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I have a 97, and it's a sturdy little sucker overall.
Being 10 years old, make sure you check all the usual things, but a little closer. If you can afford it, take it to a shop and have them go over it for you. Cost should be 60-80 bucks, but is worth it. It is a non interference engine. Here are a few things to check.
Drive around some really sharp corners from a dead stop, like at a stop sign. Turn the wheel as far as it will go and listen for clicking, which mean a CV/axle replacement. Do it both to the left and to the right.
Listen for suspension squeaks, any loosness in the steering, etc. How do the shocks feel?
Look inside the engine bay for corrosion and overall condition. Does the engine sound quiet and smooth? Does it look well maintained, or does it look like no one has raised the hood for a couple years? Spark plug wires look old or new?Engine could be ok, but it may need some small things that could cost a lot when it's all added up. Pull the Oil dipstick and see what the oil looks like.
Headlights - are they discolored and/or full of cracks? They can cost a lot more than you would think.
Crawl under it, or at least get down and look under it from both front and back. How's the exhaust? If it looks like it's old, there's a big chunk of cash out of your pocket. Can you see the CV boot on the front axles - are they old looking or have slits or torn?
How do the tires look? wear on the insides or outsides of the tires (alignment at least) or are they worn even, but ready for replacement?
Rear view mirror - the Day/Night thing seems to break a lot on the old Corollas. Not a big deal, but a pain.
Turn the radio up fairly loud and fade tofront and back and right to left to make sure the speakers aren't turning into powder after 10 years in the sun.
Oh, don't forget to check to see if all of the dash lights work. They tend to go out a lot on these cars, and sometimes it's difficult to get them all fixed up and working again. My own car doesn't have any from the AC down in the center area.
That's all I can think of right now. Add up everything that's wrong and deduct it from the price of the car or ask them to get it fixed first.
Good luck!
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). I just need a good commuter and I think this is the one. 
Motor mount
Linear Mode
