I just bought my first Toyota. It might be my last, I’m 71. It’s a 2002 Camry le with just under 118k miles. The seller wanted $3950 and I ended up paying $3600. It’s a great car like others have said. Everything works and there is no check engine light, unlike the three Subarus I have owned.
My mom left me her 1997 camry when she died. I have replaced every little thing I possibly could. Ive fixed so many little things, like plastics and inside and outside dorr handles, The list is very long It's ready to paint, I've gotten the body perfect! I'm putting the factory color back. It's the color I've hated the most through the years of me being a master toyota technician. I've been a master toyota tech for almost 20 yrs. I've taken the seats out and cleaned the carpet. It looks almost new but thinking about putting new carpet in it. The rear main seal is leaking so I'm going to pull the motor and Trans to reseal all seals. It's a massive undertaking because the whole cradle has to come out. It's going to be a NEW old camry in a few short weeks. ❤
Mine has 465 thousand miles, has hit rev limiter multiple times with that many miles, has also been wrecked very hard and everything works fine still. Very nice car. One of the nicest, smoothest cars I've driven. Definitely recomend buying this car
that's a testament to the reliability and driveability of these vehicles. I'm glad to hear you have taken it that many miles and hope you keep it going many more
My friends 2000 Camry LE V6 has 340k and still runs like new. Body and interior are very clean and straight. Does not burn/drip any oil or fluids. It does have a bit of a lifter tick when warmed up but I think thats just something inevitable with high mileage cars. I have heard of owners going well over 500k on the original engine and transmission. These cars are bulletproof!
and slightly better than the one before IMO. I like the 2nd gen and 4th gens a lot, but maybe I'm biased having both. The 7th looks good, like a modern 4th. The 8th is pretty damn sexy
This is one of the most reliable vehicles made by Toyata, tough body as well. Mine is still in very good condition. I hope Toyota would remake this beauty.
Got my moms old 98 Camry a year ago. I’m at 280k miles rn and plan on keeping it all the way through college. It’s not a looker but it runs and I threw a bass in the back, new rims and also got a roof rack to haul my bike on. Definitely an awesome car, gotta work w what you have
@@DaylyDriverDayly I see that the plates are from California. I live in Los Angeles. I have a 1999 Lexus sc400 millennium Pearl Incase you want to review it 😁
@@tcraig545 oh no way!! I love the 99 sc400. thanks for offering. I would like to take you up on that at some point in the near future. I just have a lot of work lined up currently. that's awesome. how many miles? any issues with it?
149k Has a couple of scratches. Engine runs superb. Gas cap door is broken and doesn't close. But little by little I'ma restore it. It's runs really good and cruises like a dream.
I was just gifted my grandma's 1997 Camry le with just 66 thousand miles , had to put new struts did a oil change and a radiator flush car runs amazing ( wife wanted to sell it ,but I said no fuckin way, get all kind of offers from people to buy it). And the cost to fill up is only $60 with gas at $5 a gallon here in California compared to my Silverado$120+. It's my daily driver and will be my daughters first car.
An exceptionally reliable car. I bought my 1998 model in 2002, and have kept it for 19 years so far. Even though the odometer reads 533,000 km, the engine and transmission have never been opened! (Knocking wood).... Remarkable car!
Had 5 Camrys. When I sold them they had 198000 or more. 3 are still running well over 200000 now. Now I have a 2000 V6 with 118000. Got it with 98000. I'll keep it for ever.
I just bought a 99 Camry conquest 3litre v6 (Australian model). It has 177,000 kms (109k miles) and cost me 2500 Australian (1632 US dollars). It’s an awesome car I can’t believe how good it is haha, owned by a little old lady since 2002 and she hardly used it, always serviced and garaged. I couldn’t be happier!!
Change the oil at less than the factory recommended 7,500 mile interval because these engines have a history of accumulating sludge. Other than that, these are great cars.
Just got a 2001 2.2L 4 cylinder gx model with 96k miles on the odo about 4 weeks ago from the 1st owner who had it for 21 years. Cant believe it has held up this well as it drives smooth as butter.
I Had a classic BEAT UP, white ‘97 Camry with 289,000+ miles on the thing. Eventually, it wouldn’t reverse! -2wks later (when that problem started) we SOLD to a mechanic for $1200 ! the dam thing wouldn’t die and we still got paid .😭 I would totally buy another .
I just purchased my first Camery and I love it. 94000 miles for $800 everything looks and runs great leaks no oil. Love this car. Thanks for the video look forward to more.
I have driven 1998 camrys since 2005. They are very reliable but they do need work to keep running well. The oil pump gasket will need changing after 120k. This involves removing the oil sump as well. The factory exhaust is total rubbish. I had a stainless steel one made which was still half the price of a factory exhaust. There is always suspension creaking of some kind but its usually sway bar links or shock top mounts. The automatic gear box is an engineering miracle, it needs no maintenance apart from a fluid change and just keeps going forever. The car likes open roads best and cruises beautifully. Make sure to get aircon, sunroof, leather seats and i have 17 inch alloys and a lower ride height. The car then starts to look very classic indeed.
