common problems with the 1997 camry's

[mrtimo]

Considering buying a 4th gen Camry. 1997 w/165k miles. Wires, Plugs recently replaced. Don't know too much else about it. Considering paying $2500 which seems high, but I am buying from my Brother... he was recently gifted the car.

What are common things that go wrong in Camry's from 165-240k miles? Timing Belt, Transmission, Engine, Water Pump?

Is this a good buy?

[BMR]

At that mileage, it's due for quite a few things, like any car would be. To me, that's a fair price if it's in decent shape. Engines and trans are pretty solid if given decent care.

Rack & pinion is somewhat prone to leaks.
Timing belt - non interference engine, so it's not critical to change.
Struts
CV axles
Radiator/cooling system.

Parts are cheap though, so if you're a DIY'er, none of that should scare you off.

Also, '97 was included in Toyota's sludge settlement. IMHO, not a big deal if the oil changes were done reasonably frequently. Only way to really know is to pull a valve cover and have a look. Is this a V6 or 4 cylinder?... not that it really matters.

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news0...ettlement.html

[mrtimo]

Thanks for the info.

[dc_98_cam]

... My 98 XL had leaking rack and pinion hydraulic seals when i got it a few years ago. I noticed that the hydraulic fluid reservoir, next to the upper fender in the engine compartment had some very black colored fluid. i emptied the dirty fluid and replaced it with the appropriate type ... This was just transmission fluid, if i recall correctly for this car. ... At any rate, after
several cycles of driving, emptying, and refilling with clean fluid, the hydraulic seals no longer leak. The fluid in the hydraulic reservoir is always at the same level. I still empty and refill the hydraulic reservoir bottle with clean fluid at every oil change, about once a year.
... I think the clean hydraulic fluid was able to recondition the seals, at least to the point that they don't leak. I think I have avoided a major repair by using this procedure. I would advise you to try it, before you have any problems of this nature.
... Also, you should not hesitate to get the timing belt, water pump, and thermostat replaced if there is any question at all about their condition.

[Vibe]

Originally Posted by BMR

At that mileage, it's due for quite a few things, like any car would be. To me, that's a fair price if it's in decent shape. Engines and trans are pretty solid if given decent care.

Rack & pinion is somewhat prone to leaks.
Timing belt - non interference engine, so it's not critical to change.
Struts
CV axles
Radiator/cooling system.

Parts are cheap though, so if you're a DIY'er, none of that should scare you off.

Also, '97 was included in Toyota's sludge settlement. IMHO, not a big deal if the oil changes were done reasonably frequently. Only way to really know is to pull a valve cover and have a look. Is this a V6 or 4 cylinder?... not that it really matters.

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news0...ettlement.html

Originally Posted by mrtimo

Thanks for the info.

I agree with BMR......if it is in good shape it is worth $2,500......It is a good habit to answer what ever questions you can on this forum.....it helps to have details BMR was wondering what engine it has?.........................I am wondering if you have any mechanical skills? have you done any work on cars before?............also if you do get the car go to control panel and create a detailed signature of the car......Welcome!