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

  • Duckie2hh on 30/04/2024 - 09:10
    +23

    How long is a piece of string?

    • rjb on 30/04/2024 - 09:46
      +2

      Twice as long from the middle to one end.

      • Duckie2hh on 30/04/2024 - 09:55

        What if its 21 year old string?

        • onetwothreefour on 30/04/2024 - 10:44
          +2

          And is 350000km long?

        • blitz on 30/04/2024 - 11:37
          +1

          As long as it's been serviced, there's no reason why 21 year old string won't work just as well as 1 year old string.

          • Duckie2hh on 30/04/2024 - 11:42

            @blitz: How do you service the string? Does it involve greasing and tugging?

            • blitz on 01/05/2024 - 10:33
              +1

              @Duckie2hh: Look I'm not a string professional but from what I gather from those "in the know", a lot of greasing and tugging is involved.

          • Darude Sandstorm on 02/05/2024 - 21:57

            @blitz: Haha, right.

    • ForkSnorter on 01/05/2024 - 07:40

      Which string? It depends which string you're talking about. They would all be different lengths. You can use a measuring tape or a ruler if you want to know how long a specific string is.

    • HeWhoKnows on 01/05/2024 - 09:27
      +3

      Not really

      This says it time to replace the engine….

      " done 350,000 KM…….high oil use, about 1 litre per 5,000 kms "

      Given the value of the car it would not be worth it.

      And then..

      "l am getting new brakes":

      I wouldn't even spend the money on the brakes

      With 350K on the clock, OP will be looking at new shocks all round, new tyres, other new suspension components requiring replacement, gearbox starting to fail etc

      • [Deactivated] on 01/05/2024 - 15:28
        +4

        "I wouldn't even spend the money on the brake".

        Sure… it will ensure a new replacement quicker. If there's a chance for that.

      • figarow on 02/05/2024 - 07:15
        +4

        No way to know if those other things need replacing. Keeping this car and repairing the brakes could be the best investment for this guy.

        • Assburg on 02/05/2024 - 07:39
          +3

          Literally like $70 and an hour or messing about to keep a car somewhat safe… absolutely worth it.

          • HeWhoKnows on 02/05/2024 - 08:31
            +1

            @Assburg: $70/hr ?????

            What country are you in?

            Mechanics now charging $160-$240/hr and up to $360 at dealerships

            • Assburg on 02/05/2024 - 09:14

              @HeWhoKnows: $70 to get the pads off eBay and an hour to follow the YouTube video to change them over…

              The hardest part is jacking each end of the car up..an hour is factored in assuming it's your first time doing it. If you're worried it's not safe… change the back pads first and confirm they work before doing the front.

              All you need is a flathead screwdriver… Use it to wedge the brake open as wide as possible while the old pads are still in it.

              OP is racking up country km so should have some idea of how to do the most simple of mechanical chores.

              Honestly wouldn't have any idea about those prices because paying for routine mechanical work seems foolish.. it's super easy if you just follow the YouTube videos.

      • Monad on 02/05/2024 - 12:43

        Not quite, you're assuming the car has these components/mechanical issues already, if it did, then yes, it wouldn't be worth it.

        However, if it drives and shifts, keep servicing and upkeep maintenance of brakes and other consumables until something major breaks.

  • Dollar General on 30/04/2024 - 09:14
    +1

    164 days

    • CocaKoala on 01/05/2024 - 14:11

      Are you serious?! I would have assumed not a day over 153.

  • Jackdawson79 on 30/04/2024 - 09:16
    +2

    l know its impossible to say , l was just wondering if people who might know alot about toyota camrys could have a guess, l read on the internet they can last up to 500,000km if well looked after, so l hope l can make it to 380,000 or another couple years

      • xylarr on 01/05/2024 - 10:26
        +6

        Why don't EVs last 500,000km? I mean, they're simpler mechanically, and unless you have an original Nissan Leaf, the battery easily lasts that long. There are several examples of high mileage Teslas for example.

        • OzBozo on 02/05/2024 - 00:31

          Are all the nissan leafs bad battery's? Was there a year they got good and had cooling?

    • HeWhoKnows on 01/05/2024 - 09:32
      -3

      So why are you asking us then?

      Are you prepared to spend another $3000-$5000 on the car in the next 2 years and get nothing back for it?