I'm happy to hear you've been enjoying these for many years. of course for their age they do need some maintenance, but compared to other vehicles of this age they are amazing
Nice car! I bought my 1993 Camry LE back in 2002 for $4600, the guy wanted $5100. Back then it only had 78K miles on the odometer. Now in 2023 it has 209,000 miles and still runs great with relatively little maintenance. I mean, over 21 years of owning this car, I’ve put money into it, replaced nearly every part under the hood, except for a/c compressor, which is noisy,but I don’t care, still blows freezing cold for the south Florida blazing heat. It blows at a nice 38-40 degrees on the hottest days. I have 16” wheels and after market turbine rims, which were on the car when I bought it. Rims are kind of beat up now, so I’m wanting to replace them soon. My car is light blue paint with blue cloth interior. Paint is original, doesn’t look terrible, but there are scratches and nicks here and there. It needs painting. Keeping it in the garage the last 18 years has really prolonged the life of the paint as well as the interior. I’ll drive it as long as I can, until the transmission quits or something major like that, then we will part our ways. She has been very good to me, solid, reliable car. Best car I’ve ever owned, and I’ve owned 20 cars or more, Lincolns, Grand Marquis, bigger cars in the past. But they were not as reliable as my Camry. She just keeps going and going.
I bought my '97 6 years ago from the original owner. He was diligent with maintenance and used toyota parts. I've put tires on it and oil changes every 5000 km but that's it. I'm putting some money into it now, new exhaust, struts and brakes. These cars are not cheap anymore. 3 to 8 thousand dollars. The cheapest one I could find was 2000. Great car. Gonna keep it going.
I found a 2000 Camry with 60K miles. It didn’t even work when I got it but now. I have it a new exhaust, body kit, wheels, radiator, everything. I gave it everything. It’s perfect and it’s going to last me a bunch of years. Perfect daily since I drive my 350Z on the weekends
I have a 97 LE just hit 300,000 miles and still running strong. I do all the repairs and maintenance myself and save a lot of money doing so. Also yea registrations and insurance is really cheap. I love it. Only thing I wish is that it was a little better on gas mileage. Highway the car is fairly efficient and can get 30mpg but rare. I don’t do too much city driving but I usually average about 23-25mpg. Modern cars today are much more fuel efficient.
We purchased a 97 Camry , our first new car. Still have it as our main driver. 93,000 miles. Milage ratings 24/30. Could never get anymore than 20 mpg in the city with sensible driving. Does great on the highway. Overall great car....... guess that's why we still have it ✌️
I leased a 2001 Toyota Camry CE that year ( same car & color as this 1997) & loved it, but returned it at the end of the lease! I then bought a 2004 Camry LE, which I still have, but still 'pine' for that magnificent car!
Bought a 1999 with 237k a few months ago. She's a black beauty and near flawless. Still rides smooth as silk with amazing AC and cruise still works even. No leaks, no rust, no smoke. 1 family car, I'm the 3rd owner, well maintained with a laundry list of fixes and receipts. Love her...
I dunno if I got strange taste, I actually like this car cuz I don't like cars with too many electrical things like screen/electronic speedometer, anyone same with me?
I love the Camry. I like the elegant understated styling, I like the way it's a non-confrontational car (no boy racers wanting to race you), I like the soft, smooth comfortable driving characteristics and of course the reliability. I actually think this is the definition of a supercar.
@@asensibleyoungman2978 Agreed. It is a supercar when you think about it lol. Won’t break down unlike the fancy European sport cars. I leave fun to my bike, and the Camry for my transportation which is does perfectly
yeah even still here in Australia, lots of them. I remember 10 years ago every second car on the road was one of these. Parts are everywhere and they are dirt cheap.
My cousin gave me his father's 2000 Toyota Camry LE 4 cylinder. Needs a lot of work but it's worth it. I have put led lights inside and out. Except for the dashboard, console. Heater and air conditioning, plus the glove box. When I get these done It'll be total led. You don't need resistors either. For the turn signals I bought a new flasher. It does both incandescent and led bulbs. Works fine.
I love my 97 LE some cosmetic issues and its got a sun roof so it leaks a little but the motor and breaks still work 160k I am very happy with it. outside of regular maintenance I have replaced the rotors, front left caliper and hose, rear o2 sensor, and the exhaust as that rusted and fell off the car right at 20 years old which probably cost me $260 in all new parts.
What about a 1998? Just bought one for $500 200k miles on like 6/10 condition on the outside. Door handles are broken, and some mid bumps. But other than that works good
I bought a 97 Camry 2.2 like 5 years ago for $400 with a torn timing belt. I fixed it with a $100. New timing belt kit with water pump and new oil pump gasket as well. Has been a very reliable car and has a nice ride as well. My dad likes it so much he pretty much took over it.
I have a 98 camry sport 2.2 and another one for parts. The main issue i think with the camry is the ride height and factory wheels are pretty bad. The sport version has 17 inch alloys, lowering springs and a subtle body kit with a better lower front bumper and side skirts. This really brings out the lines of the car which are actually very good. They are also very easy to work on. Once they get to 120,000 miles they do need lots of suspension and brake work but it is easy to do. They can also start dripping oil from rocker gasket and if your unlucky the oil pump gasket can leak. Electronics are very reliable.
This is my car, will soon have to replace the power steering rack, radiatior, o2 sensor, valve cover gasket, and washer fluid reservoir. Worth repairing or upgrade? 152,xxx miles
@@eliazartan14 that’s crazy man! Aside from having 4 different tires at all four corners of the car (keep getting flats smh) it runs really smooth going 80 like it just glides
I missed out on buying these at an insane deal. 3.5k for 91k miles. Perfectly priced given the mileage, though it was all base. I would've loved to have it considering it was simple, comfortable and reliable transportation. Oh well, hopefully in another life.
I had a 2001 Toyota Camry LE and I have to tell you one of the best cars I've ever owned. I bought it at $2500 from my mechanic 4 years ago. I now have a 2000 Lexus ES300 which I guess you can say is like a Camry which I love driving too.
