How to Buy a 1998 Toyota Camry

Buying a used car offers one of the best values in the automotive market when compared to new vehicles. However, buying a used Toyota Camry does take some homework. Since used cars are available at local dealerships and online via listing websites, doing research can save you time and money. Additionally, after finding a 1998 Toyota Camry, it is important to research the vehicle's history to ensure there are no undisclosed defects.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Title
• Bill of sale

1. • 1

     Locate a 1998 Toyota Camry for sale. Visit dealerships in your area that sell used cars. Locate the businesses by contacting the local Chamber of Commerce or using the telephone book. Since the 1998 Camry comes in a CE, LE and XLE, research the models and determine which works best for your driving needs and financial situation. Also, decide if a four or six cylinder is best. Since the 5-speed and manual transmissions are standard, you will find more available than the 4-speed.

   • 2

     Search online for a 1998 Camry for sale. View listings on sites such as AutoTrader.com, Automotive.com and Toyotaforsale.org by searching for a 1998 Camry (see Resources). Also, consider sites like Ebay and Craigslist when searching for a Camry. Buy a local newspaper. Review the advertisements for used cars and look for a 1998 Toyota Camry for sale.

   • 3

     Call the owner of the 1998 Toyota. Ask him about the car, such as the mileage, damage to the body and engine problems. Ask if the Camry has a history of engine oil gelling, since this is sometimes reported in 1998 Camry's. MSN auto reports infrequest problems with the transmission, steering and brakes, so be sure to check these components. Repair costs are low if these issues exist.

   • 4

     Obtain the vehicle identification number (VIN), which is located on the window frame or inside the driver's door, for the Camry, and purchase a vehicle history report. Use an online site like Carfax, VinCheck or Autocheck to locate information, such as previous owners and accidents.

   • 5

     Obtain a loan, if necessary. Provide the lender with the VIN number, mileage and condition of the Camry. The 1998 Toyota Camry has a positive rating for high mileage, with owners reporting over 200,000 miles on an engine. Therefore, it holds its resale value well. Complete a loan application and supply the required documents, including bank statements and pay stubs.

   • 6

     Get the 1998 Camry's title and a bill of sale after paying for it. The bill of sale must supply the amount paid for the car, the buyer(s) and seller(s) names, the make, model and VIN number, and the date of the sale.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider purchasing a 1998 Toyota for the fuel mileage. Fueleconomy.gov reports that the Camry gets a combined MPG of 21.

• Stability control, traction control and ABS brakes are not available on all 1998 Camry's. However, airbags are standard, for both the driver's and passenger's side, increasing the safety rating.

• Never purchase a Camry without a title.