Hi,

I have a 1998 camry, six cylinder 1MZ engine auto trans. At 245,000 miles it has NEVER had the trans fluid changed. (I bought it at 60K).

The fluid does not smell or look bad, but I'm sure a change would not hurt. The manual calls for Dex II or Dex III, but only lists a capacity of 3.5 qts which seems awfully low to me.

What do you think of using Dex VI instead of Dex III? There is no filter in this car, just a metal screen which the dealer suggested I not bother with.

I've been naughty by not taking better care of this car, especially since it's been pretty good to me. Only a couple of water pumps, coil number 2, numerous oil changes, and three timing belts over the last several years.

I know zip about Dex VI. I would stick with what you know works. Use Dex III if it's still available. If not use Dex IV as long as it says it's compatable with Dex III. (Did you maybe mean Dex IV?) I wouldn't let anyone flush the transaxle fluid. Just drain and replace. I am increasingly reading of cases where higher mileage transaxles are getting flushed and fail soon thereafter. Scum can dislodge and get stuck in critical passages.

Don't recall if a 98 has a separate differential drain from the transaxle. Look through your factory manual at the top of the forum. Should find the answer there.