After much trying out several camrys for nearly two weeks on a daily basis, I finally bought a "salvaged title" Camry 2000 LE-V6 Automatic having 129K miles just 2 weeks ago for ONLY $4200 (after seeing many at over $5500 from private parties only ~ non worth). I was literally surprised to see that this car is in an excellent mint condition inside out, smog checked and mechanically certified and sound with many new original parts installed having piece of mind for many more years to come.
My first question is that would anyone purchase a "salvaged rebuilt car" knowing that the car is basically problem free, certified and by far inexpensive than other used or 1-owner cars of the same? Please explain your answers and concers?
My second question pertaining to this 2000 Camry is how do I disable the Daytime Running Lights? Would removing the DRL fuses in the harness (fuse box) located right behind the driver's side front headlight do the job or are there any other trick-o-treats?
I would not because I'm from the old school.I side with caution,if its too good to be true it probably is.There's no warranty with a salvaged car and what you paid is too much for me to gamble with.I hope it works for you but its not a deal I would do.
If you bought it without knowing why it was salvaged, you have rocks in your head. major accident, flood, etc.
Please read my first post thoroughly before making hasty remarks.
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You pay more for less mileage, better condition, non-salvage autos.
I disagree. Mileage is not the only criteria in determining solidarity of a car. There are too many newer cars found either totalled or abandoned for whatever reasons, then rebuilt/reconditioned and sold off for far less.
Personally, I believe if a salvaged rebuilt car is checked and certified by a professional for being mechanically problem free and in "sound" overall condition inside out and having reasonable mileage, then it should be worth more than non-salvaged or used cars in the same category. People are too boggled down and scared with the word "salvaged". My neighbor had bought one in excellent "rebuilt" condition and drove for 6 years without any major problems other than having regular maintainence and wear and tear.
What a joke? You expect people to buy off of ebay without checking and drive test simply by looking at pics and bidding away without warrantiies, not to mention their far and out-of-state locations, LOL!
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Just be ready to throw money into it, Camry or not...you saved some money initially. Whether that works out for you in the long term is just a guess.
Don't let the naysayers get you down. A car can be totalled for MUCH less than the average person could imagine, and if fixed by a capable mechanic, they can be fine.
That's my only issue with "reconditioned" vehicles...I don't know who did the work!
Don't let the naysayers get you down. A car can be totalled for MUCH less than the average person could imagine, and if fixed by a capable mechanic, they can be fine.
Totally agree.
Acutally I bought this Camry for my wife and son. I checked and test drove nearly 15 cars (Hondas & Toyotas) within two weeks before I made my final decision on the 'salvaged' one and had a certified mechanic thoroughly inspect it. The car runs smooth and powerful (being a V6) with no leakages, stalling, weaving or crookedness whatsoever. Most parts intalled are original factory ones. There are only a few unnoticable minor dings and scatches, other than that the overall paint is original and a beautiful darker grey. Trust me, I've seen enough of these "used old cars" (non-salvaged - clear title with less mileages and one owner) ones and none were comparable to the "salvaged" Camry and for the price. The seller was bent upon taking no less than $4700 (original starting price at $5800) but with my negotiating powers I managed to get it for $4200 (which included smog certification and 2010 registration). Maybe I was just forutunate and paid off after much research, haggling and hustling.
I am only dissatisfied with this silly annoying DRLs which I am trying to disable, hence my second question earlier (which I hope to get some answers so that I can do them on my own without paying a hefty price).
I personally drive a 1989 Honda Accord LXi Coupe 5-speed manual (20 year old beat up car that runs great and has over 250K miles on it). We also have a 2003 Honda Odyssey EX (bought brand new for far less and paid up) which is now barely driven and kept garaged for family use (long trips). I keep all my cars well maintained and often do some work on them myself (such as oil change, tune-ups, brakes and other minor electrical and mechanical problems).
I would personally recommend people to thoroughly check out and test drive "salvaged cars" for far less and further negotiate. Ofcourse, there's no guarantee on any older models having average "high" mileaged used cars, be they salvaged or non-salvaged in any given circumstance.
By the way, as per my own fair analysis and judgements, the Toyota Camry 2000 and 2001 exceeds in overall comparison to Honda 2000 and 2001 in the same categories and conditions.
My '98 Camry LE has a rebuilt title. Bought it from a body repair guy. The right front quarter was scrunched from hitting a deer and got totaled. He bought it from the insurance company and repaired it for resale.
I drove it at highway speeds, no vibration, or shakes. Car tracked perfectly straight. Ran quiet and smooth.
It had been well maintained. Timing belt was recently replaced. New Michelin tires. New radiator. Factory installed alarm. 82k miles.
He wanted $4.5k, I offered $4k and he took that.
It has been a great car, a good daily commuter or long distance runner.
I am only dissatisfied with this silly annoying DRLs which I am trying to disable, hence my second question earlier (which I hope to get some answers so that I can do them on my own without paying a hefty price).
This morning I just removed the DRL fuses and Viola, the annoying lights were out. Though now the lights still automatically turns on ONLY in dark; not bad, huh!.
Need a good paint job to match the car's original color on front bumper cover. Certain well known Auto Body and Paint Shops charge exuberant amount (close to $300 +) just to paint the already primed bumper which I had ordered online ($85 includes shipping & taxes). I am located around Anaheim, CA area and need someone to guide me to an auto paint shop in and around my location that charges far less for a quality work. Any support or suggestions will be much appreciated. Thanks a lot in advance.
It just so happens that Maaco is currently offering a special on plastic bumpers at $129 where all others inquired quoted from over $300.
But then we decided not to paint it and instead apply a glossy clear coat (Rust Oleum's spray can) over the already new primed bumper. The black color stands out pretty good against the polished chrome grill and the body's original copperish grey color. Not to mention that we saved some money and must we decide to paint it in future, it can easily be done.
Though I must confess that the bumper does not look as smooth and shiny against the entire body's original paint. I could post some pics but not sure how to upload them from my document folder. What say you guys?
I had an 88 5.0 Mustang coupe painted at Maaco. Paid $1500 for a true base coat/clear coat dark metallic gray, and no one could believe that it was a Maaco job.
You can get decent work done by Maaco if you pay for the better paint, and find one with painters that actually give a hoot. For a 2000 Camry, Maaco will be fine.