Question about 99 Camry (Toyota newb)

[redly1]

I just picked up a 99 camry that came in striaght from a dealer trade (I know a guy at the dealership) The car needs a little cleaning up and a transmission. It's a 99 Camry LE, 4cyl, auto, leather, CD/cassette, moonroof, & foglights, 87K miles. I'm getting it for $4300.

I picked up a used transmission out of a 2000 camry with 13000 miles. Got that for $175 + $35 shipping from a reputable yard. Local transmission shop is gonna charge $495 to swap the old tranny out. I'm pretty stoked about the deal. The car does run (just no reverse or 3rd gear) and it rides/steers/sounds pretty good.

Are there any other things I should watch out for on this car? There is no smoke coming from the engine, but I noticed it drip a bit. Looks like from somewhere on the back of the motor, can't tell. Is this a major concern? Or just a routine gasket?

Also, does the 2.2L 4Cyl engine have a timing belt or chain??

Thanks!!

[brink]

Hey dude, you from Indy as in India or as in Indianapolis? What's up!

Why does the car have no third or reverse? Was it in an accident or driven real hard? The dealer actually sold it to you that way?

[Tex97]

Sounds like someone really tore that car up. With 87K that tranny should not be messed up if the car was treated right.
If I were you I would get someone to inspect the entire car, not the guy you are buying from though.
A 99 camry with those options for that price sounds way to good to be true, even if you know a guy.

[redly1]

thanks for the answers

[Anonymous]

1. Camry's have a non-interference timing belt.

2. I would be REALLY skittish of a car with an automatic tranny that has the problems you mentioned. Sounds like its been used and abused, IMHO. I would do a full inspection from a reputable mechanic. That sounds WAAYYyy too suspicious in terms of car condition given its mileage (87K on a 3 year old car is a lot).

But thats just my opinion. Good luck with the car.