97 Camry LE- considering to buy - need information

[93 Camry LE V6]

I am looking at several cars (Accords, Camrys, Lexus and Acuras). I have found at a local Toyota dealership- a 1997 Camry LE 4-cylinder w/American Edition package (whatever that consists of). It does have fairly high miles - 141K, but still runs great. They have $6988. on the windshield, which is a little steep according to "KBB private party value".
I wanted to possibly pay cash, or trade in my
98 Ford Taurus LX w/245K- and pay the difference in cash. Yes a 98 Taurus with 245,000 miles-
unbelievable huh? They "offered" me $2128. for it. I have it
advertised locally for $1500. I am thinking that the inflated price
on the Camry more-less means that I will still be giving them my
car, as they still want my 98 Taurus and $4800 + tax (about $350-
$400). Most 97-98 Camry's around here run about $6K-8K, so this mayeven be a better deal than I think. It is a 1-owner, local car.
The lady that owned it is a nurse and works just across the parking lot from where I work. They said she traded it in on a new 03' Camry. They said she always had it serviced there and on time.
Timing belt was replaced and transmission had complete service. It
looks like it may have had a little bump on the left rear once upon
a time and there was a slight "clank" sound from the right front
suspension when I would hit a pot hole or manhole cover with that RF tire, but the salesman assured me that the mechanic checked it over and did not report any problems, but he said it was possible.
** Also- was this the generation Camry with the "oil sludge"
problem? I drove the car about 5 miles. When I brought it back and turned it off, there was a little smoke still coming out of the
tailpipe. Perhaps moisture still in the exhaust? I also noticed
there was no lights on the gearshift indicator on the console. Is
there supposed to be a light here, or is it only supposed to have
the indicator on the dash? Thanks for any information.

[93 Camry LE V6]

Thanks for any information. I just do not want to pay big $$$ for a hunk of junk, or a car that may have serious problems soon.

[93 Camry LE V6]

Does anyone know where I can get more information on this car? Seems like not too many know about these cars. I do at least know that these are the sludge prone cars and it may need struts.
Believe it or not- the lady that owned it came in the store today- she works in the same plaza that I do. In her 50s. I thought her name was familiar when I was checking her account. I asked her if she traded in a Camry and it was her. She said it was a great car and she always maintained it and had it serviced at Toyota. She said she really liked it and wish she had of kept it- instead of getting the 2003 Camry. I just wonder about that sludge. How do I know if it may have the sludge later on? Really not sure.
Thanks.

[Mosquito]

try a site like http://www.carfax.com/ to find out the history, they probably charge for this

[dj14901]

If you can post the VIN, I'll run it through CarFax (I have an account for another week).

The price they're asking does seem steep, I'd try for something closer to 5 grand, providing they're going to give you a 30 or 60 day warranty. I wouldn't worry about the mileage, it sounds like it was taken care of. Sludge is an issue with cars that aren't maintained properly, and that doesn't seem to be the case.

The clunk in the right front is the strut tower mount, Toyota and KYB have revised mounts that can help solve (if not solve) this problem.

What did the smoke look like? I'd try going for a longer drive (10min), it shouldn't be doing anything at the end of that drive.

Just a heads-up, at that mileage you might be looking at replacing some items such as:

- alternator
- struts/front strut mounts
- timing belt (again)
- water pump (again)

As you probably know from your other Toyota, replacing these parts is expensive :-(

Just my $0.02...

DJ

[kocho]

Do a search about the sludge. It seems that even folks who had regular oil changes get it occasionally. Look under the oil cap - you may be able to see slugde there in severe cases. The best thing to do is open the valve cover and look under it. This is relatively cheap to do. If there is sludge there, Toyota should be covering this under the sludge TSB even regardless of mileage, I think.

As for the clunking on the front - this is a very well known problem. Many '97-01 camrys have this (including mine). You , as most other folks (but not me ) migh be lucky to get it fixed by just replacing the front strut mounts and possibly the struts (at this mileage, you should anyway).

New pair of front mounts will cost you $120-$150 in parts, plust about 3 hours of labor. Add a pair of OEM struts - another $250 or so. The seller should bring the cost down by that much.

