In 2006, the eighth generation Toyota Camry XV40 was released, which caused a furor in the CIS countries. Even despite the opinion that the price of the model is overpriced, the car was actively sold from the sites of car dealerships, and now it is popular among young people who are not interested in "gangster Germans". Whether the car with mileage is a nuisance, read about it below.
I'll start with the running gear and the brakes
The brake mechanism is considered to be eternal, if you follow some points: every time you change pads, develop and lubricate caliper guides, as well as do not forget to change the disks. There will be questions to the calipers, if the pads and discs are worn "to the meat". It is not uncommon to find original brake discs at mileage over 200,000 km, and the service life of original pads is half as much.
For the 3.5 engine a reinforced braking system is not provided, as evidenced by the overheated discs, and the pads smell of burnt friction pads. In addition, the big weight and aggressive driving "kills" the brakes even more.
The handbrake on the versions with automatic transmission is eternal, as it is used seldom. To change "handbrake" cables you have to disassemble the interior.
The running gear does not demand attention for the first 100 000 km, except that our roads even original stabilizer bars do not stand up to the first hundred thousand mileage. The front and rear suspension requires constant adjustment of camber, especially after driving on country roads. To maintain comfort and smooth running, you need to replace the front levers and shock absorber assembly, and the rear only the struts. The rear "chassis" requires attention after 100,000 km, namely replacement of all rods. If they are not timely replaced, in addition the hub bearings "run out".
It is possible to say "all brilliant is simple" about steering. The steering rack will make itself felt with knocking after 200-300 thousand km. It is necessary to replace the steering tube together with the rack. If sensors of steering wheel position are defective, then ESP system starts to work incorrectly, and in hybrid versions, steering control completely refuses in this case.
About the transmission
11.2% accounted for the Camry with manual transmission, by the way in Ukraine such versions were not sold. There are no questions about the reliability of the manual, except for a few points:
At mileage over 200,000 the gearstick needs to be replaced;
There are cases of leaks from under gearbox;
dust covers of external CV joints require periodical attention;
Some "strongmen" stretch cables and break their locks.
Regardless of the condition of transmission cables, every 200,000 km they need to be replaced, and ideally the clutch set should be changed as well.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Traditionally, the Camry is equipped with an Aisin automatic transmission, the five-speed U250E for the 2.4 and the six-speed U660E for the V6 3.5. The restyled 2.5 series used the U760E automatic transmission from the same company. Hybrids were equipped with a variator.
Transmission designed for 3.5 is good on Lexus RX330, but not on Camry. "The automatic does not digest 350 Newton of torque. The situation is the same as with the brakes. From personal experience, the demand for used automatic transmissions is not lost to this day.
The gearbox on the 2.4 is another matter. If you don't confuse Camry with sports car, change oil according to regulations and consider automatic transmission eternal. It is not uncommon for an automatic transmission to go 500,000 km without repair. The increased loads first of all adversely influence the automatic's solenoids, and overheating will result in the replacement of the whole hydraulic block. The mechanical part of automatic transmission is also subject to wear, namely the bushing wear provokes oil leakage from under oil seal. The aggressive driving leads out of friction package disks.
Experience shows that the installation of contract transmissions is a worthwhile solution in all senses.
Power Range.
As for the engines - everything is all right here. Reliability, convenient layout, inexpensive maintenance and repair are the undoubted advantages of Camry. But it's not without a fly in the ointment: the radiators tend to get corroded and leak, and the elements of the ignition module fasteners put it out of order.
Engine 2.4
The 2AZ-FE four-cylinder engine is the standard of reliability. In spite of the "eternity" of the engine, after 200 thousand mileage the oil starts oozing from under the oil pressure gauge or through some gasket. If the engine is overheated the threads in the cylinder block are damaged, and antifreeze starts leaking from under the cylinder head.
The design of the crankcase ventilation system forces frequent cleaning of the throttle and manifold, and in case the moment is missed the expansion valve will fail. After 200,000 km it is necessary to change the seals of fuel injectors. The timing chain can run for 300,000 km with proper maintenance, but the tensioner needs to be replaced every 100,000 km. Every 150,000 km valves need adjustment. Operating conditions in the CIS cause the catalytic converter to wear out early, which after destruction breaks the engine pistons.
Engine 3.5.
The V-shaped six-cylinder engine does not differ much from the "in-line" engine in terms of service life, but it will not be difficult to shorten it. Problems of 2GR-FE are similar to 2.4: greasy intake, small pump life and catalytic converter destruction. The timing chain is weaker, its life is no more than 120 thousand km, and together with the chain the stars are replaced. Noises on startup - oil leaks from under VVTi clutches. After "sporty" driving you will have to clean the oiled throttle. The spark plugs need to be changed every 40,000 to keep the engine stable. It is important to fill the engine with original oil of the right viscosity, as leaving the right viscosity provokes cylinder scuffing, and overheating during "annealing".
Summary
The eighth-generation Toyota Camry is an automobile whose life expectancy is decent at the moment. As with everything, it has its shortcomings, but often the shortcomings are provoked by drivers and neglect of timely and quality maintenance. If there is a goal to take an unpretentious and trouble-free car - look for one with mileage of no more than 200,000 km.
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