1987 Toyota Camry LE Sedan 2.0 from North America
Summary:
Realiable and great car for local and occasional out of town driving
Faults:
Had to get the front left brake pad replaced, and bled all four. The brakes were fine afterwards.
Had to replace the accelerator. Around $28.
Had to replace the rear brake lights.
Takes a few tries to start the car, but no big deal.
Steering wheel or something sounds "rusty" when turning. No big deal though either.
Transmission leak. I put some trans. fluid in to replace the lost fluid, and fill it back up every day or two days, depending on where I'm going.
Need to replace the headlight bulbs.
Cruise control doesn't work.
The light that switches to tell you what gear you're in by the steering wheel, doesn't work in drive and neutral sometimes.
The interior roof lights need replacing nearest the front window.
The drivers side audio speaker isn't working, and the front passengers buzzes.
The rear right door doesn't open.
Whenever I lock either front doors and shut them, the lock pops back up so I have to lock the front passengers from the inside, then close the driver's door, then lock it using my key.
Need to replace the exhaust, air filter, spark plugs, and wires.
Need to get the transmission fluid changed.
Paint job. The hood is in bad condition and the rear is next, but the rest of the car isn't that rusted at all.
Lastly, I don't know exactly how much gas I have, because the needle goes up and down a little sometimes.
General Comments:
This a really reliable vehicle, and it's hard to believe it's almost 24 years old.
The engine is in great condition, and it barely uses up any fluids besides the transmission fluid as earlier stated.
Gas mileage is great (just wish I knew exactly how much I would have). When the needle gets right on "E", it can go another 15 miles or more depending on the speed and way it's driven (if it's good).
Acceleration is OK, but that's what's expected from an older model.
Braking is good but just requires a little more firm press; again, expected from an older model.
OD function still works properly. Shifting gears feels a little sloppy, but I can live with it.
Interior is great for its age; there's only some fading on the driver's seat, and a little on the passenger's, and that's about it.
The body is only rusted badly on the hood and a little on the rear, but the rest is in good condition for its age.
Overall, with a little work, it can be back in top condition, but be warned, take good care of it.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 3rd May, 2010
1st Jun 2014, 11:21
At that age it would be a handyman's car at best, which means every so often you go over the car and fix the little things, and it stays in good stead. Like most vehicles of that era, if you do not do the little repairs, they become big repairs after a while too long.
My CSX SV21 is like new, but I am still looking at paying 1,300 to replace a few worn parts. It started on the 8th turn after sitting at the mechanic's for over a year with old fuel still in it. But when you buy a vehicle of that age, you're paying for repairs not carried out by the previous owner; name and shame him whenever you can, and enjoy the great motor that will not die.
4th May 2010, 21:44
Try holding the handles up when you lock the front doors. That's how older car's locks work.