You can drive it around, this is not a dangerous condition, as long as everything is in one piece and tight otherwise. But it will dirve you nuts - every little pothole makes it klunk and klank...

[93 Camry LE V6]

Thanks for the offer. Check your PM on here. I sent the VIN # to you. Thanks again.

Originally posted by dj14901
If you can post the VIN, I'll run it through CarFax (I have an account for another week).

The price they're asking does seem steep, I'd try for something closer to 5 grand, providing they're going to give you a 30 or 60 day warranty. I wouldn't worry about the mileage, it sounds like it was taken care of. Sludge is an issue with cars that aren't maintained properly, and that doesn't seem to be the case.

The clunk in the right front is the strut tower mount, Toyota and KYB have revised mounts that can help solve (if not solve) this problem.

What did the smoke look like? I'd try going for a longer drive (10min), it shouldn't be doing anything at the end of that drive.

Just a heads-up, at that mileage you might be looking at replacing some items such as:

- alternator
- struts/front strut mounts
- timing belt (again)
- water pump (again)

As you probably know from your other Toyota, replacing these parts is expensive :-(

Just my $0.02...

DJ

[93 Camry LE V6]

You described it to a "T". The dealer told me that he doubted it was the struts- but if it was- he would get them for me at his "cost" and I could pay him for them. I think he said his cost was about the cost of the dealer. May have just said that though. I was thinking of offering them $4000 + my 98 Taurus w/245K (worth about $1500) for the car. I am also seriously considering a 93 Accord EX wagon and a extremely well maintained 84 Mercedes 300SD diesel. Thanks again.

Originally posted by kocho
As for the clunking on the front - this is a very well known problem. Many '97-01 camrys have this (including mine). You , as most other folks (but not me ) migh be lucky to get it fixed by just replacing the front strut mounts and possibly the struts (at this mileage, you should anyway).

New pair of front mounts will cost you $120-$150 in parts, plust about 3 hours of labor. Add a pair of OEM struts - another $250 or so. The seller should bring the cost down by that much.

You can drive it around, this is not a dangerous condition, as long as everything is in one piece and tight otherwise. But it will dirve you nuts - every little pothole makes it klunk and klank... [/B]

[jhbhatia]

I think they are offering your hell of a deal for you car! For the camry, just run a carfax report. Check the rear trunklid, inner door panels for overspray (see if the feel of them is smooth or is it rought..if its really rough, its overspray, if its smooth or semi rough its alright). Check to see if there are any signs of overspray by window trims, winshield trim, rear window trim, etc! If this car was involved in an accident, be a smart shopper to ensure your purchase is not a product that was damaged! Car fax is good, but its not 100% perfect! Open the hood to see if one section of the inner body is painted brighter than the rest..and check to see if there are any weld marks.....also Good luck..and post back with your decision (if you choose to buy...or not to buy)...

[Fever]

Make sure to check the fuel filler door opener. I read somewhere that the spring breaks/wears out before I shopped and sure enough the 97Cam I bought needed that fixed.

Keep pushing for the strut mounts/inserts to be replaced, if you can get cost there or work into the final price, do it.

I only have lights on the dash for the gear selector, not on the console also.

I can't judge the pricing being a canuck and all, but if you know the history and it's positive, of a single owner car from a good dealer, I say it's a good car to buy.

Good Luck

Gene.

[Bigshoguns]

Originally posted by jhbhatia
I think they are offering your hell of a deal for you car! For the camry, just run a carfax report. Check the rear trunklid, inner door panels for overspray (see if the feel of them is smooth or is it rought..if its really rough, its overspray, if its smooth or semi rough its alright). Check to see if there are any signs of overspray by window trims, winshield trim, rear window trim, etc! If this car was involved in an accident, be a smart shopper to ensure your purchase is not a product that was damaged! Car fax is good, but its not 100% perfect! Open the hood to see if one section of the inner body is painted brighter than the rest..and check to see if there are any weld marks.....also Good luck..and post back with your decision (if you choose to buy...or not to buy)...

