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Camry Engine/box Reliability

Galois

By Galois,
in General Automotive Discussion

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Galois Veteran

Galois

Posted
Posted

Flame suit on.

Okay, so had bought a reliable car, a 2000 magna, auto. And the auto box died with the semi-common failure of a wave spring deep in the box. It's been off the road for 3 weeks while I've sourced a cheap, second hand reco'd gearbox and had it shipped from Melbourne. Given I have no car and the magna needs to be towed to a mechanic for the transplant, it could be 2 more weeks before I get the box to the car and get the mechanic to fit it.

So, again, looking at a reliable car, to buy asap cos I'm so sick of not having one. I've owned camrys before and they've been pretty damn reliable given the neglect they've received from me and my family (before my automotive enlightenment).

Does anyone know how the 3.0L engine compares to the 2.2L, and the manual compares to the auto, in terms of reliability in 1996-2000 camrys?

A long shot, I know, but I am amazed at the wealth of knowledge on these forums on a daily basis.

Cheers all :D

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Galois Veteran

Galois

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Posted (edited)

Cheers mate. Yeah, our family had a '94 camry for a lot of years, likewise a '98 one. Both auto 2.2L and both were very reliable (except for some small oil leak that dripped onto and destroyed the timing belt on the '94 one before I owned it).

I'm looking for a manual v6, as long as the reliability is still there and the price is right. Just want something that goes, is safe and is reliable. Then to save for a fun car again banana.gif

Edited by Galois
Galois Veteran

Galois

Posted
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Posted (edited)

Depends on kms, location etc. Seem to be under 5k for what I'm after. Magna is the other car, which would be a significantly better buy in terms of power/riding the wave of torque (300 Nm). Some autos are a bit of a time bomb, I'm one of the unlucky ones apparently.

A manual 3rd gen magna with either the 3.0L or 3.5L engine is a real surprise. My brother recently got a manual 2002 magna, 3.5L, with a new clutch, brakes and new suspension, a parana chip (whatever that is) and a tune for 4.5k and it is an absolute beast of torque. The new suspension makes a world of difference too. He's gonna need to upgrade the clutch soon lol.

I'm thinking of getting something like that as the next car, if we sell the auto magna. Ahh, one day i'll have a propper sports car again lol, atm I'm just aiming for a running car.

Edited by Galois
mad082 Grand Master

mad082

Posted
Posted

yeah manual magnas are great (i've owned 2 3.5L ones, pretty sure i've discussed this with you in the past).

as for the v6 camry, i don't know much about them but i would think that being a camry it should be pretty reliable as they aren't really commonly bought by younger people so there is much less chance it's had a hard life. probably the biggest issue is more if it's been owned by someone who doesn't get it serviced as often as they should

Galois Veteran

Galois

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Yeah, I should have gone with a manual one! Will again one day, prolly a vrx.

There's also the issue of dreamers who think their sh!thouse cars are worth as much as a premium one, oh wait that's an issue with all second hand car buying

fastjetjockey Collaborator

fastjetjockey

Posted
Posted

My folks had a '94 2.2L Auto. Was never thrashed and was kelt serviced by my old man who's a mechanic (auto trans) by trade.

Two head gaskets over 2 years. Once with a rebuild. I sold it for them, blown, for $800. Hated that bloody thing.

StevenCJR31 Veteran

StevenCJR31

Posted
Posted

my gf has a avalon 1M-FE (i think) 3 litre V6 auto . . has 200,000ks on the clock and doesnt seem to want to stop, all weve had to do is have the rocker cover gaskets changed + regular servicing and minor stuff like brake pads (easy to do yourself)and parts are cheap and plentifull. . . .bloke over here in the west dropped a (aftermarket) turbo version in his MR2 , goes like hell

StevenCJR31 Veteran

StevenCJR31

Posted
Posted

my gf has the 1M-FE (i think) V6 3 litre auto in her avalon . . good economical motor with no issues, cheap parts, easy to fix, just a bit hard to access anything on the back of the motor

Galois Veteran

Galois

Posted
  • Author
Posted

We ended up getting a 2000 model auto v6, and couldn't be happier with the buy. The suspension is still firm, the power is all there, easily blasting along without going above 3k rpm. Had the trailer on it yesterday and it was fine, almost like itbwasnt there. Its got 190k (major service every 150 thou, not 100), but of the half dozen we tested over the weekend, all with much lower km, it was by far the best.

Doesn't white have the torque of the 3.5 magna, but the build.quality and comfort seems much better

iseekool Veteran

iseekool

Posted
Posted

Not sure which model Camry (V6 models only) - but keep an eye on the knock sensors, crank angle sensor and waterpump.

Always use toyota genuine coolant.

Apparently the variable intake length manifold may play up, which may cause the car to fell a little sluggish, but will not cause you to break down.

Galois Veteran

Galois

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Not sure which model Camry (V6 models only) - but keep an eye on the knock sensors, crank angle sensor and waterpump.

Always use toyota genuine coolant.

Apparently the variable intake length manifold may play up, which may cause the car to fell a little sluggish, but will not cause you to break down.

Hmmm, how exactly do I keep an eye on them? Watch for the engine light and listen for knocking? How would I notice if the variable length intake manifold (didn't know it had one btw lol) is playing up? Sorry for the qs.

how much did you pay?

$4700, I'm imagining we'll be using this car for a long long time though. It's so comfortable, easily enough grunt to pull a trailer on a freeway, just nice to cruise in. I just have to make sure to keep up the amorall and waxing etc to keep it in good shape. Will probably change all fluids over the next 20k km, just so I know what's in there. Might be worth putting a transmission cooler on too.

How's the soarer going?

xALmoN Grand Master

xALmoN

Posted
Posted

pretty good. i've gotten used to the r154, its a little clunky, but you learn to deal with it. i'll have to do the timing belts soon though. and i haven't fixed my speed sensor. so i get lottery numbers at speeds above 70kmh. lol

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