1990 Toyota Camry Ultima review from Australia and New Zealand

1. Some minor scratches and dents

2. Minor Transmission problems - due to age.

3. Some Interior components need replacing due to age.

4. If not driven enough or driven only for short trips, the battery will die quickly.

1. This is probably still one of the best used cars on the market, despite the nearly 20 years age. It has the best handling and driving by any car since that time and still out maneuvers and performs better than some new cars and sports cars. The size and dimensions are perfect - Not too big and heavy to have trouble steering and parking in small spaces, and great for small and big people alike, and carrying 4 people comfortably - not too small to lose driving and passenger comfort.

2. This is one of the best selling cars in Australia due to it's high reliability. Despite the problems which might come with age, if the car is still roadworthy after every registration and green slip renewal, its worth keeping. The only reason not to keep this particular car is when its has been in an accident or had extensive repairs. The car will still run great even with any minor age problems or long after the odometer stops or hits 999999 km. - though this does not mean you should not get it serviced regularly.

3. The Camry SV21 works best as a touring car - long distances and road trips bring the best out of it. But its performance on the streets and suburbs are also among the best.

4. Petrol consumption MAY degrade with age - but even if it does it is still unmatched by other car of its time and even newer cars today. Just keep driving regularly - alter your route to avoid stop signs and lights - one tank should last good 6 day working week.

5. People have always said it is expensive to maintain. The best solution is to maintain once and well and not maintain for the next 3 years - this is essential for problems with EFi Camry's - Brakes and Suspension are near indestructible - still good for the road unless car has been in accident or if mistreated or driven badly - the Camry belongs on Tarmac roads NOT bush land and dirt tracks. Check the indicator, head and rear lights - these are cheap to replace. Basically - if there's a problem and its okay to replace within a reasonable amount - do it OR do it yourself. Lights and simple oil changes, brake fluid replacement can all be done by anyone. If it's gonna cost you and arm and a leg to repair - then its up to you to decide whether if it is worth it.

6. Interior damage can be repaired simply on your own. The middle gear and hand brake section usually is the worst offender. They can be easily unscrewed and replaced - just go to your local wrecker and you will find a better part for cheap ANYWHERE - the only thing you need to do then is to ask around for the cheapest price. The upper parts such as the radio, air con units and such are usually in mint condition - even in wrecked Camry's - that's freaky. One thing the Camry would have a problem with is it's instrument cluster. The speed/rev/fuel gauge needles exposed to the sun for long periods will fade and curl, which can be a problem in determining your speed. This can also be repaired by you. Look for a new instrument cluster in the wreckers - the major problem you will face is that wrecker's won't sell you the needles by themselves, you will need to buy the whole cluster. (NOTE: make sure you get the right cluster for the right Camry model - some have tachometers, others have clocks, DO NOT use a 4 cylinder cluster on a V6 or vice versa - it will not work.) If you spend enough time looking, you might find someone willing to give you the needles only, but if not - buy a whole cluster, but pay no more than $50. Using a small pliers - you can easily pull out the needles and replace them. Don't twist and bend them, pull them striaght out veticaly. Now this is optional, but it is worth it. In every car, new or used, not everything is one hundred percent. The one thing which is not is accurate readings on an instrument cluster - ie: speed/tacho/fuel. If you're a concerned driver, or you have bought a used car for you teenager, any one may be pulled over for speeding, even though you know you were on or under the limit. One way to counter this problem and give credit to your honesty in fighting against mistaken speeding tickets and fines is to get your instrument cluster recalibrated. This can be done form as low as $75 - and next time you get unfairly pulled over, it will help to not receive a ticket. (NOTE: if your way over the speed limit - that's against the law. If its like 5 kms/miles over the limit- then you can beat and unfair ticket.) but getting the reclaibration done is smart and retunes the accuracy of the gauges to near perfect.

7. All around, this is the best car for anyone, young and old. Young drivers in Australia are now buying SV21 Camrys, shedding its once bland family car look and giving it new appeal. I've put new tyres and mag wheels for starters. I've also found a V6 Camry spoiler in a wrecker for $20 - and put that on myself - very easy. Just remember: if its got a brake light in the spoiler, get that working since its against the law to have a broken brake light - even on a spoiler. Fitting your spoiler to your car, cut some thick rubber to fit the shape of spoiler fittings and THEN place the rubber between the spoiler and trunk before screwing it together. Why? the rubber acts to protect the screws and holes in the spoiler and boot from water, weather etc. Smart and effective. Camry accessories fitted also give the car a sportier and better look. You can find all parts at a wreckers or buy new. Try a black rear window louve, with twin weathershields, headlight protectors, things like that will help raise the appeal and make the Camry stand out. Best size wheels and rims would be 17 inch, with a thickness in line with the body, and a lower profile - not too low. Larger tyres and some minor suspension tuning would onyl improve the cars handling and drive.

8. Mechanically, the SV21 Camry engine has never known to fail unless there was severe damage or irresponsibility. A good engine clean and regular maintenance will keep it going to doomsday. Young people who want to modify the car should not think about Turbos or superchargers. The Camry is a tourer, a looker, not a sports car. the best things would be an exhaust and muffler, an air filter and other minor upgrades. It is advisable to not spend thousands on engine modifications to a toyota camry. The appeal is in its original form and performance, not in upgrading. The best option in upgrades would be a Naturally Aspiration tune and engine balance. They serve to bring out the potential within the Camry Engine. Adding a turbo and supercharger will bleed your wallets dry.

9. In conclusion - Cheap to purchase, cheap to insure. repairs may be pricey, but it depends on: if you can fix it EASILY, do it your self. Self maintenance is the best on ANY used car. Do not spend heaps to repair a problem if the problem does not affect the road worthiness and overall performance. A good example would be a transmission leak, which only degrades the transmission, but never to a point of taking the car off the road. Driving and handling is perfect - a baby could drive it.