How Long Will My Camry Last

Jackdawson79 on 30/04/2024 - 09:09
Last edited 30/04/2024 - 09:35 by 1 other user

Hi l have a 2003 Camry done 350,000 KM and still running very well, no problems except high oil use, about 1 litre per 5,000 kms and l am getting new brakes.

l live in the country so it's mostly highway driving, l get it serviced regularly. l do about 15,000 km a year. l don't want to go to the trouble and expense of buying a replacement car for a couple of years when the car l have runs great.

l know is impossible to say for sure, but what do you think the chances are of it surviving another 2 years or another 30,000 kms without something very serious or expensive going wrong.

Automotive Car Toyota

Comments

  • King Tightarse on 01/05/2024 - 17:24
    +1

    First find out the where the oil is going - is it leaking or burning?
    Do a compression test and to get a ballpark on the readings and have a good look at the plugs
    - reveals a lot.

    • Jackdawson79 on 01/05/2024 - 17:29

      they said theres no leaks at last service

      • King Tightarse on 01/05/2024 - 17:42
        +2

        No worries so its burning - well, on to a compression test.

  • Commander Shepard on 01/05/2024 - 21:50
    +2

    it will last ages, my mx5 is on 400,000kms. plenty of life left

  • DiscoJango on 01/05/2024 - 21:54
    +2

    Pretty sure i saw some camry's in the new fallout show

  • SpicyStew on 01/05/2024 - 22:00

    maybe

  • plmko on 01/05/2024 - 22:40
    +4

    "Guys should I buy a new car worth $$$ because I have to spend $20 on oil a year and $200 of brakes?"

  • figarow on 02/05/2024 - 07:19

    about 1 litre per 5,000 kms

    If a car is needing 2 litres per 10k in theory could the oil change be prolonged a little.. say 12,000 Kms instead of 10,000 Kms?

    • King Tightarse on 02/05/2024 - 12:08
      +1

      No because:
      1/ oil acts as a kind of rubbish reservoir for all the combustion contaminants - that is why it goes black (bad for seals & bearings)
      2/ Lubrication ability does not last forever, it breaks down
      3/ Changes in the viscosity over time

      Mechanics might be grumpy bastards but they will all the say the same thing about oil - change your oil and filter reliquary it is the best thing you can do for your engine

  • sillyhead on 02/05/2024 - 08:53
    +4

    Regularly top up and run the car to failure. Obviously keep servicing it as well. It'll run most likely run for ages.

    I would guess it's likely the valve guide seals causing the oil consumption. Mate has a similar Camry with similar consumption and it's the valve guide seals

    It's 22 years old really I'd run to failure and keep topping up the oil the most likely problem to occur eventually is failed head gasket and then the valve guide seals can be replaced at same time or just sell it at that point as a clunker.

  • Marcsie on 02/05/2024 - 17:56

    lol

  • masya on 02/05/2024 - 19:52
    +1

    If it is 3.0 V6 engine it is a disease that is very expensive to fix. Use thicker oil but 1l per 5k is acceptable for its age. Keep it till it runs imho.

  • rickdwp on 03/05/2024 - 01:59

    Using 1L/5000km isn't that high, but it ain't that low either. You can get it tested to figure out if it's the rings, valves etc. If it's valves/top-end I'd suggest doing a top end rebuild - It's not actually that expensive. If it's rings I'd just swap out the engine for one with lower kms or just leave it - This is assuming 4 cylinder, if it's a 6 cylinder then aint worth doing any work on it (to expensive)

    The focus on miles/kms has always been so strange to me. Age matters just as much, if not more and obviously condition is what really matters.

  • aboogee on 03/05/2024 - 09:36

    free advertising for toyota?

  • Bignudge on 03/05/2024 - 14:36

    If it's using 1L every 5000kms, you basically don't really have to even change the oil lol.

    Probably a bad idea, but perhaps try some sort of stop leak additive. The car's due for a change anyway.

  • lovetodiscuss on 08/05/2024 - 12:24

    My experience was, when a car "dies", it would inform you straight away… :)

    If it's working, just enjoy it…

  • Hireach on 21/05/2024 - 07:51
    +1

    300k just run in
    Mine just ticked over 650000 and clutch died
    Oil light used to come on every week
    Diesel oils the best thicker
    Only spent tyres battery and water pump in 300000ks
    And I flogged it, 4cyl
    Was a Great car

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