I just inherited an 8th gen Corolla

[Beaterolla]

Hello
I'm not new to Corollas but I'm new to owning one myself.
In my family I'm the one who works on everyone's car so when they ask me for car buying advice I always steer them toward something that will make my life easier.
In 1998 I advised my dad toward a Corolla LE, then in 2001 I advised my sister toward a used Prizm(cash in on domestic depreciation without their problems).
My 98 Corolla is formerly my dad's which is basically a stock car with worn interior and in bad need of a paint job. The rear defroster quit years ago, it breaks an inside door handle about once a year, the windshield squirter pump died, it burns a little oil.
With all that said I know it's mechanically sound with good brakes and tires. A tough little car that's been in the family for years and should be around for a while.
Sure, there are a few little things that need fixed but it starts every time and never left any of us stranded. Going forward that's all I can ask.
As far as cars go, my passion lies in pre 1973 domestics(when they were still good) but as we all know those classics are not practical as a daily driver anymore and are better off as a hobby. I am currently without a car that fills that void but hopefully that will change. The current lineup includes the 98 Corolla, a 2007 Ford Ranger, and a 2006 Harley Sportster. I've come to accept the Ranger and Sportster are direct results of once saying "I will never own a Ford or a Harley". There's no better way of putting your foot in your mouth than saying you will never own something. The Ranger came to me a year ago in a deal I couldn't pass up(so far, so good) and the Harley was just to try something different after riding Hondas and Yamahas for 20 years. The 2004-up HD's have come a long way.
Anyway, I'm not brand-loyal to any car/bike and I just call it how I see it.
Some will agree with me, some will disagree with me, but what I hope is one of us walks away having learned something.
Thank you, and I hope to be of some contribution.

[MR2Jedi]

Welcome to the forum!

[Beaterolla]

Thanks MR2Jedi
I've only been here 24 hours and I'm ready for my first mod, DRL disable.
I'm accustomed to being responsible for my own car and my driving habits.
IMHO Smart cars that take too much responsibilty away from the drivers only results in complacent drivers.
I don't know if I'm the minority or not these days, but I actually like controlling the functions of my car myself. No expensive replacement parts there, it's all in my head.

BTW- It's awesome that you have a Corona section on here.
My dad had a 1976 Corona wagon that he took me to school in all through the 80's.
When I bring it up people ask "do you mean Corolla?".
I guess Toyota didn't sell many of those around here because few people seem to know about them.
It's a real blast to see them again.

[MR2Jedi]

Originally Posted by Beaterolla

Thanks MR2Jedi
I've only been here 24 hours and I'm ready for my first mod, DRL disable.
I'm accustomed to being responsible for my own car and my driving habits.
IMHO Smart cars that take too much responsibilty away from the drivers only results in complacent drivers.
I don't know if I'm the minority or not these days, but I actually like controlling the functions of my car myself. No expensive replacement parts there, it's all in my head.

BTW- It's awesome that you have a Corona section on here.
My dad had a 1976 Corona wagon that he took me to school in all through the 80's.
When I bring it up people ask "do you mean Corolla?".
I guess Toyota didn't sell many of those around here because few people seem to know about them.
It's a real blast to see them again.

I'm with you on that one.
Full instrumentation, working HVAC, a tight responsive suspension and plenty of HP and I'm good to go.
The more complicated the systems , the more stuff that will eventually fail.

[Beaterolla]

Originally Posted by MR2Jedi

I'm with you on that one.
Full instrumentation, working HVAC, a tight responsive suspension and plenty of HP and I'm good to go.
The more complicated the systems , the more stuff that will eventually fail.

I love full guages on my vehicles.
It's nice to know something is wrong before it goes completely wrong.

Working HVAC was optional when I lived up north but now that I'm in Texas it's no longer optional.

HP depends on the use I intend for the car.
I'm either a mild 4cyl or Big block V8 kind of guy.
When I want economy I go all out but when I want HP I go all out too.

Also, I'm not downing anyone personally for having or wanting all the latest gadgets, it's just my preference not to depend on them.
When I teach my girls to drive I will teach them on a vehicle as basic as possible. If they want techno bling later it's up to them.
People argue safety all the time but I believe that driver competence is still the most important safety factor.

[MR2Jedi]

Originally Posted by Beaterolla

.
People argue safety all the time but I believe that driver competence is still the most important safety factor.

Agreed! I don't care how many or what kind of safety features your car may have, if you don't pay attention to what you're driving , then you or some else may get hurt.
Driving defensively and safely is the best way to go.