buying a car, (not E30) Reliability question

[MattBimmer]

Okay so my buddy is buying a new car soon and has a very limited budget. He just recently got married and really needs something reliable to last him while he tries to finish his grad degree.
My question is a 1999 Toyota Camry reliable?
I know they are notorious for being reliable, but I was wondering if anyone had personal experience with these cars reliability. It is the 3.0 v6 with only 115k miles on the clock. Are there any common problems with these camrys? I cant seem to fine much in the way of common issues.
Thanks in advance.

[Todd Black 88]

Is your buddy gay?

I only ask because it's a well know issue with camry's that they repulse chicks, and that dudes who drive them end up jacking off using their own tears for lube.

[DrJosh]

Is your buddy gay?

I only ask because it's a well know issue with camry's that they repulse chicks, and that dudes who drive them end up jacking off using their own tears for lube.

What a helpful post.


OP, I'd suggest trying a Toyota forum. My grandparents drive toyotas and have had some pretty old ones at one point. They seem to be somewhat low maintenance or fair well to neglect. But at the end of the day it is an old car, why not just get a new Kia? They are retarded cheap and have a warranty.

[MattBimmer]

He knows nothing of cars and needs something that can be low maintenance and last a long time. Plus did you miss the spot where I said recently married.

Dr. Josh, he actually had a Suzuki Forenza before but it was totaled out and he only got 3800 to work with. He doesn't care about much more than reliability and good gas mileage.

[dnguyen1963]

The 3.0 L V6 from Toyota is rock solid. It can run forever with proper PM. The only problem with that engine is the valve cover gaskets. No big deal if you don't mind oil deposit outside the block. The other problem with 1999 Camry is that some of the transmissions can be problematic. Have him test drive to see if shifting from first to second has a delay. If it does then stay away from that car. Do not buy any Camry from 2000-2004, especially the 4 cylinder.

[Stanley Rockafella]

What a helpful post..

this place is full of them

OP, I'd suggest trying a Toyota forum. My grandparents drive toyotas and have had some pretty old ones at one point. They seem to be somewhat low maintenance or fair well to neglect. But at the end of the day it is an old car, why not just get a new Kia? They are retarded cheap and have a warranty.

Because a Kia for that price is a cheap crappy car that drives and feels like a cheap and crappy car.

[MattBimmer]

Dnguyen that's the kind of stuff I was interested in. Thanks. So valve covers and check to make sure the tranny isn't sluggish.

[DrJosh]

Because a Kia for that price is a cheap crappy car that drives and feels like a cheap and crappy car.

So is a (old) Camry. What is your point?


The Chevy Spark is even less coming in at under 13k. I am not sure what else is cheaper out there. I am sure a 4k down payment would be plenty to get him into one.

[estoguy]

Is your buddy gay?

I only ask because it's a well know issue with camry's that they repulse chicks, and that dudes who drive them end up jacking off using their own tears for lube.

This post freaking hilarious... and true.

But honestly, if your buddy wants no frills, A to B transport, the Camry is a solid choice, generally speaking.

[Kevinl]

the timing belt may need to be replaced and I am sure it is super fun to do since the damn engine is in sideways

[spdracrm3]

"and I am sure it is super fun to do since the damn engine is in sideways"

one of the easiest transverse engine T-belts to do actually

[dnguyen1963]

"and I am sure it is super fun to do since the damn engine is in sideways"

one of the easiest transverse engine T-belts to do actually

I changed the timing belt in less than one hour. Plenty of room.

[Stanley Rockafella]

So is a (old) Camry. What is your point?

point is, a well maintained Camry feels more substancial, drives better and is better made overall than a car built with the lowest cost materials. It's made to last several thousand miles of maintainance and repairs. a crappy Spark or Geo Metro (remember those?) were made to be driven and disposed of within 5-7 years.

[ST1G]

It's a fantastic car. My dad took his to 250k before he neglected to add oil. As you can tell he didn't change the oil every 3000 miles. It's a solid car.

[DrJosh]

point is, a well maintained Camry feels more substancial, drives better and is better made overall than a car built with the lowest cost materials. It's made to last several thousand miles of maintainance and repairs. a crappy Spark or Geo Metro (remember those?) were made to be driven and disposed of within 5-7 years.

Just stop. Now you are defending a camry that was never a good car to begin with. OP's friend only wants reliable A-B transportation. That will be a new (or newer) cheap car with a warranty.