Looking for a car for my daughter. We have found a 2011 Camry SE with 89k miles on the odometer. Very clean, local, one owner car. From owners of this model year, would this be a smart buy? I am hoping it would get her through college as well. Thanks in advance for any feedback.
Should I purchase?
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That would be a "babe in the woods" as far as remaining service life goes provided the car has been appropriately maintained, and you seem to know that it has. I wouldn't hesitate if it's a car you both like. You should get many more years out of it.
Then definitely review them, as it doesn't matter who did the service as much as it matters that the necessary services were done.
I say the above not because I believe you have not probably already done so, but for other readers. I've seen instances where "all maintenance was done by the dealer" was true, but "all recommended maintenance" wasn't even close to what was done. Having something close to "all recommended maintenance" having been done, regardless of by whom, including DIY by the owner, is more important than who did it. [Provided, of course, it was done correctly. Most of us can do an oil change correctly if we are so inclined. Replacing a timing belt, not so much, though some can.]
I'm someone who uses a Microsoft Access database to log all maintenance done on my cars, whether by me or professionals. Even I can forget what I've done, and when, for what vehicle. It keeps me honest with myself (and aids my memory).
By the way, and this is something I doubt that many readers will know, maintenance done by Toyota dealers for Toyota cars is logged by Toyota, and can be looked up on their website based upon the VIN of the car. I actually did that for a Solara I recently purchased, and there were records going back to right after it was purchased in 2004.
I say the above not because I believe you have not probably already done so, but for other readers. I've seen instances where "all maintenance was done by the dealer" was true, but "all recommended maintenance" wasn't even close to what was done. Having something close to "all recommended maintenance" having been done, regardless of by whom, including DIY by the owner, is more important than who did it. [Provided, of course, it was done correctly. Most of us can do an oil change correctly if we are so inclined. Replacing a timing belt, not so much, though some can.]
I'm someone who uses a Microsoft Access database to log all maintenance done on my cars, whether by me or professionals. Even I can forget what I've done, and when, for what vehicle. It keeps me honest with myself (and aids my memory).
By the way, and this is something I doubt that many readers will know, maintenance done by Toyota dealers for Toyota cars is logged by Toyota, and can be looked up on their website based upon the VIN of the car. I actually did that for a Solara I recently purchased, and there were records going back to right after it was purchased in 2004.
So, with 89k miles on the car, what services should have been performed besides the normal fluid and filter changes and wear inspections? I'm guessing at this mileage probably nothing major?
I suggest you download the Scheduled Maintenance Guide and/or Owner's Manual Supplement for that year and model from the Toyota Website. I can't speak to the specifics of what is recommended for that particular vehicle.
I suspect you're right on the "nothing major" part, but go "straight to the horse's mouth" and check.
I suspect you're right on the "nothing major" part, but go "straight to the horse's mouth" and check.
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Sounds like a beautiful car. If its the 4 cylinder it has the 2.5 liter 2AR-FE engine or the 2GR-FE V6 are both great engines. You can get the vin # and sign up on this website to access all records. Link Track Your Service Records with Your Toyota Owners Account I agree with everything that @guyslp stated above.
Glenn
Glenn
It sure is.
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I have a 2009 Camry SE , bought brand new off the showroom floor, had all maint. done by the dlr while under warrenty. Then continued doing my own maintainence. I love mine and am still driving it 11 + years later. See my signature.
Glenn
How many miles do you have on the car? Any major mechanical issues? Anything I should be aware of at 90k miles?
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Since my work commute for years was 2 miles each way a day then 7 miles each way a day I only have 56,500 miles on my Camry. All I have had to do was replace brake pads and rotors, Alternator, Radiator, and coolant, Battery and dashboard which are known for melting and cracking in which Toyota has and enhanced warrenty 10 years of 150,000 miles or whichever comes 1st from the 1st day of use. My engine is known for oil consumption issues which I have not experienced yet, engine is the 2AZ-FE which is not as good as the 2AR-FE or the 2GR-FE V6. Always have run 0-20 synthetic oils every 5000 miles, I have never had any major mechanical issues.
Glenn
Look in the OEM required maintenance book. I would never purchase any vehicle that didn't have the Owners Manual and the other manuals that come with every new vehicle.
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I have an 2003 with 285k and running like a top, that car could take her college grad school and med school with internship if she goes that way. Camry's that are well maintained go 250-350k without a hiccup most times. I had an older 90's es300 lexus with 360k and everything on it worked and drove great. Toyota and Lexus build what many call boring cars, but the run forever with basic upkeep.
I ended up buying my daughter a '12 Toyota Avalon. Super nice condition car. 109k miles. Hopefully it works out for her. Thanks for all the feedback.
Thank you for the feedback. I hope we have the same luck with the car as you have.
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