need buying advice

[solaraguy2010]

2005 Toyota Solara SLE Convertible

Lt. Blue
Black Top
Dark Gray interior
leather
Heated Seats
AC
6 cd changer
6cyl
automatic
110k mileage
new timing belt within last 6 months
original owner
Good Condition

owner asked for 11k and that is over my budget by 2k.
but i like Solara a lot, like you all.
my friends say over 10k is better to choose new cars, like honda accord coupe...
i hope you all can give me some advice on this?
what is a reasonable price for this car?
and this will be my first car~~~
if i buy it, anything i should pay attention? some hidden problems?
the ad is on craigslist so making it more "dangerous" to buy used car?
thank a lot.

[GzNutz]

My question for the owner would be why was the timing belt changed with only 11K mi?

[jimmm]

My question for the owner would be why was the timing belt changed with only 11K mi?

My thoughts exactly. Perhaps the mileage is 111K
which would still be OK for this car and right on schedule
for a timing belt change. Is there a CarFax Report on
this car? 11K doesn't seems like a bad asking price either,
but there is no reason why you should not offer 2K less
and see if it's accepted. Money talks and bull crap
walks. As far as hidden problems go, use your senses...
your eyes, your ears, your nose, your touch, and your heart.

[dkertis10]

2005 Toyota Solara SLE Convertible

Lt. Blue
Black Top
Dark Gray interior
leather
Heated Seats
AC
6 cd changer
6cyl
automatic
110k mileage
new timing belt within last 6 months
original owner
Good Condition

owner asked for 11k and that is over my budget by 2k.
but i like Solara a lot, like you all.
my friends say over 10k is better to choose new cars, like honda accord coupe...
i hope you all can give me some advice on this?
what is a reasonable price for this car?
and this will be my first car~~~
if i buy it, anything i should pay attention? some hidden problems?
the ad is on craigslist so making it more "dangerous" to buy used car?
thank a lot.

[solaraguy2010]

yes, it is 110k.
also carfax seems indicate 9 reports on the car...

[~SolaRaSpeed~]

carfax won't always tell you if the car was in a non reported fender bender. You have to look over the car in good bright sun, ask for maintenance records, and drive it. Get it looked over by a dealership mechanic that you choose. those are my recommendations if you are interested in the car, oh and don't be afraid to offer less than asking because you might need that extra to fix something you don't find before you buy.

[stringbean]

^^^ Defiantly drive it, floor it when you can, in the auto's the trans should shift down once you hit about 3500 rpm if you floor it from a cruising speed, its what ive noticed. See how fast it takes it to down shift, what the shifts feel like from there after, how does the engine feel and sound through out the rpm range? does it feel a little held back? check the oil, and trans fluid. etc check everything! good luck and try to offer him 9k

[Black Bob]

$12,000 for a 110k mile 2005 SLE is a little on the high side in my opinion. Remember, when people say Toyota's will last you well over 100k miles they're quoting the law of averages. The real question is will this particular Solara be average, better or less and investing $12,000 is too much of a gambled investment to find out. For $12,000 I'd definitely choose something with less miles, whether it be a Solara or some other brand to reduce the risk of getting a problematic first car.

[tSse06]

I bought my solara on craigslist. The asking is way to much for the solara ur planning to purchase, when I got mine they were asking $11,000 with 65k miles on it and I got it for 10k. Shouldn't it be lower a price? Asking way to much. Just saying. Lol oh and check on Kelly blue book for the real price and see if the owner is over pricing the car.

[Sasebo]

9k at the most. Id be comfortable with 8.