1997 Toyota Camry GX review from Malaysia

Radiator housing leaked @ 186K km

Front passenger power window malfunction

Rear right door handle broke

Right headlamp fused.

Dull interior, but well built

Very quiet, smooth ride

Performance adequate, transmission butter smooth

Averaged 11litres/100km throughout the years.

Batteries have lasted 3 years on average, Car severely overheated last year @ when radiator housing leaked.Besides replacing the faulty item also changed alternator and reflux bottle which melted, battery and had cylinder head cover re-ground as it was warped.

Other than this, wear n tear maintenance included changing timing belts at 80K km and 160K km.

Changed front disk pads at 100K km and both front and rear again at 200K km.

Rear absorbers and suspension bushes replaced at 180K km.

Front left drive shaft replaced about 120K km, right driveshaft at 200K km.

Oil & filter changed faithfully at 5000km intervals.

"Cobra" alarm switch replaced last week

Seats have held up well with no wear marks despite 4 kids growing up in it. Head-board had to be replaced as fabric was detaching from impact of two regular six footer passengers

At 203K km engine still does not burn oil significantly, starts first time every morning.

Other than these maintenance items and the unfortunate radiator housing failure(which seems to be predictable based on feedback from 2 other family members who own the same model)

Everything else works practically as new, even radio & CD changer and motorised aerial are original.

Had the car since new. It was a company vehicle and took the option to buy over the car, as my family couldn't bear to part with it.

Comfort, quiet refinement, economy and reliability are attributes of this vehicle. Certainly a satisfied owner.Definitely the best all-round car, and the one which I have owned the longest in my 29 years of driving.