2003 corolla decision, like input please

[06tacosport]

ok so i currently own a 2010 tacoma, but i'm looking at getting a corolla for my work/commuter car....ive owned a 2000 corolla before and i loved it so i'm looking into getting another...since i haven't been around the scene for awhile so i'm curious what i should look out for in the 2003 model....i've narrowed it down to two contenders....

first is an 03 sport model, automatic with standard equipment, 138k miles, looks in good condition, asking price 6700.00

2nd is an 03 sport model, 5spd with standard equipment, 80k miles, few body scuffs here and there, asking price 7500.00

now i'm curious if how well the automatics hold up when packed with miles...i know these cars can go way in the upper 200k without braking a sweat but the milage concerns me a bit...i mean i prefer the auto vs the manual, but i'm wondering if it's worth spending the extra 800 bucks to get the car with the less miles...i'm hoping either car i can talk them down in price at least somewhat....

i know it's really not an easy question to answer since it all boils down to what i really want, but any input would be appreciated...thanks guys...like i said i just want to know what i should be looking out for when checking out these vehicles....

[mopars&corollas]

All I can say is my 04 is closing in on 200000 in a hurry and the automatic is holding up well. I have added an aftermarket cooler because I spend a lot of time ideling in traffic and I change the fluid pretty regularly- at least pull the drain plug and refill.

[06tacosport]

hmm never thought to install a tranny cooler...i have one on my truck...are they hard to install? i idle alot in town as i'm going to be using this as a delivery vehicle...also what milage does toyota recommend getting like the timing belt and water pump replaced? that's another concern i have with the higher milage one, not sure if that stuff was ever done...

[mopars&corollas]

Tranny cooler is an easy install- if you have the materials and know where you want to mount it you could probably be done in an hour and a half or quicker. My 2004 has a timing Chain that Toyota doesnt give an interval for (at least thats what I saw once on their website)- basically a really long time. My water pump is also on the outside, so I think you just run it until the weep hole shows its time to replace- looks about as hard as the one on my 87 cavalier (ie loosen some moter mounts and jack the engine some- but you might not even have to do that) I am still on my original water pump.

[06tacosport]

Well I'm thinking of scratching the auto of my list. I was reading the carfax and it looks like the car may have been a rental vehicle. It was driven like 110k between 2003-2008. If it was a rental u know there were "hard" miles. Unless they give me an unbelievable deal I don't think I'm gunna chance it. I think they were asking 6700. Not worth it at that price with that much tranny and engine wear it's probably experienced. And I was also mistaken, the manual one that I was gunna look at was an 04 not and 03. So u say the 04s have chains instead of belts? That's good to know.

[Volvosteel]

I have a 2003 Corolla i purchased new. it currently has 295,000 Miles on it. it is currently up on Jack Stand so when my new Manual Transmission arrives i can put it in. WITH THAT SAID id buy this car over again without question. there is a known issue of the Manual Transmission in 2003-2004 Deconstructing while in motion. read a lot of stories on this issue, the cost of a replacement C59 transmission is not cheap, i just paid $1000.00 for a rebuilt unit and i couldnt believe i got it at that price as i was getting quotes of $1300.00 for a used one. The seller of the transmission was shocked that i put that many miles on it before the tranny gave me any problems ( it still works but is making weird noises ), but when i told him how well i maintained the entire car he simply stated " thats why it lasted you that long ". so if your going to get the Manual MAKE SURE you get some maintance records on the car. this is the FIRST major repair to this car. Still a good car Manual or not. when maintained properly ( above dealer specs ) a 2003 will got for a long time, i intend to put another 100K or more on this car before i retire it.

Originally Posted by 06tacosport

Well I'm thinking of scratching the auto of my list. I was reading the carfax and it looks like the car may have been a rental vehicle. It was driven like 110k between 2003-2008. If it was a rental u know there were "hard" miles. Unless they give me an unbelievable deal I don't think I'm gunna chance it. I think they were asking 6700. Not worth it at that price with that much tranny and engine wear it's probably experienced. And I was also mistaken, the manual one that I was gunna look at was an 04 not and 03. So u say the 04s have chains instead of belts? That's good to know.

[tarbasd]

IMO it is worth to pay $800 extra for the 58K mileage difference.