Your trusted mechanic should understand your concerns and not get "angry" over your concerns.
That being said, if you trust him and he has treated you 'right', then that really matters.
Is it good to flush the radiator? Yes, but not dire. Your concern for having a clean coolant system is legit but I'm sure you'll be fine with a drain, fill, and burp. Chances are that most gunk will actually get caught in the radiator, so if you are putting in a new one then most gunk will probably go with it.
I guess I don't understand why your mechanic is hesitant to replace the thermostat. This should be pretty straightforward and if the coolant is already drained then this is even more convenient.
Gotta go with your gut here. A good mechanic is hard to find these days. When I want an oil change and tire rotation, I have to schedule at least two weeks out. My shop is honest and has good prices, but they are not the most clean. There are always finger prints everywhere, etc. So, I am saying that no shop/mechanic is perfect and sometimes you just have to make due. The alternative is doing it yourself.

 

What parts did you buy from Rockauto?

You might flush if you put some kind of coolant crack seal into the system.

This car/engine is very straight forward and simple to work on. You could do it yourself with a few tools and some kind of service manual.

 

@Patonium The mobile mechanic cannot be trusted at this point. He may have some good skills working on engines, but lacks in communication skills. I did some checking online and he and his wife have a long rap sheet. This guy doesn't look me straight in the eye. He doesn't return text messages. Last time he just said "Hey are you gonna come over today?" I replied back "I'm busy today", just like he tells me all the time. I later said "can we set up a phone call appointment to go over particulars?" No reply.
I'm going with a shop to get these car repairs done right. I was told by the manager they will take my parts I bought frm RockAuto.

@toyomoho I bought: radiator, upper and lower hoses, thermostat with gasket, 2 gal of 50/50 mix coolant made by Aisin, and radiator cap (13 psi). I have zero knowledge of working of cars and landlord does not allow car repairs on this apartment property, so my appointment with JLG Automotive is June 16th (for $290). Last time I used this mobile mechanic, he repaired my leaky power steering for $325, but also included oil change, tune up.

I am getting deeper in debt. I have someone interested in buying my car. He's about 19 years old. He actually came over to look at it and he fixed my passenger side fan to turn on by locating a loose connector. He will buy for $2,000. Do you think I can get more? This will eliminate: car repairs, maintenance, auto insurance, gas, registration renewals. I can get free rides to medical appointments through health insurance and to gyms. I have my groceries delivered from Walmart. I am going to practice the bus. With the savings from the above-mentioned future charges, I can even take an Uber or cab once in a while if I need to buy a heavy item. Maybe I will buy an electric scooter. I turn 70 years old on Saturday. I have a health condition called PAD for which I take medicine for to increase circulation in my legs. I think it's time to retire this car while it's still running.

 

What shape is the car in as in body damage, paint, interior, etc? These cars do have interest from buyers as they are easy to work on, get decent MPG and are low cost to buy.

The car being older it will need repairs. If one can DIY it's a cheap car to own, if not the costs add up as you are finding out.

It's a perfect car for that 19 year old kid who can do their own repairs.

I would look at your local Craigslist for similar cars and what they are selling for.

Edmonds.com will provide prices but they want your VIN. You can always change your actual VIN number via last 6 digits which is the production number.

Prices are somewhere between $2 and $4K with the higher price reflecting a car in great shape for its age.

Add up your total annual cost of ownership such as insurance, license, future estimated repairs, new tires if needed. The engine will need a new timing belt ever 60K miles which will cost money say $400+.

If you can get around town for a year cheaper than the pot of money you will be spending on the car you will be bucks ahead selling it.

Note you are getting a pretty good deal on repair costs compared to normal brick and mortar independent shop.

You may be able to return the parts buy may end up paying shipping. Or negotiate the cost of parts with the kid who buys the car to reflect in the sales price. Rockauto one of the cheapest places to buy quality parts. If the car needs the parts then the kid is getting them for fair price.

Its good car model but being older will need repairs. If one can DIY it's a cheap car to own and if not the costs will add up.

See link below:
1996 Toyota Camry Price, Value, Depreciation & Reviews | Kelley Blue Book

 

I sold my car for $2200. I am now looking at alternative transportation. I bought a 4-wheel mobility scooter. I rode it to Walmart (1 mile). That worked out. Can't take it on the bus. Bus trainer said I bump into everything while boarding, backing in or nose in first.
I can take the bus anywhere without the scooter, but due to my peripheral artery disease, I can't walk more than 1 city block before my legs start cramping. I made appointment for physical therapy. I do have limited free rides to medical appointments. I have my groceries delivered from Walmart. Now i'm looking into getting my medications delivered to my mailbox. But I don't regret my decision. No more expenses for car repairs, car insurance and maintenance. I might treat myslef to an Uber once in a while if the weather is really crappy. Here's the guy that drove off in my car on June 23rd. He said he was buying it for his son, didn't want any receipts for repairs, said he knows how to work on cars. I signed the title, reported car sold to DMV online and by mail. I typed of a bill of sale "AS IS". We both signed it. He would not tell me his address, but he gave me his first and last name. I think he has 30 days to get the title changed into whoever will be driving this car. So long, leakly lulu - it was always leaking fluid. Not my problem anymore.

 

I understand selling the car! It's perfect car for a DIY'er.

You did good!

I highly suggest cover your rear end by filling out and sending a notice to DMV the car was sold. In some states this is required. It limits your liability exposure. Has happened the title is never changed, and the titled owner ends up getting tickets or worse. If you don't notify DMV they may not know the car was sold and will be coming to you the still register owner on file. I may sound like a worry wort but know people who had issues because the new owner never changed title much less registered the car under their name.

Tell your insurance company and get their opinion as they also want no lability.

 

Joey,
Read what I wrote again. I said, "I signed the title, reported car sold to DMV online and by mail. I typed of a bill of sale "AS IS". I took copies of everything. You had me wondering so I looked it up again on DMV2U.oregon.gov. I can't tell if he went to DMV to change of the title or not. I typed up a bill of sale (this one I modified to leave out my personal name and address). We both signed and I mailed it off to DMV in Salem, Oregon. Today is Saturday, so DMV is closed. I also contacted my State Farm insurance and they cancelled my car insurance. I took a copy of the title too. When I asked him to sign the back of the title and registration, he said "we can take care of all of that at DMV". Both of us signed the Bill of Sale (and I mailed it off with my registration to DMV.As Is Bill of Sale Form



Linda _____, (Hereinafter referred to as 'Seller')

with a mailing address of __________, OR 97402

for and in consideration of $2,200 (US Dollars), cash in hand paid does

hereby sell and transfer to:



Shawn Harness, (Hereinafter referred to as “Buyer”)



Buyer agrees to purchase from the Seller a 1996 Toyota Camry LE, 2.2L 4-door sedan car.



Buyer agrees this sale is final after payment of $2,200 cash is paid to the seller and holds no liability to seller.



(Hereinafter referred to as the “Property”). The Property is to be sold free and clear of any

liens or encumbrances. The Seller certifies to be the genuine owner of The Property and said

Property is to be sold in “as-is” condition.



DATE OF SALE: ___6.23.2025



Seller's Signature: _____________________________________________



Buyer's Signature: ________________________________________



Date: ____________________________

 

You should be off the hook then for any future issues.

Cars are expensive and used car upkeep adds up.

I know people who don't own a car and some don't even drive but all manage well.