buying a 99 camry

[lexusman]

i have read horror stories concerning the sludge problems on these cars. it has 165,000 on the car and has been owned by the same woman since 2001, she wants 3700 dollars for the car. i have also read about the cats going out,window motors and seat motors. any input would be greatly appreciated. thank you

[sbushnak]

Originally Posted by lexusman

i have read horror stories concerning the sludge problems on these cars. it has 165,000 on the car and has been owned by the same woman since 2001, she wants 3700 dollars for the car. i have also read about the cats going out,window motors and seat motors. any input would be greatly appreciated. thank you

Does it come with the I4 or V6?

[lexusman]

v-6

[zythr]

Have you asked her if she has had regular oil changes done?

[lexusman]

she said yes, i am borrowing a borescope from a friend of mine. i will look into the valve cover and check for any sludge. if the oil has been changed regularly will this prevent this problem from happening? thank you

[schumionbike]

$3700 seem a bit high, it really depend on how well the car has been maintain. You might want to ask if the transmission fluid has been change.
I got 165 K 4gen 5FSE a couple of years back and while there was some sludge because the owner was changing the oild at like 5-7 K interval and never ever replace the PCV valve. To her credit, the car did have its spark plugs and transmission fluid changed.
I still did a tune up of the car with new air and fuel filter, spark plugs, wires, PCV valve. Got the timing belt and water pump done recently. I did have to replace a starter too. And yes, a couple of the windows no longer work but then again the car does have 182 K and beside leaking a little oil from the cover valve gasket, the car run great.

[ONE_to_HATE]

are you guys serious? - .. damn- makes me want to get rid of my car. LOL.

Catalytic Converter: I was told to replace it, but it isn't the culprit.

Seat Motor: Never had a problem

Window Motor: Never had a problem

Sludge: I use full synthetic every 3,000 miles.

[lexusman]

well here is my other car,http://www.flickr.com/photos/3443602...07019/sizes/l/
i know how reliable it is, and to hear stories about these camrys is not good, im looking for a good work car and dont want to jump out the window buying a piece of crap.

[zythr]

Camry started going down in quality starting in '97 (Ironically the same year the Wagon was discontinued). If I were you, I'd look for a pre '97 Camry. There is word that in 97 Toyota started to use cheaper parts in their vehicles to save money after a Toyoda family member stepped down as the head person

[ginasinder]

It comes with V-6 only.

[LynchburgCSI]

Originally Posted by zythr

Camry started going down in quality starting in '97 (Ironically the same year the Wagon was discontinued). If I were you, I'd look for a pre '97 Camry. There is word that in 97 Toyota started to use cheaper parts in their vehicles to save money after a Toyoda family member stepped down as the head person

Even the difference between the gen 3 (92-94) and 3.5 (95-96) is noticeable. Gen 3.5 lacks the door courtesy lights... and the window switches, only the driver's switch lights up. And the gen 4 (97-01) 4cyl engine lost the oil cooler that the gen 3 had.

[lexusman]

well i looked at the car and every fluid in it was dirty. i didnt even test drive it

[LynchburgCSI]

Originally Posted by lexusman

well i looked at the car and every fluid in it was dirty. i didnt even test drive it

Bad sign... especially for $3700.