2002 Camry LE

[greensky]

I have enjoyed owning & driving 1992 and 2000 Toyota Camry. This is my first time I have decided to buy used Camry. The reason is to wait for NEW TRIM Toyota Corolla which is coming out in early 2009!!!

I have bought this used 2002 Camry LE from my dealership. It has clocked 116000 Km   and had only one owner - original purchaser. I have gone thorough the service history of this vehicle which was serviced regularly at the dealership (not mine).

I liked this car. It is a real fun to drive. However, there are two issues which caused me to come to this forum for comments.

Firstly, It is a brake. It is working fine but when pressing the brake pedal there is vibration type feeling on the foot for quick short time. There is no sound or noise but the feeling on the foot. The brake pedal has to press firmly deep to go down. However, it is working fine. My dealership tells me it is ok not to worry.

Secondly, there is a reference "Engine Repair" in service history list. It was done by a dealership (not mine) at around 46000 Km in 2005. No further details or comments about the "Engine Repair" comment. What kind of repair etc. How do I get more information on this issue? Do I have to worry about this issue?

I will appreciate your comments.

Thank you,

greensky

[Craig]

Slight warp in the rotor?

"Engine repair" is cryptic, isn't it?

But by this point, you bought it.  Why come here now, when we really can't help you?  I would have required the dealership to correct the braking problem (new pads and rotors) and pull the service records prior to purchase.  That'll be a little more difficult now.

[articsteve]

I agree that the vibration will be bad front brake rotors.  AS for the engine repair go back your selling dealer, that I assume is a Toyota dealer, and they will be able to look it up in the Toyota system.

[Trainman]

On the brakes, sounds like warped rotors.  If you are worried, get them checked out by a brake shop or an independent mechanic you can trust.

As for the "Engine Repair", try going to the dealer that did the work and see if they will tell you what it was.  Maybe it was done under warranty and there may be something in the file they can look up.  I had this with my Pathfinder, also bought used.  I was able to get the warranty repair history from a Nissan dealer (water pump was all), hopefully a Toyota dealer will be as helpful.

[Craig]

I disagree.  I think it sounds like warped rotors.

geez

[Squishy]

Yup, the servicing dealership should know what was done.

The vibrating brakes are likely warped rotors, and the excessive travel would be misadjusted rear brakes.  I don't know anything about Toyotas, but at that mileage some self-adjuster mechanisms will gum up and stop working, and needs to be cleaned and re-greased to make it work again (or just adjust the rears yourself at every tire rotation).

[greensky]

I have now talked to my Toyota dealership (from whom I have bought this car) and they have agreed to look into the issue of brakes. The comments and suggestions from you have really helped me to make them to look into the brakes. I do have trust in my dealership (at least the person I am dealing with) as I have been their customer since 1991. In fact, the problem of brakes was raised by me before I made the payment of the car. However, they said it was normal for 2002 Camry LE to have some vibration in the brakes.

The "Engine Repair" issue will be followed by me with them to find out what kind of repair was it.

Many thanks for your help.

greensky

[barrie1]

Just a thought but is this the 1st vehicle you have owned that has ABS as it will do a very similar vibration when applied as thats normal for it to happen to some degree? The ABS can cause it shudder  when slowing down on occasion. 

[greensky]

This vehicle don't have ABS and I never had ABS in my previous cars. This is my third Camry from my dealership since 1991. However, they have agreed to fix the probem as soon as they get the necessary parts (kit) which is under order. The "Engine Repair" was a mionr problem which was fixed under the warranty.