1988 Toyota Camry DLX review from North America
"Absolute junk!!!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Too many problems to list!... but I will anyway.
The head-gasket and alternator were already replaced when I bought the car at 118,000 miles (those parts obviously don't last very long)
Numerous oil leaks... well over $1,000 worth!!!
Numerous brake problems including severe pedal pulsation and terrible squealing/groaning noises... loud noises!!!
Sunroof not only stopped working, but the glass shattered uexpectedly one day!!!
Water-pump failed, resulting in the car stalling and not restarting, which left me stranded at a busy intersection one morning!!!
The lock to open the truck broke!!!
Timing-belt has been replaced 3 times in 20,000 miles of driving!!!
The timing of the timing-belt was thrown off trying to jump start another car...yes, that can happen with these stupid cars!!!
Excessive engine pinging and black smoke pouring from the exhaust...that's what the car is in the shop to get fixed now!!!
The interior has an ridiculous amount of loose and squeaking/rattling pieces!!!
The transmission is starting to shift weird as if the computer is messing up... aaahhh!!!
General comments?
I will definetly never ever again by a Toyota Camry! What a hunk of junk! Far too many things have gone wrong with the car, as listed above. It's simply an unreliable car! The reputation far exceeds what the car delivers. I've heard and read that older Honda Accords are the same way.
The insurance is also absolutely ridiculously high! Again, Accords are the same way. I almost bought a used Accord instead of my Camry but when I called for an insurance quote, the lady said "Oh, you don't want an Accord. The insurance is outrageous." It would have been several hundred dollars per year more that my previous vehicle, which was newer.
Repairs are also quite expensive. I've had to spend over $1,000 on fixing just oil leaks! Not to mention all the other various repairs made to the car.
If you want a reliable car, DO NOT CONSIDER ANY OLDER TOYOTA CAMRY!!! That's just a warning, but you don't have to listen to me. There are plenty of similarly sized American cars out there that are more reliable and much cheaper to own.
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  | Best $500 I ever spent |
| 1988 - Camry Base Sedan 2.0L 16v Probably the best car Toyota ever built |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 1999 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2001 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.0L 4-cylinder Automatic |
| Performance marks | 6/10 |
| Reliability marks | 5/10 |
| Comfort marks | 6/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 118000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 137000 miles |
| Date of Entry | 20th June, 2001 |