Hello,
I've just recently purchased a '98 Camry with 148k on it. The car is driving really well and passed a smog check with flying colors. However, I noticed that when starting the car a dark smoke puff comes out of the exhaust. It's only a momentary thing; there's no more smoke coming out when the car is running.
My question is: am I due for an exhaust change anyways due to the car's age/milage, or is the smoke puff a symptom of a bigger engine maintenance issue (the "maintenance required" light is not on)?
NOTE: The smog check was done by the previous owner at a Toyota dealership; the car scored well below the averages.
Any ideas? I sure would be grateful! :)
Bartek