I bought one in 2018 its a 2000 grey xle, with grey leather interior, 200,000 awesome looking car, doesn't look like a camry, looks like a lexus or benz, I put a benz grill on it.
@@DaylyDriverDayly Apparantly the DBag i bought it from was using it as a parts corpse. Luckily the drive train is fully intact, so it drives perfectly fine. But it's AC system is missing a whole line segment, and the compressor doesn't work (i suspect its a safety feature when no freon is detected cause the circuit works) And it has very little heat. A clogged heater core i think. Cause i can hear stuff tumbling around in it when i rev the engine. But aside from those missinh creature comforts, it runs like a top. It's at 142k now. Probably due for a timing belt and has a hot running front left wheel. Probably a sticky caliper. But I'm ok with putting money into a car this old. Cause it's a rock solid dependable vehicle. And its worth it.
I bought my 1997 camry back in 2021 from a friend of mine and he used to deliver pizzas in that car. I can't even tell you how many miles it has but it keeps going every time i only drive it when i need to :) bought it for 1,800
I have a toyota cambri le 2001 and is my first car toyota and it drives so smooth and very comfortable and no sound inside i some times i can t even hear the engine When i drive. Its a very good car
Just bought mine has a little rust nothing bad on the frame mostly on the struts and other replaceable stuff nothing major even with the rust still drives smother then my family car
My 97 just made it from Washington State to Indiana. Definitely has people talking lol, said I was crazy driving it home. Talk of the town with Washington plates. Best 800 bucks I bought. It's at 297,700 now from that trip.
Hi there, I live in Adelaide South Australia I bought the same model a 1999 SXV20 CSI for 2900 DOLLAR S , 4 years ago , it had 132000 kilometres on the odometer, which is 82500 miles it's now done215000 kilometres which is 134375 miles it's never let me down if I need parts I go to a self serve wrecking yard called U Pull It always cheap for parts
Timing belts are super important for Hondas and Acuras, not really for Toyotas. All S Series engines (like the 5S-FE in the 1997 Camry) are non-interference engines. Breaking or snapping the timing belt is not catastrophic to the engine. If it breaks, just replace it and drive off. If the belt breaks in an interference engine, the valves will more than like hit the piston. Then, pooofff and bam. Hole in the block. There are numerous instances of OEM Toyota (Aisin) belts going well beyond the recommended 100k miles, even 2x the miles. They are just well made belts.
140,000 miles on the original timing belt? It looks great to me. I hope u post more videos on how to fix this Toyota. Great video. Kepp it coming. Thanks.
HELLO, what do you think,,Should I buy a 1999 camry LE for $1550? With 226,295 it looks clean inside good tires no rust. outside just painted fading burgundy in color.
Out of all the 1990's cars I see on the road every day, they're mostly all comprised of these camrys and corollas. Sometimes a nissan. Great as a standalone barebones vehicle, but honestly quite boring. Just bought a '91 MR2 turbo. Toyota was so awesome in the 90's
I was able to change my spark plugs on my 97 V6 without taking off the Air Intake plenum. Pain in the ass for the rear 3 plugs but where there's a will, there's a way and took all day lol but I love my V6
@@77Joseph777 first time I did it it took me 2 hours without removing the intake plenum , second time I did it it took me 15mins.. That was on my 99 Lexus es300 Haha , I've owned many Camry's and Lexus es300s with the v6 1mzfe and I can work on it easily with my eyes closed hahaha great legendary engines so smooth and effortless compared to the 4cyl , I personally don't like the 4cyl no power , the v6 is a night and day difference in terms of smoothness + /torque power.. And honestly the v6 is as fuel efficient as the 4cyl
Seems like almost all the Toyota’s and Honda’s from the late 80s and 90s just run forever almost like they could survive an apocalypse, they put a lot of other vehicles to shame back then as far as reliability is concerned.
Camry's with the 4-cylinder engine are the best vehicles. Also, Japan built Camry's (VIN starts with the letter "J") are the best built and most reliable. Narrator is wrong, the cracked display lens and the cracked center control consol bezel do not occur with age. Those were damaged by some impact force. I can see that the headliner is delaminating which is a common occurrence with age. That passenger seat was abused, the tears are not from normal wear & tear. The narrator is again wrong regarding gas mileage. The 1997 Camry does get consistently good gas mileage, but not 30 mpg all the time. With very conservative highway driving you may at best get 30 mpg, but normally it runs around 28 mpg highway and 18-20 mpg city. Don't misunderstand me, I have a 1997 4-cylinder Camry LE (Japan built) with 245,000 miles on it and it still runs great. Changed the oil & oil filter and air filter every 3 to 5 thousand miles. I just wish that this guy would be more honest about this particular car.
These cars are junk! My Camry Has only 432000 miles On her and I just had to spend $85 on a new diehard gold battery And the more washer fluid I use the more I have to refill the take. What kind of nonsense is this? And don't get me started on all the oil changes I have to do Every 6K miles. I thought when I bought a Japanese car only 21 years ago that it wouldn't require so much to maintain.
i think your just mad because u have to keep up the cars maintaince Is it your first car YOU got a great car and you dont even appreciate it sell it ill buy it
@@dannyboi3352 no it's not my first card dummy I was obviously typin hyperbolically. Do you honestly think that I would be complaining about washer fluid for a car that I've been driving for almost 1/2 million miles trouble-free? Every car needs washer fluid and an occasional battery replacement duh
in washington state you can't get any this old [if they were maintained, most were not] as they are considered "classic" and sell for almost as much as they cost new unless they have over 200k miles on 'em.
