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Toyota Camry Basic Maintenance Questions

678 messages,  Last post on Sep 02, 2012 at 6:55 AM

You are in the Toyota Camry Forum.

What is this discussion about? Toyota Camry, Toyota Camry Solara, Oil, Sedan

Messages Page 51 of 69

#495 of 678 Findings on 120K mile service by abrownsword

Mar 15, 2009 (7:51 am)

I have a 2003 Camry. I am just hearing back from Boch Toyota (Mass.) on the "findings" from my 120K mile service. My check engine light has been on and their diagnostics are finding that my catalytic converter and the related sensor need to be replaced for $1,250 and they have found some defect in my right rear carrier subassembly that will require a $1,300 fix. In the last year, I have spent $4,500 on this car for various and sundry items like this one. Am I getting the run around? I like to keep my car in good shape, but I'm seriously considering ditching my relationship with this dealer over what feels like significant gold-plating of their service. What do you think?

#496 of 678 Re: Findings on 120K mile service [abrownsword] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Mar 15, 2009 (9:57 am)

Replying to: abrownsword (Mar 15, 2009 7:51 am)
I think you should get a second opinion from a good independent Japanese car repair shop, perhaps recommended by friends or AAA. There are always alternatives when repairing a fairly common car such as this one.

#497 of 678 Re: Gold plated dealer services by crazedcommuter

Mar 15, 2009 (2:32 pm)

Replying to: abrownsword (Mar 15, 2009 7:51 am)
I had the same issue with the Toyota/GM/Scion dealership in my area. I took my Scion XB into the dealer for the 60k service and they wanted to do $900 worth of work to include flushes of all fluids, front brakes, tire rotation and an oil change. They also tried to get me on the filter issue even though I change my own filters. I was told they were "dirty" when in fact I changed them 30 days earlier along with the oil and oil filter. I nixed the entire service and went to an independent import shop and paid $459 for the same services minus the filters and oil.
 
They tried to pull the same game on a '95 Chevy Blazer that had a hesitation and bucking issue. Master fuel injector unit was the diagnosis at $1200. I balked and went to the import garage and asked them to look at it. Out the door price was $601 for the same work. I'd go with a reputable independent garage over the dealer any day.....

#498 of 678 Headlights by gshell

Mar 18, 2009 (5:08 pm)

Is it ok to apply wax...like Nu Finish to the plastic lenses of headlights and tail lights? Will it cause discoloration over time...Thanks....G

#499 of 678 Re: Headlights [gshell] by 210delray

Mar 18, 2009 (5:57 pm)

Replying to: gshell (Mar 18, 2009 5:08 pm)
I wouldn't use regular wax on lamp lenses. Just clean with car soap and water (and a soft sponge or mitt).

#500 of 678 3.3 liter V6 oil change questions by lmacmil

Mar 21, 2009 (9:09 am)

I stopped changing my own oil about 5 years ago when I got tired to laying on the garage floor and finding places to take the used oil became difficult. Having paid $38 for my last oil change at the dealer, I am thinking about doing it myself again. I will not go to the "quickie" oil change places.
 
For those who have changed the oil on the previous generation V6, can the oil filter be removed without removing the exhaust heat shield? And if so, how does one avoid contact with the hot metal? Since the filter opening is angled downward, I assume one can't add any oil to the filter before installing it. Any other tips would be appreciated.

#501 of 678 Re: 3.3 liter V6 oil change questions [lmacmil] by 210delray

Mar 21, 2009 (6:54 pm)

Replying to: lmacmil (Mar 21, 2009 9:09 am)
I had a 4-cylinder in my former '07 Camry. The heat shield wasn't in the way, but the oil filter was angled downward. The latter meant you couldn't add fresh oil to the new filter before installing it.

#502 of 678 Re: 3.3 liter V6 oil change questions [210delray] by mcdawgg

Mar 22, 2009 (9:35 am)

Replying to: 210delray (Mar 21, 2009 6:54 pm)
My '07 I-4 has the filter opeing pointing up, perfectly vertical, so you can and should add oil to the filter before installing it. Very easy to change the oil in this car.

#503 of 678 Re: 3.3 liter V6 oil change questions [210delray] by 210delray

Mar 22, 2009 (7:00 pm)

Replying to: 210delray (Mar 21, 2009 6:54 pm)
OOPS,,,meant to say former '97 Camry!
 
My current Camrys ('04 and '05, both 4-cylinders) have the upright oil filter.

#504 of 678 chas42 by chas42

Mar 29, 2009 (8:56 am)

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Messages Page 51 of 69

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