I have one with 270k miles its pretty rough right now but I am gonna be starting to get it road worthy pretty soon and ordering most of the parts from these guys.
My 2000 camry made it to 406,000 miles and was still running. It needed struts, new tires, oil pump gasket to stop oil leak, and exhaust system. It had the original transmission / engine all still working fine. I finally let go of it but it probably would have ran at least another 100,000 miles. Amazing car.
Watching this as a proud owner of a 2000 Camry with 60k on the clock. The mechanic had a look at it recently and he said it’s in better condition than most cars only a few years old. 😂
Don't forget to have the timing belt changed at 80,000 miles. Garage charges $600 to $1,000 typically to change the timing belt. They also usually change the water pump at the same time.
#3 #4 #5 all of which I have experienced, but I didn't have any issues with the original equipment until 280,000 miles. I also had to replace my OE radiator around 290K, but in total the repair bill for all of those issues was under $1,000. I'm now over 300K and expect to hit 400K no problem. Just make sure you're keeping up with your oil changes and timing belt. Also, replace the water pump when you replace the timing belt. This car will last forever. In fact, my original key no longer starts my car because the teeth are so worn the antitheft activates LOL the car has outlasted the original key it came with.
I got a 2000 Toyota Camry le 4cyl with 240,000 miles. The way new cars are priced these days I'm thinking it'll be cheaper to get my engine/transmission rebuilt when the time comes.
@@ruthlessmofo Exactly the new cars has 100 more sensors and don't come with a spare tire (most new cars) or cigarette lighter and recalls you have to keep up with.
I've ordered many parts for my 1999 Camry from your company, and your delivery time & quality are better than most online parts sources I've used before. I also love your instructional videos on these cars, straightforward, accurate & no ambiguity. These cars were manufactured here in Georgetown Kentucky, near my home, I also met some people who still build modern Camrys in that plant, many people who locally race these older Camrys, and retired plant workers who remember building these 4th generation ('97-'01) Camrys. These "old timers" still rave about how much better these Camrys are, compared to the newer models their children are currently building in that same plant! I have just crossed 370,000 miles driving/maintaining my own 4 cylinder, 4th Generation Camry, thanks to the old timers' stories, your instruction videos, and a lot of parts I bought from you guys. Keep up the Good work! -Love to see more Gen-4 Camry videos!
+Gordon Blair Thank you for your orders and taking the time to leave this feedback! We'd love to hear about your experience. Here's a link to leave us a review on Google: goo.gl/i5JFNY We are always cycling though common cars and we will add more for this vehicle to our list!
Had a 01 Camry with 312k kilometres. Bought is for $350 and have had to put about $1000 into it. Done Oil changes and replaced the front left axle. Overall great for eating up highway miles and keeping you comfortable.
I have a 2000 Camry V6. No major issues. It has over 194,000 miles. Mine takes off very fast at a light. I beat a 2020 Mustang. He picks up and goes with no issues. I have not had any of the issues that were talked about except the oxygen sensor. That is it. Mine still runs like it did when I bought it. The best car EVER!!
Those sensors seems to ba a common problem, changed couple of those sensors (O2 and fuel mixture) but couldn't get rid of the check engine light. Intermittent: on for 60 miles then off for another 60, dives like new, no drop in gas consumption or performance. Pass smog checks when trouble light goes off. Couldn't found any issues, going to replace parts like Robert Diehl, LOL!
