1996 Toyota Camry DX review from North America

None of my major repairs were done at the dealer. Except for the timing belt they were usually hundreds more in their estimates for the work.

Clutch at about 160 000kms. Cost me about $600.

Radiator went at the same time as the clutch.

About the same time I had to change the electric motor for the front passenger side window. That cost $500. Ouch!

At about 200 000kms the AC stopped working, I never got it fixed.

Front shocks were replaced a few of years ago, at about 210 000kms. Cost about $600.

I found the brakes lasted forever. 140 000kms on the back and about 80 000 - 100 000kms.

It needs the rear shocks replaced, but at this point it is pretty much a beater and I am reluctant to put any money into it.

I bought this car off my 74 year old mother when she could no longer work the clutch. She bought another Camry to replace it. It was like new when I got it, she never took it over 90kms an hour (60mph). I was much harder on it and it started to cost me when the rad and clutch went. This car is definitely a grand-ma's car, but other than the pretty routine repairs mentioned above it has been bullet-proof. It is very reliable and really well built. It is even still on its original stainless steel exhaust system!

For a Japanese car it is big and heavy with a very soft smooth ride. This one, being a manual 5speed it is surprisingly quick.

Looks wise, the interior has been very long wearing, but the exterior has suffered from our salty winters here in Eastern Canada. Most of the lower panels are galvanized so they do not rust easily even when the paint started to flake off, but above the windshield on the roof there is a bad rust spot that has been growing for 4-5 years. I noticed other Camry's have the same problem.

At 260 000kms I am not too worried about the body outlasting the mechanicals. The engine is good and uses no oil, but everything else is starting to feel and sound like an old taxi. Bumpy and rattly. I would buy another one with low miles on it in a second. I love this car. Great for camping, road-trips and super comfortable for commuting.