Hi Scotty and all,
I came across a 98 Toyota Camry with a 122,000 miles and 1 owner. A few pic's of exterior but nothing inside or under the hood. Would it be advisable to have a Toyota dealership check it out first? It's close to where I live and might go check it out. It's been listed for 24 weeks. It could be sold and they haven't removed the listing on marketplace as a lot of folks do.
Thanks for any help.
I'm not sure what "marketplace" you're talking about (autotrader.com? dealership?) and you have not mentioned the asking price or your intended use of the car or how long you plan to keep it.
However, buying a 27-year-old car as a daily driver if that is what you're planning can be a sporting proposition. You can expect to have age-related deterioration even if the suspiciously low mileage (which would have to be confirmed) is true. If you live in an area with salted winter roads rust is going to be an issue. However if you can get the car for a low enough price it could still work out for a few years.
You need to have a good mechanic inspect it before purchase. The Toyota dealer is a poor choice, especially if it's the dealer that is selling the car. Aside from the obvious conflict of interest if that is the case they will be the most expensive and have the least experience with a Camry of that age. Most of the technicians there would have been in diapers or not even born yet when that car was built.
However this may be a moot point. With the listing being 24 weeks old if the car is any good it has been long gone.
@chucktobias Thanks for the reply. It's listed on fb marketplace, private seller. I don't drive a lot since I'm retired, maybe 5000 miles a year. I have a 96 gmc sierra thats leaking oil pretty bad and I don't think it's worth putting thousands in on a 28 yr old truck with over 200,000 miles to fix the problem. If I can get a few years out of this car that'll work for me.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1113443059789792
There asking $1,500 and it's a Florida car.
I just sent a message to see if they still have it. I have a feeling it may be gone for that price as well.
@mby852 For $1500 it's a no-brainer if it runs and drives OK. If you got just a year out of it you'd be ahead of the game. However I doubt it's still available at that price if in any kind of decent condition.
@chucktobias Thanks, That what I'm thinking. Waiting to hear back if it's still available.