Need To Choose A Used Camry- Good Year?

[{GodlightSoul}]

I am a college student looking at the 92-96 year camry and am looking to spend some $$ on a low mileage <100mi camry 4cyl auto 4sp. Any of these year better than others for reliability/repair costs?

I am thinking '94 because it has the new freon, ?better tranny? than 92-93, and doesn't have to deal with the extra CA smog crap that the 95-96 have.

I heard a rumor that some camry's need premium gas. None of these, right?

oh yeah, and a car with 100k or less, what maintenace should be done? timing belt and ???

anything to look for besides CV joints goin bad?

thanks

[RedAE102]

I am a college student looking at the 92-96 year camry and am looking to spend some $$ on a low mileage <100mi camry 4cyl auto 4sp. Any of these year better than others for reliability/repair costs?

I am thinking '94 because it has the new freon, ?better tranny? than 92-93, and doesn't have to deal with the extra CA smog crap that the 95-96 have.

I heard a rumor that some camry's need premium gas. None of these, right?

oh yeah, and a car with 100k or less, what maintenace should be done? timing belt and ???

anything to look for besides CV joints goin bad?

thanks

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My mum has owned and driven 3 different Gen3 Camries, so I can tell you a bit about them... First off, something people rarely consider, but it makes a big difference, is where the car was built. The Camries in question were built in Japan (most sold along the west coast here) and the vast majority in Georgetown, Kentucky. Our '92 DX 5-speed (no frills... had dealer installed A/C, that was about it) was built in Japan and was by far the most trouble-free. Saw over 200,000 miles... the passenger side CV joint went at about 180,000 miles.

CV joints, by the way, are an issue common to all front wheel drive cars. My 1993 Corolla's inboard passenger side CV joint went out at 137,000 miles, but the car was still driveable for another 500 miles before I had the time to replace it, albeit while giving the impression that there was someone pounding on the underside of the floor pan with a hammer. It only cost about $60 for the new CV joint. The driver's side one has yet to give me any trouble, and I'm now at 150,000 miles.

The automatic transmission problems, from what I have seen, were isolated to the 3.0 litre V6, and got worse with the '94 model year, when the all-alloy 1MZ-FE V6 (known now for oil gelling problems) replaced the iron block 3VZ-FE. Our '93 LE automatic never gave a problem, even at 120,000 miles, nor did the '95 LE V6, which logged 100,000 miles before being replaced by a '97 LE V6. Premium unleaded has been recommended on V6 models only since 1994, but never on 4-cylinder models. Timing belt is a definite maintenance item that should be done every 60,000 miles, but can go longer. Only costs about $170 or so at the dealer.

On emissions issues... Doesn't matter what year it is, all of the '92-'96 were saddled with California emissions if they were to be sold here in California. Makes a difference of about 3-5 horsepower, usually, and really only significantly affects engine output above 4000 rpm, above the range used during most people's daily commutes. Basically, you probably won't miss those few extra horses. The 5S-FE was not known for its athleticism. If you must get one without the California emissions package, you'll probably have to look outside of California to get one, as not particularly many 49-state models made it here.

'94 and later models do not use freon... they use HFC-134a (AKA R-134a). Personally, I'll keep my more efficient CFC-12 (R-12) system. Works better that way. But if you do get a '92-'93 with an R-12 system and you have to recharge it... DON'T do a retrofit. It really doesn't cost that much to recharge an R-12 system. R-134a systems work well when they were originally made that way, but I have never heard of a retrofit that functioned for very long.

WHEW... I'm out of breath!

Cheers!

[Puls]

When it comes to these cars, my opinion is that all that really counts is how well the previous owner(s) have taken care of the car.

I have a '96 LE with the 5S-FE. While the V6 cars offer some surprising power, the 4cylinder Cams are very efficient which is nice, and while not quick, certainly have enough ooomph for city driving and highway cruising, so it gets my vote. Mine has a minor issue or 4 (iffy Speakers in back, broken antenna, the washer jets *constantly* clog, slightly loose PS belt) but overall is a fantastic car for getting around comfortably and cheaply! :)

I can't speak for all, but mine seems very sensitive to changes in the ignition system (kind of like 80s 4-pot dodges) So I had to get some good quality plugs and wires (NGK) and cap+rotor (Denso). Also make sure you use good oil (Pennzoil is good) and filters! (NAPA gold, Nippon, Toyota, Wix, Purolator, etc. NO Frams and Pennzoils) to ensure longer life.

The CVs do indeed wear out on these cars. You'll hear a clacking sound when turning coming from the front if you need new axles/CVs.

Buy a well-maintained 5S-FE Camry, keep maintaining it well, and you'll enjoy many years of good service! :)