1988 Toyota Camry V6

Summary:

A problematic car that still has its advantages

Faults:

This started about 2 years ago, and has become progressively worse as time goes by: In the heat, or if several stops are made, the car sometimes will not start. We must wait several minutes before it can start again. Several people have looked at the car and cannot figure out what the problem is.

The car has recently started to overheat on occasion. This still happens, even though several repair attempts have been made on the car. It got so bad, recently, towing was required.

A/C failure caused by problem listed above.

Key tends to get stuck in ignition.

Major rust over driver-side front wheel.

General Comments:

It is a semi-comfortable, roomy car that is a beauty to own, if not for the problems.

The automatic seat-belts make you wear them, a real safety bonus implemented on this car that should have been implemented on later models.

The ride tends to be very rough, no matter the road surface.

The car is like a hot-rod on the highway.

Good around-town and quick-trip car.

The seats are a bit overstuffed.

Good gas mileage.

Not a car to take on a vacation or a road trip. It is too small for that, and the trunk, while large for most needs, is too small for that.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 27th June, 2001

28th Jun 2001, 13:25

Re: your starting problem -- my previous car, an '85 Audi 80, had the same problem. The electrician traced it to a hairline crack on the solder of the fuel pump relay. Get that checked out. It's just age -- these things go regardless of what car you own.

23rd Jul 2001, 03:09

Check the distributor, the coil, and pickup assembly.

My 88.5 V6 SDN, has been almost flawless... new distributor at 80,000 miles, and an annoying ticking from the instrument cluster (easily drowned out by the radio). With almost 190,000 miles, it still has money more life... with some body rust. The 5-speed manuals have nice gearing, except 3rd, which feels too tall.

The car still handles well, a little better with the strut tower brace from the ES250.

Though the headlights are horrible.

Tan

thisistan@yahoo.com

24th Aug 2001, 11:11

Those automatic seat belts, which are very annoying, do NOT make you wear your belt as you say. People often thought that they didn't have to wear the lap belt since the automatic shoulder belt was worn. This is quite incorrect, considering that people where being decapitated by the shoulder belts in accidents when they weren't wearing their lap belt. That is why you no longer see automatic belts on new cars any more. Quite frankly, a very stupid seat-belt design! Not to mention GM's just-as-dumb door mounted seat-belts that helped to eject occupants in collisions.

25th Apr 2004, 02:23

Anyone dumb enough not to wear the labbelts...They're just asking to be a foot shorter.

I also have an '88 V6 Camry and I love the thing. I do have the problem with the engine dying after I drive it kinda hard when I come to a sudden stop. It's not too much of a big deal since it doesn't happen too often. For the speed and power it offers at its cheap price, well worth it.

1988 Toyota Camry DLX 2.0L 4-cylinder

Summary:

Absolute junk!!!

Faults:

Too many problems to list!... but I will anyway.

The head-gasket and alternator were already replaced when I bought the car at 118,000 miles (those parts obviously don't last very long)

Numerous oil leaks... well over $1,000 worth!!!

Numerous brake problems including severe pedal pulsation and terrible squealing/groaning noises... loud noises!!!

Sunroof not only stopped working, but the glass shattered uexpectedly one day!!!

Water-pump failed, resulting in the car stalling and not restarting, which left me stranded at a busy intersection one morning!!!

The lock to open the truck broke!!!

Timing-belt has been replaced 3 times in 20,000 miles of driving!!!

The timing of the timing-belt was thrown off trying to jump start another car...yes, that can happen with these stupid cars!!!

Excessive engine pinging and black smoke pouring from the exhaust...that's what the car is in the shop to get fixed now!!!

The interior has an ridiculous amount of loose and squeaking/rattling pieces!!!

The transmission is starting to shift weird as if the computer is messing up... aaahhh!!!

General Comments:

I will definetly never ever again by a Toyota Camry! What a hunk of junk! Far too many things have gone wrong with the car, as listed above. It's simply an unreliable car! The reputation far exceeds what the car delivers. I've heard and read that older Honda Accords are the same way.

The insurance is also absolutely ridiculously high! Again, Accords are the same way. I almost bought a used Accord instead of my Camry but when I called for an insurance quote, the lady said "Oh, you don't want an Accord. The insurance is outrageous." It would have been several hundred dollars per year more that my previous vehicle, which was newer.

Repairs are also quite expensive. I've had to spend over $1,000 on fixing just oil leaks! Not to mention all the other various repairs made to the car.

If you want a reliable car, DO NOT CONSIDER ANY OLDER TOYOTA CAMRY!!! That's just a warning, but you don't have to listen to me. There are plenty of similarly sized American cars out there that are more reliable and much cheaper to own.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 20th June, 2001

6th Jul 2001, 14:24

Man, you need to learn how to take care of your car or find somebody that does!

88 Toyota Camry All Trac- 5 speed.

121000 miles, no leaks, excellent interior, stock ORIGINAL CLUTCH, NO RUST, starts perfectly, car functions like it has since I got it 2 years ago, only maintenance was timing belt (done at Toyota), brake pads and oil.

Purchased with 60000 miles so it is driven daily everywhere, also my struts work perfectly (excellent rebound and no bouncing), handles well when we go on dirt roads for fun!! And my interior still smells like a Toyota.

Have never had a belt fly off (how is that possible?)??

The car is the most rugged thing I've owned and I am pretty amazed at how it keeps bouncing back after all the times we go dirt drifting (4 wheel drive!!)

Anyways, sorry to hear about your bad experience.

I love mine!!

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1988 Toyota Camry DX 2.0 liter 3SFE 4-cylinder

Summary:

Buy a Camry, and prepare to have it around for a long time!

Faults:

Igniter failed at ~156,000 miles, causing the car to crank but not turn over.

Entire exhaust needed replacing upon purchase. Flex pipe fixed at 190,000 miles.

Rust just starting to appear on the rear passenger-side fender arch.

General Comments:

The Camry is a great car for anybody who wants reliable transportation. This was the reason for my purchase of the Camry and I am not disappointed.

However if I would do it over again, I would have to get the V6. The 4-cylinder gets loud under acceleration and performance is only adequate, worse if I have to use the A/C. It gets great gas mileage though, about 350 miles per tank.

The interior is roomy inside and very comfortable. It has a lot of space for a sedan of this size. I'm 6'1" and still have plenty of head and leg room. The only detriment is that it has no power windows or locks, but I can deal with it.

The A/C still blows very cold, even on the lowest setting, for a 13 year old Toyota. It also heats up well in cold weather.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st May, 2001

21st Apr 2004, 14:02

Good Review. I have a 1987 Camry that just turned 80,000 miles. Oil gets changed every 3k; plugs, rotor, cap and wires get changed annually, that's it. I had to have one panel on the left side of the driver's seat replaced and put in a CD player with new speakers just to get better quality music.

Great car, would buy another with no concerns at all.

Martin Wade

Virginia.