1999 Toyota Camry Buying Question

Looking at a 99 Toyota Camry very nice looking, some hesitation when starting to take off. Is it worth $2000?

Posted Sep 23rd by Vallie the owner of a Toyota Camry used car, toyota camry, power, kelly blue book

Answers from the Automotive Experts

Hi Vallie, You need to take this 99 Camry to a trained auto technician to have a used car inspection. The inspection will tell you why the vehicle is hesitating when starting to drive, if there are any repairs that need to be completed to make it safe, and what maintenance work is need to make it reliable. Having a used car inspected before you spend any money on it is the best way to tell if you are getting a good deal or not. At my shop we have done used car inspections on $14,000 vehicles that we told the potential buyer NOT to buy, inspected $2,000 vehicles that would such a great deal that if they weren*t going to purchase that car to let us know and we would... and we*ve seen everything in between. Getting a vehicle up on a lift with the wheels off, and having it looked over with trained eyes is invaluable!

⟩ Answered on Sep 23rd, 2009 by Amy Mattinat, Owner and Author at Auto Craftsmen Ltd

Vallie, Seems like a good price for a 99 camry, also, sounds like with your hesitation concern you may need to perform a basic tune-up with spark plugs, spark plug wires, and possible a fuel and air filter. These are basic items that should be replaced about every 60k miles. If this is a higher mileage vehicle that may be all that you really need to cure your hesitation concern. Also, you may have some build up in the fuel system from over time and have carbon deposits. Again, very common, so I recommend that you check into a tune-up. AJ Pierce

⟩ Answered on Sep 23rd, 2009 by Amanda J. Pierce, MBA "AJ", Certified Mechanic at VIGOR Alaska Industrial Shipyard

Hi Vallie - Its difficult to say without looking at it and feeling just how bad the hesitation is. If it feels like a transmission slipping than I would say it probably is not worth the money since a transmission will cost quite a bit. However if it is more of an engine hesitation it could be as simple as a tune up. I think you*re best bet is going to be to take it to a technician to have a pre-purchase inspection done. I *highly* recommend this to *everyone* buying a used car. It is well worth the hour diagnostic charge that most shops charge. Good luck! Bogi Lateiner 180 Degrees Automotive http://www.180auto.com/dsa.html

⟩ Answered on Sep 23rd, 2009 by Bogi Lateiner, Owner and Technician at 180 Degrees Automotive

Good afternoon Vallie- the reasons for the hesitation could be- MAF sensor (mass air flow sensor) , throttle position sensor- or the throttle body needs to be cleaned- the wholesale value of that car (depending on miles & model ie LE etc) is about $2300- so if the car has average miles ( 150,000- or under) I would say it is worth it- you can go onto NADA website via Autotrader.com & check out the value on there- hope this helps. Take care Laurie; Super Girls Auto.

⟩ Answered on Sep 22nd, 2009 by Laurie Sarno, Co-Owner at Super Girls Auto

Thanks for inquiring...without some more information I can only gather what it would bring in AZ. A 1999 Toyota Camry LE Sedan 4D,automatic, with an average 150,000 miles on it (with the age of the car)4 cyl.~2.2 liter would sell,in GOOD condition here $3500.00. The price would be considered a good buy. The "hesitation" worries me, as this could be a very simple problem or a complex issue. Is the seller allowing you to get this vehicle checked out at YOUR trusted mechanic? If your Mechanic gives his approval~ with the hesitation completely reviewed...Buy it! Otherwise, you may be spending monies on repairs.... Positive Always, Pat Fleischmann Community Tire & Auto Service Phoenix, AZ

⟩ Answered on Sep 23rd, 2009 by Pat Fleischmann, Director of First Impressions at Community Tire Pros & Auto Repair

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