I think my wife is ready to move on from her car. 10 years is a good run around here, plus she never really liked it. She likes it less now that it feels worn out.
'99 Camry versus '11 Camry. Which should I keep for myself? Which costs more to fix for anticipated repairs? Which is harder to work on?
1999 Camry thoughts:
I kinda prefer the '99 to be honest. Lower beltline makes it easier to drive. I've gotten old and driving a manual isn't as fun as it used to be--plus the 6MT in the Camry is nothing to write home about. But it's older and I know very few people who'd think that was a wise decision. To be honest both are towards the end of their better years. To be honest I'd like to get two new cars... but that's not in the budget.
'99 Camry versus '11 Camry. Which should I keep for myself? Which costs more to fix for anticipated repairs? Which is harder to work on?
1999 Camry thoughts:
- I had thought of passing the '99 down to my son but he got a CRV instead; my daughter is 14 and so I'm not sure it makes sense to hold onto for that long.
- No side impact airbags, say what you will, I like airbags. Does have ABS.
- 229k on the clock. Not sure if burns or leaks oil; I add a quart over 5k. Actually I know it leaks, but it doesn't mark its territory, so it's not a bad set of leaks (despite changing a bunch of gaskets, this darn thing likes to leak from, well, everything).
- Automatic transmission with 1,500lb towing rating. I plan to keep a small utility trailer around.
- Headlights suck but get me by
- Has a power seat! pretty nifty.
- I replaced the struts about 4 years / 80k ago and despite being Monroes they still feel ok?
- Automatic transmission with 229k? prior owner never changed the fluid, but I sure did. Seems to be ok but first start of the day it needs to idle in park for 30 seconds or drive does not engage properly
- but it's old and no longer has to pass emissions testing
- This was to become my car at some point when we bought it in the first place. It'd be strange to not follow through on that plan.
- Has all the safety things I want, plus some I don't (VSC, TC, TPMS)
- Has enough paint damage that I don't think it'd be a big deal to park anywhere anymore.
- 224k on the clock. No oil consumption
- Manual transmission with "towing not recommended" in the manual.
- Headlights are ok but it's got one of those stupid backlit dashboards.
- I think the struts may be bad, as it shakes on the highway
- Original clutch at 224k
- 224k on the original cat. Odds that'll go another 100k w/o replacement?
I kinda prefer the '99 to be honest. Lower beltline makes it easier to drive. I've gotten old and driving a manual isn't as fun as it used to be--plus the 6MT in the Camry is nothing to write home about. But it's older and I know very few people who'd think that was a wise decision. To be honest both are towards the end of their better years. To be honest I'd like to get two new cars... but that's not in the budget.