89 camry 800

[stamar]

what do you guys think?
http://humboldt.craigslist.org/car/148559126.html


picture

should i go check it out and buy it?

it has 113k miles some sort of radiator problem?

could any of you describe things about this model, a v6 with 3 spd auto. what sort of gas mileage do you get?

what sort of problems to look for on the test drive

i did look at it and it looks in excellent condition interior exterior. 118k miles.

[rimfire,22]

stamar,

I'd be a little cautious about this offer but I guess it can't hurt to go and look at it. If it needs radiator work be aware that the water pump, hoses and heater core will probably be shot! If that's the case I'd walk away unless he can show you records of service and from the way it sounds..... he doesn't.

Unless it looks in prestine condition ask him if you can have you own mechanic review it. The price is too nice to pass up BUT then again it's too good.

rimfire,22

[RIP]

I second having a mechanic look at it. Short of that, at least somebody who is mechanically knowlegeable. Should get about 25 mpg highway and 17 city. Other things to consider:

> You'll have to change the timing belt now if he can't show you evidence it's been changed recently. $300 with labor. Do it yourself - $30 for the belt, $20 for a manual, 4 aspirin, and a couple bandaids.

> Radiator $150. With labor around $300.

> To me 113K miles on an 89 sounds a little light. Thats 6000 a year. Might be suspect. Then again I live in a region where 200K on a car is common.

> A compression check is the best indicator of engine health. The results reveal volumes of info good or bad. That and listening to it under load.

> No one can tell you if you should or shouldn't buy this car from a computer miles away. Keep these posts in mind and you'll make a good decision. Besides, if it doesn't work out, life goes on. It's only a car.

[stamar]

ok well im going to try and test it today.


like i said it looks very good. there a is a bad patch and ding by the gas cap i think you can see it here

paint is very good for a 89 but the clear coat comes off at spots. I mean, for its age its outstanding but its not perfect.

This is a very rainy climate so cars usually have more rust at this time.

[rimfire,22]

Stamar,

I did see the patch. Dissapointing in my opinion. Unless your willing to put in the money to really look prestine then go ahead. Check EVERYTHING out mechanically as if it appears OK to you then maybe all you need is a good paint job. Remember itnerior wise some plastic parts might not be available anymore so look for cracked plastic pieces.

Good luck,

rimfire,22