How long will my car last?

[Kromis]

I was recently given this car by my father and so far, it is running fine and I have had no problems with it (although my dad did have some work done on it before a month or two before it was handed to me).

So my question is, how long do I have on this sucker?

Thanks in advance!

 

[ElFenix]

those are the really square boxy ones right? pretty sure a friend of mine still has one

 

[jlee]

Is it rusty? If not, a long time.

 

[Kromis]

Originally posted by: ElFenix
those are the really square boxy ones right? pretty sure a friend of mine still has one

Oh no, that's the second generation Camry. The third gen (mine) is significantly rounder 🙂

Originally posted by: JLee
Is it rusty? If not, a long time.

No, not really. But can you be a little bit more specific on "a long time", like say 300k miles or something? 😀

Thanks y'all!

 

[exdeath]

Keep the oil changed and it will last forever. Those engines (5SFE) are damn near indestructible when taken care of, and almost as much when not taken care of.

 

[StageLeft]

Nobody can say. If it's low on rust then you can keep replacing parts indefinitely although when the transmission and/or engine go it's probably worth junking it. In regard to how long those will last, who knows, it could hit many more miles than it has now. 300k is certainly possible. More likely, even if it can last that long, you'll want to replace it as you end up with more money in a few years and/or get sick of its low power, comfort, etc.

 

[MovingTarget]

Sounds about like my 97 Cavalier, with the same mileage to boot. I would say that it depends on the rust issues and if the car was regularly maintained. You could easily get it to 300k, but be prepared to pick up a wrench every so often. SOMETHING is bound to go wrong with it. Just don't junk it based on a water pump going bad...

 

[Kromis]

Thanks for the replies guys!

 

[PM650]

If it was rusty, chances are you would've found out by now. My friend's 95 camry had the brakes go out entirely last month, both rear brake lines failed (ohio car for 11 years). Just remember to change the oil pump o-ring/seal & water pump when doing the timing belt/tensioners and you'll be good for quite a while.

 

[foghorn67]

Let's start some bets. I give it another good 100k.

 

[DVad3r]

marked, review coming soon.

 

[SparkyJJO]

It's a toyota, it'll never break and you'll get infinite miles out of it.

/sarcasm


OK, more seriously, being 17 years old I don't care who makes it, you'll need to keep an eye on things. Rubber lines, gaskets, rust... age takes its toll on things, sometimes more than miles do. Don't assume you'll get 50k or 100k out of it. Take care of it and it should last you but just remember the age of the vehicle.

 

[PricklyPete]

I had a '92 Camry 3.0L that went all through college for me (bought it from my parents while in college) and then I gave it to my sister who drove it her last year of high school and all through college as well. I got it with 90K on it...gave it to my sister with about 220K (if my memory is correct...it was somewhere over 200). She drove it to 290 and gave it to a family in need. They are still driving it today and last time she talked with them, they were very thankful for it as it has been "reliable" for them. So I'd say you have a decent amount of life left it in.

My wife has a '04 Honda Civic 1.7L that I abhor. It is as boring to drive...and it annoys me even more because it is a 2 door...acting like it is sporty. That being said...the car has 105K on it and barely feels like we've broken it in. As much as I want to trade it in...it is starting to become endearing to me because it is holding up so well. Her prior car was a Chevy Cavalier which was in HORRIBLE shape when she got to about 100K...there was no doubt in her mind it was time for it to go. Her Civic still seems new to her. Damn that Civic.

 

[Kromis]

Hmm...

I guess this will be my ride until I finish college 🙂

Originally posted by: DVad3r
marked, review coming soon.

I await your review 😀