1986 Toyota Camry 2.0 four cylinder from North America

Summary:

Cheap and fun to drive

Faults:

First own everything work.

Then the struts went out and the A/C wasn't cold.

Engine overheated and blown replace engine for 80 bucks from salvage barely used.

Cruise control is dead.

General Comments:

The car is quick and small.

Goes over any type of terrain - mud, snow, rock, anything just about, we call it the hummer.

Roomy inside - has ashtrays for everyone in the car.

Top speed in my Camry was 120mph - very scary ride, the car is very light, I fabricated an intake system for fun. Takes off like a Honda CRX.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th January, 2003

1986 Toyota Camry from North America

Summary:

I wish I had been able to drive it for the first 353,000 miles!

Faults:

Previous owner had replaced several items due mostly to mileage more than age. The majority of these were "normal" replacements performed at normal intervals. Most serious of these were clutch/pressure plate/clutch slave cylinder. These were only replaced once to my knowledge and are currently providing good service. Air conditioning is not working due to an accident the previous owner was involved in. We have only had to purchase new tires and a battery. Also had the exhaust collector replaced because my daughter "high centered" while learning to drive in our driveway. This would not have been necessary except that the collector was very rusty. Age/mileage/road salt?

General Comments:

The car is lacking in ground clearance. While this improves handling, it makes for anxious moments on rough pavement or gravel roads.

There is considerable body rust as the previous owner drove long distances to work over winter roads. This individual was the original owner and was so impressed with this car that he pruchased two later models. His wife and children learned to drive a "stick" in this car.

We were somewhat surprised at the mileage of the vehicle. However, previous experience with Toyota vehicles prevented this from being unbelievable. At 355,000 miles this car is still formidable on the road. It may be a bit slow off the line, but it catches up nicely, and still achieves no less than 27 mpg. Have had as high as 33 mpg. Considering its age and mileage, it's easy to overlook the few things that are not functioning. Great car. I would love another in slightly better condition.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th January, 2003

1986 Toyota Camry LE 1.6 from North America

Summary:

A comfortable reliable car that won't drain your wallet with repairs

Faults:

Needed a new catalytic converter.

Also needed new brakes (pads, rotors, calipers)

General Comments:

This car has been great to me. It's underpowered with the 1.6 4cyl engine, especially when combined with the 3-speed (with OD) automatic transmission. The comfort level of this car is amazing, though. The seats are extremely comfortable, all the power options are there, there's a digital dash, and the ride is amazing for a 1986.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th December, 2002

1986 Toyota Camry LE 2.0 from North America

Summary:

Great car for the money

Faults:

Great car for the money. Some minor problems, but expected due to its age. Gas mileage is also good at 33 miles per gallon.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th September, 2001

1986 Toyota Camry 1.8 from North America

Faults:

Original timing belt went at 123k. Around 160k started having problems with coolant system. Other than that just the usual stuff.

General Comments:

Getting ready to hit 200K miles. Maybe it's time for a new car...nah.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th November, 1998

27th Feb 2002, 20:13

I have any '86 with the 2.0 gas engine. I have 216k miles on it and wouldn't trade it for the world. If you have any questions about it email me at bado746@aol.com, I'd be happy to help in any way I can.

4th Apr 2005, 10:37

I just bought a 1986 Camry with 94K miles that was owned by a senior citizen since new. It is in near-showroom condition, has always been garaged, and has been impeccably maintained. It looks, runs, and drives like a new car. I still can't believe that I found it for sale and beat all the other potential buyers to it. This car is in good enough condition to have value as a classic car, but I don't think Camrys are considered to be classics in the same way as a 60's Mustang, for example. Anyway, I am also keeping this car garaged and I plan to maintain it in the same condition and will hopefully get many miles of driving pleasure from it.