Which car to buy/avoid....

[tah]

New in here, older poster in the Corolla and Tacoma areas....

I'm looking for a 97 ~ 01 (fits my budget & like the body style) Camry V6 and need some help form you folks.....

Any year, engine, trim level, or anything else you might think of that I should prefer or avoid?

Also any "trouble spots" you would look for or wish you had looked for before you purchased.

I know the V6 under or around 100K still has a LOT of life left, and I want the extra torque and horsepower the 4 doesn't provide....

Any and all advice appreciated, thanks......

[bigbird]

reguardless of mileage be sure to try to check for sludge under the VC. this was an issue on some v6s in the gen4 years. not a big issue as much as it was with the 4cyl but still an issue worth looking for. check the power steering system for leaks and the VCs for leaks as well. also try to find out when the timing belt was changed, around 100k is what is recommended. as far as trim, id avoid CE (pretty sure that was availible with the v6 5 speed). depending on what you perfer you can hold out for a 5 speed which greatly increases the performance from the motor. other then that they are all pretty much the same and lack any major issues.

[Tom 2000]

Try to find a '00 or '01. They are better equipped than the earlier gen4s. You get better headlights, outside temp gauge, CD player is standard equipment. The hood stays open with struts (no prop rod).

Also, '00-'01 XLE V6 models comes with automtic climate control and 16" wheels, which weren't available previously.

There were also a few special editions.

In 2000, there was the Gallery Edition - Similar to LE, but with special wheels, 2-tone paint, chrome inside door handles, special trim inside.

In 2001, there was the Collector Edition - Also 2-tone, but similar to XLE.

[modern390]

Originally Posted by Tom 2000

Try to find a '00 or '01. They are better equipped than the earlier gen4s. You get better headlights, outside temp gauge, CD player is standard equipment. The hood stays open with struts (no prop rod).

Also, '00-'01 XLE V6 models comes with automtic climate control and 16" wheels, which weren't available previously.

There were also a few special editions.

In 2000, there was the Gallery Edition - Similar to LE, but with special wheels, 2-tone paint, chrome inside door handles, special trim inside.

In 2001, there was the Collector Edition - Also 2-tone, but similar to XLE.

Great tips

[eyeball96]

If I was looking for a Camry, I buy this in a heartbeat!! I know its not what your looking for but Damn!!

http://richmond.craigslist.org/cto/2398265287.html

...or maybe even this one, if its been maintained.

http://richmond.craigslist.org/cto/2337605727.html

[MASTER YOTA]

Originally Posted by eyeball96

If I was looking for a Camry, I buy this in a heartbeat!! I know its not what your looking for but Damn!!

http://richmond.craigslist.org/cto/2398265287.html

...or maybe even this one, if its been maintained.

http://richmond.craigslist.org/cto/2337605727.html

why is it so easy to find a v6 that doesnt have 250k miles on it, the further north you go?