'87 corolla won't start

[spaznrq]

I was driving down the street one day and my engine just stopped. I had just enough momentum to pull into the residential neighborhood to get it towed back home. This has happened before but I was able to start it up a couple of days later. This time, it's just completely dead. We had a mechanic check it but he saw no problems.

I'm wondering what could be done to try to fix it before we donate it. We can't find anyone willing to buy this old car, especially now that the engine doesn't start. It has very low mileage though.

Any suggestions on what to look for before we have someone take it away?

[90 GP]

Does the starter at least engage as it should? If so I would check the ignition coil to see if it is bad. Also check to see if timing belt is broken.