I am purcahsing a 1995 Toyota Camry LE V6 (Canadian) with 214, 000 kilometres on it. Seems to be in pretty good shape but am wondering before I hand over the paperwork to buy it if there are certain problems with the vehicle make that I should be aware of. Some feedback on the car would be great! Thanks!
============================= There are no certain problems. Just check maintenance history, condition of the fluids, (brake, power steering, transmission, engine oil). Timing belt should be changed at
100,000 KM intervals, good idea to change water pump and front engine oil seals at the same time. There are no specific weaknesses or flaws, generally very reliable, but you do need to check the care the vehicle has received. Like any car abuse or neglect will have an effect. The best is to have maintenance records from day one itemizing oil changes and service history from the original owner. Actually, if you read the Factory Service Manual Maintenace section, there is a long list of little things to check which you should have a mechanic do for you. Things like ball joints, axle boots, steering wheel free play, etc. See:Might check past TN threads on this subject, it has come up before. As Daniel states past maintenance goes a long way toward preventing problems.
Additional items to check.
If an automatic transmission check the fluid for color, consistency and smell. It should be red or something in-between red and black, not thickened up and not smell burned. Not changing the trans fluid will cause premature trans failure. Check the trans for hard shifting, slipping, harsh engagement when manual shifting from P to R or D (if so the last might also be the motor mounts, also a common problem). Usually any trans problems do not get much better with a fluid change.
Parts that wear out are stabilizer bar bushings and upper shock mounts (listen for banging or clicking over bumps). The rear suspension bushing sometimes squeaks when going over bumps (an improved bushing system exists). The radiator has plastic upper and lower covers that can crack and cause slow (or fast leaks), radiator overflow tank can crack and leak, torn CV boots.
Check the exhaust for smoke on engine startup when cold. The seals can and do harden over time causing blow-by at first startup. Some folks have complained about leaking valve cover gaskets (common) and blown head gaskets (you should be able to tell if this is a problem).
Check all the controls such as cruise, A/C for cold air, all power window controls, etc. Make sure the airbag like is off, some cars have been sold with the bags removed, and the check engine light is off.
Not sure if this year engine was included in the famed Toyota sludge issue, still I would check for it.
If you do buy the car, change all the fluids including differential and PS.
With all this said, the Camry is a very good car. Remember this is TN where most Camry faults are known.
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