts Department at Southside Toyota in Brisbane, AU)... just to see if he has a part # listed or knows anything about the fuel filter they're talking about. I guessing you're absolutely correct though in that this likely means pump replacement and a huge bill. I'll let you know when I hear back...

Best, Dave

 

Ya I would assume the filter is integrated within the fuel pump and some sort of last chance filter or stainer in the fuel rails.

Hey and a big difference is the location of the steering wheel I kinda miss driving right-hand drive cars.

 

I got a note back from Chris in regards to the “in-tank” fuel filter and oil viscosity for the Camry down-under. I sent him a link to the Fuel System components shown at Cool Springs Toyota. He said that part number 77024-06213 for the fuel system “Suction Case” in the US diagram matches the “in-tank filter” part number and Aussie diagram. So… Suction Case = Fuel Filter. Now here’s the bad part! Their AU Toyota service guide shows a standard 1.7 hours to do the job. Given that’s a good ball-park job time here, then $84.33 for the part + ($115 x 1.7hrs for labor) = $279.83 + Tax and Shop Fees. Not so Good!

Oh wait…more good news… this part looks to be available for the 15-17 models only. If you search for the same Suction Case for the 12-14’s, the same part appears to be shown in the diagram but you have to purchase the entire fuel pump assembly ($335) to get the Suction Case. That sucks…no pun intended!

On oil viscosity…. Chris notes that 5W30 synthetic is the standard fill in the AU but many folks further south (colder) use the thinner approved viscosities while those further north (hotter) use the thicker versions. All approved by Toyota as long as they operate within the manual’s specified viscosity temperature ranges. Really makes you wonder doesn’t it?

So there you have! It’s likely $300 to change a fuel filter that isn’t even mentioned for the US version (though we clearly have one) and would likely cost $25 bucks if it was “in-line” instead of “in-tank”. Kind’a goes along with the no damn transmission dip-stick nonsense don’t ya think?

Best, Dave

 

Honestly, I wouldn't worry about the fuel filters in these cars. Unless you're having a problem specifically with the fuel system, it should never have to be replaced. Toyota doesn't even consider it a maintenance item. The only times I've ever heard of a fuel filter needing to be replaced on the 6th or 7th gen Camrys was when someone accidentally filled their car with diesel. I'm sure a few of the Toyota techs we have around here might chime in about it.

As long as you treat your fuel pump well, it'll treat you well back. Don't always run it on E, don't let gas sit for months on end, etc etc.

 

Good input there Zmon but….Nah, I’m not worried at all. I just find the differences interesting and use the info for addition trend guidance for what I may use as a higher level of care than the minimum for my own Camry. Things like… Lexus recommending the ES350 cabin air filter change every 10k while the Camry is 30k…and ES350 brake fluid change every 30K while for the Camry it’s not even mentioned…and the Aussie Camry having an “in-tank” fuel filter while the US Camry parts catalog calls the same Aussie part a “Suction Case” and requires no change. Obviously none of these things are a big deal when viewed in the singular, but for the long haul the cumulative effect of better care will always shine through …on the road, in your garage, and in your pocket. Also obvious, is the fact that you already know all this stuff.

The only minor thing that I might suggest you use with a bit more caution, are quick thoughts like “Toyota doesn't even consider it a maintenance item” when clearly “Toyota” does...just not Toyota USA. Even more interesting to me though would be to learn what factors influenced the “why’s” that support the difference. At-any-rate...

Best, and thanks to all for sharing the thoughts,

Dave

 

Update: Throw all of those EPA mileage ratings for the U.S. out the window!!


After two rounds where Toyota has reprogrammed the shifting to try to save torque converters, the mpg has changed with it.


You just HAVE TO WONDER if this isn't similar to the VW mpg scam, only they changed the cars back before delivery.

 

You just HAVE TO WONDER if this isn't similar to the VW mpg scam, only they changed the cars back before delivery.

Only if you have a conspiracy theorist type of personality....

The VW mpg scam was in diesels, which have a peculiar set of operating circumstances which can affect MPG numbers, and when the computer sensor system detected the car was on a dyno (drive wheels turning and non-drive-wheels not turning), it could self-select a more economical set of injection parameters, thereby achieving a higher MPG rating. Clever, and illegal.

It sure doesn't mean other manufacturers are as dishonest.

 

I bought a K&N cabin filter and recharge kit for my 2012 Camry for $55. $40 for the filter and $15 for the recharge kit. It came from JC Whitney with free shipping. There is a strange smell at first but it goes away.