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.
Suggestions required on buying a 4th Generation Camry
I had opened a thread in Corolla section and now a similar thread here for the Camry. Tight on budget (less than 5000 $), i am on lookout for a reliable car which will serve the purpose of my office commute (15 miles or so one way, dont know exact). On weekends it may be used to go around the city and the usual grocery shopping.
I checked craigslist and i see many people selling 1997/1998 camry for under 5000$ with the car having done 150K-180K or more in most cases.
Is it advisable to buy a car of this age and miles ?
I know it also depends on how well it has been maintained but still would like to seek a general opinion. I don't think i can get a 2000+ camry for my budget.
Appreciate your help. I am new to the world of cars
Last December I bought a 2000 CE for about $5000 with about 138,000 miles. I think I over-paid. But, I bought it because it drives like its brand new. No squeaks. No rattles. No suspension noises. No leaks of any kind. After 18,000 miles over gravel roads it still drives like its brand new.
The only negative is that it burns oil at a rate of about a quart per 1,000 miles. Oh well.
The Following User Says Thank You to tef For This Useful Post:
Not enough information to make an informed opinion. Go to one of those car appraisal websites, and type in the relevant information. The site will give you a ball-park fair-market value. I like Edmund's, but I think most people use the Kelly Blue Book site. Here's a starting point. Good Luck http://www.edmunds.com/toyota/camry/1997/?ps=used⊂=sedan&zip=68046
The Following User Says Thank You to tef For This Useful Post:
Dont pay 5000 for a camry with 180k miles. These are great cars, but like with any older car purchase, your only going to come out economically if you can do work yourself. If you cannot do any work diy honestly shell out the money for something newer.
These are a breeze to work on, but mechanics need to make money. Its the small and labor intensive stuff that adds up. You can do just about every maintenance item on the engine and transmission for ~500$ in parts. Factor in labor if not diy it'll be 1500$ easy.
This is just me, but if I got another Camry it would be a V6. The 2.2 is great for city driving but it's lack of power gets old fast. The V6 on the other hand has some guts, and will get you 5 above the speed limit quickly. After buying take her to Autozone and get the ECU checked. They do it for free and can help turn off those engine lights (if they are on). If the car is loud it's probably the flex pipe, not a big problem, but do listen for other sounds. After buying do a full service and if you can a trans flush, and the car should drive like new. For a good Camry it should be right around 3500, but I wouldn't go over 4500. Happy hunting!
__________________
1994 Camry LE Wagon 5S-FE with 220xxx miles.
^^Will consider suggestions from both of you. But as i said i am not that high on cash and this being first car i really am not keen on spending. I came to US just one month back and that too for the first time. 5000$ was the amount i specified just to give an idea of what max i am ready to spend. But general trend is that a 1997 camry i gettable at 3000-4000 $. Is this price fine ??
Btw here are some latest listing on craiglist Dallas (i stay in Plano), these are just to give a ballpark of prices and i am NOT going to buy a car until the end of this month.
Please let me know your views
Please mind that i am no way checking salvage titles. Moreover going for a camry, i have one more intention. In case i will have to leave back for my home country and i would not have much time then camry will sell as against other cars (kia etc)
^^Will consider suggestions from both of you. But as i said i am not that high on cash and this being first car i really am not keen on spending. I came to US just one month back and that too for the first time. 5000$ was the amount i specified just to give an idea of what max i am ready to spend. But general trend is that a 1997 camry i gettable at 3000-4000 $. Is this price fine ??
Btw here are some latest listing on craiglist Dallas (i stay in Plano), these are just to give a ballpark of prices and i am NOT going to buy a car until the end of this month.
Please let me know your views
Please mind that i am no way checking salvage titles. Moreover going for a camry, i have one more intention. In case i will have to leave back for my home country and i would not have much time then camry will sell as against other cars (kia etc)
That camry with the V6 is a good deal, I would ask for pictures. From Plano huh? so am I.
Well drive it first. Make sure it drives and has no/minimal rust, interior is clean. But 3500-4000 is a good price point for these cars. At that price point your really only going to get the good stuff, or the cars that people think are worth more than they are. But at this price point those cars are easy to spot.
__________________
1994 Camry LE Wagon 5S-FE with 220xxx miles.
I purchased a 2001 Toyota Camry LE 2.2L I4 with automatic transmission and 137,000 miles for $3,995 from a local Toyota dealer.
A few tips to look for when buying a Gen 4 Camry...
-Review the CarFax and make sure it was not a rental car or any type of accident or natural disaster(flood, fire, etc.)
