Camry questions

[opk]

Hi all. Noob (to this forum) here. I am considering the purchase of a 1998 Camry, 4 cyl, automatic, pretty much standard equipment, 48,000 legit one owner miles, driven by an older guy. Honest!!

I would like to inquire:

!) What is track record of this model?

2) What are its strong points?

3) What are its weak points?

4) At 48,000 miles, is a timing belt indicated or merely advisable given the age of the car?

5) How much of a premium should the low mileage command?

6) Anything else I should know?

I am in the midwest, i.e., too damned icy, part of the US.

TIA

[bigbird]

Originally Posted by opk

Hi all. Noob (to this forum) here. I am considering the purchase of a 1998 Camry, 4 cyl, automatic, pretty much standard equipment, 48,000 legit one owner miles, driven by an older guy. Honest!!

I would like to inquire:

!) What is track record of this model?

2) What are its strong points?

3) What are its weak points?

4) At 48,000 miles, is a timing belt indicated or merely advisable given the age of the car?

5) How much of a premium should the low mileage command?

6) Anything else I should know?

I am in the midwest, i.e., too damned icy, part of the US.

TIA

1. excelent cars, have been problems with sludge on teh 4cyl(5sfe) with higher millage but if u maintain it then ull be fine.

2. great reliablilty, very comfortable.

3. not powerful cars, if ur lookin for that

4 ur well under teh requiered time for a timing belt, usually its around 90K miles.

5. they hold their value well but one that low is worth it.

under 50k is awesome for a 98 so depending on teh price its a good deal.

[Dave's]

1. Excellent
2. See #1
3. See #2.
4.Think the Gen 4 belts are supposed to last 90K and it's a non-interferance
engine so I'd take my chances personally.
5. What are you willing to pay? (Check 3w.kbb.com)
6. Anytime you buy used you're always taking somewhat of a chance. Might
want it checked by a trusted mechanic if you know one.
Too damned icy? I'm in OKC, no power, no heat, no water and the roof leaked from ice dams. Whatca gonna do?

[opk]

Thanks for the reply, bigbird.

.....and now, the $64,000 question.

What would a price range be for such an example? I think it can be purchased in neighborhood of $6K.

Steal?

Deal?

No deal?

[bigbird]

well according to KBB its a little under that. depending on condition and options. figure thoes out and ull get a more accurate price.

http://www.kbb.com/KBB/UsedCars/Pric...uizConditions=

[opk]

Back again.

Looking at replacing front struts. Any opinions on whether OE is better than aftermarket stuff?

If aftermarket, which brands are preferable?

TIA

[ONE_to_HATE]

KYB GR2s.