@@fishertech it's just more money to spend on a daily driver. I wouldnt do it. usually people who want newer cars are the people that dont know much about cars. not saying your parents dont
I have a 98 Toyota Camry CE 2.2L with about 144,000 miles. Only problem I’ve had with it is a vacuum leak (p0440 🙄) and a small leak from the oil pan gasket
Make sure it's only your oil pan gasket. I bought mine about 6 months ago with a terrible leak. Thinking it was a oil pan gasket, I changed it and it was still leaking. Ended up taking the timing belt off and putting in a cam seal, oil pump seal, and crankshaft seal. Everything good now, but you should definitely check the oil pump seal as it is a common problem for the camry.
@@joshtalks5721 it's always good to check above the oil pan to see if the leak is coming from above the pan and leaking down onto it. this way you know the leak is not coming from the pan itself
Josh Talks I think it is. It’s only a small leak, a few drips every other day. We’ve owned the car since brand new and dad said that he had the water and oil pump replaced with the timing belt. I looks like the gasket is just rtv and that’s starting to go bad
![[2001 Toyota Camry Review] Regular Car? Pffffft... You mean, AWESOME CAR!](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/2KUQ8dnoLEY/mqdefault.jpg)
I just bought my first Toyota. It might be my last, I’m 71. It’s a 2002 Camry le with just under 118k miles. The seller wanted $3950 and I ended up paying $3600. It’s a great car like others have said. Everything works and there is no check engine light, unlike the three Subarus I have owned.
Yep If you make sure to do all the scheduled maintenance you will have this car to your end
are you still with us bro?
I have a 2001 Camry, I can't even describe in words what a workhorse it is.
I believe it and know it having owned a handful of Camry's in the past and currently owning one now
Bro i torture tf outta mine
I currently have a 2001 toyota and for sure has been pretty well maintained and I know I can get another 150,000 miles
1998. WorkCar.
Mine is now killing me with things going wrong 175k
My mom left me her 1997 camry when she died. I have replaced every little thing I possibly could. Ive fixed so many little things, like plastics and inside and outside dorr handles, The list is very long It's ready to paint, I've gotten the body perfect! I'm putting the factory color back. It's the color I've hated the most through the years of me being a master toyota technician. I've been a master toyota tech for almost 20 yrs. I've taken the seats out and cleaned the carpet. It looks almost new but thinking about putting new carpet in it. The rear main seal is leaking so I'm going to pull the motor and Trans to reseal all seals. It's a massive undertaking because the whole cradle has to come out. It's going to be a NEW old camry in a few short weeks. ❤
super hyped abt this. wish more ppl took care of their personal vehicles like this but leave it to the veteran toyota mt! good shit brother
@@bill-vq7ch thank you so much! I really appreciate that!♡ 🙏
What a beautiful way to honor your mom. Hope the project is coming along great
God bless you. Condolences
Mine has 465 thousand miles, has hit rev limiter multiple times with that many miles, has also been wrecked very hard and everything works fine still. Very nice car. One of the nicest, smoothest cars I've driven. Definitely recomend buying this car
that's a testament to the reliability and driveability of these vehicles. I'm glad to hear you have taken it that many miles and hope you keep it going many more
Wow! That’s almost 1 million kms on the odo. Incredible!
Original engine?
My friends 2000 Camry LE V6 has 340k and still runs like new. Body and interior are very clean and straight. Does not burn/drip any oil or fluids. It does have a bit of a lifter tick when warmed up but I think thats just something inevitable with high mileage cars. I have heard of owners going well over 500k on the original engine and transmission. These cars are bulletproof!
My old 99 camry has 325k miles! Still runs great!
99 camry le with 222,xxx thats running strong 💪
Honestly this generation looked far better than the one after!
mm a little better, 2002-2006 was still ok, 2007-2012 looked like a puffy fat cow.
and slightly better than the one before IMO. I like the 2nd gen and 4th gens a lot, but maybe I'm biased having both. The 7th looks good, like a modern 4th. The 8th is pretty damn sexy
Preferred the generation before 93-96
Carroziere Bertone sold toyota a designe he had made for volvo the 97 camry
how about 2001?
To be honest it does not look bad for a car from 1998. It's still visually appealing imo.
It's a 1997 still not bad!
How can I find a honest Mechanic?
@@myraray3342 Usually it’s by word of mouth. Ask other people who they go to.
One of the most reliable and easy to maintain cars of all time.
These 4th gen camrys are my favorite I have a 98 with 272,000 miles runs great
This is one of the most reliable vehicles made by Toyata, tough body as well. Mine is still in very good condition. I hope Toyota would remake this beauty.
Got my moms old 98 Camry a year ago. I’m at 280k miles rn and plan on keeping it all the way through college. It’s not a looker but it runs and I threw a bass in the back, new rims and also got a roof rack to haul my bike on. Definitely an awesome car, gotta work w what you have
all that matters is that it's doing its job and doing it well. glad you are enjoying yours 😁
Daily Driver thanks!
I still have the 1996 as Daily and it has never let me down. (217,000 miles)
that's the way these Camry's are. they just keep going and reliably at that. glad you keep yours going 👌👌
Hi, I have 96 also that just hit 146k miles. Based on your mileage, it’s Good to know I have a lot of miles left to go. No plans on getting rid of it
Been thinking of getting me a daily driver. Budget is $2000 definitely will look into these.
check this car out, you wont be disappointed for a daily
@@DaylyDriverDayly I see that the plates are from California. I live in Los Angeles. I have a 1999 Lexus sc400 millennium Pearl Incase you want to review it 😁
@@tcraig545 oh no way!! I love the 99 sc400. thanks for offering. I would like to take you up on that at some point in the near future. I just have a lot of work lined up currently. that's awesome. how many miles? any issues with it?
