Two questions for a prospective 99 Corolla owner

[oxband]

I have never owned a car before, as living in Philly I didn't need one. I need one now, however, ASAP for work. I've been car hunting for a few weeks to no avail, but yesterday I think i found a good option: a 99 Corolla with 40,000 miles that was owned by an older lady. Two questions:

1 - How much would you pay for something like this? The person wants 5,000 which is above Kelly Blue Book, but I'm getting desperate in my car search.

2 - I spoke to prospective car insurance companies and was told not to get collision or comprehensive for a car like this. I feel, though, that given its relative lack of miles, it would make sense.

Any advice? I'm a confused new car buyer, intrigued by Corollas, and needing help!

thanks....

[liensalebuyer]

she wants five? Offer 3K. It's whatever your pocketbook can afford. When the car is in an accident and you can't drive it back home, most likely it's totalled, I would not buy full coverage. If it's your fault, you eat it. If it's the other person, you'll get money to buy another car.

[thug lyfe]

damn 5k is a lot but these cars seem to go for a lot. i paid 3.5k for my mom's 98 with 97k miles on it and turns out it needed about 1.5k worth of repairs so it did end up costing us hell a lot more than what we wanted to spend.

if you can get it down to even 4k i would say it'll be a pretty good deal.