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Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 38
From: Seabeck, WA
Welcome! I would love to see a photo of the Camry.
Hey what's up peeps?! My wife and I just became the new owners of an 05 Camry Le today. 71000 miles for $6900 out the door. I'm hoping to locate a free shop manual somewhere online and became a member here to learn and share tips, pointers and tricks to keep this baby running in tip top shape. I am an unlicensed and un-certified mechanic however I do know my way around under the hood of most cars. Happy to be a part of the Camry community.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 5
My wife is very happy and can't stop mentioning the mileage+cost out the door+the how smooth and quiet drives. Especially with it being a salvaged title. Lol, I'm still holding back my excitement until I finish fully evaluating the condition of the Camry with the cost. Has to be something going on maybe not? $6900, 71k miles, like new interior exterior yet salvaged because front passenger side corner was hit. Only things needed replacing were headlight, bumper and panel? Idk, we'll see soon enough I suppose. I'm open for any opinions or advice on what to check? Thanks guys I'm enjoying being a Toyota family member already thanks to you all.. Ttysoon
Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 15,179
From: PTW
Having the car deemed "salvage" depends your state. This means the cost of repairs was more then a specified percentage (typically by the state) of its valve.
Suggest you find out what the car would be worth if in average condition then find out what the salvage percent such as over 75% of the valve. Then try to determine how the repair cost amount were determined such as a bent frame, car was immersed in water (flood), etc.
The Toyota repair manual may have frame dimension specs to allow taking measurements to check for damage.
As to normal maintenance, check fluids for color and contamination. Suggest changing all of the trans fluid, the internet has posts on a DIY complete fluid change. Worn out fluid is the number one cause of trans failure.
I would take pull back the carpet in the cabin plus remove the trunk carpet to take a look at the chassis for signs of problems (water). And check the frame for damage.
The 4 cylinder engine is prone to oil burning due to the oil return holes in the piston clogging with carbon. Might change to synthetic oil.
The other issue is the head bolt threads in the block can pull out (design defect) thus monitor the coolant level. This can be fixed with inserts.
All things being equal, 71K is not enough miles to start having issues with worn parts.
Suggest you find out what the car would be worth if in average condition then find out what the salvage percent such as over 75% of the valve. Then try to determine how the repair cost amount were determined such as a bent frame, car was immersed in water (flood), etc.
The Toyota repair manual may have frame dimension specs to allow taking measurements to check for damage.
As to normal maintenance, check fluids for color and contamination. Suggest changing all of the trans fluid, the internet has posts on a DIY complete fluid change. Worn out fluid is the number one cause of trans failure.
I would take pull back the carpet in the cabin plus remove the trunk carpet to take a look at the chassis for signs of problems (water). And check the frame for damage.
The 4 cylinder engine is prone to oil burning due to the oil return holes in the piston clogging with carbon. Might change to synthetic oil.
The other issue is the head bolt threads in the block can pull out (design defect) thus monitor the coolant level. This can be fixed with inserts.
All things being equal, 71K is not enough miles to start having issues with worn parts.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 5
I hope so too. I will definitely keep my eye on the tire wear. That's good advice right there