149k
Has a couple of scratches. Engine runs superb. Gas cap door is broken and doesn't close. But little by little I'ma restore it. It's runs really good and cruises like a dream.
@@tcraig545 sounds like minor things that need touching up. you got luck with your purchase of the car. how long have you owned it?
I was just gifted my grandma's 1997 Camry le with just 66 thousand miles , had to put new struts did a oil change and a radiator flush car runs amazing ( wife wanted to sell it ,but I said no fuckin way, get all kind of offers from people to buy it). And the cost to fill up is only $60 with gas at $5 a gallon here in California compared to my Silverado$120+. It's my daily driver and will be my daughters first car.
Nice. My neighbor sold his with 130k to his daughter for 3k$ 2 years ago. Still using it to this day
On these Camry's, the original engine, automatic transmission, alternator, starter, and AC compressor can last past 300k.
they definitely can and they have proven to time and time again. such great cars
An exceptionally reliable car. I bought my 1998 model in 2002, and have kept it for 19 years so far. Even though the odometer reads 533,000 km, the engine and transmission have never been opened! (Knocking wood).... Remarkable car!
Wow
Had 5 Camrys.
When I sold them they had 198000 or more.
3 are still running well over 200000 now.
Now I have a 2000 V6 with 118000.
Got it with 98000.
I'll keep it for ever.
I just bought a 99 Camry conquest 3litre v6 (Australian model). It has 177,000 kms (109k miles) and cost me 2500 Australian (1632 US dollars). It’s an awesome car I can’t believe how good it is haha, owned by a little old lady since 2002 and she hardly used it, always serviced and garaged. I couldn’t be happier!!
Change the oil at less than the factory recommended 7,500 mile interval because these engines have a history of accumulating sludge. Other than that, these are great cars.
211,111 miles on my 1997 right now :) I expect her to get me at least 300,000. Some problems have started surfacing but it’s a tough car.
Just got a 2001 2.2L 4 cylinder gx model with 96k miles on the odo about 4 weeks ago from the 1st owner who had it for 21 years. Cant believe it has held up this well as it drives smooth as butter.
I Had a classic BEAT UP, white ‘97 Camry with 289,000+ miles on the thing. Eventually, it wouldn’t reverse! -2wks later (when that problem started) we SOLD to a mechanic for $1200 ! the dam thing wouldn’t die and we still got paid .😭
I would totally buy another .
I've got a 1997 toyota camry, it goes pretty good I only bought it 3 months ago but it's been great. It's on 226,000
I had 97 and 99. But anyway what's that ig ?
I just purchased my first Camery and I love it. 94000 miles for $800 everything looks and runs great leaks no oil. Love this car. Thanks for the video look forward to more.
Low miles , for $800 you got a incredible deal
@@jeff346 jealous asf i paid 2000 for 140k
killer deal! I thought I got a good steal for a 187,000 mile 2000 camry for $1500
Liar
I have driven 1998 camrys since 2005. They are very reliable but they do need work to keep running well. The oil pump gasket will need changing after 120k. This involves removing the oil sump as well. The factory exhaust is total rubbish. I had a stainless steel one made which was still half the price of a factory exhaust. There is always suspension creaking of some kind but its usually sway bar links or shock top mounts. The automatic gear box is an engineering miracle, it needs no maintenance apart from a fluid change and just keeps going forever. The car likes open roads best and cruises beautifully. Make sure to get aircon, sunroof, leather seats and i have 17 inch alloys and a lower ride height. The car then starts to look very classic indeed.
I'm happy to hear you've been enjoying these for many years. of course for their age they do need some maintenance, but compared to other vehicles of this age they are amazing
Nice car! I bought my 1993 Camry LE back in 2002 for $4600, the guy wanted $5100. Back then it only had 78K miles on the odometer. Now in 2023 it has 209,000 miles and still runs great with relatively little maintenance. I mean, over 21 years of owning this car, I’ve put money into it, replaced nearly every part under the hood, except for a/c compressor, which is noisy,but I don’t care, still blows freezing cold for the south Florida blazing heat. It blows at a nice 38-40 degrees on the hottest days. I have 16” wheels and after market turbine rims, which were on the car when I bought it. Rims are kind of beat up now, so I’m wanting to replace them soon. My car is light blue paint with blue cloth interior. Paint is original, doesn’t look terrible, but there are scratches and nicks here and there. It needs painting. Keeping it in the garage the last 18 years has really prolonged the life of the paint as well as the interior. I’ll drive it as long as I can, until the transmission quits or something major like that, then we will part our ways. She has been very good to me, solid, reliable car. Best car I’ve ever owned, and I’ve owned 20 cars or more, Lincolns, Grand Marquis, bigger cars in the past. But they were not as reliable as my Camry. She just keeps going and going.
I bought my '97 6 years ago from the original owner. He was diligent with maintenance and used toyota parts. I've put tires on it and oil changes every 5000 km but that's it. I'm putting some money into it now, new exhaust, struts and brakes.
These cars are not cheap anymore. 3 to 8 thousand dollars. The cheapest one I could find was 2000. Great car. Gonna keep it going.
Dude I have a 1998 and it’s still running . I love it
I found a 2000 Camry with 60K miles. It didn’t even work when I got it but now. I have it a new exhaust, body kit, wheels, radiator, everything. I gave it everything. It’s perfect and it’s going to last me a bunch of years. Perfect daily since I drive my 350Z on the weekends
I have a 1997 Camry LE as well. Runs great after all these years. 200,000+ strong miles and counting.
