Essig's First Car Purchase, Questions are asked

[essig]

I think I found the first car I want to buy. My friend from church is selling it.

Year: 1995
Make: Toyota
Model: Avalon XLS
Asked Price: $3500
KBB Price: $4200

Specs:

Color: White
Engine: V6 3.0L
Interior: Leather, Brown
Power Seats: Yes, works
Sunroof: Yes, works
Tint: Yes
Security System: Remote start Viper
Body Damage: Dent above front right tire and slight damage above back left tire
Miles: ~164,000
Oil Changes: Every 3k
Tires: 2 in Oct 09, 2 in March 09
Alternator: 13.8
Battery: Changed in Oct 09

Now for the good stuff.

Sound System:
Deck: Pioneer AVIC-X910BT (GPS Navi, Bluetooth, iPod support, etc.)
Subwoofers: 2x under the front seats, 2x where the arm rest (rear seats) is (all pioneers)
Speakers: From what I notice, 2x in the front
Amps: 2x in the back in custom housing

The sound system is worth AT LEAST $1500 and the security system is worth AT LEAST $300-450. I test drove it yesternight on the 10 (aka I-10) and it drives like a beast.

What should I ask about? I already asked about timing belts and the water pump.

[fourwheeler]

Nothing, buy it, you won't be disappointed! Sounds like a good deal to me.

[TrailDust]

Since you already asked about the timing belt and water pump I'd say you have it pretty much covered. Considering the price, I'd go for it.

BTW, if you can swing it offer $3,000 in an all cash offer, they just might go for it.

[essig]

Well, just got a text from the seller (my friend) and he hopefully will be replacing the belt and pump next saturday. BTW, anyone have a carmax or autocheck account so they can give me a report? >_>

Also, when I get this car? How would I put in LED or HID lights in? Do I have to do a conversion...or what?

[Jack Deth]

i hate to be the wet blanket, but the security system is worth zip... nobody is going to bother swiping a 15 year old car, and it doesn't get cold enough to bother with a remote starter (unless you're in the mtn's).
the sound system seems good, but unless you're buying to impress, it'll be louder than anyone will care to listen to, at least on a regular basis.
at 15 yrs with 164K, a lot of problems may crop up soon. check out the steering / front end, and watch for signs of oil sludge.
on the upside, it's a nice car, and in arizona you don't have to worry about rot.
good luck!

[essig]

Steering seems fine. A 15 year old car with 164k isn't that bad. Avg. 10k miles a year. My mom's Solara is 8 years old and has 110k miles.

[GOT BOOST]

Originally Posted by Jack Deth

i hate to be the wet blanket, but the security system is worth zip... nobody is going to bother swiping a 15 year old car, and it doesn't get cold enough to bother with a remote starter (unless you're in the mtn's).
the sound system seems good, but unless you're buying to impress, it'll be louder than anyone will care to listen to, at least on a regular basis.
at 15 yrs with 164K, a lot of problems may crop up soon. check out the steering / front end, and watch for signs of oil sludge.
on the upside, it's a nice car, and in arizona you don't have to worry about rot.
good luck!

A remote starter is nice if you live in a warm or hot climate too. You can use the starter to cool off interior of the car before you get in.

The Avalon comes with a pretty decent OEM security system. The OEM sound system is decent for the vintage too. Upgrades are nice.

People tend to swipe older cars as they are easier to steal. Especially if they are looking for a quick joyride or have something else in mind.

The car seems like a good find.