[canadiancelica]

I'm looking at buying a 1997 corolla sd. And Im wondering if some of you corolla educated peeps can give me some info on these cars. It has 165,00Km on it, 4 door, black.

I think it's the 1.6L, and I know it's a 5 speed. BUt i cant find any info on the net. Info doesnt seem to be as readily available as for my 91 celica gt.

Any and all info/help is much appreciated.

 

[Bitter]

1997 would be the 4afe, its a very reliable engine that has no major problems other than the usual ones from high milage.

 

[canadiancelica]

what is the chassis code? AE101?

What level of trim is the SD? Im guessing it's the base.

Any tips/pointers on maintenance? Like should I replace the timing belt, are recommendations on synthetic fluid for the gearbox, etc, etc.

Thanx so much,
John

 

[Bitter]

yes, ae101. 97 is OBD2 so plug in a code scanner and check for pending, current, and stored codes. timing belt should be every 60k miles. pop the cover and take a look at the belt. if theres any cracks or rips then it should be replaced now rather than at 180k.

 

[canadiancelica]

Dealer sticker under the hood, timing belt was done @ 147,xxx and it's only @ 167K now, so that's ok. Car runs smooth, pulls pretty hard, changes gears smoothly, Not a sound anywhere.

It has new brakes, including toyota rotors, new rear struts and 4 new winter tires.

Only issue with the car is that the park brake doesn't hold, I figure it needs adjustment or a new front cable, either way I think Im gonna pick it up, as long as the underside is ok, mechanic check asap.

 

[94_Rolla_Guy]

the parking brake is probably fine, either needs adjustment or might need new shoes, take off a wheel and drum take a look see.

also check your antifreeze and transmission fluid..

 

[canadiancelica]

the parking brake is probably fine, either needs adjustment or might need new shoes, take off a wheel and drum take a look see.

also check your antifreeze and transmission fluid..

Yeah, if I get, as soon as I get it it will be getting mobil 1 with toyota filter, rad flush with toyota long life coolant & possibly gear oil change. And the air filter/plugs/wires/dist will be checked and updated if necessary.

I think I might get it, its a decent deal