I have one got it for $1400 with 280,000 miles still good condition
I have a 97 LE just hit 300,000 miles and still running strong. I do all the repairs and maintenance myself and save a lot of money doing so. Also yea registrations and insurance is really cheap. I love it. Only thing I wish is that it was a little better on gas mileage. Highway the car is fairly efficient and can get 30mpg but rare. I don’t do too much city driving but I usually average about 23-25mpg. Modern cars today are much more fuel efficient.
Nice!
We purchased a 97 Camry , our first new car. Still have it as our main driver. 93,000 miles. Milage ratings 24/30. Could never get anymore than 20 mpg in the city with sensible driving. Does great on the highway. Overall great car....... guess that's why we still have it ✌️
I've been driving my 1997 Camry 4 cylinder with 287,000 MI never let me down
I leased a 2001 Toyota Camry CE that year ( same car & color as this 1997) & loved it, but returned it at the
end of the lease! I then bought a 2004 Camry LE, which I still have, but still 'pine' for that magnificent car!
Timing Belt isn’t that important on these cars. It’s a non-interference engine. Meaning, if the timing belt breaks, no big deal. Just replace it.
i have a 01 carmy, 127000 miles, runs like new, currently doing some cosmetic upgrades
excellent cars and easy to maintain. with age, cosmetics will always be the downside to these older toyotas
Bought a 1999 with 237k a few months ago. She's a black beauty and near flawless. Still rides smooth as silk with amazing AC and cruise still works even. No leaks, no rust, no smoke. 1 family car, I'm the 3rd owner, well maintained with a laundry list of fixes and receipts. Love her...
I dunno if I got strange taste, I actually like this car cuz I don't like cars with too many electrical things like screen/electronic speedometer, anyone same with me?
@1018miamidrive Exactly
Yep. Older cars are better because you aren’t driving an iPad on wheels
I love the Camry. I like the elegant understated styling, I like the way it's a non-confrontational car (no boy racers wanting to race you), I like the soft, smooth comfortable driving characteristics and of course the reliability. I actually think this is the definition of a supercar.
@@asensibleyoungman2978 Agreed. It is a supercar when you think about it lol. Won’t break down unlike the fancy European sport cars. I leave fun to my bike, and the Camry for my transportation which is does perfectly
I have a 1999 Camry LE and it's still going strong to this day. One can say that I Camry harder than most.
99 XLE here, going strong at 172k. I go 400+miles per week, all highway. Getting hard to find good 14" tires. Unstoppable!
I have a 2000 with almost 300,000 still running strong. Awesome cars.
I have a 1999 Camry at only 119k miles. I love this car.
No kidding, i see about 100 of these driving around everyday
thats because they are the workhorses of the automotive world.
yeah even still here in Australia, lots of them. I remember 10 years ago every second car on the road was one of these. Parts are everywhere and they are dirt cheap.
My cousin gave me his father's 2000 Toyota Camry LE 4 cylinder. Needs a lot of work but it's worth it. I have put led lights inside and out. Except for the dashboard, console. Heater and air conditioning, plus the glove box. When I get these done It'll be total led. You don't need resistors either. For the turn signals I bought a new flasher. It does both incandescent and led bulbs. Works fine.
I have a 97 XLE close to 270k in dark green. It's an incredible car. Super smooth and reliable.
I love my 97 LE some cosmetic issues and its got a sun roof so it leaks a little but the motor and breaks still work 160k I am very happy with it.
outside of regular maintenance I have replaced the rotors, front left caliper and hose, rear o2 sensor, and the exhaust as that rusted and fell off the car right at 20 years old which probably cost me $260 in all new parts.
I have a 1998 Camary le with 2.2 . It has 79000 miles. Very nice car😊
It looks better than my 2000 Camry le. Old Camries are worth keeping!
they are totally worth keeping if you need a good reliable everyday driver to meet and exceed all of your daily commuting needs
Definitely worth it, just made a vid on mines
Go check it out👌🏾
What about a 1998? Just bought one for $500 200k miles on like 6/10 condition on the outside. Door handles are broken, and some mid bumps. But other than that works good
I bought a 97 Camry 2.2 like 5 years ago for $400 with a torn timing belt. I fixed it with a $100. New timing belt kit with water pump and new oil pump gasket as well. Has been a very reliable car and has a nice ride as well. My dad likes it so much he pretty much took over it.
In California they are asking $4000
I bought a 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000, one for each of my teen drivers. Easy to maintain, easy to repair.
Was transmission fluid changed very important in these older cars.
I have a 98 camry sport 2.2 and another one for parts. The main issue i think with the camry is the ride height and factory wheels are pretty bad. The sport version has 17 inch alloys, lowering springs and a subtle body kit with a better lower front bumper and side skirts. This really brings out the lines of the car which are actually very good. They are also very easy to work on. Once they get to 120,000 miles they do need lots of suspension and brake work but it is easy to do. They can also start dripping oil from rocker gasket and if your unlucky the oil pump gasket can leak. Electronics are very reliable.
have a 98 camry best used car i ever bought
This is my car, will soon have to replace the power steering rack, radiatior, o2 sensor, valve cover gasket, and washer fluid reservoir. Worth repairing or upgrade? 152,xxx miles
Yes totally worth it
@@luisrobles9695 you’re right but I did it myself to save labor and shopped for deals
This car feels more quiet inside than most modern Lexuses.
