I'm BAAAAAACCCCKKKKK! (Opinions?)

[LynchburgCSI]

I'm back guys.

Back Story:
I've been looking for a project camry. I found one. A 1993 3vz 5-speed SE in blue. 202,512 miles. It's been abused. Anyways, here's the pictures. I'll go over whats wrongwith her in a second. http://s135.photobucket.com/albums/q...rgcsi/3vz92SE/ <-- pics.

a)Was backed into, and both passenger side doors will need to be replaced (windows don't go down)
b)Driver side door handle broken (won't open the door)
c)FM radio does not pick up a signal, but CD player and MP3 hookup work
d)crack in windshield
e)slight oil leak
f)dings and scratches that come with age
g)just got a brand new alternator

That was what was listed on the original description on craigslist. She was asking $600. I was going to offer $300 and settle at $450 max. So today, I went out to check over the car.

Today:
We got there and starting going over the car. All the issues were there that she knew about. Everything was fine... until we started the car.

a) The ABS light was on. Need to see if this is an easy fix or not.
b) The car idles high.
c) we had to jump start the car FOUR times.
d) The "battery" alternator failure light was on for a while, until about after the 4th jump start.
e) Turning on the a/c causes the engine to strain and squeal and disengage the A/C clutch which causes the A/C light to blink.
f) When the a/c compressor clutch doesnt disengage, it causes the engine to strain and squeal INCREDIBLY loud.
g) small other cosmetic issues... chips in driver's window edge; crack in the spoiler 3rd tail light, dash is faded to neon green.
f) when the a/c is on, some smoke appears to come from the belt-side of the engine.

It does move under it's own power fine, and it does shift smoothly. I'm just realizing that there's a LOT more wrong with this car than I first thought. I'm not sure. I'm thinking I may offer $200 FIRM and buy a new battery for the car. If worst comes to worst... part her out. I'm not entirely sure yet and I want to make a decesion tomorrow. SO guys. Questions? Comments? I want to hear them!

[Chris Crash]

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay

[Nervous]

So, you are not back YET!
I'd say - take it! Even $300-450 is not bad deal: you'll make more on parting it out (if decide to). However, if you decide to restore it - it a whole lot of work, man! Your call!

[LynchburgCSI]

I'm just BACK from looking at it.

It also needs tires.

edit: if you can fix that wagon, i can fix this.

[peshwa]

Ken
IMHO you are signing up for a lot of work here! But hell..nothing more exciting than a yota V6+5-speed manual :-) THE combo to die for!!!!

[ONE_to_HATE]

get custom made CF doors, plexi windows, copious amounts of deading, coilovers and 17x10s.. rattle can it flat black, gut it and roll cage. *wooT*

[LynchburgCSI]

Yeah. It's a LOT of work. You have to remember that the car can just sit while I drive the Expedition. Soooooo..... I kind of feel like I want it.

Edit: re: one to hate....

[97ToyCar]

Hey Lynch,

Thought I'd chime in here...just a few thoughts before bedtime...

Those doors on the pass. side are toast. Replace.

A) Bad ABS sensor on one or more wheels, pull codes to see which ones.
B) Dirty/plugged TB and /or IACV or air leaks in intake tube.
C) Battery bad/refuses to hold charge. Replace.
D) Battery light on due to voltage drop between battery and ALT. Bad battery=bad for ALT=popped diodes=another ALT.
E/F) Bad magnetic clutch/seized compressor. Replace.
G) Little stuff that can be fixed over time/as needed/desired.
H) Refer back to E/F, will cook belt soon enough.

I say go for it, if you have the time and easy access to used/cheap parts from a donor for some of the major parts. Glad to see the car saved from the scrapper!
BTW, Japan made, right? Not TMMK.

[Nervous]

Originally Posted by LynchburgCSI

edit: if you can fix that wagon, i can fix this.

Absolutely! And the wagon is FIXED, btw! So, your turn!

[iovaykind]

I like your idea of basically low balling her price set. Definitely low ball and see if you can get it, it's not something you should die for.. parting out may be a good idea if the job seems too overwhelming. I'd say buy it and then part it out if you find out you don't have the time to fix it up to working condition again.

Thanks for making me click this link, I thought you bought another one already but guess you're still searching! What a misleading topic title

[Creeps228]

man id take and work on it when needed until shes done to be on the road

[LynchburgCSI]

Originally Posted by Nervous

Absolutely! And wagon is FIXED, btw! So, your turn!

Originally Posted by 97ToyCar

Hey Lynch,

Thought I'd chime in here...just a few thoughts before bedtime...

Those doors on the pass. side are toast. Replace.

A) Bad ABS sensor on one or more wheels, pull codes to see which ones.
B) Dirty/plugged TB and /or IACV or air leaks in intake tube.
C) Battery bad/refuses to hold charge. Replace.
D) Battery light on due to voltage drop between battery and ALT. Bad battery=bad for ALT=popped diodes=another ALT.
E/F) Bad magnetic clutch/seized compressor. Replace.
G) Little stuff that can be fixed over time/as needed/desired.
H) Refer back to E/F, will cook belt soon enough.

I say go for it, if you have the time and easy access to used/cheap parts from a donor for some of the major parts. Glad to see the car saved from the scrapper!
BTW, Japan made, right? Not TMMK.

Thanks for that man. I appreciate it. Also, it's a TMMK car... not Japan. It's a 4T vin surprisingly.

Originally Posted by iovaykind

I like your idea of basically low balling her price set. Definitely low ball and see if you can get it, it's not something you should die for.. parting out may be a good idea if the job seems too overwhelming. I'd say buy it and then part it out if you find out you don't have the time to fix it up to working condition again.

Thanks for making me click this link, I thought you bought another one already but guess you're still searching! What a misleading topic title

Thanks! And yes, the title was on purpose.

[fenixus]

clever title

i'd say also go for it, use your knowledge to beat the price down for those toast major items, see what can be fixed easily with junk yard parts and what else needs new parts, calculate ... and make a deal is she agrees

have fun and good luck!

[2win2rbo]

If I have that price here in NZ, I'd buy it as a project and make myself a sleeper beast!

[ONE_to_HATE]

T r a c k - b e a s t ! ! !