While looking into why so many Toyota Camry 5SFE Engines are being sold, I came across this complaint. It seems to encompass the entire realm of problems a blown engine can cause and why you should know who to buy your used engine from. Believe me, this guy could have done better than a used engine with 90,000 miles on it. Read below…

Problem: 2000 Camry LE – 5SFE Engine. 77K Miles. Motor had been burning a little oil at startup (possible bad valve stem seals) and had been doing so for about 4-6 months. Toyota told us that since we did our own regular maintenance, that we did not qualify for the recall on these engines. My wife had gotten laid off in beginning of August 08, I had just changed oil in July 08. Beginning of Nov 08, started car up to a substantial rod knock. Took it to a mechanic to get another motor put into it asap due to her starting a new job within a week (at that time). This ‘new’ motor had approx 90K miles on it and now about 7 months or so later, it is now starting to puff oil smoke upon startup (same thing the original motor did when this started).

Have already spent 2600 to replace original motor plus the time and hassle of being down a vehicle for about a week. Now we are looking to have to spend another 1000-2000+ to rebuild the original motor (we bought it back) not to mention all the time, effort, downtime and extra costs it will take to rebuild and install the original motor while we have a whole family event every day taking mom to work while her car is down.