Great cars! Still using my 1997 Camry LE as a commuter and has over 250K on the clock. Not the nicest area where I work so don’t want to add any fancy and expensive extras 😬 She’s under the radar and still has the original factory radio w/cassette player and hubcaps 😁
I love these older Camrys fantastic cars especially with the 4 cylinder motor I have a 1998 with the original motor transmission and alternator and power steering pump still doing great 🎉248600 miles later
I guess I might have what you referred to as a "barn jewel." I have a 1999 Camry LE, and it just hit 83,000 miles as of yesterday. It was garaged most of its life, and the previous owner always had it serviced at Toyota. At 65, 000 miles, the water pump and timing belt was replaced, the brakes were serviced, the hoses and belts were replaced, and the power steering pump was replaced or repaired due to the leak you described in the video. In addition, the paint is original, and other than a couple of dings, it looks almost better than when it was new. Of course, I am a detailer and have been detailing cars for over 40 years, so I do have an advantage in that department. With that said, it is amazing that this car is in the condition it is in. In fact, it is in better condition than most of the newer versions of the Camry you see today. Thanks you for your video, as it has given me some things to be proactive about, especially the wire harness in the trunk. I had planed on replacing a lot of the wire looms under the hood, but now I will have to check on that one too.
I'm super glad to have found this video. We just bought a 2001 Toyota Camry LE that has three of these issues. The wiring harness tip was the best of the batch. All 7 wires were broken in two places in the general vicinity of the trouble area you pointed out. They've been trimmed, spliced, soldered, and shrink tubed. The reverse lights and the license plate lights all work now. When it wasn't simply the bulbs or fuse, I was concerned it would be a difficult diagnosis and repair. I've ordered the valve cover gasket from your website. The oxygen sensor is the next one on your list that I'll tackle. This video has no doubt saved me many hours and many headaches. Thanks!
1998 ToyotaCamry v6 ( 1mzfe ) is a horror show with repairs. Absolute junk beyond words... I bought this garage kept- one owner/ elderly driven-dealer service since day one- 72,500 mile Japan built camry for $3,800.00 thinking the car would last a few years hoping to reach at least 225, 000 miles with paper dealer recipets in glove box to prove dating back 22 years in 2020. Here's the list of problems with this car:::: Phantom misfire at highway speeds (65 mph/ 2400 rpm) . Lol, I replaced iridium spark plugs ( yes- double prong waste spark management Denso plugs) ignition coils, ignition wires, fuel pump, fuel filter, throttle position sensor, idle air control valve, egr valve, mass air flow sensor & interstate 24f battery and the car still misfire like a mofo down New Jersey turnpike like clock work every day on the way to work. Ohhhh, the greatest chase down repair yet was the nonstop flickering/ dimming headlight & dashboard light situation which took me a month to figure that out. Yes, I checked out all my electrical grounds and all tested okay. Bought standard 90 amp alternator off right here at 1A Auto and still had dimming lights. In the end, I fixed dimming/ flickering headlights by installing a custom built 240 amp alternator. ( btw, using 130 amp alternator out of a 2003 toyota highlander with v6 will make flickering lights improve by 65% but go 200 amp alternator minimum to fix issue). Expect top bearing plates on top of struts to make noise and wear out every 8 months even if my are used. The abs/traction control light that blinks constantly with keep u company as u drive for no reason. Out of frustration, I bought 4 toyota dealer abs sensors along with new teeth ring gears at all four wheels plus swapped out abs module buried in dashboard & abs motor hydraulic pump and abs light still flashes.... Last but not least was right before Christmas on a 4° degree night at 11pm after a 17 hour day at work when the car wound not start ( no noise/no crank) because the " security system- immobilizer activated. Yea, I have triple AAA tow truck coverage but guess what - in today's Corona Virus World means u can't ride in the tow truck meaning I was litteraly left standing there. I admit that I am an idiot for dropping 4gs cash in repairs into a car that is inherently a sheet box. Long story short, go with another brand/ make of car. I shoulda known toyota was garbage after learning of their oil burning mid 2000's car mainly 1.8 and 2.4 engines after the fact. If I could have the car crushed or burn the car myself, I would be a happy man. In the meantime, I am stuck with my 8 grand money pit.
I had a 2000 camry for about 10 years and never had any of these issues except for the valve cover gasket.i just sold it with over 258,000 miles on it and it was still running like a champ.love those camrys.i just got a 03 LE V6 with only 103,000 miles, super clean love my "new" cam.
