Camry 3.0 v6 GX 1993 - worth it?

[robdeszan]

Hello,
my name is Patrick and this is my first post on the forum, registered yesterday, and just want to say hi to all.

I dug through the tons of info on this forum but i wanted to get your opinion on the following.

I live in the UK and I am considering buying a 1993 Camry 3.0 V6 GX (I am currently driving a 1998 Mazda 626) because I've always loved the car, although I prefer the 3rd not the 4th gen. There is one I found which seems to be in immaculate condition, this is what the seller says:
4 Doors, Automatic, Saloon, Petrol, 54,000 miles, Blue, 1 Owner. ABS, Adjustable seats, Air conditioning, Alloy wheels, Central locking, Colour coding - Body, Cruise control, Electric mirrors, Electric windows, Electric sunroof, Leather upholstery, Multi function steering wheel, Power assisted steering, Radio/Cassette, New MOT, Part Service History. Insurance Group:15, Only 1 owner from new. In spectacular order throughout. Probably the best example of its age. Must be seen to be appreciated. GBP 2,295

I have seen the photos, the car seems reall nice, I am going to see it in person at the weekend. Do you think te car is worth the money? One can get higher mileage cars for less than half the price. Can the price be justified because of the above?After all, it's over 4000 USD. Also, I am a bit hesitant, the car is 15 years old, and assuming it is in spectacular condition, do you think there is still life left in it? Is corrosion and rust a problem on these cars?

All opinions appreciated!

Thanks

Regards
Patrick

[bigbird]

welcome to TN chap. that sounds like a nice car, especially the miles! at first i saw 4000usd but that doesnt really surprise me since the dollar is down. it doesn sound a little high, so i would definatly try to work the person down a little but for the miles thats a good car. think about the 6 or more years that the car will run with minimal mantainance.

[robdeszan]

Originally Posted by bigbird

welcome to TN chap. that sounds like a nice car, especially the miles! at first i saw 4000usd but that doesnt really surprise me since the dollar is down. it doesn sound a little high, so i would definatly try to work the person down a little but for the miles thats a good car. think about the 6 or more years that the car will run with minimal mantainance.

Thanks for the reply.
I called the guy today (it's a trade ad), the car is still available and I'm going to see it at the weekend. He did say it is an "or near offer" price. I am hoping for something at around 1500-1800 GBP (which would still be quite steep, even at this mileage, dont't you think?), it all depends on how desperate he is to sell it. I myself will try not to get too excited.
Cheers!

[BlueFusion6851]

Welcome!
That sounds like a babied car, I hope it works out for you!

[robdeszan]

Just to finish the thread.

Damn those salesmen...

The car turned out to be in average condition, not bad, but certainly not worth the price tag... and certainly not worthy of, as the salesman put it, "magnificent".

i think he was ready to lower the price, but the car had some paint jobs (visible to the naked eye), the mileage could not be proven at all. Allegedly one owner, but no service book, manual etc. only two recent MOT's which really didn't prove anything at all. The body elements repaired/painted/replaced where showing some rust, unlike the original parts, which were rust-free.
The alloy wheels were really rusty as well.

Also, and I am not sure about this one, while the car was running I opened the oil cap to check for any head gasket / coolant leakage by looking at the oil's colour, the rpm seemed to slow down and fluctuated - all was normal once the cap was back in its place - is this normal? Seemed a bit dodgy. Compression problems, maybe? Also there was a minor oil leakage around the engine cover seal, nothing serious though.

Unfortunately the car has the makings of a lemon.

I'll keep looking.

I really like the 3rd generation, I hate 4th for the lack of proportion between the body and the roof/windows height - with those small wheels it almost looks like a hayrack. Maybe if I could fit in tougher springs in the 4th... I like 3rd's profile better but it's so hard to find a nice example.


Thanks for the feedback again!

Patryk

[ejaymclane]

£2,295?!

HA.

I bought a 1995 3.0 GX Camry (not the model with leather) which had MOT and TAX and only 72,000 miles and i paid £250, yes £250.

I got it on ebay. The man even delivered it to me.

I suggest you check ebay, i see them all the time for under £500.

I mean, you can buy a Gen4 Camry from £895 on ebay.

[robdeszan]

Hey,

I know! I would never settle for this price. I regarded it as an indication of a perfect condition. Plus you have to be able to back everything up but the car didn't really speak for itself. You really need sound, tangible reasons to advertise a camry at this price.

Poorly executed attempt to oversell a rather average, car. The guy didn't even try... I quote "Please, don't step on the gas too much. The car has got very little petrol in the tank." Ehh...

I think, I'd be ready to pay up to 1500 GBP for a really pristine example, with service history, no body defects, spotless interior. But it would really have to be PERFECT!

I would really like to fish out a nice 3rd gen, I am going to have a look at a 4th gen 1998 90K miles V6 camry @ 1995 GBP (another diehard!). I remeber my impressions about both 4th gen - it seemed more plasticky vs the better quality, softer, "cosier" interior of the 3rd gen. Am I the only one with similar impressions?

[psyanyde]

I love the Gen 3 camrys..

my dad had one before the one I have now, it was a 92 camry and it took him to 535,000 KM (332,433 miles)
he bought it used at around 100,000 km and after a few years the transmission died at 535,000.. but that was just with regular minimum maintenance..

they're amazing cars