I drove it and it actually drove nicely but had some issues and I wanted to get your opinions since you guys probably know these cars much better than just about anyone.

Issues:
1 - First to second gear shift had a slight hesitation more like a shutter than a slip...yes it's an auto and that's what I need since I won't be the only driver.

2 - The A/C lights go on and off and when they go off the A/C goes off. The guy selling it said he thought it was the control panel because hit it really hard one day and it's been doing it eve since and was going to replace. It seemed to me that it was just a low Freon problem. Do these things flicker the A/C light on and off when low on Freon by chance?

3. The engine light has a code and he said he would read the code on it but that it has been on for a long time.

 

How many miles? Anything over 100K miles needs to show proof of the last time the timing package was done.

1. Check the transmission fluid. If it looks not red or smells burnt run away.

2. Flickering light is probably the control panel module, but that's not a certainty.

What do you mean by "hit real hard"? He hit it real hard with his fist? Hit something with the car?

3, Definitely want to know what the code is. At least so you can research how much it costs to fix and deduct it from the sale price. A check engine light on for a long time shows a lack of maintenance or it's needing emissions work to pass inspection. Which is usually expensive to fix.

 

Yes he punched it...bad day...been there to some extent myself.

144k I believe.

I'm leaning towards the 05 Camry with 282,000 miles right now. It was much better taken care of and showed no issues other than needing tires, a few interior rattles, and a couple of scrapes.