Bought my 2001 four-cylinder Camry one year ago, drives like you just drove it out of the showroom with 200 thousand km on the clock just had to have the radiator and water pump changed still a wonderful car.
The 97 to 2001 Toyota Camry is one of the best cars ever made. I have a 99 that I bought in Jan 2002. It's a four cylinder LE model. I bought it with 32,000 mi and it now has 196,000 MI. I have never had to even change the brakes on it once. Nothing but minor problems in the 19 years I've owned it. Low maintenance easy to repair. Best most reliable car for transportation I've ever owned out of the four cars that I have.
I am a single owner since 2001 and have clocked 450,000 kms. A very reliable car when serviced properly. All liquids should be changed on time. Engine oil and transmission oil should be changed at least 500 kms before schedule. Air condition system regularly cleaned and serviced. All consumables such as tires, timing belts, belts, filters, bushings, brakepads, spark plugs, filters etc. regularly checked and changed. Most of the parts except reducer and dynamo are still original factory fits. Love this car.
I have 97 with 133k . Very helpful. Did not know the power steering leak was so simple. I bought mine with 103K and I have no regrets. Easy to work on. I had the wire issues in the trunk.
01 camry owner here, I've replaced pretty much everything suspension wise down to bushings, and everything that bolts to the engine without cracking it open. Another common issue is oil leak from oil pump gasket deteriorating. Good to swap a new one when doing the timing belt.
Not really. Preventative maintenance will prevent 90% of problems. Most people do not properly maintain their cars and drive them until something breaks.
@@BabyBugBug BMWs lol, you really let people know your level of experience there. www.google.com/search?q=bmw+reliability&rlz=1C1GCEA_enAU863AU863&oq=bmw+reliability&aqs=chrome..69i57j46i131i199i291i433l2j46i131i433j0i131i433l2j46i131i199i291i433j0i131i433j46i131i433.7005j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
This generation Camry is one of the best Camrys ever built I have 1998 with over 276,000 miles original engine and transmission air-conditioning blows ice cold heat is excellent this car was years ahead of its time. The car is exceptional.
I have a 1997 I purchased new and have never had to put freon in it and I blast my air every time it gets hot in the summer. I've had 6 other cars and had to put freon in them every few years. I am amazed at that. and where I live we have hot summers
99 here. Owned it since 2002. That's 20 years of ownership. Car is immortal. One day when the Sun dies billions of years from now, this car will still be driving.
Literally millions of these cars still running around... pretty damn impressive for 20-25yr old cars...can't say that about most any other cars of that era especially gm ford or dodge/chrysler
I needed a 2nd A to B car so I just bought a 99’ Camry 2 months ago for a daily driver with 216k miles , still has good dark blue paint so I tinted all windows , got new rims , waxed and detailed the car and it runs around town solid and quiet ride , saves gas and looks good till this day . The best 2k I spent . Most 99 camrys next time looks like crap .
I’ve just bought my 7th Camry still have 4 of them both daughters all 4 cyl s mine just passed 623.000 and yes had the normal maintenance but still driving down America highways just bought a 2000 4cyl with 120.000 only needed a battery no rust no dents or any leaks going to be my new highway car Toyota Camry is one of the best cars I’ve every owned hands down
Replaced my timing belt at 100k miles with new water pump and replaced valve cover gasket....but one more thing you missed that you need to replace your motor mounts they can go bad over 100k miles..you will hear engine shifting..
My 99 has 376,000 on her. Love this car. Ignition coil connector broke had to replace it. And the exhaust is giving me problems. I repair one hole got another one by the manifold.lol Hubby learned how to weld fixing it Great video . It's a V6. We have replaced power steering, spark plugs and wires, coils O2. sensors. The exhaust seems to be the biggest, though.She purrs when happy
I have a 99 Camry LE with 3 of the above mentioned problems. O2 sensor, power steering leak at the rack, and crushed brake light wire in the harness at the trunk hinge. All else with the car is good. It's now my grandson's daily driver until he can buy his own first car. This is a solid car and has been for the 19 years I've driven it. Thank you for those tips.
