Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
"When I first bought the car about 1.5 years ago guy said timing belt was new. That was at 130K something miles, so maybe it was changed at 100K and now at 164 it dies. "
Don't buy a 12 yr car with 130K and plan to put on that mileage each year. I think 5000 to 7500 miles per year tops if you want to keep that car running for another 5-10 years while spending 300/yr on repairs.
Don't buy a 12 yr car with 130K and plan to put on that mileage each year. I think 5000 to 7500 miles per year tops if you want to keep that car running for another 5-10 years while spending 300/yr on repairs.
Well, thats due to highway miles from a few trips I did; I've put on appx. 6,860 miles of cross-country driving in the 1.5 year I had my car.
I guess miles are miles whether its highway or city? Its always when I get to the city though that it dies, it only happened once on the highway (which was in the city)
I think what it is that you realize how big a factor your vehicle plays in your life. I use my car for everything, that's my means of getting around. The bus here doesn't get you everywhere you need to go and riding a bus sucks. So when your car dies on you it leaves one to feel like their routine is now messed up. Since we are creatures of habit, it just really throws everything off when you are out of a car. I know because the same thing is happening to me right now, and I'm pretty bummed. However, i've been walking all over the place lately and it's pretty good exercise lol.
Well, thats due to highway miles from a few trips I did; I've put on appx. 6,860 miles of cross-country driving in the 1.5 year I had my car.
I guess miles are miles whether its highway or city? Its always when I get to the city though that it dies, it only happened once on the highway (which was in the city)
otherwise, I drive normal miles while in the city
So Joey, what are you asking for here? Are you looking for advice, a listening ear? Or just needing to spout off for awhile? I'm not sure...
No I need advice, as far as how to deal with this. This isnt something that just cools down, gets added a little oil and start driving again.
Im essentially in a state of panic, I dont know how Im going to sleep tonight. I cant even drive to the store for sleeping medicine.
Quote:
Originally Posted by lonewolfmccoy
However, i've been walking all over the place lately and it's pretty good exercise lol.
tell me about it. In fact I was on my way to the gym when it happened, so thats off. I like walking, when Im in a real city! If this happened in a place where busses and trains run frequently then this conversation would have 'almost' not existed. Almost. I took both for about 8 months before, and was able to get around and make enough money to get this car!
Now Im stuck in booneville wishing I was dead (LOL, not really...but you get the severity of it!)
I have owned several Toyotas (three were Camrys) and 164K is low miles for a Camry. I had one with 255K. I bet if the t-belt broke at 164K, then its probably the original belt. After a new belt, you should be fine. There are independent shops down here that would do it pretty cheap on a car like that. I know a guy that quoted me $200 on my '93 Camry, but mine was the 3.0L V6. I guess yours may have the 2200 (2.2L) 4-cylinder?
Hopefully you can find a shop up there that will do it much cheaper.
I can only imagine how bad the road may look for you at this point, but things will get better... they just got to.
Is there anyone, a friend, relative, co-worker, that may could spot you some money to get your car back in order?
People always talk about foreign cars are keepers, and American cars suck...well I cant put my money on it, being an owner of both. I had an 87 buick was my first car, this 96 camry is my second...all in all the camry has caused me the most problems, but at the same time they were minor, existing problems (except the a/c...took hundreds to fix everything). The buick, had issues at first, a/c also messed up...I didnt drive it as far as the camry, but it was pretty durable. I guess foreign cars are great until they reach a certain amount of mile/age?
Yeah...what people don't seem to realize is that proper maintenance goes a long long ways in the longevity of any car, foreign or domestic. It also depends on how the car was driven.
No this isn't necessarily the end of the road for you, just gotta fix it and press on.
I would go on craigslist under "automotive services" On there you will find many backyard mechanics that are way cheaper than any shop. My Ford Escort recently had a strut mount break on me. Pep Boys quoted me $653 to fix. I managed to have a backyard mechanic do it for just under $100 including parts and labor.
I would go on craigslist under "automotive services" On there you will find many backyard mechanics that are way cheaper than any shop. hope this helps
Yes! thankyou. I didnt even think of it. I remember having a mechanic come to me once (for the same car) couple years ago, and he was 100 less than the other places and his work was superb. Too bad Im so far.
I have to continue looking tomorrow and will call someone. As you can see, I havent been able to sleep thinking about it and still have to figure out how to get money to even pay someone to come here. Atleast I wont have to worry about towing my car to the same place again.
Thats one less tear I have to cry Although I'd hate to lose a mechanic, I'm visioning someone finding out its not the timing belt, instead something less dramatic, 500 dollars less dramatic...If I find out its not the timing belt Im never visiting that mechanic again.
The craigslist idea was good. I would reccomend in the future start investing in a lot of tools and a good manual (Haynes) for your make and model and do the work yourself. It may seem daunting at first but you can save a pile of money this way and once you've accomplished a couple of difficult repairs it's like cake plus you will have extra cash to further improve your ride that otherwise would have went to the mechanic.
There are forums for virtually every make (just google it) and there is a wealth of info on those boards, e.g. I go to fordforums.com.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Although I'd hate to lose a mechanic, I'm visioning someone finding out its not the timing belt, instead something less dramatic, 500 dollars less dramatic...If I find out its not the timing belt Im never visiting that mechanic again.
