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For the long trip rent a car. If anything happens they just get you another car. As for spending $2,000 how long do you expect to keep the car? If at some point your going New I say ride this one until the wheels fall off and just fix what has to be fixed.
Try your local Goodyear and do an online search for coupons.
It wont solve your current problems, but one thing every vehicle owner should have is an OBD II (1996 - present) scan tool. These devices are no longer an expensive luxury to own like they were in the past. They range from $40 to $200.
These days, you don't even need the scanner.
$10 wifi or Bluetooth ELM 327 adapter off ebay, and a $5 smartphone app and you have a very good OBD2 tool on your smartphone.
My $120 OBD2 tool has long been retired replaced by my smartphone. I have 2-3 OBD2 scanner apps, and they get updates and such, or new ones come out that are even better.
Using ForScan on my Iphone, I can access the various modules on my Ford even beyond what a standard OBD2 scanner can do.
The recommended change interval for a timing belt on a 2005 Camry V6 is 60k miles. Manufacturers are generally conservative in their recommendations, but at 90k it's possible the belt is on it's way out. At $1k for the repair job, it sounds a little high but could be in the ballpark if changing the water pump is included. It's worth checking...
I'm not encouraging you to take chances but the 2005 Camry V6 is a non-interference engine, which means if the timing belt fails it will not cause catastrophic engine damage. The car simply will not go.
Also, if you're every unsure of a mechanic's assessment don't be afraid to get a second opinion. Your car, your money, your choice.
People that ignore such recommendations are taking chances, may luck out, but may not. If you doubt the report, take it elsewhere and get another opinion.
Rear drum brakes usually last about 90-100,000 miles, so yes, they should be done
Frozen calipers, mean no front brakes, a dangerous situation if true
A leaking exhaust pipe can cause dangerous carbon monoxide fumes to get into your passenger compartment
You would know if the wiper blades were bad if they are smearing/skipping in rain
Tire rotations are recommended every 10,000 miles but not critical
That belt should be replaced, if it should break, on some engines it will leave you stranded, on others it will actually
cause the valves and pistons to occupy the same space and totally trash it.
I have a 2007 Camry with 187,000 miles on and have no intention of replacing the timing belt/timing chain.
My history of cars I bought new ...........265,000.....234,000..........241,000
I have never replaced a timing belt/timing chain on any car that I have ever owned.
I have a 2007 Camry with 187,000 miles on and have no intention of replacing the timing belt/timing chain.
My history of cars I bought new ...........265,000.....234,000..........241,000
I have never replaced a timing belt/timing chain on any car that I have ever owned.
I had a Nissan Sentra (1990) that the timing chain got so loose that it slapped/wore a hole right through the housing. At that point it sounded like somebody shaking a can full of marbles inside the engine compartment. That's the only one I've had to replace. It was a royal PITA. Had to unbolt the motor mounts, disconnect the exhaust and raise the motor 1/2 way out. Lacking the appropriate knowledge/experience/pro type shop or garage when I started, it took me a week to do it...probably would have taken a pro only a few hours...but it was a good education.
Many things depend on the weather. I live in a mild location. My book states that the belt should be inspected but not necessarily replaced.
Something that may help those that are less knowledgeable about repairs is one to read the owners manual for the suggested repairs. The other is to buy a repair manual at the local auto parts store or order one online. The book will inform you of what should be checked and when to check it.
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