      The car isnt getting any newer/better

      If you live in the country you need a good reliable car.
      Not one about to "Kark it"

    • MMM on 03/05/2024 - 11:20

      August 5th 2024.

      August 4th 2024 car towed …. sorry I was wrong
      August 6th 2024 Car still going …. I told you so!

      ;)) We don't know JACK

  • pegaxs on 30/04/2024 - 09:21
    +13

    l am getting new breaks soon

    What "new breaks" are you getting?

    If you continue to look after it, it should last. there are Taxi Camry vehicles that have well over 500,000km and they are treated like shit. So long as you keep firing the service and parts cannon at it, it should be fine.

    • Jackdawson79 on 30/04/2024 - 09:22
      +1

      l meant new brakes

      • HeWhoKnows on 02/05/2024 - 13:05

        Before the Camry Brakes down???

      • garage sale on 03/05/2024 - 03:58
        +1

        the resale value is low … when you get rid of the car it would be parted out (wrecking) to try and sell with a roadworthy, the roadworthy might be cost prohibitive as they check brakes, shocks and for oil leaks, etc.

        keeping it running e.g new brakes is a safety thing and brake pads for that car are cheap and easy to fit.

        drive it till it dies and it goes to the wreckers, or someone buys it to part. important is know what car you buy next and have the money ready incase you need to or an opportunity arises. water oil brakes all the normal stuff are hard to avoid regardless.

  • RockyRaccoon on 30/04/2024 - 09:26
    +1

    All depends on how well you have looked after it up to now. Have you serviced it somewhat, or just been running it and doing things only when they "break"

  • bdl on 30/04/2024 - 09:30
    +4

    Maybe get a backup just in case: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/843420

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 30/04/2024 - 09:34
    +6

    just run it into the ground.
    prob got another 150k in it at minimum.

  • mini2 on 30/04/2024 - 09:38
    +4

    What's been replaced so far?

    Oil consumption could be a whole heap of reasons - coked up rings, valve steam seals are now crispier than KFC's chips, PCV, leaking from somewhere…

    1L/5000km isn't much in the grand scheme of things; my Forester chews up an oil change worth of oil every 5000 km, so its oil is always fresh.

    • DOGGYWOWWOW on 30/04/2024 - 12:02

      What year is your Forester? Been having oil consumption issues too with mine. The CVT also isn't feeling good too.

      • mini2 on 01/05/2024 - 10:15

        04 XT with 310k km. The engine's on borrowed time, and I suspect it's got a cooked head gasket, too.

  • AngoraFish on 30/04/2024 - 09:39
    +2

    There's no reason that you won't be able to keep it going indefinitely. Factor in about $3k annually worth of replacement parts and service it regularly.

    The only time you're ever going to be forced to replace it is if it's in an accident or the engine blows.

    Normally these get to the point where the interior trim is all sagging off, all the plastic bits have cracked, and other irritants get the better of you, but that's the only reason to flip it.

    Even then, it'll end up in the second hand market at that point and someone else is going to keep it going for another 100k, at least.

    • MS Paint on 30/04/2024 - 09:42
      +13

      Factor in about $3k annually worth of replacement parts

      Why? It's a Camry.

      • AngoraFish on 30/04/2024 - 09:46
        -1

        That's about what it costs me. What's it costing you annually?

        • LanceVance on 30/04/2024 - 09:55
          -2

          What costs you that at the moment? You gave no detail. Could be talking about a 20 year old Audi for all we know.

          • AngoraFish on 30/04/2024 - 09:59
            +4

            @LanceVance: I'm responding to OP. It's pretty clear what the topic is of this thread is.

        • MS Paint on 30/04/2024 - 10:15
          +4

          Nothing like that. It's false economy to spend $6k on parts over the next 2 years for a car worth $6k. Bonkers.

          • pegaxs on 30/04/2024 - 10:18

            @MS Paint: But but but…. "sunk cost fallacy…"

          • AngoraFish on 30/04/2024 - 10:21
            +2

            @MS Paint: $3k is the same cost as buying an new $30k car and amortizing it over 10 years, except the difference is that your $30k new car is also going to need at least a couple of major and inevitably much more expensive parts replacements in that time, plus it will cost a lot more to service and insure, and in the end you won't be able to flip it for only a couple of thousand dollars less than the price that you initially paid for it.

            • MS Paint on 30/04/2024 - 10:34
              +1

              @AngoraFish: Ok. Up to you.

