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Buying an Older Camry

10 messages,  Last post on Jul 18, 2008 at 8:15 PM

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#8 of 10 Re: NEED HELP QUICK~MIGHT PURCHASE A '95 MANUAL... [antique_maggie] by mcdawgg Jul 17, 2008 (8:42 am)
Replying to: antique_maggie (Jul 17, 2008 8:17 am) You did not get a response because this should not be a new thread - the hosts will move it to an existing thread that people will be more likely to see.   I would have a mechanic check it out, and specifically pull the valve cover and check to be sure the oil was changed regularly.   How are the tires? How much pad left on brakes? Do they vibrate when braking from high speed? How are the other belts? Brake fluid, PS fluid, clutch fluid, coolant - are they old or fresh? Check for oil consumption, how is the exhaust?   Check the price for this car here at Edmunds - I did and came up with about $2,300. If well maintained and it checks out good mechanically, I would not pay more than $2,300. If it needs stuff done, start deducting from $2,300.   The mileage is a little high, but if it was well maintained it should go another 50-75k miles without too many problems. Bottom line - get it checked out.   How do you know the timing belt was done? I am just suspicious of used car dealers.   The temperature issue sounds fine. It will heat up quick on hot summer days, and as long is it stayed in the middle, it should be fine.   Take it on the highway also to check for pulling, vibrations, etc. Check struts and CV joints - a car this old may need new.   I see it is a manual so check the Clutch - check to be sure it is not slipping/chattering - ask me if you don't know how. This is also a bargaining point, because most people don't want a manual Camry, except for people like me that would pay more for stick.   Good luck, let us know if you have any questions, and let us know what happens. Replies to this message: antique_maggie (Jul 18, 2008 10:13 am) mcdawgg (Jul 18, 2008 8:15 pm)
#9 of 10 Re: NEED HELP QUICK~MIGHT PURCHASE A '95 MANUAL... [mcdawgg] by antique_maggie Jul 18, 2008 (10:13 am)
Replying to: mcdawgg (Jul 17, 2008 8:42 am) Yep, gotta ask how to check to see if the clutch slips or chatters. The car doesn't pull on the highway, the only vibration I can sense is when the air runs and is cycling. That isn't continuous though. To be honest it seems to handle bumps and the million-multitudes of potholes around here pretty good. My only complaint really is starting the car. This might just be my failure to adjust to the clutch yet, but it seems I have to push to the floor with more force than I think I should so I can start it. However, when I'm actually driving it, I can shift just fine. I did re adjust the seat and that seems to help. I called the dealer and tried to reason out a price for the car (I have $2k in hand) and he said he would part with it for $2200. One more question (I feel so anal...really I'm not finicky) I looked at the oil sticker in the window. It says to have the oil changed in July of '08 (duh...) or 205k. The odom. just turned over 201...but the car has been sitting on his lot since March. Should the oil be changed? This is probably a given (I'd say yes, it does need it) but I want to make sure. Do you recommend any particular oil or filter? I'm honestly wondering if I should keep taking it to a Toyota dealer to get work done or is it not worth it because of the age? It has only been serviced at Toyota since day one ( The original owners kept ALL records, that's so nice! ) I do have the funds to continue doing so, but is it worth it? I'm impressed at the mileage (I've never owned a car with anything more than 160k) and would want to get the most I can out of this car. Especially with gas prices being what they are! You've been a great help, thanks again!   Replies to this message: mcdawgg (Jul 18, 2008 8:15 pm)
#10 of 10 Re: NEED HELP QUICK~MIGHT PURCHASE A '95 MANUAL... [antique_maggie] by mcdawgg Jul 18, 2008 (8:15 pm)
Replying to: antique_maggie (Jul 18, 2008 10:13 am) I see you bought it, so too late to check the clutch before purchase, but there are a few ways.   Try putting it in 5th at 25mph and floor it, especially on an upgrade. The tach should barely start to go up slowly, tach should not rev up high quick. In other words, it should be completely connected, not slipping. Don't do this for long, just 5 seconds will tell you.   Use Toyota filters and parts, but you can go to a good independent mechanic.   The clutch start switch on all Toyota manuals does require you to press ALL the way to the floor. This idiot switch (on all makers' manuals) just prevents you from starting it in gear with the clutch released. You should be pressing all the way to the floor when shifting.   Change oil every 6 months or 5 thousand miles, which ever is first. I prefer Castrol dino (not synthetic), I cannot remember which grade on this year, but whatever the manual or filler cap says.   So you actually have all the original service records?

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