To add to this Check the fenders and hood and doors for that Toyota Sticker with the Vin on it. it locked on the side of the doors and middle of the fenders inside the engine bay like were teh 3 bolts to remove it are. if they are not present tehn Accident or replaced. if they are ur safe

[93 Camry LE V6]

Thanks. I should have remembered the part about the stickers. It looks like this car had a light hit on the left rear. I can obviously see some work has been done in that area. Thanks again.

[93 Camry LE V6]

True, but they are asking $600 above KBB retail for the Camry. KBB retail in good condition is $6300. and they are asking $6988. I would gladly give them my 98 Taurus (which I feel it worth at least $1500) and give them $4000 (tax included) for the Camry. I think they would still be coming out well ahead. My uncle- who used to be a dealer and own a car lot for years- said they probably did not even have $2000 invested in the Camry. If that is the case- they are better than doubling their money. It looks like they are giving me a great price for my car, since the Camry is so overpriced- I would actually be giving them my car- since I would be giving them $4800 + tax- which is what they said. They said they may be able to give me $2600 for my car- if a wholesaler would pay that, and then I could give them $4300 + tax- which I still feel is too high. Instead of offering me more for my car- why cannot they just go down on the price of the Camry- to around $5900, then give me $1500-$1600. for my car? Why do these new car dealers have to ask so much for a USED car? As mentioned- if they would take $4000 (tax included in that) and my 98 Taurus- I would trade. If the Camry was lower mileage (like 100K) and did not have that strut rattle- I may consider the $4800 + tax that they suggested and my car. I feel that it is about a $5500. car. Not anywhere near the $7000. asking price. I doubt I could anywhere near that if I bought it and decided to sell it later. Thanks again. I will post what happens.

Originally posted by jhbhatia
I think they are offering your hell of a deal for you car! For the camry, just run a carfax report. Check the rear trunklid, inner door panels for overspray (see if the feel of them is smooth or is it rought..if its really rough, its overspray, if its smooth or semi rough its alright). Check to see if there are any signs of overspray by window trims, winshield trim, rear window trim, etc! If this car was involved in an accident, be a smart shopper to ensure your purchase is not a product that was damaged! Car fax is good, but its not 100% perfect! Open the hood to see if one section of the inner body is painted brighter than the rest..and check to see if there are any weld marks.....also Good luck..and post back with your decision (if you choose to buy...or not to buy)...

[dj14901]

OK, I just looked up KBB on my car ('98 Camry CE w/103K) and it was $5,500 to a private party (in excellent condition). I'm having a hard time seeing how that car is worth $6300 in only good condition. Plus, my car has been maintained and I've replaced most of the major wear items:

- shocks
- springs
- alternator
- separate set of wheels w/Blizzaks
- Synthetic tranny fluid
- all maintainance records from 52K on
- oil changes every 3K
- major tuneups at 60K and 90K
- upgrades include Eibach Springs, KYB GR2 shocks all around, TRD Quickshifter, HD headlight harness, front strut tower brace, Whiteline F&R sway bars, in dash CD player, etc...

I'm in the Northeast, which has higher car values to begin with, and I feel I'd be lucky to get $5K for my car.

That car hasn't had the same maintenance record, and they're asking almost 7 grand for it! I'm hoping it's an absolutely loaded XLE to explain that price difference. I just priced a Loaded XLE in good condition (based on your descriptions) and I got a KBB of 6 grand. The value of Used Cars has dropped because of all the new vehicles that have been purchased lately, so many people are having a hart time getting KBB value for their cars. I wouldn't go over $3500 plus your trade. Dealers artificially inflate prices to work in "negotiating room", my guess is that there's plenty on that car.

Just my $0.02, but you know the used car market down there better than I do...

DJ

[93 Camry LE V6]

Thanks. When I went to see the car- I was planning on paying $3500 and give them my 98 Taurus (worth about $1500) for the car. That would be like me giving $5000 for the car, which I do not have a problem with. The cheapest 97 Camry I have seen around here was $5900. If it were a XLE- I may can see paying a little more, but it is the LE w/the "American Edition" package- whatever that is. :o I still may call them tomorrow and offer them $3500 or even $4000 (tax included) + my 98 Taurus for the car. I am also considering a 94 Camry LE for $3995 and a 92 Camry LE for $2500. I am also going to check out those other Honda Accord and another local Mercedes. Thanks again.