Just bought a 96 Camry, what should i watch out for?

[endresCamry96]

I just bought a 96 Camry LE, it has 119,000 on it and the only thing I know about it is that the Serpentine and Timing belts were just replaced. What else should I have checked out?

(I looked for head gasket signs, none)
(AC does not blow cold)

[Mike Gerber]

First of all, it is always important to mention which engine the car has. Assuming you have the more common 4 cylinder engine designated as a 5SFE engine, you have 1 timing belt and 2 accessory belts. We'll assume that's what was replaced.

1. Check for unusual noises or rattles when driving, coming from the engine, exhaust system, suspension and steering.

2. Does the engine accelerate smoothly and without hestitation? How does it idle? Some vibration at idle is normal for this generation 5SFE engine.

3. How do the tires look? Are they wearing evenly?

4. Does the car pull to one side or the other?

5. Check the brakes front and rear. Does the car stop smoothly? Have someone remove all the wheels (and the rear drums if the car has rear drum brakes) and inspect the brake pads and rotors for scoring, and the rear brake shoes.

6. Do all the other accessories in the car other than the A/C? If so, you may want to wait until Spring to tackle the A/C.

7. If all these things check out OK, I would carefully examine all the fluids; oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid (and clutch fluid if this is a manual transmission). Do they look clean? Are their levels up to all the full marks? Sometimes it's better to change these all when you first buy a used car to establish a baseline.

These are the things I would look at. I'm sure others can suggest some additioanl things to check.

Good luck with the new car.

Mike

[endresCamry96]

Thanks Mike,
I am going to have a Mechanic Look it over and change the fluids.
Unfortunately I also just noticed some water in my trunk. Took everything out and traced it the corner closests to the drivers side tail light. Maybe should have that looked at aswell.

[Mike Gerber]

"Maybe should have that looked at aswell"

That sounds like a good idea. Rust can form in these areas quickly if water can't get out. Then you will have real problems.

Mike