Looking at a 1992 Camry from Craigslist question about carfax inside...

[BullyCanadian]

So I go to look at a Camry that was posted on Craigslist. Its a 1992, says it has 183,000km on it and it needs rear struts and the exhaust welded by the muffler.

I go to take a look at it, its a dent, some scratches, things you would expect from a 1992 Car.

Price is good, I negotiated it cheaper $2,000. But I look at the carfax (did this at the guys house and he actually reccommended it) and it shows this:

"09/01/2005 126,138 Quebec
Motor Vehicle Dept. New owner reported
Registered as
personal vehicle
Odometer reported as 203,000 kilometers
06/14/2006 97,286 Ontario
Ministry of Transportation
Greater Toronto Area Registration issued or renewed
New owner reported
Registered as
personal vehicle
INCONSISTENT ODOMETER READING
Odometer reported as 156,568 kilometers"

it also said:

Hmmm...hard to tell whether this reading represents an odometer rollback or a clerical error. Confirm the mileage with your dealer or qualified mechanic."Mileage Inconsistency
If a more recent odometer reading is less than an older reading but CARFAX is uncertain whether the discrepancy is a rollback or a clerical error, then CARFAX calls it a "Mileage Inconsistency". In this case, you should verify the mileage with your dealer or a qualified mechanic. "

So does this sound fishy? Should I run? The engine seemed strong, clutch/transmission was good, the current owner has had it for a year for school (to drive back and fourth from co-op - and has all maintainance he's done, its all logged in excel - although that could be made up) also he seemed very surprised at the carfax finding as well....

What would u do, I gave him a $300 retainer already till tomorrow at which we decided if I didnt get it, he would keep $25 of it as non refundable for keeping it off the market.

Coles notes:

(1) Camry listed with 183,000km on craigslist, go to see i like
(2) check its carfax at the sellers house, shows an odometer inconsistency - carfax says its unable to determine if its rollback or just error
(3) looked reliable,i still feel good about the sale, but wondering if i should second guess and not go through

 

[tfcmasta97]

Seems like a chance to get away, or to negotiate a better deal

 

[BullyCanadian]

Originally posted by: tfcmasta97
Seems like a chance to get away, or to negotiate a better deal

well i got it down about $300 to $2000...

 

[FoBoT]

it is a '92 , what difference is several thousand Km's going to make? either get a mechanic to look at it or go for it

 

[BullyCanadian]

Originally posted by: FoBoT
it is a '92 , what difference is several thousand Km's going to make? either get a mechanic to look at it or go for it

True, ok Im gonna go for it, damn it I didnt want to shell out any money but my transmission on my saturn just went and i decided that I dont want to keep pouring money into it....

 

[LegendKiller]

1992 is a great year, same as the one I had, until I totaled it. Only problem I had was the rack and pinion. F'ing great car, but it should be cheaper than 2k.

 

[zixxer]

At that price, I'd get a newer ford ranger. I bought a 98 w/ 80k miles for like $2300 or something. It has a dent on the side, but eh...


Either way, if it's in good condition go for it as long as it seems decently taken care of.