Soon to be 16 yo son will need a car in April. I am looking at a Corolla since we are a Toyota family. Been reading and seems the 8th generation with the aluminum block has some oil issues. What year would you suggest as a first car in the Corolla family? Keep in mind I cannot afford a new one. Right now I am leaning toward a 1997....your thoughts?
Either a 1996 or 1997 would be fine. I have a 1997 myself. Just make sure that the previous owner kept up with maintenance and ask for service records. Just look out for hidden rust on the rear quarter panels or any signs of bubbling in the sheet metal. An all around solid car for commuting.
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Originally Posted by TURBO Das Automagazin
A BRZ, a curvy mountain road makes one liter of happiness hormones.
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the newer the better, but the 97 seems solid. I'm 16 myself and find the car to be very nice. 1.8 is more than enough for a new driver and there's something about the car when it's stock that makes you feel like just cruising. So far the only thing I've had to replace is the starter (the stock one, no less, on a 15 year old car) If you can find a good one for under 2 1/2-3 grand jump on it.
Wow, everyone took the words out of my mouth. When I was going to replace my first Corolla, I was only looking at 1997s. They are the best IMO, and then 1996 if you can't find a good 1997. The number one thing to look for IMO is rust where the rear bumper meets the wheels (and all around the rear wheels). Of course, make sure it is in good shape and all the usual stuff, but just wanted to point out the rust problem.
Not much of a point in my saying to take a 1997, and what to check for now. But I will say I am 17, and I love the car. It's easy on gas, and good to maintain. A good beginner. Only problem I've really had to deal with on it is rust over the rear fenders, but then again mine is a 93. And I love it.
Driving my mother's 95 Corolla with 1.6 engine with 3 speed tranny. I was told this tranny is almost bullet proof. You will need to modify/decorate or somehow make yours look like it isn't a "blue hair" car. The only problem I encounted in 6 years was a bad starter when I got it from my mother's estate. The station wagon would be great transporting college gear.
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Dennis
2009 Highlander Hybrid, 2007 Camry, 1995 Corolla
Previous owned
1985 Camry, 1989 Land Cruiser, 1989 Corolla All-Trac wagon
Any Corolla No matter the year, as long as its in good condition, and was maintaned properly will be a good car.
Hell, mine has barely been maintained, and it runs pretty good.
Oil was silver when I drained it, brake fluid and clutch fluid was black, coolant was almost brown and smelled wicked nasty, and the radiator was the original one and corroded to hell.
Just had some spare money and put it into it, now runs perfect.
Just need a new clutch now xD
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-1994 Toyota Corolla-Ksport Coilovers, custom exhaust, Weapon R intake with Ram Air Kit
... number one thing to look for IMO is rust where the rear bumper meets the wheels (and all around the rear wheels). Of course, make sure it is in good shape and all the usual stuff, but just wanted to point out the rust problem.
I'm new here so apologies for the dumb question I'm about to ask...
Folks keep mentioning to beware of rust on the body panels. Is this just a cosmetic thing, or does the rust cause some real problems?
The '96 3-speed I just got in October has some rusty spots on the front fender where it looks like the PO scraped against a garage or parking pole or something. The car lives in southern cali now, but spent it's first 10 years on the east coast so there's also some rusting on the underside. Particularly bolts, suspension rods, some mounting brackets in the engine bay, etc. I don't see much in the way of frame rust. The car is otherwise in good shape, and runs stellar for having 111K on it.
Anyways, all that to ask what is the real concern with some rusty body parts? (derp.)
I'm new here so apologies for the dumb question I'm about to ask...
Folks keep mentioning to beware of rust on the body panels. Is this just a cosmetic thing, or does the rust cause some real problems?
The '96 3-speed I just got in October has some rusty spots on the front fender where it looks like the PO scraped against a garage or parking pole or something. The car lives in southern cali now, but spent it's first 10 years on the east coast so there's also some rusting on the underside. Particularly bolts, suspension rods, some mounting brackets in the engine bay, etc. I don't see much in the way of frame rust. The car is otherwise in good shape, and runs stellar for having 111K on it.
Anyways, all that to ask what is the real concern with some rusty body parts? (derp.)
It really depends on how bad it is (minor surface rust = easily fixable or bubbling = rusted through completely) and how long you want to keep your car running for. Rust if left unchecked for long enough can be like cancer.
It's mostly a concern for cars that see road salt and snow every winter.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TURBO Das Automagazin
A BRZ, a curvy mountain road makes one liter of happiness hormones.
Yeah, you need to stay away from a car that has the rust coming up under the paint. This means that the metal is completely rusted through. These cars rust from the inside out, so if you see it coming through, you know it's bad. Sure, it's cosmetic, but the rust will be everywhere. You will not be able to change parts or remove bolts. Bolts will snap off in the chassis. Heaven forbid you have an accident, the structural integrity of the frame is diminished. Cars in winter-salted areas like the northeast are definitely the worst.
Yeah, you need to stay away from a car that has the rust coming up under the paint. This means that the metal is completely rusted through. These cars rust from the inside out, so if you see it coming through, you know it's bad. Sure, it's cosmetic, but the rust will be everywhere. You will not be able to change parts or remove bolts. Bolts will snap off in the chassis. Heaven forbid you have an accident, the structural integrity of the frame is diminished. Cars in winter-salted areas like the northeast are definitely the worst.
Maybe this explains why auto manufactures heavily advertise in snow belt states.
I'm new here so apologies for the dumb question I'm about to ask...
Folks keep mentioning to beware of rust on the body panels. Is this just a cosmetic thing, or does the rust cause some real problems?
The '96 3-speed I just got in October has some rusty spots on the front fender where it looks like the PO scraped against a garage or parking pole or something. The car lives in southern cali now, but spent it's first 10 years on the east coast so there's also some rusting on the underside. Particularly bolts, suspension rods, some mounting brackets in the engine bay, etc. I don't see much in the way of frame rust. The car is otherwise in good shape, and runs stellar for having 111K on it.
Anyways, all that to ask what is the real concern with some rusty body parts? (derp.)
Easy to remember, see rust=run Not only snow belt states can but coastal states as well. The cars can really be affected by the ocean salt water.
Something missing from the suggestions also involves rust. Pull off the plastic cover where the fuel/ brake lines live and inspect them for severe rust. My 96 still has the fiuel lines OK, but I did pinhole a brake line last year. Earlier year models were even more prone to that as well as the fuel filler necks rusting out. Rust on body behind the rear wheels is just cosmetic.
Something missing from the suggestions also involves rust. Pull off the plastic cover where the fuel/ brake lines live and inspect them for severe rust.
That's a good suggestion, but I don't know where to look for that plastic cover.
According to maintenance records, the PO of my '96 had the fuel tank and neck replaced a couple years back. The first work that I did was replace the radiator since the fins were in a pile on the shelf below it. Unfortunately while pulling the radiator there was a stubborn bolt that also took a piece of the A/C condensor with it, so that to get replaced as well.
I suppose my '96 is "rusty" but the body seems to be in decent shape. There are some rusty places under the hood but it's not out of hand. It probably could be a lot worse.
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1993 Toyota Corolla
Not only snow belt states can but coastal states as well. The cars can really be affected by the ocean salt water.
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