1999 Camry LE V6 5-speed ...Should I buy???

[Rev8k]

I'm been looking for a commuter car and found this Camry.
I will be driving almost 500 miles a week.
It's black with tan leather interior. It has the rare manual trans with V6 combo.
It has 78,000 miles. I took a look at it yesterday and found nothing
major wrong with it. It's actually in real good shape for the year.
It drives nice and tracks straight.
It has brand new tires and brakes. I've talked the sales guy down to $7,860.
I told him I will give him the final decision tomorrow.
What do you guys think? Is that a good price?
Yes I've checked NADA but wanted to check with you
guys as well. Please advise.

Thanks.

[geoff5093]

KBB for that is $8,435 retail and only $6,210 private party.

If it's as good as it sounds, then it should be a very reliable car. I cant say though if it's worth it, but it seems a bit pricey.

[triggerhappy007]

That's a little high, you should have offered him $7000.

[Rev8k]

Typing in the milage and options, I got $9,005 retail value
and $7,220 private party from KBB.
Perhaps I should negotiate some more.
But, the car is kind of a rare find with the V6 and 5-speed.
I'm not crazy about automatics.

[bigbird]

a bit pricy but rare, only get it if u really want the extra enjoyment of the 5 speed. it would be a good deal for me, but u could also get a solara V6 5speed for around the same price. somthing to consider.

[Rev8k]

I need four doors. So, the Solara isn't an option.
Thanks though.

So, what do you guys think is a good deal for that car?
I've looked on Auto Trader and I'm not finding anything
with a better price especially when most cars that age
are over 100,000 miles. I'm looking at automatics too, even though I prefer
a 5-speed. I think you guys may be surprised to see the prices the 1999 V6 Camrys
are going for. When I did a search for specifically, a 1999 V6 Camry on
Auto Trader, the price range was between $5,000 - $12,000 (depending
on mileage and options). I think the price on this car I've looked at was pretty fair
based on that.

I've looked at Honda Accords as well with the same options, etc.,
and they are asking in that same range.

Anyway, I'm not locked into this deal yet. Nothing has been signed.
If you guys know of any better deals within a 150 mile radius from
the Chicago area, let me know.

BTW: Thanks for the help and opinions.

[touringcamry]

Does this guy have maintenance records? Thing about those engines is that there was a huge thing about them sludging from improper maintenance.

[geoff5093]

This isnt directly related to yours, but I made a thread several months ago asking if I should but a 99 V6 5-spd, you might want to read some of the responses.

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/t184765.html

[gLok]

I love my 5 spd v6 Camry, i think the price you're at is a tad high but they are great cars and if it's clean enough, it's worth it.

[geoff5093]

argh.. everytime I look at the pics I took from the 99 V6 5-spd, the more I wish I went through selling my car

[Rev8k]

Thanks for the link geoff5093. So, you didn't buy that car?
That car is pretty much the same car I'm looking at.
The only difference is this one has a tan interior and
has only 77,000 miles. Perhaps, that's why there
is a price difference. But $5995 for the car you looked
at was a really good deal. I'm telling you, I'm finding
no prices like that on similar Camrys.

[geoff5093]

No I didnt end up getting it, I was do die hard on getting it, and I even test drove it, and the dealer offered me $3500 for a trade in a few months ago as well.

The things that drove me away from "upgrading", was that I had alot of work done on my car, new timing belt, water pump, new struts, tires, brakes, etc, and I did some work on the body of my car.

But even now I look back and wish I sold my car and bought it (I still can, since they still have it), but part of me says to keep my car until it dies since it runs great, only has 136K on it, and save up my money to buy a new(er) one.

[Rev8k]

geoff5093,

I'm assuming the car you almost bought is in the northern New England area.
If I was still living in Maine, I would buy it. But I'm not. I'm still thinking
there are not many better deals going on right now. So, I'm still
considering the one I've looked at. I may give myself more time though.

[geoff5093]

If you could get it for or under $7,000, I would strongly consider it. As I said before, the main reason I didnt do it was because my current car is fine, but it sounds like your situation is different since you wouldnt have to sell a car to get it.

And yes, I live in New England (NH).

[mr.pringles]

try craigslist - http://geo.craigslist.org/iso/us/in great site to buy cars for cheap