Buying Tips

[jghendrix]

Hello everyone,

I am looking to buy a used Corolla 7th or 8th generation. I cannot pay much so it will be very used. Can you guys tell me what to look for when I am test driving or checking out a used Corolla? Trouble spots, potential problems, etc? I am under the impression that the 7th gen has timing belts, but the 8th gen has timing chains. Is this correct? BTW, I am looking for an automatic because my wife cannot drive a stick. Also, what kind of mileage are you guys getting? Are these cars easy to fix for DIY? I have a Ford Focus, and it can be tough to work on sometimes. Thanks in advance.

[zythr]

Originally Posted by jghendrix

Hello everyone,

I am looking to buy a used Corolla 7th or 8th generation. I cannot pay much so it will be very used. Can you guys tell me what to look for when I am test driving or checking out a used Corolla? Trouble spots, potential problems, etc? I am under the impression that the 7th gen has timing belts, but the 8th gen has timing chains. Is this correct? BTW, I am looking for an automatic because my wife cannot drive a stick. Also, what kind of mileage are you guys getting? Are these cars easy to fix for DIY? I have a Ford Focus, and it can be tough to work on sometimes. Thanks in advance.

Hi There should be some information here about both Generations. Correct, the 7th has timing belt, the 8th has timing chain, but the early 8th had oii burning/use issues up to 2002(?) As for the 7th, they are considered to be the best ( and rightfully so) Gen of the recent Corollas. Many are still on the road today, of various years. As for conncerns what to look for

If you're looking at the 8th-Oil burning/use issues. also there were some handling issues (maybe other member(s) have more information) with the first or even the first 2 model years. Also they used VVT technology, and there was an issue with the rubber oil line that carried oil to the system, leaking and causing problems (line was later changed to steel)


If you're looking at 7th-Possible oil burning/us in the 93-94 models especially with the 1.8 litre 7A-FE engine. As mentioned elsewhere here the later (95-97) 1.6 and 1.8 litre engines lost a little HP due to different emissions system, but gained torque, Also, I know the 96, (not sure about the 95) and later models had OB II diagnostics. Ask if the Tming Belt and seals (oil, camshaft, crankshaft, rear) have been checked/changed as well as the other fluids of both Generations. Other than that, the 7th Gen has again, been, touted as the best of the Corolla Gens. The 7th are also relatively easy to repair/maintain. hence leading to their earning high reliability scores. I'm not sure of the 8th Gen

You did not state if you're looking for a sedan or wagon. If you're not looking for a wagon, you could also consider the Geo/Chevrolet Prizm. It is the same exact car as the Corolla, but with slightly different styling and options (different radio, for example). AS an added bonus it has the same reliability/durability as the Corolla, but at a cheaper price, since it did not sell as well as the Corolla

As luck would have it, I'll be looking in the future for a 1996 Corolla Wagon. I hope this information has been helpful. Maybe someone else can chime in for anything I might have missed. Good luck in your search

[NWMO 95 Prizm Lsi]

jg,

I am new to the Corolla (Prizm) so I can't add much. I purchased a 95 Prizm Lsi in February off fleabay for a daily driver to work and back (35 miles one way). Like you, I didn't want to spend much, so I got a high mileage (188,500) car that appeared clean. I gave just under $1,700 and it cost me a couple hundred to drive down and pick it up.

A shop was selling it and they had just replaced the tranny with a junkyard tranny. I've been doing some much needed maintanence on the car and changing fluids, etc. The 1.8, five speed combo is almost "fun" to drive, quite peppy and goes down the highway nice. As I drove it home, I was convinced I wouldn't be getting the 30 mpg I hoped for, because the 3000 RPM engine speed and it had more power than I ever expected.

I've never gotten less than 31 mpg and it has gotten better as I make repairs and maintain. It's easy to be off by some when you are only putting 10 gallons in to fill, but I am confident I am getting 35+ mpg and the last tank actually registered 36.4 mpg.

That said, the best advice I can give you is teach your wife to drive a stick. The three speed automatic transimssions don't do nearly as well on fuel (low to mid 20s reported). I've read less about the 4 speed automatics, but I wouldn't expect them to do as well as the 5 speed either.

The standard tranny is a dieing art. Very few of todays younger drivers have learned how to drive them. Best of luck.

I think my purchase will work out fine and I really like the Prizm, but I can't say I would recommend fleabay, unless it's a local car and you can really take a good look. My cousin test drove this car for me and I am very happy (and will remain so as long as I can get 50,000 or more miles out of it), but dealing with someone from a distance can be a challenge.

Chris

[96coroll]

Hey this is from a Canadian opinion

I've been looking for a 7gen for a long time to buy. Problem is that there's a huge market for people(particularly pakis) that buy these cars and ship them to afganistan. As 90% of the cars on the road there are corolla. Here an example:

http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehi...AdIdZ278684232

So it's very difficult to pick up one for a far price as these guys will jump all over them. As for test driving i listen for for clicks and clucnking noises. Along with when you first start the car. Listen to see if it revs down. Or stays up at the higher rpms.

For a 7th gen, As for outside inspection, Again this is in canada. I check the brake and gas lines conditions, check if the manifold is cracked, the filler neck condition, and I ask about the gas tank if it leaks form the top unfortunately your gonna have to take the guys word on this one. (unless getting under there with your nose and smelling gas) but that doesn't always work. All those things i mentioned are very common with the corolla problems in winter located. But the manifold is common accross the globe.

As for the inside i don't really car would be bonus if had a tach. But you can always find one and add that in. Besides that if you can find one with some options in it cruise or sunroof or power windows or locks. It's worth a little more like i'd wanna pay ~1,500 cad. Unfortuntaly it's also worth more to these exports. Light colours(white and gold especially) and options and Low under 200,000km brings most value to them. But this car easy easy over 350,000km. I saw one yesterday while in niagara at the casino had 450,000km. Saw a couple over 400,000 maybe like 3 but over 300,000 very very common.


Now for the 8th gen. My girlfriend has one of these cars. the 2000. Unfortunately it does burn oil from what i read it's really hit or miss on the 8th gen's. Some people get it hard others don't. Besides that point it's still a solid car easy over 300,000km car. Again checking for rust in the same locatations. And if your going to get an 8th gen. I would recommend not settling for one with at least min..power lock, ac, crusie control and the center clock. As 80% of the 8gen have them.

Anyways. Sorry for writting a book. I have alot to say on this topic as i'm looking to buy a corolla everyday for the right price.

leo

[jghendrix]

Thanks a bunch. This is really good info. A couple of 97's have popped up on Craigslist today. I may be able to get something nice soon.

[zythr]

Originally Posted by jghendrix

Thanks a bunch. This is really good info. A couple of 97's have popped up on Craigslist today. I may be able to get something nice soon.

...make sure to check it has no burning/leaking oil issues.