The best car I have ever owned (2001 Camry l4 2.2 5sfe) still runs great currently @ 300k miles, bought it @143k miles, it has the power steering fluid leak and the engine shift due to bad mounts also rough idle when first starting, head cover gasket leaks also the driver side outside door handle broke other than that no issues, this thing is a tank.
Ur power steering leak is most likely crush washer on high power steering line I just replaced a line and it leaked with normal washers put the right crush washer in no leaks
You are the first person I've seen to mention number 5. My dash had the P, N, and D lights on. It was the trunk lid wiring that was worn and broken behind the hinge. Great video and information.
I had to replace drivers side window motor and realign the backseat window on the same side last year, (it was out when purchased) but with how old it is, it isn’t unheard of. Especially being the driver side. The windows on the drivers side get used so much more than the passenger side- solo driving, drive thrus, and when it went out, they either opened the door or had a backseat passenger roll down theirs. The motor went out on my driver door, and the window came off the tracks on the door behind it. So I had to remember not to use it, or get a second person to help me shimmy it back up into place. I’m glad it’s fixed now.
I have a 1999 Camry 4-cylinder... 277k miles, going strong! I got from original owner, oil changed every 3k miles, transmission fluid changed every 50k miles.
I own a 1999 that I found two years ago. Its a fully loaded xle v6 with 60,000 km on it, it now has 107,000km. So far I've done alternator, water pump, timing belt and an emission sensor. Best commuter car I've ever owned.
Re: Valve cover gaskets. The bolts used to hold the cover on bottom out before the gasket is compressed enough to ensure sealing. Putting a couple of washers on each bolt before installation of the new gasket will enable you to torque them down properly.
YES!!! I was just about to comment on some of the WHYs for these issues. You nailed it for the oil leak at the valve cover. Mind if I ask where you got your washers?? I had some but I lost one and now I have to check the torque on my valve cover every 4 weeks.
Got my '99 at 75K, currently at 80K miles. Bought it with the gasket issue (fixed immediately), had a surprise antifreeze leak same day of inspection (thermostat, smelled horrible), and only had to do a transmission fluid change on it (no leaks, just hesitated quite a couple of times before the fluid change). Runs beautiful.
I have a 99 camry. It was the first car I bought back in 2000 in an auto auction. I kept it since and now with 307000 miles on its clock, still runs like a sharm, can't say the same for the other 2 cars I bought after for my mom and my ex-wife (she took it anyways) had it for a couple of months then she sold it as junk. And I still have my camry
I had a 2000 Camry, and while I loved it, my biggest issue was with the door handles! One day, the outside door handle snapped off in my hand. Another day, the inside door handle (the whole works) came out in my hand! I hope my 2019 Camry hybrid has better luck!
I agree this generation of Camry has to be one of the most reliable cars ever made. We have a 2000 Camry LE 4cyl with only 114k miles with no rust at all, and we live in the rust belt. Toyota engineered this car for longevity for sure. Really enjoyed your video!
1997 V6, 330000 km: Valve cover gasket on the rear cylinder bank: check. Leaking power steering pump: check. Also: Oscillating idle rpm caused by dirty throttle valve. AC pump replaced twice. Both heated seats don't work. Otherwise normal wear and tear and regular maintenance. Reliable, fast, smooth and quiet car.
@@rotweilerdc I have a 2000 Camry with about 315000 miles and the ONLY thing I've done the last 3 years is change oil and last week replaced the thermostat and let me tell ya that lil booger is fast! Granted it doesn't have the immediate pick up and pin you back to your seat like alot of your bigger V8s but when I drop the hammer it'll shit & get like no tomorrow even with over 300K on the engine. Registered for 140 and does every bit with pedal left. I'll buy every one of these I can get the money for every time I see one for sale.
