Buying a 1995 Camry. Need Advice

[07kytundra]

Hey fellows with the way gas prices are I am looking for a commute car to drive to work. I live 15 miles one way to work. I approx. drive 30 to 40 miles a day.
I have a friend of the family whos husband just past away. He had a 1995 camry with 180000 miles on it for a commute car. He is the only owner. The car is in excellent shape. It looks as if it has never been ate in. I think she might need the money and just no use for the car. She is asking $3000 for it. Someone looked up kelly blue book for her. The money isn't really the thing. I am not rich by no means, but don't care to help her out. I am not going to try to bargain.
So I am asking,
1. Is it worth it or should I look around?
2. Is there much life left on the car before things start messing up?
3. How many miles a gallon do they get?

Thank you for your time and oppinions.

[Marty358]

I think the price is high, but check the blue book. Make sure the timing belt was replaced recently. The struts and O2 sensors may need replaced along with the valve stem seals(maybe-is it smoking). High miles when things need replaced doesn't seem like a good deal. If it is a 4 cylinder, it might get 25-35.

[father of 3]

2nd what Marty said. See if you can find out when the timing belt, water pump, and alternator were replaced (if ever).

IMO, Kelly BB provides very high estimates of auto values. If you're the seller, the numbers are great . If you're the buyer, the numbers are inflated .

[kathyricks]

$3000 would be OK if the owner has invested alot of $$$ in preventive maintenance items the others listed plus transmission fluid and coolant changes. Otherwise you could end up paying $1000 for needed maintenance on top of the $3000 purchase price plus the transmission could be on it's last legs if the fluid has never been changed in the past.

[empiremike]

I own a 1995 Camry LE 4 cylinder with 156,000 miles on it. I get 23 miles per gallon combined city and highway.
I used to get 25-28 mpg when she was younger.