- drivers' side door handle broke off (really cheap plastic support when you look close). Dealer wanted almost $200 to replace it AND WOULD NOT PAINT IT TO MATCH THE DOOR COLOR!!!
- driver's side power window did not like cold weather - it would go down, but not back up. Motor worked fine once warmed up.
- trunk latch broke.
- latch broke that secures the bracket to hold the engine hood up.
- door covers would bulge out soon after we purchased the car.
- left rear brake light cover would not hold.
- the timing chain had to be replaced, although explicitly listed as covered under warranty for "certified used vehicles", we ended up paying for it.
- water pump broke - strangely fixed under warranty???
- the original (and very weak) struts needed to be replaced, Toyota wanted $1200 for a new set!!! Goodyear did it for half.
- ABS sensor light came on - don't know whether it was really bad, but only Toyota can tell (will not give test software to anybody else). $300 right there.
- various interior plastic parts.
- the lock of the console beween front seats.
- the power locks of the doors except the driver's worked only most of the time.
I probably missed a few items, after three years we traded it in - good riddance! And the last Toyota for us, they are too expensive to sustain!
We have had several Toyotas' and loved their reliability and workmanship. Therefore we thought nothing of buying this car, with typical mileage for the Atlanta area.
One of our mistakes was to assume that a "certified" used car implies that all scheduled maintenance/replacement parts until that time was performed prior at least to selling. after all, why then certify?
Bu-humbug, it is just a ploy and extra $$$ for the dealer, it comes down to "buy as is".
Put it that way - the engine was the only thing working reliably.
Note that most of the parts broken had nothing to do with the mileage, just sloppy and cheap design and workmanship.
The car has not been abused in any way, but was used to commute to and from work, 30+ highway miles one way.
What have you been doing to your car? I've had many Camrys (some unfortunately abused when I got them) and they never had any of these problems.
I bought an used 98 Toyota Camry in January 2000 with 35,000 some odd miles on it. I bought the additional warranty to 100,000 but never needed it. I have had little maintenance issues with mine. I now have 191,000 miles on it and outside of gas, oil changes, brakes, tires, and other routine maintenance items, I have only had the following expenses:
Timing belt replaced--parts and labor $141.00.
Front end struts, ball joints, rotors, front and inner tie rod, and sway bar links replaced--parts and labor $783.00.
Trans-axle cable replaced--parts and labor $220.00.
Total major maintenance = $1,144.00. Less than $6.00 per 1,000 miles of travel. Pretty nice!!!
My drivers side door handle also broke, but with 191,000 miles I do not intend to fix it. I can still open the door. Also the lock on my console in the middle broke (from me leaning over it; too much weight!!)
You shouldn't take your 2nd hand car to the Toyota certified workshop to get it fixed. That's why you paid so much.
My father took his Hi-Ace van (which did 300,000+ miles) to Toyota, what a HORRIBLE mistake. You know they charge big dollars, and do very little? I'll give you an example, for one they'll check your lights on each corner of the vehicle. They charge $20AUD to check each corner. Notice how I said 'check', if there's a blown light bulb they WON'T change it with the checkup... no... that will cost extra. And don't get me started on spare parts, especially if they aren't part of the engine! OMG!!!
He ended up paying in excess of $600AUD to get his fan "fixed", and all they really did was change the head cover gasket and a couple of globes. You know they (the dealership) wanted $2400 to replace the clutch and gearbox? It has been 3 years since that "service" and my father still hasn't needed to change the box and clutch!
Here endeth the lesson... don't get me wrong, I respect Toyota cars mightily, you have just got to be very careful about where you have yours fixed. First place to NOT fix it is the dealership. Those people think you have money coming out of your ears, and you should if you take your car to them.
I have 1998Toyota Camry 1.8L engine original owner, car made in Japan with 169,000miles on it without any problem except normal wear and tear replacement such as brakes. I am very happy about this car and convinced to use Camry for the rest of my life. Comfortable, hassle free, and reliable. I have no problem with its electronics.
Ether you're extremely abusive to cars, or you've managed to find the worlds first corrupt Camry! I bought a 1998 Camry with 113,896 km on the clock. No problems here!
Listen, I don't even care what you did to this car, no Toyota is cheaply made, and certainly not a mid-90's Camry. If you want to see what cheaply made is like, drive a Ford or Chevy.
I purchased my 1998 Camry about 4 years ago with 52,000 kms and now have 270,000 kms. Other than an O2 sensor, a timing belt and oil changes and tires, I have had no repairs. When I had the timing belt changed, my mechanic (not the dealer) told me that I should be good for another 200,000. It is the most dependable car I have ever owned. I would highly recommend anything built by Toyota.
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