evident

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.

rxonmymind

First find out what's wrong with it. Then make a decision.

grabber2

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.

evident

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?

bagwell

96? probably get $500 at the junk yard?

tex2670

Why the heck would you put yourself through the hassle of selling it on Craigslist? Take Bagwell's advice, call around to a few salvage yards and see what you can get. Also see if there are any charities that take donations of non-running cars.

super51fan

Just upgraded from a 98 camry to an 03 gs300 so I was in a similar situation. Its not worth putting money into a car that old when it can be replaced by a different car of similar value for less money

rxonmymind

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!

Allen K

iTrader: (4)

Have they said they want a luxury car? If they were okay with the Camry, get them into another Camry/Accord with low miles because it looks like they keep their cars for a quite a while

evident

The only luxury feature they would want are back up camera and heated seats...

stlgrym3

iTrader: (4)

wow, 96 Camry, that was my first car, a black '96 Camry V6 LE. this thread definitely brings back memory good and bad LOL

5gears-IS

iTrader: (5)

Parents deserve the best and since things have drastically changed since the 1996 days I say get them into a newer Avalon, ES, GS awd or something similar made by Toyota. Trust me they will adjust to the extra amenities offered on newer cars. Treat them like the king and Queen they are, I know I would if my Mom would be alive today.

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.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

if they've been in that ancient camry they don't need a gs - i'd suggest a (much) newer ES - they'll be blown away.

evident

took them to a honda and mazda dealership yesterday... wasnt surprised... they like everything. they also finally gave me a budget of less than $15K. they are still not sure whether they want a sedan, hatch or suv.

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.