Dear Tom and Ray:

I have a 1987 Toyota Camry. Several times when I turn on the ignition to start the engine, it sounds like the starter is turning, but the engine isn't. When I called my mechanic, he thought it was teeth missing on the flywheel. He later checked and verified that was the problem. His estimate is $400 to replace the flywheel. I went to two other garages for estimates, and they both said that the flywheel problem is common on Camrys. If that is so, does Toyota stand behind its cars? Do I have any recourse? -- George

Ray: I'm afraid you're out of luck, George. Toyota stands behind its cars for about three years or 36,000 miles. Your car is going on 10 years old. So at this point, Toyota is standing WAY behind it.

Tom: I have seen the flywheel problem before on Camrys, but it's hard to fault the manufacturer for a $400 repair after nine years of driving. In my opinion, the Camry has been one of the most reliable cars on the road, and I think you've just gotten spoiled by its reliability, George.

Ray: Right. If you had an '87 Chevy Cavalier, you'd say, "Only $400 this time? Yippee!"

It's NEVER cheaper in the long run to buy a new car. Want proof? Order Tom and Ray's pamphlet How to Buy a Used Car: Things That Detroit and Tokyo Don't Want You to Know. To order, send (check or money order) to Ruin, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. You can also order online.

© 1996 by Tom and Ray Magliozzi and Doug Berman Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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