Found a local 99' Camry for $2900...

[93CamryLEV6]

Well, I just found a local 99' Camry LE listed for $2900. Seems like a very good car mechanically... It has around 125K. It has a few dings and scratches, but that does not bother me. Mechanically is what I am concerned with and this one is stated to be good. I am not that familiar with these cars, so can anyone tell me what troublespots to look for on the 99s? I know that there are probably pages of potential problems mentioned in the past on here, but a search on the 99s only did not help much. I am thinking the 97s had potential strut clanging. I know it was discussed before, but I am concerned about that "engine sludge" problem, but I know alot of people say that was just hogwash. Is there any simple way to tell if this car may have that problem?

Any details/advice appreciated!

[bigbird]

not a real simple way to check for sludge, the best is to remove the valve cover which isnt real hard just takes a few minutes. thats a real low price though, ask why they are selling the car.

[93CamryLEV6]

Thanks. Come to find out, its a Corolla and not a Camry. Owner used to own a Camry and made a mistake.

[kpszar]

The most important thing I would check is the auto report on it to see there were any major accidents or other things. I also would check how the car sounds when the hoop is up. If their is any sqeeking sounds, I would ask if the water pump was replaced and the belts. I would check the cars suspension as well. The stock struts and springs are not made well. Just to try to bounce the car and see how hard it was to do. ALSO IMPORTANT look under the car to see the car has any major rust and see if the owners had it under coated.

[93CamryLEV6]

Thanks. Well, turns out it is a 99' Corolla... owner listed it Camry by mistake. Said they used to own a Camry and was confused. Anyway, I may have been interested even in the Corolla, but it was the plain "VE" model. Had it been the "CE" or "LE", I would have considered it.

Originally Posted by kpszar

The most important thing I would check is the auto report on it to see there were any major accidents or other things. I also would check how the car sounds when the hoop is up. If their is any sqeeking sounds, I would ask if the water pump was replaced and the belts. I would check the cars suspension as well. The stock struts and springs are not made well. Just to try to bounce the car and see how hard it was to do. ALSO IMPORTANT look under the car to see the car has any major rust and see if the owners had it under coated.