1989 Toyota Camry 4 Cylinder

Summary:

A great student and commuter car.

Faults:

The only item I replaced was the starter, which I replaced myself. Oil leak at main engine seal, which is normal. I need to replace the front struts, which are worn due to age of car.

General Comments:

This car may not have enough horsepower, but it is extremely reliable. I use this car to commute to work. The items I mentioned above are maintenance issues, not serious mechanical failures. This car has never broken down on the road. These cars are very sturdy.

I would purchase another Toyota.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st August, 2005

7th Sep 2005, 07:03

Lasted update, replaced timing belt and seals (Total $700). Replaced brake master cylinder and front brake pads ($300). Deciding whether to replace engine main seal and front struts. Total cost would be $800.

7th Nov 2006, 14:07

Struts are fine. The tie rods were worn. Replaced for $300. I feel replacing the main seal is not worth the cost. Currently have 180,000 miles. These cars are tanks.

21st Mar 2007, 08:42

I was having issues starting my car. The culprit was the ignition coil. Checked the resistance of the primary and secondary coil, no reading. I decided replace it myself. Part cost $42.00. It is located underneath the distributor cap. It was a tough job because the ignition coil is attached to the distributor which is connected to the engine block. After removing the coil, it's appearance was cracked and melted.

Now she starts up immediately.

FYI:

Experiencing any starting issues, check your ignition coil and cold start injector, these items tend to fail.

20th May 2007, 18:06

My car started overheating. Problem was defective thermostat. It was an easy job. Part only cost $12. Running fine.

Mileage: 189,000

12th May 2008, 10:51

Miles: 199,200.

I've always had cold start issues with my car.

Replaced cold start injector and distributor. Appears to have fixed issue. The next item I plan to replace is the cold start timing switch due to age. Which is easy to replace. Working on these cars are so easy.

I love my Camry, it's never let me down.

26th Sep 2016, 21:20

I wanted to say good-bye to the Toyota Camry family. My 1989 Camry was totalled in a head-on collision. I will miss my car, always reliable and never let me down. In my opinion, the second generation Camrys are the best.

End of life: 285,970.

1989 Toyota Camry LE V6 Wagon 2.5

Summary:

Great car, great brand, and the quality shows

Faults:

Valve cover gaskets needed replacing, not a fun job.

Replaced rear struts and springs.

Has a slight rear main seal leak which should cost an arm and a leg.

Otherwise everything else work perfect.

General Comments:

This is the best used car I have ever bought. I bought it from the elderly original owner who took great care of the car. It was garaged which preserved it from the elements.

This car runs, drives, and handles absolutely perfect. It's hard to believe it is 16 years old. The age does not show whatsoever. I have driven newer cars that did not feel as "modern" as this one feels.

It has every option available in it, and they all work flawlessly.

I will hold on to this one for a long time to come.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th March, 2005

1989 Toyota Camry LE V6

Summary:

A great first car

Faults:

Tires blew out 4 times. Had to replace the radiator, all the belts, and numerous other parts after 6 months of driving it very rarely. Extreme rust problems!!

General Comments:

I wouldn't ever own another Camry. I had so many problems with the car.

I must say the seats are the most comfortable I've ever had!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 8th April, 2004

17th Dec 2007, 12:55

Tire problems are not car problems. Radiator issues are more likely maintenance issues than car problems. It sounds like you bought a car 6 months ago without knowing what you were getting into. I bet you sold it to a more deserving person.

1989 Toyota Camry DLX 2.5L V6

Summary:

Amazing piece of machinery

Faults:

I haven't really had any problems with this car, except for the clutch. That was replaced at 150,000 miles, along with the water pump and timing belt.

I made a few custom adjustments and got the engine pushing out 265 horse power and plan on installing a turbo and aluminum intake manifold, that will give the car roughly around 400 horses.

General Comments:

This car will last forever and won't leave you stranded somewhere.

It has amazing acceleration and handles beautiful.

I recommend buying a toyota camry.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st April, 2004

30th Jul 2009, 10:31

There is no way this little 2.5 liter can put out this kind of horsepower with "just a few tweaks".

31st Jul 2009, 19:06

I agree. There's no way you can get a 2.5L to do that. I do agree that Camry's are excellent cars though. But you'll never get 400 HP out of one...

In reply to 31st Jul 2009, 19:06

27th Aug 2015, 21:10

It's not uncommon to get a 5s running a turbo kit at 3-6 PSI to get 220-240 out of it. However that's not recommended. It is however very possible to get 400 out of one by swapping the head with that of a 3s based engine and building the block. Google 5SGTE and you'll find there are numerous MR2s running this setup (also shared the 5s engine with the Camry) that are pushing 800hp+.

Not trying to nitpick, just something I thought some might find interesting (owner of a 91 MR2).