Car runs great during ownership. Mine also hesitates sometimes. Had a family friend replace the spark plugs but it wasn't torque to spec, causing a misfire. Replaced it at 108K and sold the car after owning it for 7 years (bought in 2009 with 77K). The painted grille in the front tends to flake over time due to normal wear.
Original owner of 2001 Solara, 114,000 miles. Engine light has been on for a few years, I was told it is an evap. problem, but since my state does not have vehicle inspection to leave it alone. Drivers side seat belt needs to be manually engaged by pushing in red button. So that light stays on too. I hear something rattle under the hood for first mile or so, then it stops. Mechanic couldn't find anything. As you can see I don't know anything about car mechanics, but love my car. Would like to keep her even if I have to put some money into. Cheaper than the new ones that have zero appeal to me.
Over where I’m at people like to high ball the hell out of them, low and behold I found one for 2700$ got him down to 2000$ with just a facebook message, came to look at it only had 160k miles just finished doing the belt change and battery change, literally drove it home same day with no insurance lol jesus christ I’m so lucky to have this car just hanging out in my garage till Monday when the dmv opens
Thanks for the video. I have a 1998 Toyota Camry LE with 155,022 miles. Now trying to figure out why the drivers side window fogged up and not the passenger side window and the defroster did not work
I have the same power steering leak.ive had some stuff break in the year ive had it but 228,000 miles when i bought it for 1,000 and some occasional oil greatcars
Indeed, my V6 Camry rear valve cover gasket was leaking oil and destroyed the inner CV boot and I also had to replace the high pressure power steering hose.
I've also found that the 2.2Liter engine has a habit of leaking around the oil pan after a while, and although manufacturers offer oil pan gaskets for these engines, I was told by former Toyota plant workers, that originally, the oil pans did NOT have oil pan gaskets when the cars were built! On the assembly line, Toyota used their own brand of a quick-drying, form-in-place-gasket material, (Permatex makes a similar product called "Right Stuff" basically, a quick-drying version of their "Ultra Black" form-in-place-gasket maker RTV.) I disconnected the exhaust pipe at the manifold flange, removed the oil pan, cleaned it really well inside and outside, I replaced the oem drain plug with one that has a magnetic tip, and I literally glued the oil pan back in place without a pan gasket, using a wide, but only 2mm or 3mm thick, uniform bead of Permatex Ultra Black, with the oil pan screws just finger tight until it hardened a little bit (according to instructions on the tube), then I torqued them down after that, & let the material I used fully cure overnight before adding oil (I cant remember the inch-pounds torque spec I finally used on the pan bolts, but it wasn't much, (they're snug & secure, but the adhesive in the gasket material is sharing the job). I have driven the car over 35,000 miles so far since this was done, and the oil pan has never leaked nor seeped even a hint of oil. TIP: I learned to keep the thickness of that bead uniform all the way around the pan! There is a long, especially smooth area on the lip of the pan directly below the engine's rear main seal you need to be careful about when using this gasket-less approach, go as wide as you like with the bead of material (the wider the better!), but make certain both surfaces are VERY clean, and keep the thickness of that bead the same all the way around the pan- I used the pan screws to keep the thickness uniform the whole way around, --do not squish all the form-in-place-gasket material all the way out from between the block and the pan below that rear main seal -it is a very easy mistake to make! and adhesion on BOTH sides is very important there. Make certain both surfaces all the way around the pan are super clean, so the material sticks to both block and pan, and sets nice and thick (especially below the rear main seal) before you torque the rest of the way. (and FYI: this gasket-less approach on the assembly line, was NOT used on the valve cover! but adding the FIPG material there helps!)