            • Smol Cat on 06/05/2024 - 10:27

              @AngoraFish: Yeah but they also don't have to drive around in a 20 year old car that may or may not die on you.

        • pao2x on 30/04/2024 - 10:52

          It's costing me next to zero, aside from the usual consumables I have not needed any replacement parts

  • theHMASfriendship on 30/04/2024 - 09:40
    +20

    350k is just breaking in

  • EightImmortals on 30/04/2024 - 09:45
    +9

    The Car Care Nut has a lot of videos on Camrys (being an ex-toyota tech), many of them about oil usage, you might find some clues there on whether it's worth keeping it going or not. Still 350,000kms and 21 years is a good innings.

    • hoey888 on 01/05/2024 - 09:57

      Why go online? Ask any Camry driving taxi driver. I'm sure there are stories of them running over 500,000km provided proper maintenance is done. Its probably got heaps of life left but you might potentially be reaching a point of

      a) $$$ to overhaul/recondition/replace wear and tear parts
      b) opportunity cost of replacing/changing into newer vehicle if $$$ required

      If you gonna keep it for another 300,000km sure spend the $$$; otherwise it might be easier to run it to the ground and replace.

  • Euphemistic on 30/04/2024 - 09:54
    +9

    Keep it as long as you feel its going to keep running. You shouldnt expect it'll go bang, but should also be prepared for the unlikely situation that something fails that makes it uneconomical to repair.

    That is, keep it going and change oil at least annually. Start preparing finances for a replacement - but dont tell the camry, itll freak out.

    • HeWhoKnows on 01/05/2024 - 09:36
      +2

      The car is organising the oil change oil by itself.
      OP does 15,000km per year and consuming 1L of oil every 5,000km so car is getting 3L of new oil per year.
      It only takes 4L for an oil change….why bother?….LOL

      This situation (high oil consumption) will only get worse.

      Its caused by significant wear and tear on the cylinders and the piston rings.

      Time for a new engine!

      • jackary on 01/05/2024 - 17:49
        +3

        This is a comment I’ve always found a bit weird. It’s a high mileage car, find one with similar k’s that isn’t using a bit of oil. Doesn’t mean the engine is going to spontaneously combust tomorrow.

        Since when is 1L/5000km that high? I’d imagine for some manufacturers (think euro), this would be within spec BRAND NEW!

        • garage sale on 03/05/2024 - 04:05

          euro cars typically come with synthetic oil , my 25 yr old bmw did, and i’ve always used synthetic oil, and it doesn’t break down between changes but gets dirty because collecting dirt is one of the functions oil does, there are several factors then influence longevity of cars.

      • Euphemistic on 01/05/2024 - 19:03
        +1

        My first car drank oil pretty well, but ran for years. Just kept it topped up and change the filter at about 10k km.

        You dont need a new engine just becasue it uses a little oil. Save that for serious leaks or smoke.

  • EightImmortals on 30/04/2024 - 10:13

    Was reading the other day that all the new Camry's will be hybrids, not mention of price or delivery date though.

    • HeWhoKnows on 01/05/2024 - 09:40

      I doubt it.

      Change of plans from Toyota now that the govt is planning to tax hybrids like a luxury car.

      • EightImmortals on 02/05/2024 - 06:06
        -1

        Time to sack the government, they do nothing but cause trouble for everyone.
        I hadn't heard of this new taxation before, have you got a link?

        Was this what you were referring to?

        https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-12-15/luxury-car-tax-electr…

        "From July 1, 2025, the definition of "fuel efficient" will be tightened, excluding some plug-in hybrid cars. That change will see consumers pay over $4,000 more when they purchase newly-excluded cars worth more than $77,000.

        Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the change would "modernise" (lols) the definition of fuel efficiency, which has not been updated since 2008."

        • klaw81 on 03/05/2024 - 19:50

          This policy change is intended to prevent companies from gaming the luxury car tax legislation.

          Currently, cars with a price over $76,950 are required to pay luxury car tax, but a higher threshold ($89,332) applies for "fuel efficient vehicles". The basic idea is to make large cars with hybrid or fully electric drivetrains more competitive. Since 2008, the cut-off to qualify as a fuel efficient has been 7L/100km under the standard city/highway cycle test.

