So I drive a 96 Camry LX that I love but has started having maintenance issues. I’ve dumped about $2k into over the last 18 months. I have no car ego, just need something reliable while I finish out the last few years of commuting. I am FI but not RE. I’d just plug along except for my 92 year old Grandma is ready to stop driving and her car has always been my back up plan/potential for last car ever. I’m just not sure now if since I’ve already made the investments into keeping mine running if I’m evaluating the options clearly. I know the 90s Toyotas are work horses but I’ve never had a car with less than 100k miles on it let alone 50k.
Goal: Cost conscious reliable transportation
I have 2 hesitations:
1) Is the cost which nets out at ~$3k. I’d pay her probably 1k up front then a monthly payment of say $200 until paid off/I retire. No interest.
2) Losing the V6; I like the extra power and weight on the slippery hills of Seattle.
1996 Camry
190k miles
V6
Timing belt replaced ~10 years ago
New: Radiator, Alternator, and Battery
2000 Camry
30k Miles
4 Cylinder
New Timing Belt
Thoughts? Besides biking :)
If you have the capital available, I'd bump up your search to a newer model, even if mileage is higher. A 14-yr old car will have some things just start to break down or need repairs/replacement just because of age and exposure. Don't assume that other people maintain a car as well as you do.
The best bang for your buck, in a reliable Camry, would be ~10-15k price point where you can get a fairly new model (maybe late 2000s).
Advancements in engines/suspension/etc will provide great power and much better fuel efficiency.
Anyway, just my opinion. A car that requires more than regular maintenance is already on its way out for me. I don't have time to take off half-days from work to deal with repairs... but your situation may be different.