Hello I have a 96 Camry with automatic transmission with 121,000 miles on it. It has an oil leak from the passenger side of the engine. I have also replaced most everything on the car by now. I was wondering if I should sell it or lease a new car? I don’t have anything saved up to buy a used one. Let me know what everyone thinks.
Clarification: Do you have a photo of the leak you can share?
I do not, it happens when I shut off the car. Few drips on the ground.
There's a good chance the oil leak is just the valve cover gasket, which is a pretty minor issue. If that is the source of the oil leak and the car is otherwise OK I would not get rid of it just because of that. Check it or have it checked.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYzTyTlnsr8
I wouldn't consider selling it unless it was an extreme leak, which it does not sound like it is.
This market is crazy. If you can fix what you have, I'd highly recommend it. At that mileage, the engine has a lot of life left to give.
Indeed, a minor drip is not a big deal. Back when there were showrooms selling British Leyland cars, drip pans would commonly be placed under the new cars because they came with minor leaks from the factory. (NOT an exaggeration!)
I've heard the stories of that. Good old BL. Lol.
If it’s a valve cover leak, that’s not a big deal like Chuck said: definitely no reason to panic and/or get a new vehicle.
Can you post a photo of the leak for us?
Yes I can get a photo tomorrow. I have already had the valve cover gasket done. Still leaking.