Buying A 2004 LE Camry 150000 for my daughter- Anyone have a 2004 V6 to share experie
 

I own a 1995 Camry le 225000 so I am familiar with these and done much work as you know on this blog with the help of Toyomoho and other colleagues.

Looking at.

2004 LE V6 Camry 150000 one owner, Well maintained, No rust except a scratch on door. Looks great overall.
Checked out the owner online to ensure its a real seller and normal person.
Carfax good but I take Carfax info as only ok.
No accidents.

What I found out.

Many scams out there when buying used cars. Unbelievable. At least in my area.
Got a bait and switch at the dealer the other day.
Some cars are put out there at a low price. Ex, 2012 Camry immaculate at $3000. Call and they want you to call someone else. They want to extract info from you.
Nice car reasonably priced but in one of the most dangerous parts of Chicago. Is it a setup or an honest seller?

Your thoughts on any issues with this car and differences with my 1995.
Experiences. Is the V6 similar to mine, the general setup of the car, major changes.

Will be checking it out myself.

Non interference engine I believe. Even though its not great to break a belt in an non interference engine with interference it is more likely engine is toast.
This car if for my daughter and will be brought to a warm climate local driving not a lot of mileage, no snow, so if belt breaks damage to engine none or minimal.

Oh, its a 4 cylinder and to my surprise its a chain timing belt and the person has serviced it at the dealer since new.

We bought it at $4000 and it is in immaculate condition and he had all the documentation of the work. He bought it at the dealer and had it serviced there since 2004.
It all came up on car fax also. I hope I do not have to buy a used car for a while. Too many scammers unless it is a reliable friend.

Just drove it a long distance to drop off and ran great with not one issue at 70-90mph. Love the Camry.

I think the car will need to readjust since its more of a hilly environment and not flat as a pancake like the Midwest..

My friend had a car and brought it to a hilly state and it took a while to adjust when he lived there.

I have an 06 Camry V6 at 82k now. Happy with it, but check the motor mounts. Start with the "dog bone" mount on top of the engine. And then inspect the other 3 down below. All four of mine went out and it's a bit expensive to get them replaced. The Dealer said the V6 engine is heavier so the mounts break more often. The high an low pressure power stearing lines both were replaced so replace your power stearing fluid and inspect for leaks. I have my brake fluid changed every two years. The breaks were finally replaced at 60k but went with aftermarket parts vice Toyota. No problems.

Did the timing belt, water pump service at 62k. All the seals, etc...about 900 dollars at independent shop. Dealer is about 1200 dollars. Should have gone to dealer but no problems with job after 20k miles.

This car eats battiers but I'm in Florida. Every two years. One alternator. Could not go with OEM but used a good off market brand.

The Transmission was slipping but turned out to be a software issue with ECM. Toyota dealer fixed with software upload.

I love the old style oil filters and have used Mobil 1 since 5k miles. Get at Walmart for 22 dollars and then Mobil has rebate for 12 dollars twice a year. Or use Penzoil, 10 dollar coupon. No excuse for changing oil with syn at least twice a year.

Want to keep for another 4 years for commuter car. Don't like the new Camry models with 8 speed tranny.

Good luck.