Car may Have Shit the Bed, Used SUV Suggestions Under $5k?

[chinamaniac]

I drive a 1999 Camry which has about 196,000 miles on it. I have had to do some minor and routine repairs over the past 6 years on it. Brakes/Alternator/Battery/ Exhaust etc... but nothing ever more than $400ish I don't think.

So earlier I go out to move the car before this snowstorm hits and I pull out and I hear some rattling when I accelerate so I decide to drive it about 1/4 mile for some more info. Something def wrong as the rattling keeps going when I accelerate and then the check engine light starts blinking like crazy.

I'm guessing this is either something simple or could be something like a head gasket but I won't know until my mechanic takes a look at it.

Whether the car shits the bed or not I have been thinking of buying a used car. Maybe an SUV but I am not looking to buy anything new or buy anything with payments.

Looking to spend something up to $5000 and maybe a little more. I have been thinking of going after a used Rav 4 or something by Toyota or Honda as I have had the best experience with these 2 brands. Anyone have any suggestions?

and how does this look? I know it's 15 years old but the mileage looks decent and the condition looks good.

http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/cto/4234872461.html

[lewfather]

this is the whip i ride, not exact car tho. thanks google img

[Salty_Aus]

More info please.

Does the rattle increase with speed?
Does it rattle when in neutral and you rev?
Automatic or manual transmission?
Did you pop the hood and check all the belts?
Where does the rattle originate, is it the engine or more-so underneath the car? (could be a catalytic converter that's broken into pieces or just a lose bolt on the exhaust)
One other thing, when did you change the timing belt and tensioner?

[chinamaniac]

More info please.

Does the rattle increase with speed?
Does it rattle when in neutral and you rev?
Automatic or manual transmission?
Did you pop the hood and check all the belts?
Where does the rattle originate, is it the engine or more-so underneath the car? (could be a catalytic converter that's broken into pieces or just a lose bolt on the exhaust)
One other thing, when did you change the timing belt and tensioner?

I believe the rattle does increase with speed

neutral I dont believe it does but I will double check when I go out to shovel soon

Automatic

Did not check the belts. I will do that as well.

Funny you mention the Catalytic converter because I was due for inspection and the engine light was on for the CC in sept/oct but it shut off when it got colder out.

Don't think I have ever changed the timing belt.

[Salty_Aus]

More info please.

Does the rattle increase with speed?
Does it rattle when in neutral and you rev?
Automatic or manual transmission?
Did you pop the hood and check all the belts?
Where does the rattle originate, is it the engine or more-so underneath the car? (could be a catalytic converter that's broken into pieces or just a lose bolt on the exhaust)
One other thing, when did you change the timing belt and tensioner?

I believe the rattle does increase with speed

neutral I dont believe it does but I will double check when I go out to shovel soon

Automatic

Did not check the belts. I will do that as well.

Funny you mention the Catalytic converter because I was due for inspection and the engine light was on for the CC in sept/oct but it shut off when it got colder out.

Don't think I have ever changed the timing belt.

If it increases with speed and does not rattle in neutral when you give it a good rev I'd say it's transmission related.

If the rattle is coming from the front of the engine I'll guess timing belt/tensioner... should be changed every 100,000 miles at least. I think 60,000 is the recommended interval.

If the rattle is from underneath likely to be catalytic converter.

[BeerAndPoker]

[lewfather]

YO CHINA CHECK THE BLUE BOOK ON THESE

[BeerAndPoker]

[tony bagadonuts]

China, I think you should take exactly the same approach you took for your washing machine so as to provide hilarity for all.

Or just trade it in for an 06 Camry and be done it it. Stick with Toyota.

[lewfather]

[Salty_Aus]

China, I think you should take exactly the same approach you took for your washing machine so as to provide hilarity for all.

Or just trade it in for an 06 Camry and be done it it. Stick with Toyota.

Just fix it and run it into the ground, can't kill a Toyota.
Timing belt and tensioner will only cost about $500

[chinamaniac]

China, I think you should take exactly the same approach you took for your washing machine so as to provide hilarity for all.

Or just trade it in for an 06 Camry and be done it it. Stick with Toyota.

Been told the newer model camrys arent that great. Specifically after like 01-02

SUV ftw

edit: and washing machine thread should be up for thread of year obv

[sonatine]

Im looking at copping a 2009 Kia Borrego EX V6 for use as a mobile office and general camping vehicle. KBB is like 12k but Im guessing you can find one for around 8k... it scores fucking awesome reviews and gets slightly less than horrid mileage.

[chinamaniac]

I believe the rattle does increase with speed

neutral I dont believe it does but I will double check when I go out to shovel soon

Automatic

Did not check the belts. I will do that as well.

Funny you mention the Catalytic converter because I was due for inspection and the engine light was on for the CC in sept/oct but it shut off when it got colder out.

Don't think I have ever changed the timing belt.

If it increases with speed and does not rattle in neutral when you give it a good rev I'd say it's transmission related.

If the rattle is coming from the front of the engine I'll guess timing belt/tensioner... should be changed every 100,000 miles at least. I think 60,000 is the recommended interval.

If the rattle is from underneath likely to be catalytic converter.

It does get a louder with speed, in neutral it is not as clean a whistle but like 90 % better than when I am driving.

Could be converter too not sure. Going to have mechanic look at it tomorrow

[chinamaniac]

Im looking at copping a 2009 Kia Borrego EX V6 for use as a mobile office and general camping vehicle. KBB is like 12k but Im guessing you can find one for around 8k... it scores fucking awesome reviews and gets slightly less than horrid mileage.

will take a look at those as well.

[Rollo Tomasi]

SUV under $5,000

[shortbuspoker]

BNP is dead on. You can get a nice mid to late 2000's Cherokee for 5K or less. I had one for a long while and those fuckers are bullet proof except for the fact that at some point the inline 6 cylinder will start leaking oil out the back of the engine. It isn't enough to cause a problem(maybe a quart a month) it just causes a bit of a mess in the driveway. I would suggest staying away from the Grand Cherokees that have the V8 or the fulltime AWD as it does tend to fuck up.

[chinamaniac]

Well here is the plan. Calling triple A tomorrow afternoon, having car towed to my mechanic. And here is what I am going to do.

A. If it is not cost effective to fix then I will send the thing right to the fucking junkyard and will buy something newer

B. If it is cost effective to fix, I will fix then will be scouting a new car over the next week or 2.

Budget will be 5-10k with no payments. After looking at all kinds of used rav 4s it looks like spending 3-4k over 5k will get a much much better year and many less miles.

Hopefully everything goes smooth

[lewfather]

Bingo



Tebow TBird, you're welcome.

[chinamaniac]

Bingo



Tebow TBird, you're welcome.