I just inherited an old 2002 Toyota Camry with 110,000 miles. It passed inspection but my driving will be limited until I start refreshing some systems. I do all the work myself, fixing cars is a little hobby, and I've already done it to three other older family cars with success.

I've noticed it looks like most stuff will be pretty accessible and easy to work on, so I'm anticipating it will be tons of fun. The only thing I won't be fixing myself will be the A/C. It runs for ten minutes nice and cold, then the cold stops with the A/C light blinking.

It drives like a go cart and will help me extend the life of my old F150 and save on gasoline. And it's so easy to drive and park. I know a new vehicle would be all that times 10, but I'm not in a position to buy new vehicles.

What do you guys think of these old Camry's ?

I think that one probably has another 220,000 miles left in it!

If it has had regular oils changes the thing is not even broken in yet.

Might need a timing belt change. A/C issue may be related to a stretched belt

We shipped our old Camry to our son when he went to Texas A&M. It had 280,000 on it. I believe when he traded it, it was around 320,000. 2010 I believe. I don’t think you will be disappointed.

They are bomb awesome. Fix it up and drive the hell out of it. They are bulletproof.

I'm doing the same thing with a 2010 Highlander which is built on the same platform.

Some models had an issue with either head gasket or valve cover gaskets, and used some oil. They still go forever, but tended to use a bit of oil. I'm not sure if that year was included. Those are great solid commuter cars. Drive safe!

Good cars, use Toyota trans fluid in it, plastic check valves in the valve body and the friction material on the clutch disks will appreciate it. One thing overlooked is the power steering fluid, get a turkey baster and suck out as much as you can,, if you don't want to drop a return line and drain it.
The flashing A/C could be a couple things, flashing means it's trying to work but a sensor is shutting it down, rpm sensor in the compressor, pressure switch sensor, it might be low on charge but it could be other things.

110K? Hell, that's like 80k less than my first Toyota had (1989 Celica), and that thing went on to last me another 6 years and about 60k miles, and was still going strong when I sold it.

quote:

Originally posted by rocket72:
Might need a timing belt change. A/C issue may be related to a stretched belt

If it's a V6 it'll have a timing belt, but most are the 4 cylinder which has a timing chain. Those are lifetime, barring something catastrophic. It would still have a serpentine belt, though.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: RogueJSK,

Tyoties are like that ugly old suitcase you have in your closet. You want it to fail so you can get rid of it, but it never does. A friend has a Camry with 190K on it and it still runs great and looks tolerably good too. I think his is an 05.

I have an '03 as our extra car.

About 250k miles on the clock, and it is indeed bulletproof, provided the regular maintenance is performed.

In the last few years, I've needed to replace a power steering line, the valve cover gasket, the motor mounts (all 3), the battery cables, and the front O2 sensor. All easy, cheap repairs.

I also have a check engine light that indicates a fuel evap system problem. I suspect a cracked/broken vent line near the tank. Doesn't impact drivability at all.

Here's a pro tip: if you have the 2.4L 4 cyl and the auto trans, like I do, take a look under the hood where the shifter cable meets the transaxle. Hose down that area with a penetrating lubricant, then work the gear selector from P to L until its butter smooth.

I neglected to do that, and one rainy day it fought me going into reverse. Later in the trip, I decided to exercise it while stopped at a light, and it decided to 'self-destruct' in the L position, forcing me to limp it home 5 miles in low gear.

I feared the worst, but turned out to be a simple fix where the cable attached to the shift lever on the transaxle. Lubed the lever, popped the cable back on, and GTG. Ounce of prevention, ya know...

Treat it right and it won't let you down!

My parents just got rid of theirs, an 08 XLR i think, gave it to my sister when her CRV was on its last legs.
If it's a V6, the rear bank spark plugs are not an easy job.

Otherwise it's been mighty reliable & comfortable

Darn good cars! They just keep going and going.
.

I think it’s just getting started

I've got one closing in on 400K and it's not letting up anytime soon. Treat it decent and you'll find that it may outlast you

I'm not kidding when I think it has at least another 110,000 miles to go.

I've always aimed for 300,000 miles as my target for any car. I've given the last three cars away to family and friends still serviceable and drivable with 200,000 on it.

That gen with the 6 cylinder had a couple issues (the aforementioned oil/head gasket thing) and IIRC the OEM water pumps were a shade questionable. Otherwise, that thing probably has another easy 250-300k miles left in it.

Be sure to change the brake fluid and coolant and any other age related service items. Also flush the area around the battery with water. Also be prepared to replace any belts and tires, if the date code shows they are old.
Otherwise, that's a great car. Just be sure to find a real mechanic (not dealership) that knows older cars for the items you can't do yourself.

Great car! Enjoy making it your own and getting comfortable with your services on it.

yep, the 2002-2007 are really great cars. One with that few miles should be a real gem. Enjoy, it will serve you very well.

Sorry about inheriting it. Meaning the loss of someone you cared about.