5th & 6th Generation (2002-2006 & 2007-2011)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 2002-2006 & 2007-2011
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I test drove an 03 LE yesterday that has 100k miles on it. I was really impressed with the overall feel of the car and was really thinking about purchasing it. On the same lot they happened to have another 03 LE with 50k fewer miles so I drove them back to back for comparison.
The one with 100k had a small bit of driveline slop. If I would let off the gas and compression break and then immediately accelerate I could feel a very slight thump.Putting the car in drive from park did not seem to be enough to cause it. This thump was really small, as in you would never feel it if you were not trying to produce it. In the car with 50k miles this same thump was not present at all.
After my initial test drive I figured it was just normal for the car ( especially one with 100k miles). The total lack of the same behavior in the second car has me a bit concerned and I would really like some input from some of you Toyota Gurus. If it helps, I did not notice any noises, clunks, etc related to the steering. I have not been able to get to the dealer and check to motor mounts yet.
Other than that the car felt , drove, looked new. I just can't decide if that tiny thump is a normal 100k loosening of CV joints etc or indicative of large impending trouble. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Regardless of make or model, at 100k miles, you should anticipate that repair costs are going to begin to be frequent and substantial. Lots of moving parts begin to notice wear. If the the 50k mile car is within the budget, I'd certainly go for it instead of one at 100k miles.
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2007 V6 Camry LE, Built TMMK 27 September 06
"People who think they know it all are particularly irritating to those of us who do."
I4 or V6? I agree 50k one, unless it's not in the colour you want and the 100k one is...but as long as you take care of it, it'll las 300k +. the body will probably fall off it before anything gives up...if properly taken care of that is.
If it's a V6 on the 100k one, get the water pump and timing belt checked/changed because it's past due for it. (should be done at 90k)
Regardless of make or model, at 100k miles, you should anticipate that repair costs are going to begin to be frequent and substantial. Lots of moving parts begin to notice wear. If the the 50k mile car is within the budget, I'd certainly go for it instead of one at 100k miles.
I would really hope that this would not be true. I had a Honda Civic for 250k that never broke down and got 40 MPG the entire way. I even had a 1982 Ford van that had 265k on it that gave me almost zero trouble. Still had the original 300 I6 and manual transmission. Both of those vehicles fell victim to the salty Ohio roads before they were ready to give up mechanically.
Last edited by dioxide211; 01-10-2009 at 11:01 AM.
I4 or V6? I agree 50k one, unless it's not in the colour you want and the 100k one is...but as long as you take care of it, it'll las 300k +. the body will probably fall off it before anything gives up...if properly taken care of that is.
If it's a V6 on the 100k one, get the water pump and timing belt checked/changed because it's past due for it. (should be done at 90k)
Both cars are I4. I actually do happen to like the color of the 100k car quite a bit more.
The answers so far have me feeling pretty solid about buying the one with 100k. Nobody has suggested any known issues that would imply serious impending doom. I sort of felt this was the case as I didn't really drum much up with many hours of searching the net and reading forums. I would guess that people here would have pointed out any known issues immediately. If it is just general wear and tear on a normally very reliable car I am Ok with that.
The one with 50k on it will be almost $11,000 after tax and title. The 100k car is $7500 and silver rather than brown. So far the sexier color and cheaper price have me leaning pretty heavily towards the 100k car.
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