My Vue RL has a new sister

[AzFusionGT]

Although I don't post regularly, nor have my Vibe GT anymore, I am a quiet lurker, checking in everyday. Knowing that, I wanted to share...He's needed a new car for a while, but this was the icing on the cake.We're in his old car Saturday running errands...course I'm driving when smoke starts coming in through the steering column. We immediately stop and smoke is just pouring out from all over the place. Turns out it's not on fire - thank God - but it blew a heater hose and lost all radiator fluid. My brother (MY HERO!) comes to our rescue and gets us home safely. Our neighbor and his wife moved to Spain two months ago and their car has been up for sale since. I called his sister who moved into their condo, and the car was at his parents' house still for sale...we looked, loved it and got an amazing deal...it was a steal for sure...so without further adoo....Here are the first pics of my Partner's new car. It's a 1990 Toyota Camry LE-V6. It's in absolute pristine condition, with just a few knicks here and there. The interior is immaculate, and I've already starting nagging him to keep it that way. He's even using a club on it....WOW! Although technically we're the third owners, the second owners, our neighbors, have only had it since October 2007. It was originally owned by an older lady who drove to work, church and the store. She only drove about 6700 miles per year, so it's got low mileage for an 18 y/o car.I wanted to share in our excitement!

Attached files

[AzFusionGT]

One more pic...

Attached files

[AzFusionGT]

And one more of the mileage....

Attached files

[ramenboy...]

good to see you posting again! congrats on the 'new' car

[ToolGuy]

Super low miles for sure! Nice find!

[keithvibe]

Quote, originally posted by AzFusionGT »He's even using a club on it....WOW! Congrats on the new rideHAHA you do realize that if they really wanted the car it would take about 5seconds to by-pass the club. Cut the steering wheel and off comes the club.

[engineertwin2]

Congrats on the new ride. I have a friend who has a 1990 Corolla and it's darn near impossible to find parts for it anymore. Hopefully, you don't run into the same problem.

[ColonelPanic]

Wow, that car is in mint condition! I don't see one of that vintage looking that good around here, they're usually all rusted out or at least have reeeeally dull paint by now. My aunt and uncle bought a Camry exactly like that one new back in the day.

[WaveAction]

wow..almost 20 yr old car and the thing looks brand new...nice find

[AzFusionGT]

"you do realize that if they really wanted the car it would take about 5 seconds to by-pass the club. Cut the steering wheel and off comes the club."I know, but that's the five seconds hopefully someone in the neighborhood will see and the would-be thief will leave.BTW - Thanks for all the kudos, Friends!Last night we took the Camry to dinner in Payson (AZ) - a 1 1/2 hour drive north. It handled really well, but does need an alignment sooner than we were planning on. At highway speeds there was way more play in the wheel than either one of us likes. Still a great car....still absolutely love it.

[jake75]

Is "play in the wheel" an alignment issue? I'd be concerned about worn out front end parts. Anyway - a few more years and you can get Historical plates and be in the 4th of July parade.

[AzFusionGT]

Hey Jake - that was funny!! I never thought of that....I could be the old man in his old car that he's driven for years and years...As for the front end parts, I'll have that looked at. We figured alignment and tires, but glad you brought that up.

[ToolGuy]

[QUOTE=AzFusionGTLast night we took the Camry to dinner in Payson (AZ) - a 1 1/2 hour drive north. It handled really well, but does need an alignment sooner than we were planning on. At highway speeds there was way more play in the wheel than either one of us likes. Still a great car....still absolutely love it.[/QUOTE]Have the tires checked first before spending on the alignment. Although the alignment shop probably sells tires too. The reason is if those tires have been on the car for many years, they probably have issues. Issues you could live with until they need to be replaced though possibly. I would also check the radiator fluid, radiator hoses and thermostat. Those parts and fluid are not made to sit for years, they still deteriorate with time. Check the fluid color with the rad cap off, if it is not green you are way over due and if it is green, have a sample checked to tell. Your belts and any rubber hose under the hood too. The same things that deplete the o-zone, degrade rubber items... And I would also throw a new fuel filter on the car. Chances are the fuel filter has never been changed! Not trying to scare you but just because it has low miles does not mean things need to be replaced.

[AzFusionGT]

Thank you ToolGuy! I would've gone ahead with new tires and alignment without checking out the tires first. I drove it to work today so will have to wait for it to cool off before checking the radiator fluid...that and the fact that it's about 110 in the shade...Not scared at all - I really REALLY appreciate the help and suggestions. Thank you!! And a quick update: We sold the old car for $775. The buyer had it checked out and although it needs a few things, she needs a car right now.