          Certain companies (Toyota is the primary offender, as usual) fit what they call "mild-hybrid" systems to their vehicles. These mild hybrid systems are a pretty cheap token effort to make their heavy SUVs just sneak in under the limit so they fall into the less stringent "fuel efficient vehicle" bracket, lowering the amount of luxury car tax paid by the customer.

          The change in legislation will reduce the cut-off to 3.5L/100km. This means that only vehicles with a highly effective hybrid drivetrain and are thus truly fuel efficient will get the benefit of the higher luxury car tax threshold.

          I don't think there's any way you can spend enough on a Camry to hit the luxury car tax threshold, hybrid or not. This is mostly aimed at cars like the Kluger, Prado and Landcruiser.

          "modernise"

          Why is that funny? Seems like a reasonable use of the word to me.

      • Euphemistic on 02/05/2024 - 18:09

        You can get a camry that costs more than luxury car threshold?

    • Matt P on 01/05/2024 - 20:42

      Yep, this is what i've been told as well. New model when refreshed will be all Hybrid

  • ozb-lurker on 30/04/2024 - 10:36
    +4

    My 2005 Camry has done under 100,000 kms.

    Used as a second car to do school runs and local shops only, now barely used as kids have finished school. Has been/is a great car, just seems a bit thirsty.

    Not sure how long it will last, but will probably keep it running until it dies.

    • HeWhoKnows on 01/05/2024 - 09:40
      +1

      Sell it to OP

    • Velt on 01/05/2024 - 10:06

      I have a 2004 Camry with 147k on the clock. Use it as a second car and it's a bit weathered from being outside much of its life. Will be good for many years I would say.

  • Densor on 30/04/2024 - 11:24

    Oil and coolant will keep your motor happy. Just don't let the motor overheat. If it hasn't been done recently, consider doing the water pump, thermostat, hoses and flush the coolant. These are just normal maintenance activities. Once the motor overheats and the head warps, it's all down hill :(

    • HeWhoKnows on 01/05/2024 - 09:42
      -1

      Its already downhill big time!

      "high oil use, about 1 litre per 5,000 kms"

  • apple2016 on 30/04/2024 - 11:35
    +1

    when the car l have runs great.

    Its your car and by this time you would notice if the car's performance is degrading faster than usual. Generally, mechanical stuff do not brake down out of the blue. It would be a gradual degradation with issues getting severe until it stops working.
    Ideally check for leaks etc(High oil usage is one example but its quite common for a car of this age) and keep driving it. Trust your instincts. you will have indication if its going to fail!

    • HeWhoKnows on 01/05/2024 - 09:43

      Ive got that instinct about OPs car right now !

  • JimmyF on 30/04/2024 - 12:42
    +2

    How Long Will My Camry Last

    When posted, you have another 32 weeks, 4 days, 13 hours, 42 mins and 12 seconds left before it dies.

    • HeWhoKnows on 01/05/2024 - 09:47
      -2

      Depends if OP (each week) keeps an eye on the engine oil level, brakes, brake booster and master cylinder, radiator and hoses, shocks, steering components, tyres, exhaust system, rear end seal, oil leaks, transmission fluid/oil, CV joints and boots etc.

      All done 350,000km and due for imminent failure.

      • JimmyF on 01/05/2024 - 09:51

        Depends if OP (each week) keeps an eye on the engine oil level, brakes, brake booster and master cylinder, radiator and hoses, shocks, steering components, tyres, exhaust system, rear end seal, oil leaks, transmission fluid/oil, CV joints and boots etc.

        All that was factored in to the timeframe above.

        • HeWhoKnows on 01/05/2024 - 09:53

          Well done!

          • JimmyF on 01/05/2024 - 13:08

            @HeWhoKnows: Come back in 33 weeks for a update from the OP to see if I was right or not :)

  • netjock on 30/04/2024 - 15:20
    +3

    Country kilometers are great for longevity of cars. It will probably go to 500,000kms easy!

    • HeWhoKnows on 01/05/2024 - 09:48
      -3

      I think you missed the key issue…

      " done 350,000 KM…….high oil use, about 1 litre per 5,000 kms "

  • soan papdi on 30/04/2024 - 15:26
    +4

    To maximise engine life, stay 20k under the speed limit on the rightmost lane.

    • Jackdawson79 on 30/04/2024 - 15:40

      so would traveling at speed of 80 instead of 100 be good for the engine

      • soan papdi on 30/04/2024 - 16:00
        +3

        I was just being facetious.

