1998 Toyota Camry Oil 'Seepage' and Water pump noise

SCOTTANDDENISE

MEMBER
1998 TOYOTA CAMRY
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
96,500 MILES

Wife and I bought a 98 Camry which is in wonderful shape, so we thought and were told by Acura delaership. Took the car to Toyota dealership to have the car checked out to see if timing belt or chain needed to be changed and for basic 'look over'. Toyota called and stated that it had 4 oil leaks near oil pan, front gaskets, etc. Also the water pump was making a rattling noise so they stated when started. Also, stated that the flex pipe had a leak which would fail NC inspections and they did not see how the car was sold like this. Took the car back to Acura dealership and was informed by their lead mechanic that. The oil leaks are actually seepage, which all Toyota do this and No worries. The flex pipe problem is not a problem and he connected to O2 sensor to the tail pipe and it passes inspections with no issues.
We have nt had any problems with the car and we have not seen any oil leaks in the garage from any of the 4 places that we were informed. I suppose that I should take the car to a place that has nothing to do with the original sale and is not a Toyota dealership. Any ideas? Do not really want to pay $3600 +tax for repair of all issues if these are not immediate problems.

1 Reply

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

Try inspecting the car yourself, even if you don't have mechanical experience. Just look for the oil leaks that the dealer stated. Check your oil level every day to see if it is dropping rapidly, or none at all. Also, if it passed the emission test then you shouldn't have to worry about the flex pipe. Listen for the water pump to see if it is making any weird or unusual noises. Check for leaks around it as well. It sounds to me like the dealer was just trying to make big dollars from you. Check out the Avoid Car Repair Rip Offs section to read more into how you can avoid being taken advantage of from garages and how to choose the right garage.