1993 Toyota Camry XLE V6 3.0
Summary:
Best car I've ever owned... AWESOME
Faults:
The ONLY mechanical problem that I had with my Camry was a small oil leak, but that was only after I (by my idiot uncle's recommendation) decided to switch from conventional oil to a full synthetic during an oil change at about 135K. As far as I know, synthetic oil had never been used in the car before I purchased it, and I had never used it before that particular oil change. From what I NOW understand, if synthetic oil hasn't been used on a car with high mileage, especially if its not a sports car or luxury car that needs/greatly benefits from full synthetic, then stick to the basic oil with a 3-5K oil change interval. If for some odd reason you want to upgrade to a "better" quality oil, try out synthetic blend as opposed to full synthetic.
Anyway, as soon as I started the engine after adding the new oil, a light white smoke puffed from the hood. Even after I replaced the synthetic with the normal oil (weeks, months later) it still smoked. I'm not sure how it caused it, but it turned out to be leaking from the front engine seals and the valve cover gaskets. Replaced at independent Toyota dealer and NO problems afterwards.
General Comments:
I LOVED my Camry. Styling was awesome. I had the XLE package with 6-speaker cassette&CD, leather, sunroof and alloys. Light beige paint on tan leather. Smooth, but powerful acceleration, quiet ride and idle, comfortable seating... Perfect. I honestly got compliments everyday I drove it.
Whoever had it before me took great care of it and I did the same. I STAYED on top of the maintenance, kept the interior/exterior and engine compartment clean, fluids stayed flushed and clean. Just because it's a Toyota doesn't mean you don't have to keep it maintained.
For the home mechanic... DO NOT TRY TO CHANGE the fuel filter. I broke the fuel line trying to get that joker off and I am an experienced do-it-yourselfer. It;s impossible, trust me. Take it to a mechanic.
I sold it because I moved away to college and I wanted an SUV to haul my cargo to/around campus. I shoulda just rented a U-Haul : (
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 7th November, 2007
7th Oct 2010, 01:27
Synthetic oil is king. It breaks up old deposits left from regular oil and age. Your car will burn oil faster for at least three oil changes and on certain models you should check oil every 1000-1500 miles and add as needed! You should never switch back to regular or part synthetic oil after a fully synthetic oil change. This can harm your motor.
In response to the ad at hand, maybe the oil seal problem was just a coincidence. I have had four cars with over a hundred k miles when purchased and all of them reached over 200k with the aid of fully synthetic oil!
P.S. Black smoke blowing out of your tail pipe is good! It's cleaning the deposits!
7th Oct 2010, 21:37
I agree, synthetic oil does provide far better protection when compared to conventional. I must add though that, you can in fact switch back to conventional oil after using synthetic. Today's synthetics are fully compatible with conventional oils, and putting conventional oil in a motor that had synthetic in it will do no harm. This is a myth that just won't die!
15th Aug 2009, 02:36
What kinda mpg were you getting?