my first used car- is this smart?

[thedogwolf]

hello everyone,

I am currently interested in a 92 Toyota Camry, 37,000 miles a friend has for sell. I'm having the car inspected by a mechanic next week. In my research of this car, I have read nothing but positive things about it. Has anyone had experience with such an old car, with such a low number of miles? I understand Toyotas run forever, and since this car has barely been run at all, it makes me wonder if it'll be a good car. I just don't know if it's wise to buy such an old car. The previous owner is an 80 year old lady who had to quit driving due to a stroke. From what her son tells me, it sounds like it was only driven to church and back for several years. Is this a car that anyone else well seasoned in Toyotas would consider?

ang

[MIC0417]

Definitely, if the price isn't exorbitant. 5000$ would be reasonable for such low miles, even if it's old. My '94 has 115000 miles

[thedogwolf]

Hi Mic,

He's selling it for 4500. thank you for posting back.

angela

[Venom_5]

4500 is a bit pricey, but if its in PERFECT condition, then i would buy it for that price

since the car is so old, most are only worth around $3500 .... so check EVERY body panel, and have the mechanic inspect EVERYTHING under the hood, inside and out of the engine

[dc_98_cam]

At 37k miles, it is likely that the timing belt and water pump have not been replaced. The TB is very likely dry, brittle, and on the verge of failing.
You need to replace both these items....
I have a 98 Camry. The water pump went out at 44k, after a 10 year period.
Depending on your local options, the expense for the timing belt and wp replacement could be as much as $700 .... which is what the dealer quoted me in Dallas.
Also recommend: changing transmission fluid, differential fluid, power steering fluid, and checking all rubber hoses for brittleness, replacing engine coolant.
...
Maybe the current owner would deduct the repair estimate from the selling price, because the major items mentioned here are not optional.
... I suggest letting the Local Toyota Dealer inspect the car, even if you don't have the work done there. ...I think most of them are honest and generally thorough in their technical work.
... If you have worked on cars before, you could probably do the repairs yourself ... A lot of information is available to help you on the TN forum.

[Quicksilver300]

I'd offer $4k. Just because it is old. Then you'd have the money to change the TB.

I bought my 92' LE in 2001 with 33k mi for $6k with a $3k dollar trade in. So I only paid $3k. Great deal, I changed the TB at 66k mi. Forget how much that was. Now that I've confused the shit out of you.
What I'm getting at is I basically paid something like $4500 in 2001. If I was to buy one today, the car would have to be cherry for $4500.

[DressUpYourPet]

At 37k miles, it is likely that the timing belt and water pump have not been replaced. The TB is very likely dry, brittle, and on the verge of failing.
You need to replace both these items....

I agree, the timing belt is 15 years old and the rubber may be brittle. So might need to change it. However, if she kept coolant in it the water pump may be ok for a long time. I'd at least pull the t-belt cover to inspect the t belt. If it still looked good (no cracks and brittleness) id take a chance and drive on it for a while. These parts could go on for a real long time.

My only real concern on a car this old with so few miles would be the possibility of internal engine rust. I'd ask for the service records, if any, and id try to find out how often it had been driven. This car sounds like a great deal to me, old car, low miles, i would jump on it too (but id make sure there werent any major problems like a sezied valve or two from sitting there idle all the time - and if there were these problems a test drive would surely make them show up).

[dc_98_cam]

... Seems like I remember a forum post describing a problem with older Camrys ... the intake and exhaust valve shaft seals drying up and shrinking ... which would lead to oil consumption due to combustion. It might be interesting to watch the exhaust pipe when you start the engine cold ... Look for black smoke I guess.

[Quicksilver300]

ya know funny you mentioned blowing oil. My car did that for about a year and must have fixed itself. It was going through a quart every 1000 mi or so, now it does really lose oil. knock wood, but my old car with low miles has been good. Bought it with 33k and in 6 yrs have put on 80k mi, and have spent maybe $1500 in repairs over 6yrs, most of that money was tires. knock wood

[rayprog]

92 Camry is a really good car. I’m not sure what model you are taking I4 or V6?.
Mine was V6 and I’ve trade it in for another car this year after I put over 500,000 km (over 300,000 miles) on it. 37k it is like a worm upJ. It was hard to go uphill at 6,000 + feet altitude till I drop K&N Air filter in and start using WaterWetter (ReadLine addictive to coolant).
Do not forget to replace radiator cap (it is chip) and check other small things. You also could switch to synthetic. I’ve been using Mobil 1 10W30 synthetic oil (high mileage formula) and Mobil 1 synthetic ATF for many years on 92 Camry.
Good Luck it is a good car

[thedogwolf]

Thanks so much to everyone who has responded. I'm taking the car in for a front to back inspection on Wednesday and they'll be checking for all the main points listed in these posts. They'll check the TB, as well as the engine, and other hoses.

How frequent is it though that you'll take a car into the mechanic and they find nothing wrong, only 2 months down the road the car won't start? I know that no one has a crystal ball, but is this scenario a common one?

angela

[dc_98_cam]

Originally Posted by rayprog

92 Camry is a really good car. I’m not sure what model you are taking I4 or V6?.
Mine was V6 and I’ve trade it in for another car this year after I put over 500,000 km (over 300,000 miles) on it. 37k it is like a worm upJ. It was hard to go uphill at 6,000 + feet altitude till I drop K&N Air filter in and start using WaterWetter (ReadLine addictive to coolant).
Do not forget to replace radiator cap (it is chip) and check other small things. You also could switch to synthetic. I’ve been using Mobil 1 10W30 synthetic oil (high mileage formula) and Mobil 1 synthetic ATF for many years on 92 Camry.
Good Luck it is a good car

I think rayprog means 'warm up' ...

[360glitch]

A 92 with 37,000? That's a heck of a find.

[Heat]

Originally Posted by 360glitch

A 92 with 37,000? That's a heck of a find.

They are out there. In '04 I saw a '92 Ford Taurus at an auction with 7,000 actual miles. It was in immaculate condition, like it just came off of the showroom floor. It sold for something like $8,000, way too much for it, but it was a neat car.

Anyway, the problem with a '92 Camry with low milage is that it's value will be higher than normal retail. Not a problem unless it is involved in a wreck and totalled, the insurance company will offer way less than it was really worth. Take a look at Edmunds, what does that give as the value for this car? And I'm not saying "don't buy it", it could be an excellent car for years to come.

Speaking of which, assuming the tires are original, you'll want to replace those. 16 year old tires are not safe to drive on...

[thedogwolf]

Hi everyone,

I hope everybody's newyear's celebration was a blast. Part of mine involved checking out the car. It was so clean- clean engine, full fluids, clean oil, and clean battery. Inside the car was clean, outside clean. Found out that Toyota has done all the maintainance work. Never been previously owned, never been in any wrecks. So, tomorrow at 0900 I have an appt with the mechanic who's charging 134 to go over it with a fine tooth comb. I'll report back with what the findings are. I have a feeling this is a go.

Angela