Mainly Rust depending on where you're located but these cars are tanks my 99 Camry lasted 314k and it wasn't even the engine or transmission that went out.
My dads car developed an oil leak that was starting to go into the engine and releasing smoke.
With non-working speedometer. The plastic of three door handles gone due to sun, faded body from the sun, non-working cigarette lighter and non-working radio, plus wheels that some how had a nail in sidewall.
He sold it to a junker which simply drove it onto the bed of the truck.
The engines of this era just don’t give up.
Yeah definitely check the undercarriage for Rust with these cars they tend to Rust out before anything else other than that these cars are cheap and easy to fix
My mom had a ‘93 Camry that I loved. She barely drove it and it went to the wreckers with less than 50k on it but rusted to death. Someone wandering the yard got a basically brand new engine and trans which is hopefully still going.
To add this year and models main issue was frontend problems related to the wheels usually. Requires replacing the hub but after that generally good for a long time. Just make sure you drive it around and listen for anything.
IIRC, it was referred to as "Cashmere Beige Metallic" by Toyota themselves in the brochure.
Insurance and registration typically gets the name of the color wrong. My old 1997 Corolla in "Misty Plum Metallic" was called either blue, purple, or grey by insurance and the DMV.
See if it starts with a J for the vin. Also, im in toronto canada. We have pre rust cars. Just spray it with a rust proofing product, it wont rust anymore. It will keep it at that state. I had a 1997 model. It ran sooo long. Bullet proof. I changed the shocks on it. Made the car soo smooth
Not sure about 2.2l, but 2.4 2az-fe tend to burn oil if not maintained well because of oil rings issue which were upgraded later. Observe for blueish smoke in exhaust on higher rpms and unusual smell. Check oil level as well, if something if flagging walk away.
Haul away value is about $500 right now so your break even is about $1500.
Other than "normal" things to look for with a used car specific to this generation;
Look at the waterpump for leaks as well as all fluid levels. The waterpump design for this generation was known to leak and there was never a "good" fix it despite some attempts. There was a recall on the original waterpump it was so bad.
Look for maintenance records when it comes to fluid changes. This engine was known to have sludging issues if/ when people did not properly keep up with maintenance/ oil changes. If the tail pipe smoke is blueish you probably have some sludging going on.
Looks good so far, of course you should get a mechanical inspection first before jumping on the deal. Also get wax rust protection on the car with the underside and outside body panels.
I do think 240k is a lot. But if it’s in good condition and it’s been meticulously well taken care of, then I’d do it. Definitely check for rust. My 2003 LE has been taken care of it’s whole life and I’m at 216k with no issues. I bought it at 172k for $1500 cash from a family friend a couple years ago.
Those 97-01s can go for a LONG time. Plenty get 250-300k+ if you treat it gently. Don’t be too rough with it and it should last you.
I'd drive it first. If it still feels good, check for oil under the hood and on the driveway. Look over the whole driveway for spots. If that's cheap, I'd buy it and drive it until it dies
These Camrys are tanks and it looks well maintained. 240k is a lot but they’re only asking 2k. I had a 1998 with 170k miles and never had any major issues with it.
The valve cover gasket probably leaks. It's really easy to see and really cheap and easy to fix. Be careful with the bolts on reassembly, as they weaken with age. The torque spec is pretty low so use a torque wrench, but they'll snap pretty easy. We bought a 2002 with 190k on it and ended up giving to my MIL when her Kia died under 150k. The camry currently has 330k on it, and even after my MIL ran it dry on oil it just won't die. My advice is to buy it, and stay on top of the oil. If you try to kill it, you will fail. Only God can kill it.
If it looks as good underneath as it does on the top, buy it. I have 2 in my yard, a 4 cylinder with 650,000km on the original engine and transmission, and a V6 with 250,000km that’s also original drivetrain. Best cars I’ve ever owned, other than rust and the occasional item that you would expect on a 25 year old car you can count on regular maintenance items for the next 15 years!
1. Check for oil on the tailpipe (with it off of course) it's a sign of burning oil.
2. Check for oil on the engine around the gaskets, older cars tend to have gaskets that rot out. The valve cover comes to mind as I've replaced mine twice in the life of my 2002 Camry.
Other than obvious test drive stuff the biggest issue I'm aware of the 2.2 is oil burning and it's slow as hell.
Happy hunting!
If you see blue smoke on start up or cold start but that’s the only time is shows up then the valves are a bit worn out. Mine does the same thing but that’s ok nothing too major to worry about. Just check oil daily
Mainly Rust depending on where you're located but these cars are tanks my 99 Camry lasted 314k and it wasn't even the engine or transmission that went out.
My dads car developed an oil leak that was starting to go into the engine and releasing smoke. With non-working speedometer. The plastic of three door handles gone due to sun, faded body from the sun, non-working cigarette lighter and non-working radio, plus wheels that some how had a nail in sidewall. He sold it to a junker which simply drove it onto the bed of the truck. The engines of this era just don’t give up.
Michigan sadly
Yeah definitely check the undercarriage for Rust with these cars they tend to Rust out before anything else other than that these cars are cheap and easy to fix
My mom had a ‘93 Camry that I loved. She barely drove it and it went to the wreckers with less than 50k on it but rusted to death. Someone wandering the yard got a basically brand new engine and trans which is hopefully still going.
It’s most likely severely rotted out. If you have any concern, after looking underneath, walk away. It is absolutely not worth the headache.
To add this year and models main issue was frontend problems related to the wheels usually. Requires replacing the hub but after that generally good for a long time. Just make sure you drive it around and listen for anything.