Knock sensor harness for v6 models - both a common problem and a cause of hesitation on acceleration. Also the flex pipe: either a big-money repair on the late v6 models, or an easy job if you have a buddy with a mig welder and a sawzall.
@@BenHelweg Flex Pipe issues: on my awesome 99 there wasnt enuf area for a respected repair shop to weld on to the end of the Flex Pipe and the part they wanted to order to replace it started at $900 NOT including Labor.
1998 LE 4cyl. ..presently 37,000 miles. Took it over from my dad 5 years ago at 12K miles. Just turned 24 years so still less then 2k per year. Currently have a P0171 code, MAP sensor I believe...gets terrible gas mileage...hopefully new sensor will fix that. Also may have a leak in heating core/hose? Steams the windows a bit in heater mode. Other than that, looks like new and runs great. Changed all fluids when I took it over at 12k.
I have a 1990 toyota camry 4 cylinder with 460000 miles on it the broken wires in the back of the trunk solved my problem with my reverse lights not turning on. Thank you
This was the Pinnacle of car design , just enough tech to be efficient easy to live with and economical on fuel and emissions, while been reliable and requiring little effort to drive ,
This my car atm (my first car) and im so happy i brought this instead of a commodore, but i do have to replace the entire front suspension (mostly). I've recently discovered tho parts for it are mostly impossible to find, it has a little over 300k km
Camry 2000 V6 here, 412k miles. Open issues: 1. Electrical antenna motor 2. Driver´s seat feels abit loose (even though all bolts are tight) 3. Power steering feels abit tighter. Think it was smoother before.
Perfect. I am looking at buying a 1998 Toyota Camry XLE V6. I've been looking at several vehicles to get for a daily and this seems to be my best option.
I have a '99 V6 XLE and although I had to get some things repaired or updated over the last year, I love my little beater. I reccomend these model years if you can find one in good shape.
4 cylinder camry. The hose to the resonator split, did not notice for a year, letting in unfiltered air. Needed new oil pump, dripping almost a stream of oil. Had to have the flex pipe replaced multiple times, just had the exhaust replaced from the catalytic converter to the tail. Stalled in traffic this year, wouldn't start again for 15 or so minutes. I think it is the vacuum switching valve, but it needs to be diagnosed, it's been running OK from what I hear, and my daughter never got it fixed. Not pretty anymore with the clearcoat coming off. Despite those things, very reliable!
I drive a 2000 Camry LE (VIN J) with 195.6k miles and I've had 3 of those problems occur. I may have a PS leak some time soon, but we'll see when that time comes.
I'm purchasing a 2000 camry for $500. It has 67000 miles on it. It's been driven the entire time.....granted just not far. It only needs an alternator and a new or used door and a passenger side mirror. That's it
I never knew a female mechanic before but you are a very very smart woman. I can tell these things I have a 2000 Toyota Camry LE four-cylinder with 150,000 MI I just had the entire car checked by two different mechanical shops and the only thing that they could find wrong with it was it needed all four tires because I was getting vibration and shaking at speeds above 50 mph they replaced the tires and did a front wheel alignment and a four wheel alignment it made the shaking almost go away but it's still there but not as bad anything over 50 I start to get a little shake but anything past 60 you really start to feel it and the wheel doesn't shake barely I mean you got a really look at it to see if it's really moving and a lot of the times it doesn't move at all but I feel something in the front end is making it do this the shape that like little shimmy I have no idea what it is both shops said they couldn't find anything wrong with it. I bought the vehicle about 6 months ago and I haven't had a problem with it except this do you have any suggestions on what this possibly could be or what I could replace the solve this problem thanks for reading this.
The nice thing about the wiring harness for the rear lights, even if you broke all of them, you still have all the lights on the rear body that are legally required.
2001 Camry. 4 cyl. The only problem I had was I had to change the battery after 9 years. I also replaced the radiator as a prevention after 10yrs , not that it cracked. And replaced the timing belt, but at 100k miles, the belt looked perfect with no cracks
