I am looking at buying a 98 4cyl auto camry with almost 200,000 mi.with a blown engine. Previous owner ignored low oil light and blew it up.
My questions are........At this milage should the trans be replaced with a used one? How far do these auto trans. go? I have heard I could replace the 2.2 with a 2.0 is this correctz? Would I get any better gas milage but am I sacrifcing anything on the quality of the motor?
What can I expect for milage on the hwy?
Answers to any or all of the above questions would be greatly appreciated. I haven't owned a Toyota or kept up with them for years. Last Toyota was a 1978 Corolla.

Thank you in advance for any help.

 

A trans can last a long time if not abused and the fluid was changed. Check fluid condition, if thick and black this may be trouble, should be red or kind of redish.

Owners have used the smaller engine (3S-FE) as a replacement but would not recommend it. You will end up with an orphan car plus the current engine (5S-FE) may have a differant ignition setup and other changes. I don't think you can swap parts between the two engines.

Keep in mind Toyota made improvements to the engine ignition system. Check to see if the blown engine has a cam or crank sensor. The computer will be looking for these signals on any replacement engine.

Typically owners buy a used engine, then swap parts with the blown as required. Might look for a totalled Camry of about the same year then pull both engine trans.

The 5SFE will get about 26 mpg overall, if a steady highway speed such as a long trip this can go up to 35ish.

 

Thank You Toyomoho for the great reply. It was very much appreciated.

Wingrider