Originally Posted by clinebarger
A borescope won't get down past the baffle in the valve cover to check for sludge.......If that's what you were going to do with it? And build-up on the baffle isn't a good indicator of sludge either! Short of pulling a valve cover, Your not really going to know.
*This (1MZ-FE) is a timing belt engine & probably needs to be replaced if you can't verify when/miles is was replaced last.
*Power Steering leaks are common & can be VERY expensive/time consuming to fix.
*There's a coolant bypass hose under the intake that likes to fail from old age.
*Oil leaks from the valve cover gaskets, A good 4 hour job!
*Would have a U140E transaxle I believe......Known for Planetary & Bearing failures, Make sure no noise is present!
*CV Boot failures, Usually the Inner ones that are made of a soft rubber. Check those!
*OE parts are expensive & needed in certain areas because aftermarket just won't cut it.
This pretty much nails it. I had a y2k camry V6 for a short bit. Got it for pocket change. It was neglected, but not sludged more than any other old car.
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I would add to check the parking brake-- the cables get tired, seize, and this car belongs to the demographic that never uses them.
Check the OBD I/Ms, as with any car this age you can expect EVAP issues. Toyota also seems to need catalytic converters fairly often. Neither a deal breaker, more a bargaining chip.
If your state has excise tax, it'll be more on this car than it would be on a camry. Maybe your insurance will be less, though, more of a "grandpa car".
I disagree on the quality assessments-- this was the last generation of the midsize body style. The 02+ Camry is a solid full size car. I like the proportions, greenhouse glass, body lines, paint quality, dash layout-- all intangibles. Everyone has a different opinion of course but go look at this.