Hey everyone,

I am in need of a cheap vehicle and I came across the following ad on Craigslist. However, I know almost next to nothing about cars or how to buy one. I hope someone can tell me if this would be a worthy buy and also any advice about any complications to watch out for. My main concerns are not paying so much for repairs that I may as well buy a perfectly functioning car, and that there aren't any major recurring problems with the vehicle that will give me a headache for months to come. I really appreciate your help.

Just FAIR Kelley Blue Book prices this at $2495, and the condition is MUCH better than fair... C'mon, I need this gone...

Just Reduced!!!...or best offer:

1993 Toyota Camry Wagon LE V6
Condition: Good-Very good, functionally excellent-needs nothing to take you where you want to go
Mileage: ~186100
Color: Silver
Power everything (windows, locks, mirrors)
COLD A/C!
Third seat
Factory 6 CD Changer
Timing belt changed at 117000 miles

Minor issues:

Some rust spots above wheel wells
Windshield washer needs repair/unclogging? (Wipers work fine)
Some minor cosmetic dings and dents
One radio speaker pops when the radio hasn't been warmed up
Some age stains on back seat, but overall the interior condition is very good

There are a few things that need to be done pretty much now, which is why the price is so low. If you want the work done before you buy the car, I'll have to add the cost to the $1700. Ultimately, the following things shouldn't cost more than $400-500 total, so for $2100-2200, you'd have a mechanically perfect Camry Wagon. In such condition, the Kelly Blue Book's at least $2800-2900. The following are the required things:

1 Right rear wheel hub bearing
1 CV joint/Drive axle
1 Brake caliper and new rear pads

This car has been great for the last 6 months since I got it, but my family's getting me a new car for my birthday. I searched all around for a car like this to fit my budget for 2 months, and I finally found it. If you need the best station wagon ever made, give me a call

Well I notice that the timing belt is due to be changed as well, and no mention of the condition of the tires. I also prefer to replace components on both sides...both calipers not just one, both CV joints, and both rear wheel bearings...but not really necessary, just avoids the eventual failure of the other side. That would be extra $$$ of course, you you could just low-ball offer and take your chances.

Rust on the fenders could be from salty winter conditions, but the owner didn't keep up with rinsing it out. That automatically grades it as FAIR.

Finally, I'd say that at this age and mileage, besides the timing belt, major repairs that could come up would be new struts & strut mounts, electrical wire fatigue (typically the driver's door harness), and A/C issues. Check to see if the A/C has been converted to R-134a...this makes repairs and recharging much easier and cheaper.

For basic transportation, I'd say $1500 is okay if the tires were nearly worn out, $1700 if new. If he's going to do the repairs for you, make sure he acually does it...show receipts for parts or old parts, etc. Otherwise, take it to a trusted mech.

"The following are the required things:

1 Right rear wheel hub bearing
1 CV joint/Drive axle
1 Brake caliper and new rear pads "

I would stay away frim this vehicle. It has a lot of miles on it, which in itself is not bad, if the vehicle was properly maintained. However, needing the above repairs right now, along with the timing belt being 9,000 miles overdue, tells me this vehicle was not properly maintained. Did you check to see what the oil, transmission fluid, coolant and brake fluid look like? If you are still seriously considering this vehicle, follow jdmccright's advice and take it to a mechanic for a thorough inspection.

Mike