I'm a proud owner of 1999 corolla that I bought new right after grad school 11 yrs ago. Generally has been very happy, but now at 170,000 miles. I have to change power steering pump 3mos ago and just recently AC compressor. So, it's start to feel like a car payment deja vu .
So, been wondering if this is normal or do I get a bad apple out of manufacturing? Started to wonder if it's time to get a new car. How long do fellows here get mileage wise? Started burning oil, but not that bad. Wondering what next major repair after this.
The way I have it figured is if the Motor, and Transmission are still strong,.. and your not too embarrassed about how the body and interior look to take it on a first date, then it's worth fixing
These really are reliable cars,.. mine is at 200K now, and I know allot of people are much higher,.. if you need any proof about what good cars they are then just look at how many are still on the road - then see how many Ford Escorts, or Taurises there are from the same year. I'm not trying to bash Ford,.. just yeah.
Repairs stink alright - but a car payment is like having to fix it every month. I still drive a 1984 Toyota Tercel that my father bought when I was 4 years old - I don't daily drive it anymore - but when the Jeep is broken from my last wheeling trip, and someone has my Corolla I know the Tercel will start every time
After 170,000 miles you are going to have to replace some parts. That just goes without saying. As Whiskey said, as long as the engine and transmission operate well, the other things are small stuff.
Even so, replacing an engine is still cheaper than buying a new car.
Do you keep up the ongoing maintenance? The power steering pump is a well-known issue. I just R&Rd my 98 with 180K. If you have the new car itch, go for it. Put yours on Craigslist and it will sell no sweat.
Any 10 year old car with 170K on the clock is going to require a few new parts here and there. Stuff (yes even Toyota stuff) does wear out. A lot depends on how well the car has been taken care of up to this point. Some are ready for the trash heap at 170K and some are good to go for another few years...
I did maintain it pretty religiously, the engine still purr like new. But, I was expecting 200K miles before power steering pump or AC compressor go bad. That's the reason why I got a corolla. At this point, I'm afraid that catalytic converter is next.
Well,.. what's a Catalytic Converter? Three hundred bucks?
Still beats a Six Hundred dollar a month car payment.
I have another idea! Why don't you take the $600 per month you'd spend on the car payment and put it in a savings account for car repairs - then you don't have to be afraid anymore - you know that whatever breaks you can handle it.
Plus!! 5 years or so from now when you want to finally get a new car, you'll be able to buy it outright - then you can save yourself the interest costs
Do you keep up the ongoing maintenance? The power steering pump is a well-known issue. I just R&Rd my 98 with 180K. If you have the new car itch, go for it. Put yours on Craigslist and it will sell no sweat.
I didn't realize power steering pumps are a problem on these.
What are the symptoms when the power steering pump starts to fail on these cars?
Mine starts having problem around 165K. Symptom is scary noise in the engine bay. One mechanic couldn't figure out what the problem was, another suggested timing chain. Finally, a very good one found the root cause.
I didn't realize power steering pumps are a problem on these.
What are the symptoms when the power steering pump starts to fail on these cars?
PS pumps arent a huge problem on these cars to my knowledge. if one should fail it'll probably make a nice whine every time you make a turn. i havent replaced mine and im at 182k miles. and i beat on this thing.
Quote:
Originally Posted by icipi
Mine starts having problem around 165K. Symptom is scary noise in the engine bay. One mechanic couldn't figure out what the problem was, another suggested timing chain. Finally, a very good one found the root cause.
wow thats very detailed. "Scary noise in the engine bay" are you 4 years old?
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1999 corolla, 170000 miles on its last leg?
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