1990 Toyota Camry 2.0 Carby

Summary:

If only all cars were built like this

Faults:

Front and rear struts replaced (with gas ones).

All engine and transmission mounts replaced.

New battery.

New alternator.

New rear muffler.

General Comments:

I bought this car for $500 from a friend's uncle. At first I thought I was doing him a favour, but not now.

The car had just got new tyres, alternator and rear muffler fitted, and came with a full tank of petrol - so $500 is a bargain!

The car is solid and very reliable, and after the initial repairs, my total layout has still only been around $1700 (including purchase). Not bad for a good second car.

A bit disappointed it had a carby instead of EFI and no power steering, but - $500 :) It is in great condition all round, only blemishes are faded boot paint and slight rust in the rear wheel arches.

It's a pleasure to drive, and after I got some roof racks for free, boy has it been useful. I carried all the building materials for 3 pergolas on it, not at once though. I always wanted a ute, but who needs it.

I use it as daily transport, and to take the kids to sports, and best of all, I can park it anywhere and not worry about it.

It ran out of petrol this morning, I am trying to teach it run on less less petrol - LOL. I was annoyed with it and left it where it stopped, but after reading the other comments, I will retrieve it tonight.

Hopefully it will last and last; it's the best work horse I have ever owned.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th June, 2007

27th Jun 2007, 18:22

Went back for the car last night, poured some petrol into the tank, and voila, started first time. I'll feed it more regularly from now on...

29th Jul 2007, 20:58

Had the car for a few months now and have had to do a few more repairs.

New timing belt - never changed apparently (300,000Km), new water pump and associated seals, new fuel filter, as the old one was clogged and fitted on backwards which was causing the poor power and throttle response, and fitted it with power steering (2nd hand).

The strain on the arms when parking/turning was too much without it. Easier now but it has lost some steering feedback, although it didn't have a great deal to start with.

In reply to 29th Jul 2007, 20:58

5th Feb 2013, 17:55

Hmmm, wonder why the fuel filter was blocked (hint - running the car to empty the petrol tank).

27th Jan 2015, 14:20

To my knowledge there's no 2 liter second generation Camry with a carburetor. They all have injection. Only the 1.8 in Europe had a carby, and that one has no power steering. The 1.8 in AUS/NZ does have injection.

So it looks like you have an imported 1.8. I guess the VIN could prove the car's origin.

1990 Toyota Camry SE Station Wagon 2.0 petrol

Summary:

We would buy another one tomorrow if they still made them

Faults:

Springs and shock absorbers replaced at 60,000 (We did a lot of dirt road driving)

Windscreen replaced about 120,000 ks.

Clutch fork cracked at about 260,000 Ks.

CV boot split at about 250000 ks.

Front and rear engine mounts replaced about 250,000 kms.

Windscreen replaced and rust taken from above windscreen at about 255,000 ks.

Exhaust mainifold cracked about 260000 ks.

Radiator blew out & head gasket replaced at about 300000 ks.

Engine oil leaks soon after 300000 ks.

Rears suspension bushes, and front sway bar bushes repaced at about 315000 ks.

Rear door struts replaced about 320000 ks.

Starter solenoid contact repaired at 434000 ks.

Suspension strut inserts replace roughly every 120,000 kms.

Two alternators, 4 batteries, 5 timing belts so far in the life of the car. Many minor repairs over recent years.

General Comments:

The Camry Station Wagon has been a fantastic car. My wife doesn't want to get rid of it and wants it to see 500000 ks. It will do it too!

For reliability and performance I've not known better. Despite a few minor oil leaks the motor still pulls almost like new.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th June, 2006