I've been looking for a reasonable used car in the 5-7K price range. I found this car, a '99 Solara, for about $5900 at a local dealer. Although I do think it needs a few hundred dollars shaved off that asking price, I still think it's a great car.
However, it does have 148,000 miles on it. I test drove it. It rides smooth and quietly. Acceleration is very easy and soft half due to the V6 engine and half due to what I believe to be regular maintenance and care from the previous owner. Carfax showed no accidents and no issues. Also, the bodywork and interior are in pristine condition.
What I am worried about is the mileage. Carfax didn't show if and when the previous owner replaced the timing belt. I assume it was done, since it probably would have broken around 90-100K miles.
Is it safe to assume I won't need to replace the timing belt for another 40-50K miles? Also, when should I be worried about replacing the radiator/water pump? I figure I'll drive less than 10K miles a year. Do you think this is a worthwhile car? Any inside info you can share?
However, it does have 148,000 miles on it. I test drove it. It rides smooth and quietly. Acceleration is very easy and soft half due to the V6 engine and half due to what I believe to be regular maintenance and care from the previous owner. Carfax showed no accidents and no issues. Also, the bodywork and interior are in pristine condition.
What I am worried about is the mileage. Carfax didn't show if and when the previous owner replaced the timing belt. I assume it was done, since it probably would have broken around 90-100K miles.
Is it safe to assume I won't need to replace the timing belt for another 40-50K miles? Also, when should I be worried about replacing the radiator/water pump? I figure I'll drive less than 10K miles a year. Do you think this is a worthwhile car? Any inside info you can share?