This video is a great reminder of why regular maintenance matters
YouTube channel The Car Care Nut recently took a deep dive into a 300,000-mile Toyota Camry engine, exploring just how well Toyota’s reputation for reliability holds up in the real world.
The car in question is a 2009 Toyota Camry equipped with the 2.4-liter 2AZ-FE four-cylinder engine. Despite its age, it still runs and drives, though it’s now burning oil—a sign of wear over time. Impressively, the original owner remains attached to the car, partly because it’s a manual—a rarity in modern Camrys, making it worth preserving.
Once removed from the car, the engine appears to be in decent shape for its mileage. There’s some oil residue on the block, likely from routine oil changes, but no major leaks, heavily rusted fasteners, or failing seals. However, the car is due for a short-block replacement, as it’s burning through a quart of oil roughly every 150 miles. The 2AZ-FE is known for this issue due to faulty piston rings, a problem Toyota later addressed. Interestingly, this particular engine had been taken to a dealer as part of Toyota’s recall campaign, but at the time, it wasn’t consuming enough oil to qualify for repairs.
After tearing down the engine, the cause of the problem becomes clear. The cylinder bores are worn smooth, with no trace of the original cross-hatching pattern. This wear is due to the factory-installed piston rings, which were prone to seizing—an issue unrelated to any negligence by the owner.
That said, other components of the engine are in remarkably good condition. The rod bearings show only minor wear despite the high mileage, requiring no replacement. The engine reportedly still ran quietly and smoothly before being removed. The crank journals remain pristine, while the cams and cylinder head look almost new. Even though the oil is dark, there’s no thick sludge or gummy buildup—most of it wipes away easily. Some carbon deposits are present, but nothing that would significantly impact performance. If not for the piston ring issue and bore wear, this engine wouldn’t even need a rebuild.
Beyond the oil-burning problem, the car has served its owner exceptionally well. It managed an impressive 665 miles on a full tank and averaged 37.5 mpg at highway speeds. Over its 305,000-mile lifespan, the estimated total cost of ownership came to $67,500—including $32,000 spent on fuel (based on an average price of $3 per gallon and 28 mpg fuel economy). The car has also gone through four sets of tires, two clutches, and 60 oil changes.
This teardown highlights just how long a well-maintained modern engine can last. Even with a factory defect, this Camry racked up serious mileage with minimal issues. Now, with a fresh short block, it’s ready to keep going strong for many more miles.
