The cars themselves are not as important as the upkeep and maintanence. If the owner(s) kept records look them over for completeness and proper intervals. The one that I am most concerned about is transmission and differential fluid changes every 60,000 miles. Higher milage vehicles should start showing new axles, new suspension parts and new struts. I am very leary of modified engines (sorry y'all) and rebuilt engines and transmissions.

Suspension is a pain so I look close at the rubber bushings (crawl on your back and look front & rear) and play in the wheels and the like. A grimy engine can mean all sorts of different leaks and such. The main seals are a pain. The list goes on but it can all be repaired or renewed. Just keep a clear head about what it will cost to fix and what you will pay. If you plan to do the work yourself you can get some real good deals. If you plan to take it in to a mechanic for everything the guy should pay you to take it (and that's not likely.)

Kep

 

Like, Kep said, good service history is a must. I don't mind them having rebuilds or mods, as it also might mean that they look after it (not being cheap and care for the car) and spend the money on the rebuild in the first place.

Perhaps the SV21 Camry's biggest glitch was a tendency - in a very few cars, I should add - to catch fire suddenly, often with disastrous results for the car. Engine oil being sprayed around the engine bay seems to be the main cause in the most cases, so it's worth checking all oil and fuel lines periodically and checking the tightness of the oil filter.

 

Maintenance history is a must have. Before buying any pre-owned car you should be aware of how it has been serviced. I save every invoice in a folder for my own information, and I'm the only type of person from whom I would buy a used car. Keep looking, they might be rare, but they're out there.

 

Besides all the above information, also if your worried about the body, CHECK lower door panels and quarter panels. Also the trunk weather seal (remove the weather seal to see) and around the roof (where the top chrome modeling is). I've seen Camrys with rust around the rubber trim too.