Check out my $500 96' Corolla

[JonnyE]

So, I just picked up a 96' Corolla DX with 315,000kms as is for $500. (with 4 snow tires) I found it on Kijiji.ca. It was one of those ads with no picture that no one clicks on. When I arranged to see the car, it was faded Alpine White (chalky faded) and it looked like ass. It was a one owner car, and "ALL" the service history came with it in a BIG folder. Dealer serviced according to the maintenance menu. Within the last 3 years, this car has had the following replaced: Front loaded struts, clutch, timing belt, front ball-joints, front exhaust pipe, A/C O-rings replaced and re-charged, front & rear brakes (including rotors & drums), fuel filler neck, fuel lines, brake lines, both rear brake cylinders, spark plug, wires, cap & rotor, coolant flush, and injector clean. It passed it's E-test showing low oil deposits, and it needed absolutely nothing to pass a safety inspection.

So far this is what I have bought/made/done to the car:
- bought 4 Toyota wheel covers
- bought some Farecla compound and buffed it like this:http://youtu.be/2A56acHlFQ8
- made an armrest out of 2x4, 2x6, and an old sweatshirt [IMG][/IMG]
- and added some memory foam in the driver's seat for some extra lumbar support.

Here's what it looks like today:
[IMG][/IMG]

[gold94corolla]

Nice, looks like a great buy for $500! Interesting mods lol. Make sure to stay on top of the rust though, or else the car won't last long.... good luck!

[MirrorEyes]

Looks really good for the price you paid. Nice buy, and good job cleaning it :P

[Mawtin]

Looking good
Great reliability for a great price

[JonnyE]

I undercoated it today. (real thick) The lower door skins are still solid but showing rust. The rear rockers are soft but no holes. It's been rust proof'd in the past. Looks pretty solid underneath. I think I'm just going to put some high gloss tremclad over the rust for the time being and maybe do some bodywork in the spring. The whole idea is to drive this car for as long as possible by spending as little as possible and giving it a whole lotta love.

[Piloter]

Nice find! I love the armrest, looks exactly like the upper contour of the optional big one. Only other thing you may need to look at would be the motor mounts.

[JonnyE]

Originally Posted by Piloter

Nice find! I love the armrest, looks exactly like the upper contour of the optional big one. Only other thing you may need to look at would be the motor mounts.

There was an engine mount replaced. I forgot to mention that. I think it was a rear mount. It was done the same time as the clutch.

[mobiless2]

Great Find! Good Luck, Enjoy!

[Salami1947]

Great find. About a year ago I found a 96 Geo Prizm for around 850 with 145,000 on it. Spent 60 bucks on a junkyard door, completely serviced it and it's given me absoultly no problems at all.