Hey Scotty, i'm 18 years old and looking for my first car. i recently came across a 4 cylinder 1997 celica hatchback with an automatic transmission with 229,000 miles at a dealer. my dad wants to get me a 2010 toyota camry with 160,000 miles. i really want the celica since it's a car i like and is economical. what should i do?
Just based on what kind of dealer would be selling a 25-year-old car I'd run away from that and go with the Camry. Just make sure the Camry is not one that has the 2.4 engine with oil burning problems.
take the Camry
Please, please DO NOT buy any car from a dealer.
Which engine in the Camry? Even though 2007-2009 model years were the worst of the oil burning Camry’s (in the 2.4L naturally aspirated I4 engines), some 2010 and 2011 model years Camry’s (with the 2.4L I4) experienced it too, although not in the sheer numbers of the earlier model years.
https://www.motorbiscuit.com/toyota-camry-the-most-annoying-problem-you-should-know-about/
i am not sure what the engine is but i am certain it is a 4 cylinder.
There should be a label under the hood with the engine model. One way to check for excessive oil consumption is to see if there is oil residue in the tailpipe. In any event you'll want to have a mechanic check out any car you're considering purchasing.
Do not get the Celica. That engine has oil sludge problems.
http://www.toyotaproblems.com/oil-sludge/
