Today, the odometer on my 92 Camry V-6 LE passed the goal I set for the car,
300,000 miles. At this point, the car owes me nothing. I'd try to push a bit further, but I was in a car accident a few months ago and repairs to the hood and front end would run me 1500 dollars, so I think it is time to move on. This is the best car I have ever owned, despite a few minor issues. The following is a list of complaints/issues/repairs I have made to the car over the years.
- Innumerable retractable antennae. Looks great but doesn't last when it has to go up and down several times a day. Motor still works though.
- Retractable seatbelt. The springs just wear out and don't retract. Not worth fixing, but Toyota seems to have problems with things that retracct (see number 1)
- 2 sets of oxygen sensors.
- Squeaky rear bushings. I just turned up the radio and drowned out the noise for 300k.
- Radio/Cassette deck. Reception was never great and the cassette died after approximately 8 years. This made complaint #4 more annoying.
- Driver side window regulator/motor. This died at approximately 160k miles. I live in NJ and would have to open and close the driver's window 6 times a day to pay tolls on the Garden State Parkway, so I can't blame Toyota.
- At 160K miles, the key wore down and got stuck in the ignition. About
- Starter motor needed replacement at 200K miles.
- Power steering pump seized at 200K.
10.Changed the timing belt at 120K miles. Still on the second belt and original water pump.
11.Knock sensor died at 160K miles. This was annoying and shouldn't have died. Repair and replacement was approximately 800 dollars, as I recall.12.The original Dunlop D80 V4 lasted only 20K miles. The car ate a second pair of Dunlop SP4000. Overinflating the tires by approximately 2psi solved future problems as did changing to H rated Dunlops. Got 60K per set after making changes.
13.First set of front brake pads at 120K. Full set and rotors at 260 K miles. Needed new rear calipers at same time. My fault. I didn't change brake fluid for the first 7 years.14.Annoying lights that died in radio/clock so I couldn't see what time it was or the radio station.
15.Dim headlights that never threw a good pattern. The plastic covers clouded with age/time exascerbating the problem.16.Hood pressure struts at approximately 9 years.
- Car has original struts, engine mounts, exhaust, etc. AC works great. No leaks in cooling system. Everything else original.
I hate to part with the beast, but it is time for perhaps a new 95? Camry! Thoughts?