Currently looking to buy 2000 Camry LE V6 - What should I watch out for? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

ero · 03-20-2009, 06:40 PM

Hi all, I looked at an 00 camry LE V6 with 73K miles today for my grandfather. Checked the usual stuff - oil smelled alright, exhaust looked clean, mounts are good, engine is SOOOO SMOOTH, barely even moved when I turned it on. Overall I'm quite impressed and will probably take it, assuming it passes my mechanic tomorrow.

However, I myself own a Saab however, so i have no idea about this specific toyota. A few questions for you good folks:

- What specific (common) issues should I look for in this car when I look it over tomorrow? - I know that the V6 has engine sludge issues but have no idea how good the PO took care of it
- Is there any way I can test for sludge quickly?

- How soft should the suspension be? Is it supposed to be very soft? After my Saab with sports suspension, it felt weird going over a speed bump during the test drive.

I think thats all for now. Thank you all in advance.

abew330 · 03-20-2009, 07:00 PM

you ask about past regular services to the car? (any parts, oil change etc...)

ero · 03-20-2009, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abew330

you ask about past regular services to the car? (any parts, oil change etc...)

of course

The dealer got the car as a trade in, so he has no clue sadly.

***toyomoho*** · 03-20-2009, 08:39 PM

Unless the car was abused or the engine oil never changed not too much can go wrong at 73K.

Unless you have the oil change receipts the oil real way to check for sludge is removing a valve cover. Sludge only effected a few thousand engines, toyota made millions.

Check the trans fluid, should be red not black. Make sure it shifts smooth, no harsh shifting, slipping, etc. If you do buy the car change the trans fluid if never done.

See private message for more info.

ero · 03-20-2009, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toyomoho

Check the trans fluid, should be red

The one in that car was yellowish-greenish -- almost like new oil. Does that mean anything? I know honda ATF at one point was that color, did toyota ever make a green ATF?

***humanoid*** · 03-21-2009, 11:25 PM

AFAIK, Toyota only made red/pink tranny fluid.

bigbird · 03-22-2009, 08:57 AM

also ask if the timing belt and water pump have been changed. 70K is a little eariler then they usually go but if thy havnt then thats one fairly big thing youd have to change in about 15K miles or so.

ero · 03-22-2009, 07:28 PM

I ended up buying it! Talked him down to 6K for it, which I think is amazing.
My grandpa loves the car so far --

It needs a new engine mount according to the mechanic which checked it out (he couldnt tell which one though.....and I found that strange, the engine holds completely still, except for sometimes theres a jerk when getting off the gas while accelerating)

Otherwise, car just needs some TLC as it appears to have been owned by a woman who didnt do muhc for it (car needs new rear brakes...and new tires, the rears are still the OEM ones, trans flush and new oil)