Attention 1996 Camry owners

[dariusfan]

I am going to buy a 1996 Camry as it is the last year before the engine design changed and caused the oil gelling issues. I realize that Toyota has some sort of 8 year warranty covering the engine damage due to oil gelling but I would rather avoid the problem altogether. I need your advice on what you found to be weak spots or issues on your 1996 Camry so I can be aware before I started searching around for one for myself.
Thanks for your time and help,
Paul
Vancouver

[Bmaintz]

'92 to '96 Camrys are the same except taillights & headlights.... Most other parts are interchangeable... The outside door handle are different though.... I have been very pleased with the 2.2 engine, great workhorse with good MPG..... The wishbone engine stablizer (on left top) tends to go bad.... I also had the filter Condensor inside the distributor short out (got engine hot) taking out the ign. fuse.... Hope this helps.... Bob

[gator2764]

Have 178K on my 95 2.2 camry and no problems unless you count regular maint. This has been a trouble free car.

[Neinta]

Most people have very few problems with their 96 Camry. Mine has been suprisingly lemon-like. I have 90k miles on mine and I've had to replace the cooling system (fluid, pumps, radiator), the timing belt and timing belt tensioner, and now I have to have all of the seals and oil pump replaced.

My parents have a toyo van that has 123k miles and other than oil changes and other routine maintenance has never needed a tuneup/repair. This seems to be more the norm for toyo vehicles.

[jmrev]

96 camry no problems yet.

[joey#1]

I am pretty sure the 96 Camry engine is the same as the 1997 - 2001. The 96's aren't covered under the engine policy just because they were older and Toyota did not want to go back that far. It would be a safer bet buying one that still haves a couple of years left on the 8year warrnaty extension. At least if the engine blows you are covered. I would just make sure you have documentation of oil changes from the people you are buying it from or if from Toyota some sort of documentation that they will cover it under the warranty if it fails. Just ignore the owner manual and change the oil at 3000 miles.

[nipsirc]

My 96 Camry has over 247,000 kilometers on it. It was trouble free up to 225,000 then the CV's and shafts gave way, so I had those replaced.

The power antenna is crappy. So I had that changed to the rubber one. The

Surprisingly, my mufflers and tail exhaust are still original. Although I have changed my brakes, pad and shoes and drum twice already but that's wear and tear like the wiper blades and the oil changes.

Other than those, it is a superb car and if I had to choose a car to buy, I would not think twice and would gladly buy this Camry again.

[nipsirc]

oh I forgot to mention. The rubber hosing connectors on the fuel lines have rotted out so I had to replace/patch up those. Didn't cost very much.

Also depends on where you live. We have too much snow and salt on the roads almost half year so you can just imagine the rust that accumulates each year due to the salt.

[Bmaintz]

I wander what changes they made on the '97 2.2 engine to cause the sludge problem...?? Has anyone read or heard what specifics on the sludging problem??

[rob3]

Best car I ever owned. 144,000 miles still running strong. Have had normal wear and tear problems. Had a bad fuel injector which was a pain but apparently rare. Common problems I and others seem to have are motor mounts, vsv valve, light in dash behind climate control, light behind 'D' in dashboard, crack in top of radiator, couple of oil gaskets. But engine has good compression, no leaks, no burning, transmission fine. Not much more you can ask for that amount of miles.

[rob3]

Also the gen 3's (92-96)are the best. The 2.2 L 4 cylinder engines have no history of sludge engine problems like the Gen 4. There is a little more history of engine problems with the 6 cylinder but not much, I would still buy a 6 cylinder to. The Gen 4's took a step back, Gen 5's look good but to early to tell how they will hold up.

[rob3]

Originally Posted by Bmaintz

'92 to '96 Camrys are the same except taillights & headlights.... Most other parts are interchangeable... The outside door handle are different though.... I have been very pleased with the 2.2 engine, great workhorse with good MPG..... The wishbone engine stablizer (on left top) tends to go bad.... I also had the filter Condensor inside the distributor short out (got engine hot) taking out the ign. fuse.... Hope this helps.... Bob

The 95 and 96's don't have the plastic extending across the back of the trunk lid from tail light to tail light. That's how I can always tell the difference between 92-94 and 95-96. The 96 has OBD II check engine light system maybe some of the 95's.

[cdmasm]

Originally Posted by dariusfan

I am going to buy a 1996 Camry as it is the last year before the engine design changed and caused the oil gelling issues. I realize that Toyota has some sort of 8 year warranty covering the engine damage due to oil gelling but I would rather avoid the problem altogether. I need your advice on what you found to be weak spots or issues on your 1996 Camry so I can be aware before I started searching around for one for myself.
Thanks for your time and help,
Paul
Vancouver

I bought my 96 Camry in June 04. Excellent condition, 120k, AT, 2.2l. It was one of the smoothest running driving cars I had ever driven. But..After a few weeks I noticed it leaking and burning a little oil. Also, am getting spark knock a little when just letting off accelerator. Roll your windows down and really listen. I have to use premium fuel also. After driven for a while and idled for a few minutes, noticed smoke while driving off again. Could be valve seals I guess. I have to check my oil weekly depending on how many miles I drive. But very nice car for under $6000.

[cdmasm]

Originally Posted by dariusfan

I am going to buy a 1996 Camry as it is the last year before the engine design changed and caused the oil gelling issues. I realize that Toyota has some sort of 8 year warranty covering the engine damage due to oil gelling but I would rather avoid the problem altogether. I need your advice on what you found to be weak spots or issues on your 1996 Camry so I can be aware before I started searching around for one for myself.
Thanks for your time and help,
Paul
Vancouver

I was concerned about the oil sludge issue too. But after much research I found out that Camry's made after July of 96 had a different engine ventilation system or something. It didn't allow gasses to get out so it baked on inside the engine. Mine was made in April of 96. BY the way, I had nearly 200k on my Toyota Previa before this Camry.

[rob3]

Originally Posted by cdmasm

I bought my 96 Camry in June 04. Excellent condition, 120k, AT, 2.2l. It was one of the smoothest running driving cars I had ever driven. But..After a few weeks I noticed it leaking and burning a little oil. Also, am getting spark knock a little when just letting off accelerator. Roll your windows down and really listen. I have to use premium fuel also. After driven for a while and idled for a few minutes, noticed smoke while driving off again. Could be valve seals I guess. I have to check my oil weekly depending on how many miles I drive. But very nice car for under $6000.

You should never have to use premium gas in a 4 cylinder, waste of money. If you don't have a check engine light on, you're probaly firing pretty good, a misfire will set off your check engine light. Change of oil gaskets may end your leak.