New to me '94 Corolla DX Advice

[Nutter]

Hello all, I'm new here, but I just wanted to get a bit of advice from some of the gurus. I'm new to Toyota's in general, but I have lots of experience in mechanical, eletrical, and other automotive maintenance.

I just bought a '94 Toyota Corolla. It's in excellent shape inside and out. Everything on it works (except for the center console lights on the climate controls). Here's the pertinent info on it:

• 1.8L
• DX Sedan
• Automatic Transmission
• 196K miles
• Bone Stock on everything

I just purchased it, and had a couple of immediate issues fixed:

• Replaced motor mounts (one was cracked)
• Replaced a broken valve with 2 vacuum lines (not sure what it was called, some kind of cold-start valve).
• Replaced coolant hose that was leaking
• Installed 4 brand new tires
• Changed oil
• Got it inspected

The only other issue with the vehicle is that all four interior door handles are broken in exactly the same spot. They all work except for the passenger side front door. I have ordered 4 replacements and will be installing those as soon as they get here.

Just as an FYI, here are my other mods I have planned for the next week or so:

• Replace all four speakers
• Install an Alpine head unit with iPod control
• Possibly install alarm or at least remote keyless entry
• Replace window tinting as the back window is bubbling slightly and the door windows are beginning to show the first signs of purpling up
• Install some wheels (nothing too fancy here, but I lost a wheel cover on it already, and I hate wheel covers anyway)
• New floor mats (the ones that are there suck!)

I have also made an appointment to have my mechanic replace the timing belt and water pump on Monday, just to be sure, but are there any other suggestions you might have as to what maintenance items should be looked at besides what I have done, or planned to have done? The belts seem to be in good shape, the transmission shifts perfectly, and the car passed the Texas state emissions test for Dallas / Fort Worth, so it seems to be running well with regards to that. I just want her to last quite a bit longer. The previous owner seems to have taken remarkably good care of the car, as it really is super clean inside and out.

TIA!

Edit: I forgot to add that the car is a one-owner.

[REN69]

I would start by asking the previous owner if he has any records of previous work done to the car, anything he hasn't done that could be important would be good to look into.

Post some pics man.

[Nutter]

I'll try and get some good pics this weekend and get those posted. As for the previous owner, I don't have access to them unfortunately. I did run a carfax on it, and it came up totally clean and even says the car has never failed a state inspection, so thats cool.

I think if I take good care of her, she might even last to 250K or more. I'm going to inspect the brakes this weekend to check those out (although they feel fine). I might go ahead and have the tranny fluid / filter changed too.

[94_Rolla_Guy]

Keep an eye out for oil burning as alot of the 1.8L engines have issues, its not a big deal as long as you keep the oil topped up above the half way point on the dipstick

[blb]

Why keep the oil topped up above the half way point on the dipstick? Why not just add a quart when it gets closer to the "add" line?

[90 GP]

Would recommend a cooling system flush, new coolant and replace thermostat when getting your water pump replaced. Also would be good idea to drain and refill tranny/differential fluid.

[94_Rolla_Guy]

oh reason for adding when only half down on the dipstick is because below halfway you will lose oil pressure around corners which can cause bearing damage, I see this all the time when im low on my oil pressure guage.

[rice]

pretty much what everyone has said, I would also add that you check your exhaust manifold as they are due to crack (not a big deal), check your alternator and waterpump, and monitor your fluids, that's pretty much it. These cars are pretty much rock solid unless you have bad luck like me. *shakes head*

[Nutter]

Well here is my updated progress...

• Checked oil every day for 2 weeks now. Hasn't lost a drop!
• Checked coolant level every day, and it hasn't lost a drop either
• Installed new Alpine Head Unit
• Replaced Timing Belt
• Replaced Water Pump
• Replaced Thermostat
• Flushed Coolant System
• Replaced interior door handles (this one is curious, it seems that the door handles had a bad design because all of mine were broken in exactly the same place, but I haven't seen anyone else mention it here).

Here's what I still have left to do:

• Change transmission fluid / filter
• Install an alarm with Keyless Remote Entry
• Replace the tint with new tint
• Install Wheels (any suggestions here would be good, I don't want to spend a fortune, but I hate wheel covers).
• Upgrade my speakers
• Take and post some pics (if it will ever stop raining long enough for me to do it).

Thanks for all the advice. Seems like a pretty good forum here, I'm glad I joined.

[REN69]

[Martoch]

Originally Posted by 94_Rolla_Guy

Keep an eye out for oil burning as alot of the 1.8L engines have issues, its not a big deal as long as you keep the oil topped up above the half way point on the dipstick

I have that exact problem on my '95 Corolla DX 1.8L! I've had more than one oil change at 3-4K miles where the mechanics said my oil stick was damn near dry. I've been told by mechanics that there's not much I can do except get more frequent oil changes. True?

[Nutter]

Originally Posted by Martoch

I have that exact problem on my '95 Corolla DX 1.8L! I've had more than one oil change at 3-4K miles where the mechanics said my oil stick was damn near dry. I've been told by mechanics that there's not much I can do except get more frequent oil changes. True?

Well, it depends on where the oil is going. If its a leak like a rear main seal or something, that can be fixed. If its burning that much oil, then you need new rings (i.e. an engine rebuild). I wouldn't agree that more frequent oil changes are necessary; however, I would simply check your oil periodically to keep it from falling too low. Just add some oil occasionally when in between oil changes.