1995 Toyota Camry Transmission and timing belt

TRICIARM34

MEMBER
1995 TOYOTA CAMRY

Other Category problem
1995 Toyota Camry Engine Size unknown Wheel Drive Type unknown Automatic 258000 miles

I am thinking of buying a 1995 Camry from a private party. The mileage is scaring me, 258,000. He is only asking $1900 and says he has kept up with repairs, fluids, tuneups, etc. Is this something I should pass up? How much would it cost if the transmission, engine or timing/belt, needed to be fixed? Someone told me these are just a few things I should be concerned about on a car with this many miles. Thanks.

1 Reply

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,937 POSTS

Hi there,

Buying a used car with a lot of miles on the clock can be a worry. But like anything mechanical it might lay down and die tomorrow or go on for many years. Check the engine starting up cold, dead cold see if it puffs blue smoke, will it idle evenly cold, take off the oil filler and place you hand over it, can you feel pressure building up, If so worn engine, Will the transmission change smoothly no jerking changes on slipping, is the oil bright red or dirty drown/black (don't want this) If you do get this car, or any car that has a timing belt get it changed as you have no idea when it was last done.

I hope that this helps a little.

Mark (mhpautos)