1988 Toyota Camry review from North America

I have owned three older Camrys, and some of the problems I have had with them have been common to all three of them.

Electric windows broke due to the wire between the door and the body (in the drivers door) snapping in half. I had this problem with two of my Camrys.

Head gasket blew at 150000 miles. I only had this problem with my current car.

Constant Velocity Shafts (Axle Shafts) broke at 160000 miles. I had this problem with all three of my Camrys.

Tie rod end needed replacement at 160000 miles. For the most part, the suspension is very tight and resilient on Camrys. I only had this problem once.

Rust starting on all four fenders at 130000 miles. Fenders are very prone to rust. The fenders on all my Camrys rusted.

Oil leak into spark plug tubes started around 130000 miles. This was a problem in all three Camrys. It can sometimes be fixed by tightening down the camshaft cover a little. It can cause problems with the car running if it gets bad. Check for this by removing the spark plug wires from the spark plug tubes. Check to see if they have oil on them. It seems to be common in spark plugs one and two (the ones farthest to the left.)

Oil leak from rear main seal. I only had this problem with one of my Camrys, although two out of the three leaked oil from somewhere. 160000 Miles.

Struts worn out. 150000 miles.

I should mention that my cars are subjected to rather extreme conditions. We live off two miles of dirt roads. I consider that the Camry holds up pretty good to the extreme conditions.

I should mention that my cars are subjected to rather extreme conditions. We live off two miles of dirt roads. I consider that the Camry holds up pretty good to the extreme conditions.

I like the Camry a lot. That is why I have had three of them. Everyone knows the good things about the Camry. It is very reliable compared to most other models.

A good point about the Camry is that it is relatively easy to work on yourself. It is well designed so that access to most parts is not obstructed. It is an enjoyable car for the home mechanic to work on.

The most serious problems I have had with Camrys are:

1. Engine Oil Leaks (esp. internal into the spark plug tubes, see above)

2. Constant Velocity (CV) shafts wearing out.

3. Rust on the fenders.