1st & 2nd Generation (1983–1986 & 1987-1991)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1983-1986 & 1987-1991.
Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving America's favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.
I don't know much about these cars but I'm trying to find her something below $2500 that she can pay cash for, be safe (she will be driving small children in it), nice, somewhat economical, and reliable. I realize that there will be maintenance as with any car but from what I have read, this particular car is primarily a 2nd Gen Camry. Is that true? That's why I posted here rather than the Lexus board.
I know that Toyotas are some of the best cars reliability wise so thats why I'm real curious about this one in particular. Are these good cars? Will it last? Is there anything I should watch for when taking a look at this car like prone issues such as bad trannys or anything? I'm going to see if I can take a look at it and drive it this weekend hopefully if the weather cooperates with us Coloradans.
When does the timing belt need to be changed, every 90k? I assume it's a belt and not a chain, yes? I'm going to try and find out everything I can about the car's past too.
Also, what about the price? I checked NADA and it looks like this is just below average wholesale. I'd like to try and get it down to at least $2k, I guess it depends on how nice it truely ends up being after I see it.
All the info you guys can give me would be greatly appreciated, thanks guys!
PS: I searched but didn't come up with a whole lot.
yes lexus/toyota is very reliable. 2,500 for that however is a bit more than I'd pay. You're right for wanting to get the price down to about 2,000. After all it is a '90! about 18 years its been on the road now. The lexus will be good, it has a v6 after all, so it has ample power. Since the car is old though, upkeep might cost some money of course. And since it is old, there won't be all the modern safety features. I am pretty sure that the lexus es250 of 1990 did has ABS though. The car should be safe enough.
yes lexus/toyota is very reliable. 2,500 for that however is a bit more than I'd pay. You're right for wanting to get the price down to about 2,000. After all it is a '90! about 18 years its been on the road now. The lexus will be good, it has a v6 after all, so it has ample power. Since the car is old though, upkeep might cost some money of course. And since it is old, there won't be all the modern safety features. I am pretty sure that the lexus es250 of 1990 did has ABS though. The car should be safe enough.
Skip them. Get a Civic for $250 that will move.
If he wants the Camry plaform. He should save money until he can afford a 92+ camry/ES.
__________________
"The lamest twice banned, non-female member of-all time." -Ekam, Thanks, I <3 you too! AIM/Yahoo Toysrme257th
for anything, anytime; including camry turbos Now with Turbo!
This is for a "she" and she doesn't have a lot of money but needs a car now. No time to wait. Most of the Civics I have seen in this price range are either manual trannys or trashed. Also, me being a recent Acura owner, I'm not real big on Honda's auto-tragic trannys so I'm contending with that. I'm trying to find her the most car I can for the money. A Civic or Accord is on the list of cars as is a Jeep Cherokee, although I'd rather put her in a car with the lesser chance of a roll-over which she has already recently experienced.
EDIT: Don't the '92-'94 V6's tend to overheat anyway? Thats the last thing I want to subject her to on a hot summer day with two small children in the car in the middle of rush hour.
__________________
90' ES two-fity, balanced motor, head work, home built intake, lowered, wheels, window tint and some stereo upgrades, next...building my headers.
As much as I love my Camry, that price is a little steep. The V6 Camry/ES250 were--and are--very reliable cars, and the biggest complaint is the body. If you're thinking of buying this car, look closely at the underbody. The weld seams under the front floors (driver's and passenger's feet) tend to rust and separate in areas with a lot of salt. The trunks tend to rust-out around the wheel wells.
The engine will probably be bulletproof, as long as they maintained their car. I just bought an engine out of an ES250 with only slightly less mileage on it, and it's still got full compression.
As for the auto transmission, I can't help you. I drive the 5-speed, and it just won't die. Touch wood.
You could probably find a newer V6 Camry (92 or 93) for about the same price...I would consider it (as toysrme said).
__________________ 1990 5spd V6 Camry (Still kicking at 393,000km) 1991 Celica GTS -- Pappa needs a 3SGTE...and AWD for all this friggin' snow
Honda my A$$, you just can't kill a Yota...
No not really. I have a manual which can last longer with minimal maintenance (except the clutch). The sunroof cables on those cars were a problem, that and the auto trans. And those can be hit or miss. Be sure to run an open/close cycle on the sunroof before you buy it. Also see if they've already been replaced once i.e. verbal, paper reciept.
__________________
90' ES two-fity, balanced motor, head work, home built intake, lowered, wheels, window tint and some stereo upgrades, next...building my headers.
The sunroof cables on those cars were a problem, that and the auto trans. And those can be hit or miss. Be sure to run an open/close cycle on the sunroof before you buy it. Also see if they've already been replaced once i.e. verbal, paper reciept.
Unfortunately even a test try of the sunroof may not save you. When I bought mine, the roof worked perfectly. I mean, smooth and quiet. Two months later, a shim blew-off the track and a cable snapped. No warning at all. Luckily I don't live in Cali, and I couldn't really care less about the sunroof. It would just let snow in the car anyway.
__________________ 1990 5spd V6 Camry (Still kicking at 393,000km) 1991 Celica GTS -- Pappa needs a 3SGTE...and AWD for all this friggin' snow
Honda my A$$, you just can't kill a Yota...
No not really. I have a manual which can last longer with minimal maintenance (except the clutch).
Hey, you mean you have a 5-speed ES250? VERY nice, I'd love to find one of those...
__________________ 1990 5spd V6 Camry (Still kicking at 393,000km) 1991 Celica GTS -- Pappa needs a 3SGTE...and AWD for all this friggin' snow
Honda my A$$, you just can't kill a Yota...
I called the guy about the car last night and he said that up until a month ago, it was owned by a woman that had bought it brand new. He said the interior looks practically brand new, it's got a power steering pump, and he said the exterior is pretty clean too. The guy said it looks like the lady took real good care of it. He has only had it a month because he buys/sells cars like a wholesaler I guess. I'm going to take a look at it on Sat. I think. I'll keep you guys posted on how it turned out.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
ToyotaNation.com is an independent Toyota/Lexus enthusiast website. ToyotaNation.com is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. The Toyota, Lexus and Scion names and logos are trademarks owned by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
1990 5spd V6 Camry (Still kicking at 393,000km) 1991 Celica GTS -- Pappa needs a 3SGTE...and AWD for all this friggin' snow
Linear Mode
