3rd & 4th Generation (1992–1996 & 1997–2001)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1992-1996 & 1997-2001
Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving America's favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.
For the mileage/year you're looking at, just about anything is fair game as far as *possible* problems to look for.
Probably best to take it somewhere and have a pretty detailed inspection done before buying (maybe you can get the seller to pay) There are the types that take about a half hour of labor (usually called pre-purchase inspections or something like that), roughly $50, and are mostly visual as well as examining all fluids, belts, seals/gaskets etc. Most of all, they put it on the lift and examine from the underside.
You can add things to that like compression test, fluid pressures, etc, but those cost more.
Are you looking at private party sellers or dealers? I'm guessing not many dealers, even Toyota, keep cars that old on the lot. Private party V6 of that year and mileage probably puts you in the $3500-4000 range, is that about where you're at? Probably add $500-750 to that if from a dealer.
Where in AZ are you located? I know of a good repair shop that specializes in Asian imports and could do a full inspection when you locate one, but it may be too far.
You're correct about that engine's valvetrain; it's not an interference motor.
The '97's were part of Toyota's sludge settlement program. So if the PO has neglected oil changes it could be sludged up... Worth getting that aspect checked out. Except for that, there aren't any big known issues or weaknesses that I'm aware of.
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1992 Camry LE, V6 (3VZ-FE), ABS brakes, 330k miles, dark emerald pearl, owned since new.
1996 Avalon XLS, ABS brakes, moonroof, white, acquired w/ 139k miles, now at 261k.
2001 Yamaha FZ1, Ivan's jet kit, resprung all around, Ohlins in the rear, Race Tech cartridge emulators in the forks, 45k miles.
While it looks nice in the pics, it had a sheet metal screw holding the left front fender to the front bumper, the right rear door had body work done and it was very wavy, the RR corner had a dent so the bumper stuck out like a sail and the owner mentioned that the bumper had a couple of scratches (what that meant is that the air damn was completely ripped off).
The '97's were part of Toyota's sludge settlement program. So if the PO has neglected oil changes it could be sludged up.
There are cases of sludge formation even with documented on-time oil changes. When I researched this I found they identified the undersized PCV valve as part of the problem. I was never able to find any official statistics on what percent of cars have sludge issues. From the amount of online chatter about it, you'd think it affected most gen-4 V6 Camrys, but probably not. On the other hand, if it's a really low number you'd think Toyota would want that info to be public.
Budman Tom: too bad you had to waste your time going to look at it, hopefully not too far away. I'll never understand sellers that misrepresent the condition of things and waste people's time.
Budman Tom: too bad you had to waste your time going to look at it, hopefully not too far away. I'll never understand sellers that misrepresent the condition of things and waste people's time.
Yeah if anything I would think you would want to overstate the imperfections if someone is coming out of town, I guess some have a blatant disregard for others time.
Quote:
Originally Posted by zythr
Not a bad car, did you ask if it was in an accident and any repairs if it was?
I asked him about dents and he did mention a scratch on the bumper, he made no mention of an accident but I ran an auto-check so I knew it was before he purchased it, he has owned it for less than a month, he purchased it to resell it.
The car pulled to the right, needs tires (and it may have an issue with sludge) and obviously bodywork and paint.
I liked the car, I liked the way it looked from 20 feet away and I liked the way it drove but it had too many issues for me.
Yeah if anything I would think you would want to overstate the imperfections if someone is coming out of town, I guess some have a blatant disregard for others time.
I asked him about dents and he did mention a scratch on the bumper, he made no mention of an accident but I ran an auto-check so I knew it was before he purchased it, he has owned it for less than a month, he purchased it to resell it.
The car pulled to the right, needs tires (and it may have an issue with sludge) and obviously bodywork and paint.
I liked the car, I liked the way it looked from 20 feet away and I liked the way it drove but it had too many issues for me.
Can't blame you for that. Too bad it did not work out.
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