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Omega1982
New User
Jul 14, 2017, 12:06 AM
Post #1 of 8
(1861 views)
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2002 Toyota Camry
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Good morning.
I am new to this forum. I decided to join since I love cars and everything mechanical. I have a 2002 Totoya Camry which is getting up there in age and I had a few questions. First a bit of info on the car.
Pros.....
only 84,000 miles
Belonged to my mother which is a careful driver
Accident free
All maintenance done on time
Cons....
City traffic
Exposed to S Florida heat and rain / humidity
The following repairs have been done throughout the lifetime of the car....
Motor mounts
Water pump
Rack and pinion
Starter
Radiator
I am trying to be payment free for as long as I can, but I don't want to be left stranded or any surprises with this car.
What would you guys recommend I replace as maintenance. In other words, on this year and make of car, what are the most common next break downs?
How long do you guys this I can keep this car running without spending an excessive amount of money on repairs? Thanks.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jul 14, 2017, 4:48 AM
Post #2 of 8
(1842 views)
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Re: 2002 Toyota Camry
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You have one of the most reliable cars ever made.
You don't necessarily have to replace parts that aren't broken. You just need to stay on top of any issues that come up. Stay up with the preventative maintenance to include oil changes, trans fluid changes, brake fluid flush and timely inspections. When issues come up, respond to them immediately.
The interior and body will probably fail before it wears out mechanically.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jul 14, 2017, 4:58 AM
Post #3 of 8
(1834 views)
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Re: 2002 Toyota Camry
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I recommend that you have it looked over by your mechanic. You never stated which engine.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jul 14, 2017, 4:59 AM
Post #4 of 8
(1832 views)
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Re: 2002 Toyota Camry
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All that and didn't list which engine?
Care for a car/vehicle has listed things to do by age and miles - do them and on time. Humidity alone shouldn't be a total problem nor normal rain but puddles (ponded water) can be a problem.
Lube things like hinges and latches. S. FL non coastal usually is easy on vehicles. May want to keep it out of the sun as much as possible which is a problem with plastics and rubber in time hard on paint.
Change antifreeze on schedule with proper mix despite low need for freeze protection you need corrosion protection which does wear out with time and use.
An opinion is to prolong engine life oil wise is use synthetics of proper viscosity and still change it on schedule as listed for the car.
That's about it. How you drive matters as well. Gentle is better of course,
T
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Omega1982
New User
Jul 14, 2017, 7:34 PM
Post #5 of 8
(1788 views)
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Re: 2002 Toyota Camry
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Thanks for the feedback gentlemen.
It is a 4 cylinder and is the FE engine with a timing chain.
Usually for example the water pump lasts no more than 10 years.
An alternator between 8 and 20 years.
Most cars that are 10 years old for example will have a water pump changed, a starter changed and possibly a radiator.
So on this car, in the 10 to 20 year range, what would be the most probable next repairs needed?
I'm thinking another water pump, the alternator, the brake master cylinder, motor mounts again and possibly a control arm assembly.
Any thoughts?
I have read that on Toyotas the fuel pump is very durable and that the oil pump can last for the lifetime of the engine.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jul 14, 2017, 7:56 PM
Post #6 of 8
(1782 views)
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Re: 2002 Toyota Camry
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No, we don't approach things that way. We don't change parts because we anticipate a failure unless we have valid evidence of one. The water pump may last 5 years on one car and 15 on a different identical car so don't try to predict failure with no reason.
You INSPECT the vehicle and find things in early stages of failure but there is no reason to change perfectly working parts. Fluids, yes.
Now if you were heading out on a cross country trip, I might have a different opinion on that but with a 2002 car, that would be ill advised anyway.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jul 15, 2017, 12:42 AM
Post #7 of 8
(1765 views)
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Re: 2002 Toyota Camry
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? What's with replacing motor mounts? IDK of any life expectancy for those in about anything. They get ruin by how driven or exposed to something not expected if they fail.
Don't just replace parts by age or miles that don't show a problem as what you put in may be worse than what you replaced by now. Toyota or any car maker sets specs for quality and defect % new then aftermarket will jump in on popular items may be better but probably not.
Things with listed time of useful life include light bulbs, batteries anywhere and about ends with that.
Be smart and check things as dumb as wiper blades so you don't wreck a windshield over a bad one.
Same with HT on long trips at some point of age it's not suggested. Why? You may not get a silly part you must have same day or lots longer depending.
BTW - I/we drive vehicles too and not a damn thing we could do 1,000 miles away in the middle of nowhere, no parts or tools just as stuck as anyone.
One last thing - check your spare tire and pressure now and routinely. I do and will still a lot of road calls - #1 problem is spare is flat or way to low frequently never checked from new again,
T
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