Just depends on what lexus. They are pretty quiet inside however
Started off with a Prius, now I’m gonna cop a Camry 🔥
My 1997 Camry LE is approaching 350k, and it's running great!
awsome to hear . my 99 has 194k on it .. runs like a top
I’m at 348k on my 97! We are the 3rd owners
@@SimornM I'm the 2nd owner. She just hit 372k miles!
@@eliazartan14 that’s crazy man! Aside from having 4 different tires at all four corners of the car (keep getting flats smh) it runs really smooth going 80 like it just glides
@@SimornM Every time I change oil, I also have the 4 tires rotated. Maybe you just need an alignment?
I missed out on buying these at an insane deal. 3.5k for 91k miles. Perfectly priced given the mileage, though it was all base. I would've loved to have it considering it was simple, comfortable and reliable transportation. Oh well, hopefully in another life.
I had a 2001 Toyota Camry LE and I have to tell you one of the best cars I've ever owned. I bought it at $2500 from my mechanic 4 years ago. I now have a 2000 Lexus ES300 which I guess you can say is like a Camry which I love driving too.
My dream is to own one of those with low milaged with a pretty color with leather interior.
I bought one in 2018 its a 2000 grey xle, with grey leather interior, 200,000 awesome looking car, doesn't look like a camry, looks like a lexus or benz, I put a benz grill on it.
I found one with 104k miles on it for $2,000.
Good deal?
that's a great deal. as long as it doesnt need any major repairs and everything works as it should. I would go for it
Lmao grab it cause it ain’t gonna be available for too long.
def, I bought a 97 LE 5 years ago for 2k and I've had no regrets
@@DaylyDriverDayly Apparantly the DBag i bought it from was using it as a parts corpse.
Luckily the drive train is fully intact, so it drives perfectly fine. But it's AC system is missing a whole line segment, and the compressor doesn't work (i suspect its a safety feature when no freon is detected cause the circuit works)
And it has very little heat. A clogged heater core i think. Cause i can hear stuff tumbling around in it when i rev the engine.
But aside from those missinh creature comforts, it runs like a top.
It's at 142k now. Probably due for a timing belt and has a hot running front left wheel. Probably a sticky caliper.
But I'm ok with putting money into a car this old. Cause it's a rock solid dependable vehicle. And its worth it.
yup . easy to go 300k on these
My camry never let me down in every road we take.
I believe it and experienced it first hand. great vehicles👌👌
We have a 97. Got it from a friend for $500 dollars. Still runs well.
Just bought one today with 202k miles... Very nice and quiet
I bought my 1997 camry back in 2021 from a friend of mine and he used to deliver pizzas in that car. I can't even tell you how many miles it has but it keeps going every time i only drive it when i need to :) bought it for 1,800
I have a toyota cambri le 2001 and is my first car toyota and it drives so smooth and very comfortable and no sound inside i some times i can t even hear the engine When i drive. Its a very good car
My 97 Camry now has 331k miles and still runs like a champ ❤❤❤❤❤
I just got a 2003 Toyota Camry le for $ 2,300 and has 146k maintenance is great 👍 and wonderful on gas
Mine has 88,961 miles on it got it for free
The screen direction was flipped on the test drive.
Just bought mine has a little rust nothing bad on the frame mostly on the struts and other replaceable stuff nothing major even with the rust still drives smother then my family car
that's great to hear. this era camry are great
I got a 97 with 96,000 miles and runs great.
My 97 just made it from Washington State to Indiana. Definitely has people talking lol, said I was crazy driving it home. Talk of the town with Washington plates. Best 800 bucks I bought. It's at 297,700 now from that trip.
It's still going, about to hit 344k.
Just bought my daily driver for $500
196k miles
very nice and very cheap. what's wrong with the car mechanically and ohysically?
Daily Driver so far I’ve replaced thermostat, radiator and bypass hose as well as heater hose. Few dings on the body but clean throughout
@@YINCITO simple, easy and cheap fixes. if it were any other car it would be a lot more expensive and a headache
From where can i find camry
Yes the best i havec1998 and is in perfect condition great car i cant complaint at all
Looked it up. Passed every California smog test going back to 2002.
Hi there, I live in Adelaide South Australia I bought the same model a 1999 SXV20 CSI for 2900 DOLLAR S , 4 years ago , it had 132000 kilometres on the odometer, which is 82500 miles it's now done215000 kilometres which is 134375 miles it's never let me down if I need parts I go to a self serve wrecking yard called U Pull It always cheap for parts
Next door here in Australia has an Aussie built four cylinder one of the lower trim level and I can't stand the sound of the thing!
Timing belts are super important for Hondas and Acuras, not really for Toyotas. All S Series engines (like the 5S-FE in the 1997 Camry) are non-interference engines. Breaking or snapping the timing belt is not catastrophic to the engine. If it breaks, just replace it and drive off.
If the belt breaks in an interference engine, the valves will more than like hit the piston. Then, pooofff and bam. Hole in the block. There are numerous instances of OEM Toyota (Aisin) belts going well beyond the recommended 100k miles, even 2x the miles. They are just well made belts.
I would buy this car if even if I was rich. I can't wait to get one tho. From 97 to 01 year range.
heck ya. you should definitely get yourself one. a lot of fun and super nice and run cars to drive
140,000 miles on the original timing belt? It looks great to me. I hope u post more videos on how to fix this Toyota. Great video. Kepp it coming. Thanks.
I’m looking at one right now. 1997 Toyota Camry LE 122k miles and only two owners.
that sounds pretty nice with that low of miles and only 2 owners. did you end up buying it?
HELLO, what do you think,,Should I buy a 1999 camry LE for $1550? With 226,295 it looks clean inside good tires no rust. outside just painted fading burgundy in color.
