94 Camry Wagon 180k Miles - Concerns?

[aroethli]

I've only found a couple or so threads on "high mileage" via the forum search, so my apologies if this has been covered before.

But I have taken a new job where I am driving 100 miles round-trip per day, and I need a reliable and relatively fuel efficient car that I can pile the miles on without worrying about reliability or beating a newer car's value down to nothing in 6 months.

I currently have a 2004 Volvo XC70 Wagon which we enjoy, and use to its utmost for our family of five. So a wagon works well for us. But using this newer low-mileage car for the commute really isn't a good idea. So I've been looking for a used Toyota or Honda wagon, or sedan, to drive until the wheels fall off.

With that in mind, I found a 1994 Camry Wagon LE V6 with 180k miles that seems to have been well cared for, and the price is right.

But what I've come to ask is really a two-part question:

1) For a 1994 vintage V6 Camry with 180k miles, how many miles can one really expect it to hold up well mechanically and electrically... another 50-100k miles? Starting out at 180k does worry me a bit since I'm going to pile the miles up, but then again this application seems perfect for a high-mileage car since it really won't impact its value much as long as it remains reliable. Do we have any mileage champs here that have well over 200k?

2) What specific issues for high mileage V6 Camrys, especially wagons, should I keep an eye out as a major "red flag" as I inspect the car?


...OK, and a third question:

3) If I get this car, are there any problem areas that might wear or suffer and require a more accelerated maintenance or inspection frequency given the mileage I'll put on the car?


It has a new(within last year) water pump and timing belt, although I don't know yet at what mileage these were replaced.


I really like the car, but just worry about the 180k miles. I guess if it is good for about 250k, that's good enough.

Thoughts?

Thanks
Al

[aroethli]

BTW, I'm going to look at it in the morning at 9am EST, and there is someone coming right behind me. So this request for advice is a definite "rush job"



Sorry, but it popped up on Craigslist just a few hours ago, and I've already missed two others in the last couple weeks.

Thanks!
Al

[bigdaddymak20]

The question would be was it well maintained????? If it was you can get as many miles as you want out of this car. 300k is not unusual for these cars. Keep up on the maint. and they run forever.

[bigdaddymak20]

And the reason they go fast is that its a wagon. Not a lot of those out there but they have their fanatics. Still a great car even if you have to do some work to it.

[aroethli]

I've been reading the "how many miles" thread, and the only major recurring failures I seem to see are:

1) Head gasket failure
2) Transmission "blowing up"(no details), and no details on manual or auto, although I would assume automatic

But to be fair, even these were few.

Are there any precursory signs/behaviors, or other red flags regarding these two issues I should look for?


BTW, the car is a V6 with automatic if that makes any difference in reliability/durability.

The owner is asking $2500 for it, and until I see it first hand, it is described in "as good a condition as a car with 180k has can be" and they say it has been very well cared for. The three tiny Craigslist photos do look good though. If it turns out to be in quite good shape all around, and with the aforementioned features, does $2500 seem right?

I've seen two others with about the same mileage go for $2200-2500 quick around here recently.


Thanks again.

Al

[bigdaddymak20]

Being a toyota tech the problem transmission was the 4cyl but it usually happens before 180k. Only blown headgaskets were from abuse. Since the wagons are in demand they get better prices. Use synthetic lubes and she will live longer than you want her. Have fun. Hope I was helpfull.