Just got this 98 Camry le as a first time project car for myself and thought id hop on a forum to get advice and help when needed and vice versa. It only has 88k miles. Shes going to last. Do you think this would be a great first time project car or am i crazy?

 

The car looks in great shape for its age and low miles to boot.

V6 or a 4 cylinder?

It's a solid car!

Easy to work on.

Parts are cheap.

Suggest changing the transmission fluid as its the number cause of trans failure.

Drain and refill the PS reservoir a few times to change this out.

Change the timing belt if never done.

Are you in the Coast Guard? Like the plane in your photo, the car is solid and will run forever if not abused. Don't over rev or overheat it.

 

Its a 4 cylinder, unfortunately it has low miles because it has been sitting somewhere, yeah im in the coast guard im in the aviation side. Thank you for the advice! I have only changed the oil, new tires, and a new stereo so i appreciate a new angle of approach!

 

I think timing belt life is 8 years or 60K miles? They can age out.

If the timing belt breaks the engine will NOT be damaged so your just stuck and not out $$ for damage. There is zero indication as to when the belt will be break. Get the right tools and can do the job in 2-3 hours.

Might change the brake fluid if black. I started doing gravity drains which work well but slow.

 

Like Joey has said, do that regular maintenance and she should run sweet. Very nice!

 

Thanks for the knowledge!