It's a 1997 Camry. So the story on why I got it? I needed a car that hurts me less at the pump. Spending $90 per week on gas just doesn't fly for me so I needed a car that sips, not chug. At first i was looking for a 92-95 Civic but they are hard to find in good condition and not riced out. I stumbled upon this camry for $3200 with less than 120k miles and 5-spd. Just the thought of driving a camry with manual was interesting and I ended up getting it. Since I picked it up at night, I only figured the interior light needed fixing since it didn't light up but I didn't see all the problems till the next morning.

So the problems:
Door handle trims need replacements
Needs alignment
Need tires and hubcaps
headlights were nasty yellow
Needed a oil change
Worn out engine mounts
No floor mats
worn out shifter
worn out shift boot
Shocks need replacing
Needs a paint job

Other than those, the engine runs smooth and fine.

So these are the progressions I've done on the car since I bought it two weeks ago.

The morning after I brought it home.




Got it tint and new alarm system, at the same time I fixed the interior light to LEDs, changed the plate lights to LEDs, and new HB2 bulbs. Along with new hubcaps LOL




New shift ****


Headlights look like new after using a restoration kit, also got new RainX Latitude wipers.


New floor mats


Got a new shift boot today and installed it later tonight



It's slowly coming along. lol.

 

Nice!! Did u get tires and an alignment yet??

 

Yes I got the tires, but my mechanic's alignment machine broke so I haven't gotten that fixed yet. I'm not in a rush to get that fix since it's not that bad. I'll probably get it fixed once I get some decent rims. Also got most of the mechanicals repaired. Along with new fuses. It's a fun project car you should say. =)

 

needs a drop! ha

headlight cleaning made the front end look much better.

Spraypaint black the back of the muffler, I had that issue with the OEM muffler on my sedan I taped it off and sprayed a bit, since there was a line missing. I just used normal spraypaint and still holding up well when I had it on my car.

 

just for ***** and giggles put it up for sale and see if you can get $4500 out of it.

 

Hey i have one as well haha. I just buffed the headlights and put is300 wheels on. Going to lower it soon on ksport springs.

 

Not bad for only $3200. I don't think you really need to spend money on a drop or rims for the car. It's your daily, I'd rather just save the money and put it into your main ride.

 

Not too shabby. The tint, hubcaps, floormats, and shifter made it look 50 times better.

 

good find for a daily..i got a 2000 Camry XLE for my winter car at 91k miles and its still running good..it should last you awhile there strong cars

 

Haha, thanks guys. It's a big difference at the pump that's for sure. I got a few more on the list to do and this car will run fine for another 100k. Debating whether to upgrade the clutch or go for the rims. I'm not going to spend too much on modding this car.

I'm going to replace the whole exhaust system later on so I'll probably hold off on spraying it. Won't happen for a bit since I'm going to send it to a body shop to get a new paint job on it.

 

people don't daily drive their g35's anymore?

 

^ not with these gas prices

Na I daily my ****, just not in the winter.

Isn't that price kinda steep? I dunno maybe I'm just used to Canada. I picked up my 97 Acura 5spd for 2200 and it came with 3 sets of tires, everything in and nothing needed to be replaced (except a window motor) and I was seeing more for around that price. And still less than 150K miles.

Is Canada cheaper on beaters? lol

 

get some spinning hub caps!

 

actually yah that would be the only reason I would use the g less, but im getting used to 3.30 for 91 so oh well, gotta pay to play

 

Nice man Hope you enjoy it.... I might be selling my 07 audi a6 quattro and buying a 2011 toyota camry SE ...