Buying a Used 1999 Corolla

[elliott1234]

Hi -

I figured folks on here would be experts for this question! I have the opportunity to buy a 99 Corolla VE with 99,000 miles for $1,800 (5 speed manual). It was the owner's daughter's car, and most of the miles were put on in the first 7 years. Since then it has been driven a few times a year and stored in a garage in Georgia.

My gut is that this a really good deal but I am somewhat leery of buying a 13 year old car.

I've never driven a Toyota so I've only heard stories of legendary reliability.

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[Scott O'Kashan]

Welcome to the Corolla Forum!

The Kelly Blue Book value of this car is about $2,658 - http://www.kbb.com/toyota/corolla/1...0&options=230855|true&pricetype=private-party

So the price is below the Kelly Blue Book price and there's usually a reason for that. Be suspect and check the car out thoroughly.

http://www.CarComplaints.com doesn't lists very few complaints from motorists for this car - http://www.carcomplaints.com/Toyota/Corolla/1999/

With a car it's not so much the time as it's the mileage that is the concern. 99,000 miles for a 15 year old car is very low mileage at only 6,600 miles per year. If the car is in good shape and has been taken care of, it's a good buy.

 

[elliott1234]

Thanks for your advice. I know the people and they don't really need the money so I think they just want to get it out of their garage rather than there being an issue.

 

[Scott O'Kashan]

So it's five days later. Did you buy the car?

 

[Scott O'Kashan]

Did you buy the car?

 

[elliott1234]

Hey Scott,

I did, the only issue was that the catalytic converter had to be replaced so I bought one off of Amazon and had my mechanic install it which was only around $220 total. Since then it has run perfectly.

Since then I have had the oil changed and the tech recommended that I get an engine flush, coolant flush, and a transmission service.

Are these worthwhile things to do or are they scammy?

Thanks.

Elliott

 

[Donabed Kopoian]

Engine flush is a joke ... Coolant flush you can do yourself for cheap (if the coolant looks REALLY bad, otherwise a simple drain and fill is fine), with a garden hose and a kit that hooks up to your heater hose.

As far as transmission flush goes, it probably wouldn't be a bad idea to have them do that as well as the transmission filter. Look at the fluid before you bring it in and check afterward to see if they actually did the flush or not.