Long Term Road Test of a Toyota Camry Gracia 1998 with help from Jake and Elwood Blues
February 25th 2007 08:45
Thought just for something different I would do post on ownership of a 1998 Toyota Camry Gracia wagon or estate if you live in the UK. I have owned this car for about 2 years now.
'Is it the new blues mobile or what?'
It's got a cop motor, a 440 cubic inch plant, it's got cop tires, cop suspensions, cop shocks. It's a model made before catalytic converters so it'll run good on regular gas. What do you say, is it the new Bluesmobile or what?
Jake: Fix the cigarette lighter
'Actually guys its got a 2.2 front wheel drive with an auto box and it runs on unleaded'
Elwood ' I bet these cops got SCMODS here in New Zealand.
Jake: SCMODS?
Elwood: State County Municipal Offender Data System.
'Um guys we are getting off track here' Anyway the Camry in this shape was released in Japan 1996 and comes with some pretty good spec. It has air con, 8 speaker system, sbs brakes, central locking, full 3 point seat belts and proper head rests in the rear seating area, which also has room for 3 adults comfortably even with the drivers seat right back.
There are loads of compartments in the rear luggage area with tie down hooks and a 12v socket there also.
Around town it will do about 550 to 600 kms and cost at todays prices about $70.00 to fill up. The auto box isn't too bad but if it had a 5 speed manual then it would be primo, that and harder suspension as they are pretty soft to what I'd like.
These cars are very reliable with purchasing the car on 38000kms and now showing 59000km , it's had nothing go wrong and I always get it serviced at Southern Subaru when the warrant is due, avg cost $150.00.
My rego
The imported Camry is alot better spec than the NZ new model, and they have a good safety record on the govt website although the only thing I really hate and I do detest it, is damm big blind spots on the front pillars.
These are just awful and when driving , you actually find yourself moving your head quite a bit either side and the plastic is damm hard too, so you wouldn't want to be in a smash and your arms flying forward and striking them!
Apart from that and being an auto, it's a great car, it maybe a family wagon but you don't need the 2.5, as when you want to make some progress then it will go not too bad at all.
I looked at a few wagons , Audi, Ford, Honda etc but for quality,value for money and not to bad looks with the alloys and rear spoiler, then a Camry Gracia is a good safe family car.
What do you think guys? Jake? Elwood?
It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark and we're wearing sunglasses.
Jake: Hit it.
Well thanks for that but I must show the sneak preview of the new Toyota flying car as our roving reporter snapped while in the states.
Just before take off
New Toyota flying car heavily disguised but scoop snap shot reveals all.
Last words guys?
Elwood I'm gonna quit work first thing in the morning.
Jake: And how are you gonna get to work Mr Lead Foot, Mr Hot Rod, Mr Motor Head? Those cops took your license away. They got your name, your address.
Elwood: No they don't got my address. I falsified my renewal. I put 1060 West Addison.
Jake: 1060 West Addison? That's Wrigley Field.
Hal
Sometimes you have to promote yourself
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