Hey Scotty,
I'm eyeing a 2002 Avalon w/56k miles selling for $5600 and a 2003 Avalon w/75k miles selling for $5950 online. The 03 is Prisitne and the 02 is clean. I'm a cheap guy. I don't want to get back into payments. I currently have a 2010 Camry with 225k+ that burns oil excessively. I know at some point the motor may go out-although no noise or clacking are coming from the motor. It still runs as smooth as silk. Are either cars too old to purchase as daily drivers? Would maintenance and repairs be expensive being that it's a V6 and the age? Are those years reliable? Help! Need a lot of good information and feed back.
How is the overall condition of the Camry (besides the engine)? Have you thought of swapping engine on the Camry you got?
Are either cars too old to purchase as daily drivers?
Unless they are maintained meticulously with proven service records, I would not consider them. Realize that those were reliable cars but you are talking about almost 20 years old car. At this age, you should expect that the rubber/plastic parts are dry rotted and might need to be replaced soon. Also, the timing belt needs to be done (if it has not done so far), which is an expensive job.
+1 @yaser
Keep driving your Camry until the engine goes. Then consider rebuilding it or buying another engine. Both options should be cheaper than the ~ $6000 you’re planning to spend on a 20yr old Avalon with who knows what problems of its own..
You didn’t say what shape your transmission is in, but assuming it’s still in great shape, then I’d definitely hold onto our present Camry.
Better the devil you know..
