Scotty, please help! Bought my 2002 Camry SE, V6, with 79,000 miles brand new in 2001 but it has been run into, wrecked, twice once on each side. Repairs look good but I think it is time for something else. I now need steering gear assembly, power steering rack $881.70. The mechanic said at 100,000. I would need a timing chain to. Changed oil every 2000 miles, replaced tires, battery and front brakes the whole time I’ve had it. It looks good and drives like brand new.
What do I get? Only dealerships in small town Honda, Toyota, Chevy, Dodge. Do I get another Camry that is ugly now but a used one this time or Honda HR V, Civic, Accord. I think I’d only need AWD 7-10 days a year here at eastern Wyoming border and can just stay home when we get a lot of snow. I’m a widow on my own and need help?
@bluewest
I would get a second opinion on having to get a new steering rack. Is the rack leaking fluid? Clearly you take care of you Camry and it is not on the road much if it is a 2002 and only has 79k on the odometer. Having said that, you are a long way from needing to change the timing chain. It is good to change the timing belt at 100k miles. If you have the 3.0L 6 cylinder engine, then it has the timing belt and will need to be changed.
I took it to two different mechanics and even saw under the car. Both said it needed to be replaced. Oil was all over the bottom of the car. So I got it replaced. Now think maybe I should of just got something else since I’m having more problems. The pits!
I agree with the above comment. Steering rack replacements are VERY rare as are timing CHAIN replacements. Most timing chains are good for 200,000+ miles. This stinks of a scammer!
@inthedetails
second the second of the second opinion - you've babied it aside from some wrecks. But if you wanted a change, I'd consider a 2014+ accord. The 4 cycl earth dreams engine vtec puts out as smooth and powerful a ride as your camry. Suspension is independent, and it's power band is great. Can get one used with <20,000 miles on financing, for decent price. Even stuff like carvanna is pretty good for low mile cars, i wouldnt get any carvanna cars above 50k miles tho, so youve got good options even beyond small town dealer
I did get a second opinion because it didn’t make noise, wobble driving and the tires have even wear. The last mechanic even showed me when it was up on the rack. I don’t know what the covering is called but it was torn really bad. Oil was all over the underneath of the car coming from there. It is on the passenger side. There isn’t any oil on the floor of the garage. Mechanic said the oil is blown back when it is driven. Thoughts are that it was damaged in the wreck.
Can it, ? go out ?, all of a sudden or will I have some warning?
i just drive carefully in town now. Not safe with high numbers of flu to test drive anything.