Hook up a VACUUM guage it'll tell you all you need to know about condition of motor
Still dont think its a lemon, IMO I'd run braided brake hoses, and time permitting put a kit through
all the Caliphers. With the suspenion at full droop {hoist} put a few pumps of grease in uni's , tail shaft and steering grease nipples.
Change steering damper if OE. All of what you described is just "teething problems"
Once you set up a mainenance plan , things will look better,
Camry's in the mail lol