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Hi Guys, I have a 1987 Toyota Camry DX with a automatic transmission have dirty fluid with floating debris(saw on dipstick). OK, Now you say well He needs to change the fluid Duh?? Yes I see that it needs changing, but the problem is I do not know how often the previous owner changed the fluid.
Further, I do not know if the transmission is on its way out or not. If the trans needs a rebuild or just a fluid and filter change is also an unknown. I do know that in aging transmissions with thick dirty fluid that is changed to clean thin fluid may cause problems-slipping and sudden engagements. The trans shop that I talked to said also that indicators (debris and shifting problems) of trouble are here now and a simple fluid change will not cure the problems.
My next concern is the age of the car and whether to invest money in a 20 year old car(700-1800?) Putting that much money in a car that is worth what? 500-1000 (US dollars). For the record I do not know how much its worth, yet. On the other hand I really like this car. It is a popular car with the public and I see a lot of them running around my city.
Then the question of whether to buy a newer car comes up as opposed to fixing up the old bucket of bolts(LOL). Well for one newer cars cost more money to own and operate what with the cost of insurance and monthly payments for a car that the person does not own. The bank owns it and can take it back anytime if payments are not made..to the point-I can not afford a newer car. I may be at the end of the road for this car and selling it may be the prudent thing to do? yes? or roll the dice and invest a little more in a good performing car? yes? Any input will be welcome Thank you. Whew that was a mouthful
Hope I didn't put anyone to sleep.
Further, I do not know if the transmission is on its way out or not. If the trans needs a rebuild or just a fluid and filter change is also an unknown. I do know that in aging transmissions with thick dirty fluid that is changed to clean thin fluid may cause problems-slipping and sudden engagements. The trans shop that I talked to said also that indicators (debris and shifting problems) of trouble are here now and a simple fluid change will not cure the problems.
My next concern is the age of the car and whether to invest money in a 20 year old car(700-1800?) Putting that much money in a car that is worth what? 500-1000 (US dollars). For the record I do not know how much its worth, yet. On the other hand I really like this car. It is a popular car with the public and I see a lot of them running around my city.
Then the question of whether to buy a newer car comes up as opposed to fixing up the old bucket of bolts(LOL). Well for one newer cars cost more money to own and operate what with the cost of insurance and monthly payments for a car that the person does not own. The bank owns it and can take it back anytime if payments are not made..to the point-I can not afford a newer car. I may be at the end of the road for this car and selling it may be the prudent thing to do? yes? or roll the dice and invest a little more in a good performing car? yes? Any input will be welcome Thank you. Whew that was a mouthful