-Check the engine by removing the oil cap and look for any sludge on the surface...if there is then the vehicle was not properly maintained(Toyota Camrys are notorious for sludge buildup IF not maintained)
-When test driving, ensure the car shifts with no hesitation....REMEMBER though...it is a 4 speed and is not designed for hot rodding, so it will take some time to get going, especially with the A/C on as it robs horsepower from the engine(typical for most 4 cylinders)
-Check the dash for any service warning lights, check under the hood for frayed belts, hoses, cracks in metal areas, listen for ticking/tapping/knocking noises, melted plastic, etc....
-Ensure all electronic equipment (radio, A/C, headlights, power mirrors, seats, turn signals, interior lights, etc...) and power assistance devices(ABS, power steering, etc.) are working properly.
A few "defects" you could say to watch for are...
-A short/glitch in the power window switch, giving out before the window is rolled up completely.
-The driver door handle especially, cracking/breaking off from weak plastic from the factory.
-Uncomfortable front seats on longer trips from insufficent padding.
I am in no way, putting the Gen 4, or any Camry down. I LOVE my 2001 Camry...I am just making these issues known to you so you can take them into consideration and know what to lookout for when shopping for a Gen 4 Camry.
I hope this helps! Don't this scare you away from Camrys, they are fantastic cars...reliable, safe and fuel effiecent...AS LONG as they are properly maintained and cared for, which goes for any vehicle.
Toyotas, especially Camrys, can go 300, 400......past 500,000 miles and still run like a champ! They are built to last and just like the Energizer bunny, will keep going and going and going
So don't let 180,000+ miles on Camrys steer you away....they're just getting broken in at that mileage.....and if you can find a 1-owner Camry, then ALL the better. I recommend buying from a private seller instead of a dealer, believe me, I learned that the hard way.
Happy driving and God bless!
-LSS
__________________
2001 Toyota Camry 2.2L-I4, automatic transmission with 157,000 miles.
The Following User Says Thank You to LostSouthernStar For This Useful Post:
^^That was a superb informative reply. Yes i will check all this. The main reasons going for a camry is getting very good reviews from my Indian colleagues here (myself an Indian), i know how reliable toyota (and japanese cars) are and the most important is that i have just arrived in US and learned that it is impossible to survive without a car. Hence looking for cheaper options. Found online, good reviews for the camry.
Btw i am looking for automatic transmission only i am not very well versed with driving
And since i plan to go for this 4th gen camry, i should preferably see if i get the V6 right ??
And yes private sellers it is, dealers just want milk money giving stupid warranties etc.
Most welcome! Yes Toyota is top in quality....Honda, Nissan, Subaru, Hyundai are up there but still trailing.
One thing about the V6 models are they have had more problems and are more difficult to work on, not to mention less room in the engine bay to feel around, etc...if you type in 1997-2001 Toyota Camry V6 problems, then you will what I'm talking about......now I'm not saying all V6 models have problems, but some have, so it is more of a luck of the draw here.
The 5s-FE (4 cylinder) is much more reliable, VERY easy to work on and very fuel efficient (30 mpg going 75 M.P.H. on average)
Anymore questions, feel free to ask!
-LSS
Quote:
Originally Posted by rak007
^^That was a superb informative reply. Yes i will check all this. The main reasons going for a camry is getting very good reviews from my Indian colleagues here (myself an Indian), i know how reliable toyota (and japanese cars) are and the most important is that i have just arrived in US and learned that it is impossible to survive without a car. Hence looking for cheaper options. Found online, good reviews for the camry.
Btw i am looking for automatic transmission only i am not very well versed with driving
And since i plan to go for this 4th gen camry, i should preferably see if i get the V6 right ??
And yes private sellers it is, dealers just want milk money giving stupid warranties etc.
__________________
2001 Toyota Camry 2.2L-I4, automatic transmission with 157,000 miles.
Also, in general, it is never a good idea to purchase a model it first comes or is remodeled (1997 in this case) as it has tons of bugs and defects as it is the test year for the model...
Usually, the last or second to last year of any model is usually the most reliable as most, if not all of the bugs have been worked out(2000-2001 in this case)
__________________
2001 Toyota Camry 2.2L-I4, automatic transmission with 157,000 miles.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
ToyotaNation.com is an independent Toyota/Lexus enthusiast website. ToyotaNation.com is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. The Toyota, Lexus and Scion names and logos are trademarks owned by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
Suggestions required on buying a 4th Generation Camry
1999 Toyota Avalon
Camry 99,SC 6psi,5sp,CPE intake,OBX headers, Jim's fuel system,Walbro pump, NST pulley,Greddy exhaust,Whiteline sways bars ,TRD strut bar,TRD shifter,Exedy clutch,Fidanza flywheel.
Linear Mode
