Looking for advice on repair costs

[aspyker]

Hello,

I went into a local dealer (Raleigh, NC area) to have them look at a new problem on my 02 Camry (~80K miles). The problem is white/blue smoke coming from the tailpipe when I start the engine after the car has sat a while. They couldn't diagnose the problem, as it didn't happen when they started it and suggested I leave it overnight so the service tech could see the problem upon starting in the morning. Ok, so that all makes sense (as they want to see the problem themselves instead of fixing a problem they assume to be happening based on what I said).

However, on looking over the car they suggested the following:

They said I'm also smelling burning oil in the car due to a oil leak at the front of the car and suggested resealing the timing chain cover at a cost of $750. They also saw a leaking oil pan gasket and suggested, due to fire hazard, that I fix that as well at a cost of $300.

Based on their previous experience, they guess the smoke issue to be valve stem seals. If they confirm this by me leaving the car overnight, they would guess that repair to be $1600.

I had oil leaks in a 89 Camry and I *never* spent this amount of money "fixing" them (some I was quite happy to allow and covered the garage with cardboard and kept up with regular oil changes). I was quite surprised at the cost of all these repairs on such a new Camry, but they said almost all Camry's of this year/model are exhibiting the same oil leaks and need similar repairs.

I would appreciate any information people have.

[2007_SE]

sounds like can be the valves, although i'm not sure on pricing. I doubt it might be your head gasket but who knows it's burning oil, from the description. all i know is this type of work is going to be spendy no matter where you go.

[njerald]

Search for headbolts stripping threads. That could be causing all your problems.

[Haytundra]

You may want to look here Camry and Solara Forum - Toyota Forums :: Toyota Nation

TS is a great website for tundra's but for camry info and help you will get a better response at the above link.

ps run dont walk from that dealer......I know not everybody can do this work themselves but check with another dealer or find a independent shop.