Hi, I am looking to purchase my first car. After many research sessions, I came across this used, blue, 4cyl, 2011 Toyota Camry SE, with 111,860 miles, automatic transmissions. It has no accident reports, 1 owner, clean title on Carfax. I just had a test drive today, and asides from some minor scratches here and there, the car looked fine to me, with no noticeable cracks or damages. During the test drive, the air conditioning worked, seemed to drive quietly without any strange noise apart from some rattling on the left side of the vehicle. I am planning to bring the vehicle to a mechanic to get it checked in detail next week.
Now this car is listed for 12k, do you think it is a good deal for me to buy this car? I am planning to drive this car for as long as I can. I know that because of COVID and everything, there is a shortage in the car market, but I told one of my friend about this and he was saying that there is no way he would pay 12k for this car. What do you think? Any advice would be appreciated!
Agree with your friend...no way pay $12k for that car. It's an 8k car and that's if your mechanical inspection next week gives you a clean bill of health.
Way too much money for an 11-year-old Camry. Is it at a stealership? Note that Carfax is not a reliable indicator of whether the car has been in an accident or much of anything else except perhaps mileage.
Those Camry 2.4 4-cylinder engines were known for oil burning problems due to defective piston rings. I think by 2011 that was supposed to have been solved but I'd still be careful about that.
Overall I'd pass this one by.
would you recommend to get as a first (used)car
Corolla or Civic would be your best bet. If you like bigger car, consider Accord and Camry. Avoid model years that have problems. Search this forum for detailed information.
Thank you for the answers. Seems like it does not make sense to be costing 12k... What would you recommend to get as a first (used)car? My budget is around ~10k.
What are you looking for-sedan, SUV, pickup, etc.?
Most preferably a sedan. But SUV would work too. Just looking for a reliable, low-maintenance, and good gas mileage car with no problems.