Never mind all the performance talk... I'm just shocked that a manual transmission Camry exists. I didn't think anyone bought such a thing.
It's the one most car magazines get to test, and then when thrust into a comparison test, they get automatics like everybody else does, just to even the field out. And then the Camry lapses; but the average owner never really has serious complaints. I think you can only get the 4 cylinder engine in stick, although I'm not sure about any of the much older Camrys (the 140hp V6 was first available around 1987-88).
Meh, this has always made me cringe. Yes, Toyota puts millions into R&D. But that doesn't mean that they spent top dollar on making sure that the engine is putting out the most power it can possibly make. Remember that these cars are built down to a price. Corners are cut, compromises are made.
The compromise was making an engine that can routinely last 200,000-300,000 miles, and still return great fuel economy/power results if maintained by the book.
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If you're going to keep a 2001 Camry, might as well keep it stock, replace the engine mounts. They only last about 3-4 years (especially the passenger-side "dog bone mount") in all Camry/ES 300's regardless of mileage, for some reason. Many owners neglect them, but it provides quite the handling difference. Struts are kind of weak, especially the rears, for this model of Camry. Another item that's ignored (due to high cost) and plays quite a handling role. Sometimes the tie rod ends are kind of flimsy on these Camrys, although that probably depends on how well/poorly driven this car was. So yes, unless it's been well-looked after and maintained, you're looking at plunking down $1000-1200 after an alignment. It will feel like a new car again.
Replacement parts are everywhere for this model; it's not going to be a bad car to get you through high school and even college. Upkeep is kind of minimal for a 10-year-old car, although any 10-year-old vehicle is going to have some unexpected repair expenses. I would bet dollars-to-donuts that the idle air control motor (IAC motor) will need replacement, if it hasn't been replaced yet. After oxygen sensors, they're the Achille's Heel of Toyotas. You aren't going to feel much, if any, difference in making 5-10 horsepower mods, unless that really floats your boat. I don't want to sound like a jerk, but you aren't going to find a lot of go-fast mods to this car, unless you plunk down a lot of money. At that point, you buy something other than a Camry nor any other front-wheel drive sedan (with the notable exception of the Acura TSX). But I can't think of a more worthy car to plunk down less than a grand for honest-to-goodness daily driving.
Lastly, and oddly...door handles are brittle on this vehicle (also the Corolla from the same generation); usually the interior surrounds or the handles themselves break apart (they aren't that strong), and the exterior ones tend to break off (usually just the front doors). Yes, Toyota is pretty much your only source for these; my advice is to buy new ones, unless you get used ones for free or very cheap, otherwise, you'll be replacing them again soon. I forget if the factory exterior handles come pre-painted or not. These things can get to be a nuisance if ignored, and eventually you'll get stuck in your car, and have to perform some clown-car contortionist motions to get out (and hope you didn't apply the child locks).
Maintenance is fairly inexpensive. When was the timing belt last changed? Toyota suggests 60,000 miles. Soon after, they went with timing chains on their four-bangers. If you're on that second belt change, get the water pump replaced too. And all the camshaft, crankshaft, and valve cover gaskets (because they're probably leaking oil by now, too). Spark plugs are every 60,000 miles or so, not very difficult to replace on this model. Most everything is nuisance-free to replace, mechanics never say: "Damn, that Camry gave me a lot of trouble today!" Brake fluid seems to need replenishment around 30,000-45,000 miles on this vehicle (a little sooner than most cars). A California car is typically in good shape, since you guys aren't aware that the word "rust" exists in the dictionary.
Getting performance tires for this car isn't easy, especially if you are stuck with the 14" wheels. If you get the 15" wheels, there's a little bit of V-rated stuff out there for some fun. There ought to be someone looking to discard some 5-lug, 16" wheels if you're into that; anything more will look silly on this car, with it's normal-for-it's-era wheel arches.
Beige is about the most anonymous color you can choose. Perfect for teenagers, although you'll just have to believe me when you
don't get that ticket.
Tint those front windows; it looks like you've had the car broken into...Leave no second thoughts to thieves!
And most of it is Made in America, so you can feel somewhat patriotic!
