I have a 2001 camry with 118,000 miles and it runs well. I have had it since 2004 and have done a good job with maintenance. I don’t want to spend the money on a new car, but I would like my car to be a little nicer looking (new paint job and maybe alloy wheels) but I am concerned about making the investment if a major service problem exists under my hood. What system or parts do I need to check before I make the investment in the cosmetics of the car? Since I drive about 8,000 miles per year, the money saved by not buying a new car makes sense–again, as long is there is no large expense which I did not consider before making the cosmetic investment.
Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
Chuck
The money you would spend on a descent paint job and alloy wheels could cost more than the vehicle is worth.
Why not stick that money in the bank for future mechanical repairs on the vehicle? Afterall, nobody’s going to see that fancy paint job/alloy wheels if the vehicle is parked in the garage with a blown engine/transmission.
Tester
Hello chuck…
What kind of Camry ???
Engine, transmission, trim level, etc, etc, etc…???
Please expand on the “…have done a good job with maintenance” bit.
The more details the better.
Exactly.
What type of engine does the car have? Is that engine equipped with a timing belt?
If so, have you replaced it?
What type of transmission does it have? If it is an automatic, have you changed the fluid every 3 years/30k miles?
Can you elaborate on these vital maintenance items, as well as other maintenance that the car has had?
Four cylinder, automatic, LE
Followed the prescribed maintenance schedule per Toyota guidelines, including tune-ups (2), timing belt (70,000 miles). Have replaced brake pads, rotors, rear struts. Oil changes every 5,000 miles or six months, whichever comes first. Rotate tires every 7,000 miles.
Let me know if you need more information.
thanks, Chucl
What you listed is good. However, Toyota, like many other mfrs, has stopped listing the vital trans fluid change every 3 yrs/30k miles.
Even though it is very late in the game to begin servicing the trans, if you want to keep this car running with minimal expense, I would strongly suggest that you take it to an independent trans shop for a fluid and filter change. That could help you to avoid very expensive transmission failure.
Thanks!
I have changed the transmission fluid (don’t recall how many times) and have had a “flush” per the suggestion of Colonial Foreign Imports of Williamsburg. Not sure I needed it, but the literature is not clear and I had begun to develop confidence in the folks at the car place.
It sounds like you are doing well with maintenance, so the car should be as reliable as a car can be when it has over 100k on the odometer.
However, I am not sure that I would go to the expense of a good-quality, professional paint job + alloy wheels on a 9 year old car. That is a personal issue. If it is worth it to you, then it is worth it.
Ok.
My dilemma is this. I like having a dependable car to drive, but I also value a nice looking car. I have the funds to buy a new car (probably a honda or toyota-in the $20,000 to $27,000 price range), but I am 68 years old and have other places I want to spend my money (including grand children and increasing health insurance). I get as much satisfaction in having an older car that runs well and looks good as owning and driving a new vehicle. I am inclined to fix my current car, spend four to five thousand dollars on it and probably get another 7 to 10 years of quality driving given that I drive around 7,500 per year. I am not a car expert and I think you have answered my question about a major system or parts problem with my existing car. No one knows the future, but if I continue to take care of my camry, the odds are that the 200,000 milestone is within reach.
thanks for your expertise. Have a great day.
Chuck
Take the car to a professional “detailing” shop. Let them have a look, make suggestions, and give you some estimates. If you are ok with the current color they can work wonders in bringing back the “new car shine”. They can also completely clean the inside if you wish and give the current wheels (or covers) some extra attention. After a good detailing you can see if that is enough. For a hundred of so bucks your car might looks 300% better.
great ideas,
Thanks!
Instead of an expensive set of “mag” wheels, buy a $50 set of fake ones. The average person can’t possibly tell the difference. When I lost one of the hubcaps off my wife’s Nissan, the dealer wanted a fortune for a replacement. Instead she got a racy set of fake mags and they look great!
Not having a good looking car is not a “dilemna”, not having a reliable car or no car at all is a real dilemna.
Congradulations on maintaining your vehicle so well. I would keep doing so till you trade it!
Sounds like you may have saved me a bundle.
Thanks!