I'm thinking of buying another 96 Camry LOL

[96ToyoCam164K]

So I'm looking around and I just seen a Camry on craigslist

I think I wanna get it once everything gets returned back to me. Paint it Black and start from the beginning. It's just I want things to be back to how they were.

I wanna work on a car again :-(

[96ToyoCam164K]

But I would like more space so I looked at 4 runner

what do you think about buying a car from a private owner on craigslist? Some of these people seem kinda desperate to sell...makes me a bit leery

why would someone want to give away a totally good working condition car?

[fenixus]

not sure how about your area, but here in NJ/NY some people sell cars in great condition simply because they cannot afford paying insurance for it once they acquire a new(er) one ... auto insurance rates/premiums here are a bitch ...

when going out to check the car, make sure to see the title, check the car visually outside, inside, under car (leaks) and under hood and then swipe your finger inside the muffler tip end to see if there is any burned oil residue on inner walls of exhaust.

if possible have a test drive with owner, all that can tell A LOT. as well as listening to how the car runs, so don't use the stereo and/or a/c, while test driving it

loud stereo or loud a/c fans at max can hide lots of annoying noises coming from the car

I am not a big fan of SUVs (but in fact I like those too), mostly because their high suspension makes it hard to work on it in a parking lot (higher/heavier jack stands and jack needed) and also the wheels are generally so big making the tires/rotors/pads very expensive too ... but it's all up to you

[96ToyoCam164K]

Originally Posted by fenixus

loud stereo or loud a/c fans at max can hide lots of annoying noises coming from the car

I am not a big fan of SUVs (but in fact I like those too), mostly because their high suspension makes it hard to work on it in a parking lot (higher/heavier jack stands and jack needed) and also the wheels are generally so big making the tires/rotors/pads very expensive too ... but it's all up to you

Oh tell me about it LOL. I never did end up finding out what that incessant ticking noise was coming from. It eventually went from being intermittent to constant and I could hear it with the A/C on. The only thing I can be positive about is hope to myself that my engine was about to die and got wrecked right before it I got everything from lifters, to bolts connecting engine/tranny lose, warped, and exhaust leaks. Guess I'll never know

Yeah I also realize SUV tires cost a lot more...and I've gone thru 2 sets of brand new tires in less than 4 years on the last Camry. Over $300 each.

Everything for an SUV is more expensive, including gas I guess. More than likely I'll probably just get another car. But leaning towards Acura or Lexus (don't like Hondas for some reason...maybe just the name)

My only thing with the Camry (no offense!) is that after 96 I didn't like any of the models until 2000. Most of the ones I seen for sale didn't have any good rims or mods to really make it look good either like I've seen on T/N. And I haven't found any Camry above 1999 for $4,000 which I'm guessing is the book value amount I'll get back.