Series of problems on a $300 V6 1994 Camry - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

stockmover · 07-13-2009, 03:53 PM

I am trying to figure out the possible problems before purchasing a
1994 Camry XLE
1mfze engine
244,000 miles
Body is clean, no rust, very good condition

The car is in great condition, the heat, air and all other things work in the car. The problem is that the owner stated the car began to overheat. She had it fixed and it replaced the thermostat, waterpump and radiator. It was driving fine until it started to lose power and the original mechanic said it was the timing belt. I know that the timing belt is near the waterpump, so maybe they did not do something correctly.

She had the car towed by AAA and the tow truck driver of course owned a shop and said they can fix it there. She left it there and they said they aligned the timing belt correctly, but still cuts off when you touch the gas pedal. They charged her $300 for working on the timing belt and now they want to continue to charge her an hourly charge to diagnose the problem. She did not agree with this. I went to the shop and the mechanic stated that she owed $300 and he would have the car impounded if she did not make a decision. I got the feeling they were taking advantage of her lack of knowledge.

I asked him if the car was running and he said he believes its an electrical issue....which is something she was never told. Story is this, I can buy the car for the$300 balance owed to the shop. What do you guys think? Also is there any known electrical issue that can happen when you change a timing belt? I appreciate any insight.

Thanks,

Stockmover

davemac2 · 07-13-2009, 04:58 PM

It could be anything really. This is a high mileage car, so you are taking a big chance here. The car may actually have a blown head gasket, damaged valves, bad timing belt tensioner, bad plugs/wires, a bad transmission, etc, etc. Unless you are a competent DIY and want to take a chance, forget it.

dave mc

EEngineer · 07-13-2009, 06:36 PM

oh dont get your nose dusty.

DxElite · 07-13-2009, 10:06 PM

...this sounds like a lawsuit waiting to happen. Unless the original owner signed over the title of the car to that shop, they can't legally sell it to you since they don't legally own the rights to the car.
As for the problem, I agree with the other comments, doesn't seem worth the trouble even if you can get it that cheap.

***ASG14*** · 07-14-2009, 12:12 AM

sounds like a bad sensor. I'd have the CEL read.

LUVLEXUS101 · 07-14-2009, 12:33 AM

I'd buy it, take what I want, and scrap it for parts!

mcgill_redmen · 07-14-2009, 12:45 AM

with that high mileage car, expect to spend 5-7000$ in repair.
as these item might or already worn out.
4 shock + top plate, 4x rebuild caliper, 4 disc brake + pad, flush brake fluid, flush tranny, flush cooling, have some doubt on timming & water pump might not be fix correctly, car battery, oxygen sensor, MAF might fail, tranny might be slipping ---> rebuild cost, major tune up and valve cover if oil leaking....

good luck.

***ASG14*** · 07-14-2009, 12:52 AM

^ Um, how the hell is all that $5k-$7k? And how will EVERYTHING there all fail if he gets it?

stockmover · 07-14-2009, 01:35 AM

That is what I am thinking. I can tell from the mood of the mechanic that they just want the balance of the work they did on the timing belt (as they claim). I figure for parts it may be worth it, I have a 95 Camry myself and maybe there are parts people may want on here.

I know that it could be anything but for $300 it may be worth a try as it could be a $300 or less repair.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ASG14

sounds like a bad sensor. I'd have the CEL read.

stockmover · 07-14-2009, 01:37 AM

Will do. I will keep everyone updated on the status of this.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ASG14

sounds like a bad sensor. I'd have the CEL read.

Albuynp Ryeno · 07-16-2009, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DxElite

...this sounds like a lawsuit waiting to happen. Unless the original owner signed over the title of the car to that shop, they can't legally sell it to you since they don't legally own the rights to the car.
As for the problem, I agree with the other comments, doesn't seem worth the trouble even if you can get it that cheap.

listen to this guy, he knows what is talking about.

Its not their car, they cant sell it. They dont even have a title, what will you sign

If you pay the balance, they will get 300 dollars and you will get a visit from the police department. That women will end up getting the car back or suing you if you try to chop shop it. And you will get nothing besides a lighter wallet and possibly a police record for grand theft auto.

stockmover · 07-16-2009, 08:56 AM

My apologies, I did not explain this correctly. I did not state the obvious, I got the title from the owner now. I made it sound like the mechanic said I can have it. The owner told me that I can pay the balance and own the car from the shop. I have the title now and have had the car towed to my mechanic. I will have updates soon on the progress.

Sorry for the confusion. I know that you must have a title for a car before buying it....(common sense for most I hope)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Albuynp Ryeno

listen to this guy, he knows what is talking about.

Its not their car, they cant sell it. They dont even have a title, what will you sign

If you pay the balance, they will get 300 dollars and you will get a visit from the police department. That women will end up getting the car back or suing you if you try to chop shop it. And you will get nothing besides a lighter wallet and possibly a police record for grand theft auto.

whip_cracker · 07-17-2009, 08:34 AM

Would be good to see how ya go with this one mate...

300 bucks for a Camry? Fk yeah! Even if half the stuff's missing that can be quite a pickup ay? Can strip it down for parts on another or sell some of the things on Ebay, simple as that.