Need help on what to do with 96 camry with blown engine
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Racer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,840
Likes: 210
From: PA
Need help on what to do with 96 camry with blown engine
Parents called me at 11 pm saying they need a new car this weekend (this will probably be another thread) and that the 96 camry engine is dead... not much detail other than they towed it to the mechanic and it was going to be a pricy fix so I'm thinking blown gasket or rod.
Question is what should I do with the car? Should I sell it as is ? Junk it? Engine swap? Swap myself or have mechanic do it?
It's been in the family since 96 so it has sentimental feelings to me but I want to make the best financial decision.
I'm mechanically inclined and interested but have no experience beyond basic maintenance, swapping brakes, plugs,o2 sensors, fluids etc. Don't have an engine hoist either.
Question is what should I do with the car? Should I sell it as is ? Junk it? Engine swap? Swap myself or have mechanic do it?
It's been in the family since 96 so it has sentimental feelings to me but I want to make the best financial decision.
I'm mechanically inclined and interested but have no experience beyond basic maintenance, swapping brakes, plugs,o2 sensors, fluids etc. Don't have an engine hoist either.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,363
Likes: 48
From: NY
Sorry to hear that but I think its has served quite well for running 19 years
1. the car is almost 20 years old.....its better to move on for a new one as this will be a money pit. The repair work will likely cost twice of what the car worth.
2. If keeping it is a must, fix it. There should be plenty of option out there even you need a engine swap. But be prepare for other work as well. The engines & other parts cost around $1k and labor might be around $1k-$2k.
1. the car is almost 20 years old.....its better to move on for a new one as this will be a money pit. The repair work will likely cost twice of what the car worth.
2. If keeping it is a must, fix it. There should be plenty of option out there even you need a engine swap. But be prepare for other work as well. The engines & other parts cost around $1k and labor might be around $1k-$2k.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,840
Likes: 210
From: PA
got off the phone with the mechanic, blown engine, said there's a hole in the engine block and that it's a common issue with these cars after all these years. It's been very well maintained over the years so i'm surprised, but maybe not since it's a 20 year old car.
my dad says budget is 15K give or take. prefer to stay on the low side of that obviously.
currently see a private sale 90K 07 ES350 w/ 100K miles for about 11k
I should definitely have the car towed back to my parents house then sell it as-is on craigslist right?
my dad says budget is 15K give or take. prefer to stay on the low side of that obviously.
currently see a private sale 90K 07 ES350 w/ 100K miles for about 11k
I should definitely have the car towed back to my parents house then sell it as-is on craigslist right?
Last edited by evident; Oct 20, 2015 at 12:33 PM.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,001
Likes: 85
From: Southeastern PA
got off the phone with the mechanic, blown engine, said there's a hole in the engine block and that it's a common issue with these cars after all these years. It's been very well maintained over the years so i'm surprised, but maybe not since it's a 20 year old car.
my dad says budget is 15K give or take. prefer to stay on the low side of that obviously.
Currently see a private sale 08 Lexus GS350 at around 85K miles for $13K, or a 07 Acura RL at 100K for 11K. Acura probably needs new timing belt ASAP so probably will be another $1000 on top of that.
I should definitely have the car towed back to my parents house then sell it as-is on craigslist right?
my dad says budget is 15K give or take. prefer to stay on the low side of that obviously.
Currently see a private sale 08 Lexus GS350 at around 85K miles for $13K, or a 07 Acura RL at 100K for 11K. Acura probably needs new timing belt ASAP so probably will be another $1000 on top of that.
I should definitely have the car towed back to my parents house then sell it as-is on craigslist right?
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Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,252
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From: Sacramento, CA
Salvage. Depending on how well maintained it's been even if you replaced the engine then it's going to be the tranny, suspension and a laundry list of other parts. I've seen some 2014 Camry going for $18k with 20k miles. So imagine doing some hard pavement pounding and telephone calls one could strike close to your dads budget for a low mile 2013 and maybe(long shot) a 2014. Of course the latter will be basic. Good luck!
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My Dad's stable has always been very nice, 89 MR2 supercharged (he still has it), 85 Supra (sold), 94 Toyota truck (recently sold), 2006 Tundra (still has it), 2008 Yaris sedan (his daily), 2008 IS250 awd.
If it means that much for you the 96 Camry can be fixed for under $1k (engine swap with a lower miles one) if you do it on your own with the help of your buddies. Them engines are dime a dozen at the yards. We have tons of 93 and up Camry's still running around here its a solid car.
Good luck.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,840
Likes: 210
From: PA
today, going to actually test drive the following - 2011 CT200h 100k miles $13k, 2008 ES350 100k miles, $13K, 2010 CRV LX 100K miles, $13K...
rationale-
ct200h - basically the size of the 96 camry and what they are used to in size. but great gas mileage which is one of the things they want
2008 es350 - this is the traditional 3 box car that the 96 camry was, although it's much bigger. it'd be very familar to them
2010 crv LX - i think a suv would be the best choice for them since they are older, but they are resistant to change. they liked it when i showed them a newer one yesterday. its up to them to test drive it to see if they can live with it or not.
my dad says this is a car he'll be selling within a few years once he retires. he doesn't drive much either so wants to keep depreciation low.
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