making the right decision??

[divallol]

Hi all,

I want to just say this is a great site!

My wife and I have been thinking about buying a car and we may have settled on a 1999 Corolla. I am hoping for some final input before we make the committment to buy.

This will be our sole vehicle and we plan on keeping it for at least 5-10 years. My wife is also pregnant so we need to have something large enough for strollers and stuff and safe enough. We are both relatively small (5'7") and I don't need a car to race around in. I don't know much about fixing cars up, so reliability is also key.

We started off our search thinking we may go for something 1 year old. The cars we discussed were the Toyota Matrix, Scion xA and xB, and the Nissan Versas. My wife just kept saying she wanted something stylish as well as practical.

Anyways, I've been thinking that, while we have enough money (barely) for something new, I don't care about style and know that a 7-year old Corolla with 80,000 miles still has a LOT of life left if it's been treated well.

So about the car I am thinking about buying:

As I said, it's a 1999, 5spd., 83,000mi, oil change every 3,000 miles and in pretty immaculate condition. The price offered to me is $4700 cash. I am thinking it sounds like a good deal, is under blue book and I am excited.

Any input of if this car sounds like a good deal? How about the size for our needs? Do the back seats fold down? Anything in particular I should ask about? The timing belt is done, tires are good...

thanks all!!!

[ToyotaMan1281]

4700 sounds like it has no power windows, locks, tape deck or single cd, correct? New tires new timing belt are good. i say change the oil, plugs, wires, check tire inflation, check wipers, check all fluids (top off or changed) and you should be good to go. Also check for any damage to the car itself.

[Ukrainian102]

^Uh I think it could have all that for $4700. Do what ToyotaMan said also take it for a good test drive.

One thing you should be concerned about is that the car has a timing CHAIN (not a timing BELT) which does not need to be changed. The guy who's selling it to you probably meant the serpentine belt (the only belt in the car), but make sure he isn't bullshitting you. Ask for records and receipts of service performed on the car. Obviously if this guy doesn't know that his car has a timing chain and not a timing belt he didn't change the serpentine belt himself, so he should at least show you records of maintenance work.

If you're still skeptical take it to a trusted mechanic and have him check it out thoroughly before you buy it.

Good luck.

[divallol]

It has power windows and locks, but am/fm radio. I thought these had timing belts... my bad. I'll have to ask about that.

Other than that, does it sound like a good car for my needs?? Decent price? I know you'll all kill me, but I'm buying this car sight-UNSEEN, I can't be there for the purchase but I am SO confident in Toyotas that I'm willing to take the idiot's risk.. the woman sounds extremely responsible and like I said, perfect maintenance with paperwork.

[Ukrainian102]

If you're asking about the price $4700 sounds pretty good but it all depends on the condition. Can't say anymore than has already been said. I don't know about you but no matter the circumstances I like to check stuff out before dropping 5 grand on it especially if I want it to serve for 5-10 more years.

[thespud]

Hey, Thanks for the props on the site, and welcome!

I work in Sales (Although House Sales), and i can honestly say that you are not the only one that buys unseen. It's not too risky so long as you trust the person who is selling it to you.

It sounds like the car would suit your needs in terms of reliability and economy, as well as shelf-life. I've seen '70s Corollas with 500,000km on the clock and still running like new, so its really a matter of looking after it.

As for the space, you should be able to fit a stroller and such in the boot, but if you are looking for real space, go for an older Camry. But thats just my opinion.

All in all, it should suit your needs, should last, and should be a good car. Good luck