      • johnfuller on 01/05/2024 - 09:33

        no, drive normal speed, just keep it maintained, it will keep going

      • HeWhoKnows on 01/05/2024 - 09:49
        -4

        Just get rid of the car!

    • singlemalt72 on 03/05/2024 - 08:50
      +1

      With indicator on

  • JIMB0 on 30/04/2024 - 15:29
    +1

    It depends on how often your engine ω exceeds 100π

  • Batso on 01/05/2024 - 07:28
    +1

    Your camry will last forever.

    </thread >

    • HeWhoKnows on 01/05/2024 - 09:50
      -2

      Yep

      In the garage

  • theguru1 on 01/05/2024 - 07:34
    +5

    Unfortunately forever.

  • Lastchancetosee on 01/05/2024 - 07:36

    Forever, obs.

  • The tiger on 01/05/2024 - 08:12

    Jack Downton 79,
    ,000 km per litre ( $2) , impossible. I dive my Toyota Corolla some 5,000 km annually, and it costs me $60.00 to run monthly. I had a Camry, which was then 15 years, a very thirsty one. Can’t bear the fuel cost. Got it off finally. Can you explain how to get 1 litre for 5,000km. Just out of curiosity to learn.

    • lechuck123 on 01/05/2024 - 09:13
      +1

      Oil usage is 1L/5000km, not petrol usage.

      • HeWhoKnows on 01/05/2024 - 09:51
        -1

        That means oil is changed on an ongoing basis….is that good or bad?

  • bbinc on 01/05/2024 - 08:17

    Why not keep your eyes and ears open for a lower km country Camry being sold privately because it’s not needed now? You’re not in a hurry, and would only buy if it’s a good deal for you.

    • HeWhoKnows on 01/05/2024 - 09:52

      Yes, one owned by a little old lady that drives to shops once a week

  • 2esc on 01/05/2024 - 11:09

    Is it leaking oil or is it using oil they are actually 2 different things. Good service history? You could get another 200,000 out of it but you need to work out how much money your prepared to spend on keeping it before you get rid of it.

    Has your mechanic been letting you know a timeline on maintenance issues mine will tell that fault can fixed next service, that problem we need to keep an eye on etc.

    Personally save your money ready for the next car and drive this car into the ground. Keep an eye out for the car you wish to buy and have your money ready to buy.

  • PinzVidz on 01/05/2024 - 11:13
    +3

    Rip the motor out of it, throw in a T24A-FTS 2.4L turbo out of a written-off current gen Kluger or Lexus NX and turn it into a sleeper. Blow away all the pop farting Euro shitboxes (or AU Falcons, considering you live in the bush) at the lights.

  • Analytical Therapist on 01/05/2024 - 12:12
    +2

    2AZ or 1MZ? Because if it is the 4 banger then it is barely broken in lol.So long as you feed the 2AZ oil semi-regularly and smack the VVT soleniod occasionally to get it working again the engine will live forever.

  • mrhugo on 01/05/2024 - 12:15
    +2

    1L per 5,000K's. /subaru has joined the chat!

    15K km per year, an annual service.I'd argue that the oil your draining at the service isn't that old. I'd probably just change the oil filter and call it done. :-)

    Keep it till it dies, or when a set of tyres is worth more than the car.

  • dj69 on 01/05/2024 - 14:30

    93.45%

  • Mnke on 01/05/2024 - 15:09
    +2

    This mechanic explains that piston ring wear on the cylinder wall is one way that a toyota engine consumes oil at a higher rate than expected. He does several engine rebuilds as well tackling this issue. Pretty fascinating.

    The Car Care Nut.
    https://youtu.be/v4JS7PybV2k

  • AustriaBargain on 01/05/2024 - 16:18
    +2

    Another 34.4k and it'll have driven to the Moon. I'd be ready to replace it in the near future, I don't think it'll make the return trip back to Earth.

  • factor on 01/05/2024 - 16:52
    +1

    Should last as far as the next roo. That's my trigger for replacing a car.

    • Fobsessive on 02/05/2024 - 20:38

      How often has this happened to you?

      • factor on 02/05/2024 - 22:51
        +1

        One roo, one deer, one hail-storm. I've never had to sell a car!

  • wkaxon on 01/05/2024 - 16:59

    you can try to use some fuel injector cleaner, dirty fuel injectors may be the cause of the high motor oil usage

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