I finally found a car that seems to fit my needs, that I like. An acquaintance has a 2000 Corolla for sale. It has 84K miles on it, stick trans, A/C, and 4 doors. The owner is a mechanic who has been driving it for 4 years, and says it is in tiptop shape. I haven't seen it yet. Does anyone know of any 'gotchas' for this model? It almost seems too cheap, which makes me suspicious. If it checks out when I see it, I will be hard-pressed to pass it up. What do y'all think?
Advice on Toyota needed....
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It was a very good car when new. Take it to another mechanic and pay the time to have it checked out. If the seller does not agree then you have your answer.
I had a buddy I worked with who had an old white boxy Corolla.
The thing was a tank, didn't rust, and he'd just cock the steering to one side and change the oil without even jacking the thing up.
If it runs, and is a good price, go for it.
This thing sips gas.
The thing was a tank, didn't rust, and he'd just cock the steering to one side and change the oil without even jacking the thing up.
If it runs, and is a good price, go for it.
This thing sips gas.
It's hard to question a mechanic about the condition of the car HE'S selling, isn't it....
I think that it would be fair to ask for a service history...even if it's informal, so you know what's been done.
...AND ASK WHAT NEEDS to be done in the near future...
If it's really a lot less than you had expected to pay, just put the difference in a special account for future repairs...
Good luck...
I think that it would be fair to ask for a service history...even if it's informal, so you know what's been done.
...AND ASK WHAT NEEDS to be done in the near future...
If it's really a lot less than you had expected to pay, just put the difference in a special account for future repairs...
Good luck...
Originally Posted By: eljefino
They burn oil through low tension rings. Not a deal breaker.
+1, this is a common problem on the '98-02 models. With a stick you should be okay, if it had the 3spd auto I would say don't do it. Our old '00 started to burn a quart every 2000 or so miles around 100K. We traded it in at 167K pinging very badly and burning 1qt every 400-600 miles! More if all highway.
Again though, with a 5spd(?) stick, the problem shouldn't be as bad I would think.
They burn oil through low tension rings. Not a deal breaker.
+1, this is a common problem on the '98-02 models. With a stick you should be okay, if it had the 3spd auto I would say don't do it. Our old '00 started to burn a quart every 2000 or so miles around 100K. We traded it in at 167K pinging very badly and burning 1qt every 400-600 miles! More if all highway.
Again though, with a 5spd(?) stick, the problem shouldn't be as bad I would think.
Take a flashlight and look for accident damage, or more likely, overspray and possible repairs.
Check all body seams for even gaps.
Check the tires, are they the same brand? How much wear?
Are they a Budget brand?
((At 84k the Oem set are likely gone, but a new set should be reasonable)
Check all body seams for even gaps.
Check the tires, are they the same brand? How much wear?
Are they a Budget brand?
((At 84k the Oem set are likely gone, but a new set should be reasonable)
that vintage is worth anywhere from 2-4k these days. if he is asking less then that, snap it up. its worth gold these days. you will be bored with that vehicle before the driveline goes to pot. my main concern would be suspension bits, leaking power steering and so on.
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My MIL had one 1991, was a rot bucket, she was a teacher and got rid of it in 1999, only had like 40K on it and dealers didnt want anything to do with it on trade in, sold it for 1200$ private sale. Mechanically was fine but the iron worm rust wheel well arches and fenders and lower doors didnt help.
Check the car for rust.
Check the car for rust.
Originally Posted By: panthermike
Originally Posted By: eljefino
They burn oil through low tension rings. Not a deal breaker.
+1, this is a common problem on the '98-02 models. With a stick you should be okay, if it had the 3spd auto I would say don't do it. Our old '00 started to burn a quart every 2000 or so miles around 100K. We traded it in at 167K pinging very badly and burning 1qt every 400-600 miles! More if all highway.
Again though, with a 5spd(?) stick, the problem shouldn't be as bad I would think.
The problem is NOT the rings, its the piston oil return holes that clog with carbon deposits over time causing severe oil consumption. 80% of 98-02 1ZZ-FE Corolla engines have this problem. The 20% that don't ran syn from day one. The only fix is a teardown to drill the carbon deposits out of the holes. Pass on this car, almost guarantee its a burner. Swipe the tailpipe with your finger, bet its jet black with oil. Get a 04+ Corolla, no issues.
Originally Posted By: eljefino
They burn oil through low tension rings. Not a deal breaker.
+1, this is a common problem on the '98-02 models. With a stick you should be okay, if it had the 3spd auto I would say don't do it. Our old '00 started to burn a quart every 2000 or so miles around 100K. We traded it in at 167K pinging very badly and burning 1qt every 400-600 miles! More if all highway.
Again though, with a 5spd(?) stick, the problem shouldn't be as bad I would think.
The problem is NOT the rings, its the piston oil return holes that clog with carbon deposits over time causing severe oil consumption. 80% of 98-02 1ZZ-FE Corolla engines have this problem. The 20% that don't ran syn from day one. The only fix is a teardown to drill the carbon deposits out of the holes. Pass on this car, almost guarantee its a burner. Swipe the tailpipe with your finger, bet its jet black with oil. Get a 04+ Corolla, no issues.
Originally Posted By: LeakySeals
The problem is NOT the rings, its the piston oil return holes that clog with carbon deposits over time causing severe oil consumption. 80% of 98-02 1ZZ-FE Corolla engines have this problem. The 20% that don't ran syn from day one. The only fix is a teardown to drill the carbon deposits out of the holes. Pass on this car, almost guarantee its a burner. Swipe the tailpipe with your finger, bet its jet black with oil. Get a 04+ Corolla, no issues.
LeakySeals is right, of course, but the amount burned can vary. My dad's '99 Corolla needs 1qt every 1000 miles to keep it at the top of the dipstick. My Prizm has more miles but only loses 1qt every 3000 or so. Both cars run fine. With a quart of good dino costing $3 or less, I don't consider it a big deal.
Either way, ask the owner how much it takes to keep it full.
The problem is NOT the rings, its the piston oil return holes that clog with carbon deposits over time causing severe oil consumption. 80% of 98-02 1ZZ-FE Corolla engines have this problem. The 20% that don't ran syn from day one. The only fix is a teardown to drill the carbon deposits out of the holes. Pass on this car, almost guarantee its a burner. Swipe the tailpipe with your finger, bet its jet black with oil. Get a 04+ Corolla, no issues.
LeakySeals is right, of course, but the amount burned can vary. My dad's '99 Corolla needs 1qt every 1000 miles to keep it at the top of the dipstick. My Prizm has more miles but only loses 1qt every 3000 or so. Both cars run fine. With a quart of good dino costing $3 or less, I don't consider it a big deal.
Either way, ask the owner how much it takes to keep it full.
If you do tear it down and bore out the holes (more, and larger), the problem is fixed for good and you'll have a 1zz that will run forever.
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