1988 Toyota Corolla gts in toronto - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

dlau420 · 12-23-2003, 05:39 PM

I am currently looking for a car and I found an 88 corolla gts with 156Km for $2000. The guy said he'd safety and emissions test for another 300 bucks. I'm wondering if this sounds about right or if this sounds shady. I know that 156km right off the bat sounds shady. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Any things that I should look for when inspecting the car?
Thanks in advance

***REN69*** · 12-23-2003, 05:53 PM

Look at the speedometer, and pay close attention to the numbers.. if the all line up straight.. then the car is legit.. if one number doesn't line up properly, then its been rolled back.

For a car with 156km, make sure its not rusting away underneath, if it is then chances are you'll have problems later on with holes and stuff.

dlau420 · 12-23-2003, 06:04 PM

Thanks man

***REN69*** · 12-23-2003, 06:07 PM

btw.. you know if you buy that car you'll be joining a very exclusive TN club.. the AE92 club! hehehe.. throw some duct tape and zip ties here and there and you'll be a member of the boro club.

***MRQtwinturbo*** · 12-23-2003, 06:48 PM

ur best bet is to take the car to a mechanic that u trust...do a compression and leak down test...that will tell u the condition of the motor....regardless of what kms are on the odometer...

Xenon · 12-23-2003, 07:16 PM

I agree with MRQ, a mechanic would verify the Km's on the car and check the underbody for rust and leaks..

Good luck

dlau420 · 12-23-2003, 09:37 PM

So does anyone in the toronto area know of a mechanic they trust....i'm more so looking for a mechanic who knows about the corolla gts specifically. I'm cousins with one of the moderators of the CC page. He told me to post here......so i did. So if anyone knows a mechanic can you hook me up? and if not, does anyone know how much on average it is to have a mechanic look at the car?
Thanks in advance

Nx2k · 12-23-2003, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by REN69
Look at the speedometer, and pay close attention to the numbers.. if the all line up straight.. then the car is legit.. if one number doesn't line up properly, then its been rolled back.
For a car with 156km, make sure its not rusting away underneath, if it is then chances are you'll have problems later on with holes and stuff.

for a person who's going to take the time to take apart the dash and cluster to do this, don't u think he's going to take the time to roll it back and line it up straight???

i agree with mrq

boroEF · 12-24-2003, 05:52 PM

just do a compression test mannnnnnnnnnnnnnn if the numbers are around 170psi accross all cylinders u are a-okay

dlau420 · 12-24-2003, 08:15 PM

how much does a compression test normally cost?
thanks in advance

lil_shaga · 12-25-2003, 09:21 AM

since the car is in london i would take it to ToyotaTown on Wharncliffe Road. Ask for Todd, hes a great service tech and will take care of things for you.

Or try Westend Auto on Wonderland, talk to Roy or Vince, they are good, and most likely cheaper then Toyota Town.

But my vote is still for ToyotaTown.....

Good Luck...

TRDragoon · 12-25-2003, 05:31 PM

remember that the car is around 15 yrs old.....even tho you purchase the car, you will always to find another problem. if the car costs you $2000, think your budget at $2700... you'll never know, the rear calipers are $215 each at the dealers. and they are the main cause for the GTS to fail safety.

dlau420 · 12-25-2003, 09:18 PM

The car is already certified........what i need to know is how much does a compression test cost usually and would i be bettter off going to toyota to do it or an independant garage?
thanks in advance