Overhaul at 100K
 

Just a quick note and question for all you Camry owners. I am one of those car keeper types. My first new car was a 1990 Camry SE and I loved it. 14 years and 263,000 miles before it got wrecked. Every Camry I've owned; I keep for a minimum of 10 years. The '90 cost me $1100 for a major overhaul when the OD hit 100k. Had them replace the timing belt, water pump, radiator flush, etc. Pretty much everything that could cause a breakdown, I replaced it. My 2001 cost $1400. My latest baby is a 2013 LE and that cost $1900. No timing belt so the water pump was a stand alone job. Same thing as before, brakes bled, trans & rad fluid changed and anything else I could think of.

Here's my question. Have you changed out a bad thermostat? And if so, how many miles was on the OD? 3 Camry's and I have never replaced the thermostat on any of them. A few friends who like me, had over 200K on their Camry's also said they never replaced the thermostat. If you Google the question, most results say it should last between 6-10 years. 10 years being optimistic. On my next oil change (5K), I think this time I'll replaced the thermostat. The dealer wants close to $200 because his computer stated it will take an hour's labor.

Years ago, I took my Camry to a mechanic who dealt with Japanese makes mostly. They told me that Toyota buys better quality parts than the competition. That would explain why they last so long. The '93 Acura Integra I owned had so many problems that my Toyota did not. I had asked why the big difference and that's what they told me. The only things I've replaced on my Camry's was just the maintenance stuff.

So what's the opinion on the thermostat question? My gut tells me to replace it, and I will. Thanks in advance for your responses.

Toyota tends to own in whole or part the corporations that supply parts to build their cars. The result is Toyota has tight control over quality. Many of these corporations also sell the same part outside of Toyota to all under their brand name.

Buy a Toyota T-stat brand if available or a brand that Toyota owns. Never had one fail. If wanting to be extra cautiou buy one that fails in the open position.

Thanks for the tip. Considering no one has replied, maybe it means no one has yet to replace the thermostat. I know it won't fail me but I'll replace it next oil change just to make sure I've covered everything.

If you want opinions try the Toyotanation.com site.

Aisin brand is owned by Toyota and makes a t-stat for the car. Get an Aisin!