[doctorj]

I am a big Land Cruiser fan and have decided against getting one for my 16 year old daughter - too high a center of gravity, poor gas mileage etc.
Am looking at a 97 Camry LE with 64K miles, looks really clean. Price is 5350 with TT&L. I know this is a good price, but what are the things to specifically check out. What has probably allready gone wrong at this milage and what is likely in the next 12 months.
thanks so much
Jay

 

[jaguar]

how about the maintenance of that car ?

looks like it's due for a timing belt change


it is kinda hard to say what has gone wrong with it before... get a mechanic to check it out for you, better safe than sorry

 

[cam2Xrunner]

4cyl or v6. If v6 check the engine oil cap for any signs of sludge. Check tranny fluid make sure there isn't any metal flakes in it. It should be dirty with 55k and due to be flushed at 60k. The main thing is to make sure the prev. owner flushed the tranny at 30k. Plugs and timing belt is supposed to be changed at 60k on a 97. They changed the replacement interval however but you should change it anyways.

 

[Nick]

a bit of regular maintenance, your brakes might be coming up, but aside from that, nothing really

 

[doctorj]

Well now I feel like 1/2 an idiot. Drove it yesterday and seemed fine. Drove it home today and after 10 miles on the highway(smooth) and then when I get off - it starts blowing smoke and knocking after evertime I slow down and then reaccelerate out of a turn?? It is a 4 cyl..
Only 1/2 an idiot as I spent 600 bucks on a premium warranty 24m/24K. Will have it in the dealer to diagnose problem Monday morning.
Jay

 

[doctorj]

They changed the oil for me this morning before I drove it off the lot, and it really seems incredible that I could Have driven it 15 miles yesterday and not seen this smoke thing. I dove behind it this afternoon with my wife driving the Camry and the smell of smoke was almost like short circuiting wires? Anyway, the smoking is much worse after longer drives and then coming to a stop, but I saw a bit even at highway speed as she sped up to pass slower cars.
Checked the dip stick when we got home and there was clean oil at the indicator - but chocolate pudding (exactly) in different spots along the stick.?
Is this engine fixin to implode, or explode?
thanks guys
I will let you know what they decide on Monday. I bought it from a Toyota used car lot next door to out Toyota dealer - even went to the dealer for the final check writing etc.
The new car sales manager is a friend, so I think/expect they'll do right.
Jay

 

[CamNub]

Wait, You already bought it? I thought you were asking for advice weather to buy it or not.

 

[paradizecityz]

hey wat part of texas are u in, if u by me maybe i can check it out

 

[doctorj]

All smiles today. Took it to the service dept. next door to the Toyota used car dealer I bought it from (same guys) and they all frowned a lot at the story. Said they would "make it right" and asked if I wanteda loaner while they figured it out. Service manager took the oil filler cap off and said look - lots of sludge !

Called them back late today and they said it would be 1-2 weeks. They found tons of sludge when they took off they valve cover and plan to redo the head. Said they would know tomorrow if the problems goes deeper into the motor, if so would be getting me a short block - and not to worry -they would fix it and I would nbe happy.
:thumbup: :thumbup:

last update when I finally get it back.

then I'll actually start asking questions!

Jay