Used 2002 Toyota Camry SE 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A) Consumer Reviews
Purchased in Kissimmee, FL with 179K miles
If you locate a 2002 2.4 liter SE with more than 170k miles on it.., that has a condensation visual appearance exhaust, BUY IT! You won't go wrong. These motors are pretty much bullet proof, besides the normal replacement of worn engine parts, batteries, tires and struts. The owner of my Camry always kept 'Amsoil' in every sump the car had..., including the coolant. I truly appreciate this, for this is why I made the purchase. The previous owner obviously knew the importance of quality lubes (synthetic) and other chemicals. I took a leak down test of the vehicle, before I actually purchased it, and without going through the technical part of things, both the compression rings and cylinder walls revealed that of practically a new car. I expect to get 500k miles out of this little transverse inline 2.4 liter work horse. The car as a whole, endured the punishing heat of Central Florida since 2002, when it was purchased new. The paint in nothing to write home about.., but that engine is build correctly. I'm a diesel guy! I own a 7.3 liter Ford Excursion with 236k miles on it. Hardly broken in.., for a diesel that is. I put the 2002 Toyota Camry longevity and reliability on the same platform as my Navistar 7.3 liter diesel. It just that darn dependable!!!! In conclusion, I will keep it on a steady diet of 'Amsoil 3000 Series HD Diesel motor oil.' The drain interval for me is 25k, so all you have to do is change the oil filter every 7k miles, religiously. This is a sound practice that I've used for more than 15 years, but with the 3000 Series Diesel synthetic oil only. I also own a 1986 Dodge 318ci pick-up with 617K miles on it, using the 3000 series Diesel only. If you come across a 2000-2006 Toyota Camry 2.4 liter..., BUY IT. It'll be the best investment you'll ever make. Darren T. Jackson (Chicago, IL)
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
Stripped Pistons
I have been driving my Camry for 6 years. Very few issues until i hit 90k miles. My check engine light was on due to engine issue. Dealership said no big deal EVAP system not an issue. I had the whole engine drained and cleaned. 50 miles later, BING, light on. I took it to an independent service provider and they told me something is not right. Then at 130k miles, the engine pistons shoot through the casing into the combustion chamber. That could have easily started an oil fire that would have sparked into the gas chamber. The mechanic said Toyota has a serious engine design problem. Google Toyota engine issues, it is not an isolated issue. Toyota is waiting for another blow.
- XLE SedanMSRP: $6,69523 mi away
- LE V6 SedanMSRP: $2,90063 mi away
- LE SedanMSRP: $6,99576 mi away
Great purchase
I bought this vehicle brand new in 2002. It has been the best car. It currently has ~130,000 miles and I have had no major issues. We kept up on routine maintenance, replaced tires, and brakes and that's about it. It is so reliable, even in the snow. I've never seen a FWD vehicle do so good in bad weather. I feel like we have been extremely blessed to have such a good car. The radio in the SE is awesome and we have tons of room even with 3 kids, plus it looks great. My 10 year old tells me frequently how much she really likes my car...it will probably last 6 more yrs. so she can drive it! Hope she still likes it as well then!
A Poor Choice
The Camry is a very comfortable car. For a long trip this car is quiet and it rides wonderfully. The interior controls are excellent. I am dissappointed with the build quality and the overall gas mileage (Average=23.1). There a intermittent rattles that cannot be fixed. The styling is bland. I would not buy this car again.
145000 miles!!!!
I bought my 2002 model Toyota camry at around 80K. Never had any major issues to worry about, still going strong with now over 140K on it. It's a real value for money sedan.Buy it and you'll testify.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value