2000 Camry LE V6 - 109000 miles

On Apr 9, 9:42 am, toyodriver <the....RemoveThis@historyonline.net> wrote:
> As with all new cars, I noticed my maintenance/repair costs jump from
> $500 or less in years 1-2 to $1k in years 3-5, and then $1500-2000 in
> years 6-8. I've never had a car beyond year 8 before and now see
> maintenance/repair costs going toward $3000. Is this normal, is my car
> over-maintenanced/repaired, or will costs go down beyond the 100k mile
> mark which seems to entail replacing lots of things (fuel injectors,
> steering rack, steering pump, charcoal canister, CO sensor, etc.). By
> the way, these are all inclusive costs including oil change, brakes,
> tires, rotation of  tires, etc.

The V6 is an expensive car to maintain, the 4 cyl is a much better
choice, I think if you had the extended warrenty they probably would
not of done most of the work you described.
 >> Stay informed about: 2000 Camry LE V6 - 109000 miles 

<bungalow_steve RemoveThis @yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:10b9e5dc-1016-4479-bc46-3c6a2a898259@24g2000hsh.googlegroups.com...
On Apr 9, 9:42 am, toyodriver <the... RemoveThis @historyonline.net> wrote:
> As with all new cars, I noticed my maintenance/repair costs jump from
> $500 or less in years 1-2 to $1k in years 3-5, and then $1500-2000 in
> years 6-8. I've never had a car beyond year 8 before and now see
> maintenance/repair costs going toward $3000. Is this normal, is my car
> over-maintenanced/repaired, or will costs go down beyond the 100k mile
> mark which seems to entail replacing lots of things (fuel injectors,
> steering rack, steering pump, charcoal canister, CO sensor, etc.). By
> the way, these are all inclusive costs including oil change, brakes,
> tires, rotation of tires, etc.

The V6 is an expensive car to maintain, the 4 cyl is a much better
choice, I think if you had the extended warrenty they probably would
not of done most of the work you described.

For US, the 6 cyl. (99 Camry) was A MUCH BETTER CHOICE. I test drove both.
The 99 6 cyl. Camry is every bit as good as an entry level Lexus. It has
far, far better suspension that the 4 cyl. had (in 1999, for sure). If you
can't afford the few extra cents in gasoline for the 6 cyl., you should take
the bus. The 6 cyl., in 1999, is a rocket on wheels compared to the
relatively sluggish 4 cyl. Note, SINCE then, Toyota has upgraded their 4
cyl. Camry engine..as they have the 6 cylinder. Don't arbitrarily dis the 6
cyl. without FIRST trying it out.
 >> Stay informed about: 2000 Camry LE V6 - 109000 miles 

toyodriver wrote:
> As with all new cars, I noticed my maintenance/repair costs jump from
> $500 or less in years 1-2 to $1k in years 3-5, and then $1500-2000 in
> years 6-8. I've never had a car beyond year 8 before and now see
> maintenance/repair costs going toward $3000. Is this normal, is my car
> over-maintenanced/repaired, or will costs go down beyond the 100k mile
> mark which seems to entail replacing lots of things (fuel injectors,
> steering rack, steering pump, charcoal canister, CO sensor, etc.). By
> the way, these are all inclusive costs including oil change, brakes,
> tires, rotation of tires, etc.

We have a 1996 Camry with 120,000 miles on it. It's very unusual to have
some of those repairs that you've had to have, i.e. the steering rack,
charcoal canister, and CO sensor.

Tire rotation is free at most tire stores (including Costco which almost
always has the best out-the-door pricing on tires).

Stay away from the dealer (and Jiffy Lube) for oil changes and brakes
(unless the dealer has a special). Find an independent shop that will
use Toyota parts (filters, brake pads, etc.) rather than low-quality
parts that the mass-market retailers like Jiffy Lube, Midas, etc., use.

The most expensive repair I've had is the struts and shocks at about
115,000 miles. Could have gone longer, but one strut mount had to be
replaced (a common problem on this generation of Camry) so I had both
struts, both mounts, and both shocks replaced and it was around $800.
The other problem has been the IAC valve (idle air control valve) which
is another common Camry problem, but an honest mechanic just cleans it
for $20, while a dealer will charge $400 to replace it.

The V6 is more problematic than an I4, and in most parts of the country
is unnecessary as the I4 on the Camry has always been sufficiently
powerful even for steep hills (though maybe not for extensive mountain
driving).
 >> Stay informed about: 2000 Camry LE V6 - 109000 miles