I have the option of purchasing a 2001 Camry LE company fleet vehicle cheap $3400 (I guess that’s cheap) The car is in great shape but has 177,000 miles. All normal maintenance has been done but timing belt and the car has never been replaced. No mechanical problem besides a leaky oil pan and a broken door handle that was fixed.
Is this a good deal?
I am very mechanical and have built and worked on several domestics but not much experience with Toyota
What will I be in store for repair wise?
If I do need to replace the engine, what will a new or rebuilt long block run me?
I am looking for a good daily driver even if it has some down time I just want to make sure it wont cost to much for me to repair myself.
Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

watch out for sludge build-up in the internals. - ya.. its common enough that toyota had to extend warranties to them.

Clunking/Rattling suspension- even after a full overhaul of my suspension; there's still a load of clunks present.

Hesitation during start up on a cold day- this just happens out of nowhere.- its a hiccup per se.. it's here for 2 to 3 days and it'll be gone for 4+mons. then comes back. Also watch out for really low RPMs during start up as well.

Low compression engine- the low compression engine ...SOME aren't able to burn fuel thoroughly and it ends up gettin' baked in the pre-cat and you get the sulfur smell in the upper 3500-4000RPMs. There's a TSB out for this problem and there's no cure for it.

Loud Valves- Its a normal thing for the 2.2

130HP - this 2.2L doesn't put out enough power AT all. It'll be a regret factor when you try and accelerate. LOL

_________________ well with that said; for $3500- maybe you can find a 93-94 V6 instead. It's a whole lot better than a 2.2 @ that price. Guaranteed. ( i know- cuz i have one. LOL) good luck!

 

No other input?