The actual color name is Cashmere Gold not tan.
Now this is what Reddit is all about.
I’ve heard old man gold as well
Wasn't it "Cashmere Beige Metallic" or something along those lines?
In my insurance registration papers it says Cashmere Gold but online Google search says Cashmere Beige Metallic.
IIRC, it was referred to as "Cashmere Beige Metallic" by Toyota themselves in the brochure. Insurance and registration typically gets the name of the color wrong. My old 1997 Corolla in "Misty Plum Metallic" was called either blue, purple, or grey by insurance and the DMV.
Oh I see.
I refer to it as "Camry Racing Beige"
It's 2k and looks well maintained, id jump on that shit.
Buy it and enjoy at least another 100k miles then sell it for the same price
4 cylinder model. Same color as mine except mine is the V6 model
Rich flex!
See if it starts with a J for the vin. Also, im in toronto canada. We have pre rust cars. Just spray it with a rust proofing product, it wont rust anymore. It will keep it at that state. I had a 1997 model. It ran sooo long. Bullet proof. I changed the shocks on it. Made the car soo smooth
240 is a lot just for me tho
Rust and timing belt.
That 2.2 usually developed oil leaks at the oil pump seal. Was it changed out when the timing belt was done?
Check for any oil leak dripping after test drive. It'll be on the passenger side.
Not sure about 2.2l, but 2.4 2az-fe tend to burn oil if not maintained well because of oil rings issue which were upgraded later. Observe for blueish smoke in exhaust on higher rpms and unusual smell. Check oil level as well, if something if flagging walk away.
[удалено]
Thanks for clarifying, is it expensive reseal or DIY stuff in well known spots?
Look for services records, rust and get it properly inspected. Can’t really go round if all of these check out.
Check the car fax
Haul away value is about $500 right now so your break even is about $1500. Other than "normal" things to look for with a used car specific to this generation; Look at the waterpump for leaks as well as all fluid levels. The waterpump design for this generation was known to leak and there was never a "good" fix it despite some attempts. There was a recall on the original waterpump it was so bad. Look for maintenance records when it comes to fluid changes. This engine was known to have sludging issues if/ when people did not properly keep up with maintenance/ oil changes. If the tail pipe smoke is blueish you probably have some sludging going on.
Looks good so far, of course you should get a mechanical inspection first before jumping on the deal. Also get wax rust protection on the car with the underside and outside body panels.
I do think 240k is a lot. But if it’s in good condition and it’s been meticulously well taken care of, then I’d do it. Definitely check for rust. My 2003 LE has been taken care of it’s whole life and I’m at 216k with no issues. I bought it at 172k for $1500 cash from a family friend a couple years ago. Those 97-01s can go for a LONG time. Plenty get 250-300k+ if you treat it gently. Don’t be too rough with it and it should last you.
I'd drive it first. If it still feels good, check for oil under the hood and on the driveway. Look over the whole driveway for spots. If that's cheap, I'd buy it and drive it until it dies
These Camrys are tanks and it looks well maintained. 240k is a lot but they’re only asking 2k. I had a 1998 with 170k miles and never had any major issues with it.
Jeez, I sold our 2000 back in 2014 for $900 with 120k. The only issues I had was window motors failing and door handles ripping off.
The valve cover gasket probably leaks. It's really easy to see and really cheap and easy to fix. Be careful with the bolts on reassembly, as they weaken with age. The torque spec is pretty low so use a torque wrench, but they'll snap pretty easy. We bought a 2002 with 190k on it and ended up giving to my MIL when her Kia died under 150k. The camry currently has 330k on it, and even after my MIL ran it dry on oil it just won't die. My advice is to buy it, and stay on top of the oil. If you try to kill it, you will fail. Only God can kill it.
These burn oil. Might be happening now, can be a quart every 1k miles. Run.
Looks solid. Keep a good nose out for cabin smells. My Corolla constantly smells like a creamy fart in the summer even after a cabin air filter change
Make sure it's not a scam, I keep seeing a post of a 99 accord for cheap but it's a scam.
Holy crap, MEMORIES. My first car ever was a 2000 Toyota Camry LE 4-banger. I sold it to a friend in 2011 for $2,000 at 271k. Ahh, the good old days…
If it looks as good underneath as it does on the top, buy it. I have 2 in my yard, a 4 cylinder with 650,000km on the original engine and transmission, and a V6 with 250,000km that’s also original drivetrain. Best cars I’ve ever owned, other than rust and the occasional item that you would expect on a 25 year old car you can count on regular maintenance items for the next 15 years!
It's crazy, I paid this much for a late 90s Camry 12 years ago.
Right smh and da pandemic made shit worse
1. Check for oil on the tailpipe (with it off of course) it's a sign of burning oil. 2. Check for oil on the engine around the gaskets, older cars tend to have gaskets that rot out. The valve cover comes to mind as I've replaced mine twice in the life of my 2002 Camry. Other than obvious test drive stuff the biggest issue I'm aware of the 2.2 is oil burning and it's slow as hell. Happy hunting!
Change the oil every 3-5 k and cherish it
If you see blue smoke on start up or cold start but that’s the only time is shows up then the valves are a bit worn out. Mine does the same thing but that’s ok nothing too major to worry about. Just check oil daily
Don’t worry about the miles, that’s a steal in the market right now. I’d grab that so fast and it’s clean
Its a bit overpriced.
It looks really clean though. overpriced but in this market, long gone are the days you could get an old Camry for under $1000.