My '94 Tercel is showing it's age, and the lack of AC will quickly become a problem as summer approaches, now that I am a working stiff. I've loved my Tercel, so I'd like to stick to Toyota, and Corolla seems like a nice choice. I'm definitely going to get used, but I want something fairly late model, low mileage, single owner, etc. I plan to run it stock, except for some electrical and computer mods.
I'm trying to figure out what the sweet spot is for the Corolla in terms of model year and mileage. I guess within this question I'm also wondering if I should only shop for mileage, regardless of the year. If it turns out that a Prizm will be in this range, I could save a little more green. In fact, I was initially only searching for a 2002 Prizm. Thanks for any input.
Just found a private seller with a 2000 Prizm, his ad says:
Quote:
Originally Posted by ad
2000 Chevy Prizm /same as the Toyota Corolla 4 Dr Sedan
AUTOMATIC 3 SPEED, AC, 92K Miles, Toyota Engine and Transmission, 4 cyl Engine, AM/FM Cassette Stereo, Digital Clock, Dual Air Bag Restraints, Power Brakes, Power Door Locks, Power Steering, Rear Window Defroster
** Runs but "Check Engine Light is on"
I was worried about the CEL, so I asked him about it:
Quote:
Originally Posted by email
The scanner code was P0301 which means "Misfire on 1 of the cylinders"
The mechanic looked at the coil pack and plugs and said that were fine.
He thinks it is one of the timing sensors that are bad. I don't have the
patience so I'm selling it very cheap...... $2200.
Come get it today after 5:30pm. Cash, Cashier's check or money order
please!
This seems too good to be true, as the TMV is $3400. Even if the sensors are bad, it would have to be very expensive to make this a bad deal.
I think the Prizm is a good value for the money since you can get Toyota quality with Chevy depreciation (can you tell I own a Prizm? )
I would be leary of buying a car with existing problems. If the owner can't take the time out to fix a sensor prior to selling the car, I would be afraid of what else might not be quite right. Why wouldn't they spend a little cash on a sensor and sell at regular market value? Something doesn't seem right to me.
If you are still interested, have a mechanic check it out and ask for the maintenance history.
Mileage is important, but you have to remember that things deteriorate even when the car isn't driven much. Therefore I think you should buy the latest model year you can afford. If you can buy from a private party you might find a better deal. Don't let a Toyota dealer try to BS you with a CERTIFIED used car. All that warranty covers is lubricated parts, and even though they claim not to charge for it, I think they inflate the price. Anyway, the price of the dealer car will go way up when the sales manager runs it through the computer. Get a mechanic to check out engine and trans unless you're knowledgeable.
EDIT: I agree with stubborn1, tell him you'll buy it if he fixes the problem shown by CEL., and see how much he jacks the price up. Basically, don't knowingly buy another guys problems.
Mileage is important, but you have to remember that things deteriorate even when the car isn't driven much. Therefore I think you should buy the latest model year you can afford.
Well if I did that, I'd buy a new car. However, I'd like to get the best value, as in lowest total cost of ownership per year. So I'm not sure how to translate your statement when there is no hard limit on price.
Well, then, buy an '05 with the lowest mileage you can find. The big "off the lot" depreciation is already sucked up by the original owner.
I'd like that answer, but do you really think an 05 with low mileage would give the best bang for the buck? If you can convince me that's the case, I'll gladly oblige.
Search for a '05 Corolla ex-rental car. They're very well maintained, come with full warranty, and if bought from a large rental company they're less than 6 months old. You can save 1-2k off the price of a comparable used car. But be prepared to expect higher than normal mileage (which on a Corolla shouldn't be a big concern).
I would be a little concerned about getting an 05 Corolla (or newer)due to the extended cranking problem at various engine temps that has been listed on this forum. This was apparently due to the drive by wire system that came out that year. Might be safer with an 03 or 04 which still had the accelerator cable setup and not drive by wire.
I would be a little concerned about getting an 05 Corolla (or newer)due to the extended cranking problem at various engine temps that has been listed on this forum. This was apparently due to the drive by wire system that came out that year. Might be safer with an 03 or 04 which still had the accelerator cable setup and not drive by wire.
You're right, it is something to be concerned about, but if there's a good deal to be had on an '05 I would overlook the cranking problem. Although there are people on here who had bad luck, I'm curious to see the actual percentage of getting a car with this problem. They sell hundreds of thousands of them worldwide - I bet if even 1% had a problem it would make headlines around the world.
I didn't know about the problem before buying my '05, and I'm glad I didn't because it may have convinced me to buy an '04. But with 33k miles on it I've had zero problems with it.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the fuel pump and computer are part of the emissions warranty which is 7 years.
Speaking about high/low mileage, what do you think of the following?
2004 Corolla LE - $11,500
cruise, CD, auto, 50k miles
That's pretty heavy mileage, but is it worth it to take a hit in mileage to get a newer model?
or
2004 Corolla CE - $12,000
cruise, cd, auto, p/dl, 17.5k miles
superficial hood scratches
What a dilemma.
LE first of all cheaper, 2nd I have one and I love the wood grain trim, I have the whole power package, 6 cd changer, etc. CE is good but its the low end model. Plus you cant get 6 cd changer and some other goodies with it. Both are very nice though.
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2000 Prizm for $2200, too good to be true
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