Bo
Out of all the 1990's cars I see on the road every day, they're mostly all comprised of these camrys and corollas. Sometimes a nissan.
Great as a standalone barebones vehicle, but honestly quite boring. Just bought a '91 MR2 turbo. Toyota was so awesome in the 90's
Mines at 400k miles
Have one....cloth seats.....Great car..
Yeah i got 133 on mine an i know its going to 350k easy love these things the best cars
great to hear from you. yours has really low miles. will keep you going reliably for many years and miles to come
@@DaylyDriverDayly yeah i know its a really nice one an it will i hope go for awhile drives good too
@@weeb121 enjoy it ✌
If you want to get a camry this generation, don't get the V6 because they are a pain to work on, but still very reliable.
I was able to change my spark plugs on my 97 V6 without taking off the Air Intake plenum. Pain in the ass for the rear 3 plugs but where there's a will, there's a way and took all day lol but I love my V6
@@77Joseph777 I have a "double joint" Snap On spark plug socket to get the rear three. It is not too difficult.
@@77Joseph777 first time I did it it took me 2 hours without removing the intake plenum , second time I did it it took me 15mins.. That was on my 99 Lexus es300 Haha , I've owned many Camry's and Lexus es300s with the v6 1mzfe and I can work on it easily with my eyes closed hahaha great legendary engines so smooth and effortless compared to the 4cyl , I personally don't like the 4cyl no power , the v6 is a night and day difference in terms of smoothness + /torque power.. And honestly the v6 is as fuel efficient as the 4cyl
Seems like almost all the Toyota’s and Honda’s from the late 80s and 90s just run forever almost like they could survive an apocalypse, they put a lot of other vehicles to shame back then as far as reliability is concerned.
Ok, I'lll sell my Rolls and get on it.
Camry's with the 4-cylinder engine are the best vehicles. Also, Japan built Camry's (VIN starts with the letter "J") are the best built and most reliable. Narrator is wrong, the cracked display lens and the cracked center control consol bezel do not occur with age. Those were damaged by some impact force. I can see that the headliner is delaminating which is a common occurrence with age. That passenger seat was abused, the tears are not from normal wear & tear. The narrator is again wrong regarding gas mileage. The 1997 Camry does get consistently good gas mileage, but not 30 mpg all the time. With very conservative highway driving you may at best get 30 mpg, but normally it runs around 28 mpg highway and 18-20 mpg city.
Don't misunderstand me, I have a 1997 4-cylinder Camry LE (Japan built) with 245,000 miles on it and it still runs great. Changed the oil & oil filter and air filter every 3 to 5 thousand miles. I just wish that this guy would be more honest about this particular car.
I'm glad you can help the viewers out. much appreciated✌
I'm going to will mine to my kid. It's probably the only thing i have that will outlive me. It's like the cokcroach of vehicles.
🤣🤣 that's one way to see it. sounds like you have had yours for some time
These cars are junk! My Camry Has only 432000 miles On her and I just had to spend $85 on a new diehard gold battery And the more washer fluid I use the more I have to refill the take. What kind of nonsense is this? And don't get me started on all the oil changes I have to do Every 6K miles. I thought when I bought a Japanese car only 21 years ago that it wouldn't require so much to maintain.
I totally agree. such a pos!! thinking of a toilet on wheels like a bmw of the same era, a joke. toyota did it right and thankful they did
i think your just mad because u have to keep up the cars maintaince Is it your first car YOU got a great car and you dont even appreciate it sell it ill buy it
@@dannyboi3352 no it's not my first card dummy I was obviously typin hyperbolically. Do you honestly think that I would be complaining about washer fluid for a car that I've been driving for almost 1/2 million miles trouble-free? Every car needs washer fluid and an occasional battery replacement duh
Update my 2000 now has 453 K miles as of this weekend and she still gets mid-to-upper 30s MPG on the highway.
I like this car, except my daddy had the 1999 Toyota Camry car.
in washington state you can't get any this old [if they were maintained, most were not] as they are considered "classic" and sell for almost as much as they cost new unless they have over 200k miles on 'em.
I have 1999 camry mileage around 32446km and good to drive
my only gripe is lack of safety, no ESC and less airbags if they work at all in a car that old
I understand where you are coming from, but I trust my life in it
@@DaylyDriverDayly fir sure, it's an amazing car i won't deny it. My parents insist i buy 2010 and newer sadly..
@@fishertech it's just more money to spend on a daily driver. I wouldnt do it. usually people who want newer cars are the people that dont know much about cars. not saying your parents dont
I have a 98 Toyota Camry CE 2.2L with about 144,000 miles. Only problem I’ve had with it is a vacuum leak (p0440 🙄) and a small leak from the oil pan gasket
oil pan gasket is an easy and cheap fix. check all the vaccum lines for cracks or pinholes. most likely just an old worn out line
Make sure it's only your oil pan gasket. I bought mine about 6 months ago with a terrible leak. Thinking it was a oil pan gasket, I changed it and it was still leaking. Ended up taking the timing belt off and putting in a cam seal, oil pump seal, and crankshaft seal. Everything good now, but you should definitely check the oil pump seal as it is a common problem for the camry.
@@joshtalks5721 it's always good to check above the oil pan to see if the leak is coming from above the pan and leaking down onto it. this way you know the leak is not coming from the pan itself
Josh Talks I think it is. It’s only a small leak, a few drips every other day. We’ve owned the car since brand new and dad said that he had the water and oil pump replaced with the timing belt. I looks like the gasket is just rtv and that’s starting to go bad
@Alex Wallace, check your VSV and vacuum lines. Did that and fixed my P0401 code.