2000 Toyota Camry NGV (55k)

[MCalley]

I'm a 2008 GX owner and my buddy is looking at a rare 200 Camry CNG. It is being sold at CNG Utah and owner claims he can't get it to start due to water in fuel line.

Obviously we wouldn't buy it if it doesn't run, but how would we know if it's the compuvalve?

Does anyone have experience owning a Camry NGV?

Any other suggestions or comments?

Thanks in advance.

[nttrainer]

Re: 2000 Toyota Camry NGV (55k)

Compuvalve is the curse of the bi-fuel Fords. Camry doesn't have a compuvalve.

Obviously we wouldn't buy it if it doesn't run, but how would we know if it's the compuvalve?

[Lakewood90712]

Re: 2000 Toyota Camry NGV (55k)

A few members have them. A lot are showing up at the auctions , as most city/county/agency fleets sell off vechicles on a 10 year cycle.

I would stay away , as Toyota has no cng product support in Utah that I know of.

Anyone with another opinion , feel free to advise.

[cngacrossusa]

Re: 2000 Toyota Camry NGV (55k)

Sounds like you do NOT have the whole story since this is a DEDICATED cng vehicle. Water in fuel (ie cng) is VERY unlikely as almost always the culprit is oil contamination from a public cng refueling site that hasn't kept it's filters clean. I'd recommend you get direct information from Camry cng owners here in CNGChat who can give you a straight answer. Start out with normal 3 basic tests: a)have fuel getting to cylinders, b)have blue hot spark, and c)compression test for each cylinder shows no likely valve or ring damage (or overheat damage to head gasket).

If price for 2000 Camry cng with only 55K miles (that won't run) is a song, you might come out way ahead, even if you have to transport it to a qualified repair shop. With all the cng activities in Utah, I'd be surprised if shop there couldn't fix it. These Camry cng's are rare, and just within past 2 years went as high as $9,000 to $11,000 for one with 100K miles !!! I tried getting one near LA that had 100K miles and was mint, but it sold for $8,500 in 3 days on Craigslist. Recent prices are much lower and there is CA dealer that recently had some for sale on EBay or Craigslist - - Best Auto Sales in Corona, CA 1-877-826-7253.

Good luck to you . . . . those Camry's are the Cadillac of dedicated cng vehicles with excellent reliability. Do your homework, but don't give up!!

[CNGLO]

Re: 2000 Toyota Camry NGV (55k)

A few members have them. A lot are showing up at the auctions , as most city/county/agency fleets sell off vechicles on a 10 year cycle.

I would stay away , as Toyota has no cng product support in Utah that I know of.

Anyone with another opinion , feel free to advise.

I spoke to a technician at Menlove Toyota a couple of weeks back. He seemed pretty knowledgeable about NGVs. He said he sees a couple of CNG Camrys come in every year for service. It might be worth the time to check with Menlove in Bountiful if for nothing else to see if parts are available.

[CptPalmer]

Re: 2000 Toyota Camry NGV (55k)

I own a 2001 Camry and I absolutely love the car. I believe that you could give Lancer Automotive in SLC a call, they have a lot of experience with CNG cars. I personally have not had any issues with my car.

[John Mitton]

Re: 2000 Toyota Camry NGV (55k)

My friend in So Cal was the only individual who was allowed to buy the CNG Camry new (he assisted the gas companies as a consultant in landing the fleet order with Toyota in 2000). Since then he has put on over 250k miles as the original owner with no issues whatsoever. For good measure he replaced the fuel injectors at around 150k miles but otherwise just routine maintenance.

[Xray]

Re: 2000 Toyota Camry NGV (55k)

I agree with Mr Mitton "The cadillac of NGVs"

[CNG Utah]

Re: 2000 Toyota Camry NGV (55k)

Just an update on this car. It had a plugged fuel filter that was full of oil. We got that changed and the fuel line and injectors flushed and it's running fine now.

[nttrainer]

Re: 2000 Toyota Camry NGV (55k)

Good call cngacrossusa -

since this is a DEDICATED cng vehicle. Water in fuel (ie cng) is VERY unlikely as almost always the culprit is oil contamination from a public cng refueling site that hasn't kept it's filters clean. . those Camry's are the Cadillac of dedicated cng vehicles with excellent reliability.

[gringostar]

Re: 2000 Toyota Camry NGV (55k)

I agree with Mr Mitton "The cadillac of NGVs"

it's the Rolls Royce of CNG cars! (Making only 3,000 makes it as rare as a RR)

[CptPalmer]

Re: 2000 Toyota Camry NGV (55k)

it's the Rolls Royce of CNG cars! (Making only 3,000 makes it as rare as a RR)

They only made 300 not 3000. Never rare indeed.

[Yroc]

Re: 2000 Toyota Camry NGV (55k)

I don't know if I can post this here, so just delete if I cannot.

I have 2 2000 camry's that I will be listing on KSL this week. 45K & 65K. They should sell in the 8K range after I figure out the costs of purchasing in CA and shipping them out. PM if interested or watch KSL.

Me and my wife have been driving them and I really agree with the other owners in this thread, they are solid. I like them better than the early GX's for sure, not a cool looking, but solid.

Thanks

[gringostar]

Re: 2000 Toyota Camry NGV (55k)

They only made 300 not 3000. Never rare indeed.

Ooops. I stand corrected. Thank you.

[gringostar]

Re: 2000 Toyota Camry NGV (55k)

I don't know if I can post this here, so just delete if I cannot.

I have 2 2000 camry's that I will be listing on KSL this week. 45K & 65K. They should sell in the 8K range after I figure out the costs of purchasing in CA and shipping them out. PM if interested or watch KSL.

Me and my wife have been driving them and I really agree with the other owners in this thread, they are solid. I like them better than the early GX's for sure, not a cool looking, but solid.

Thanks

If you're purchasing them from Best Auto in Corona, CA, be very careful. I drove one a couple of years ago, not saying that these are them, but the one I drove was the poorest running Toyota I have ever driven. I didn't know one could keep a Toyota in such poor condition.

Caveat Emptor!