Noob Seeking Advice! :)

[Riotus]

Hi people,

First of all, let me start by say that you've got a great forum here, and you all seem really helpful and genuine.

So, how can you help me?! Well, im looking to get myself a Corolla, have been for a little while now, as i only have a Punto at the moment and its starting to show its age. Ive always been a fan of Corolla's since the old rally cars! :D

Anyway, what i need to ask your good-selves is, what do i need to look out for when buying a second hand Corolla? Ive got two on my list, one is a 1.6GS R reg, 55000 on the clock and the garage is asking £2995 for it - the other is a 1.6GR (i think?) again a R reg with 50000 miles, and asking £2695.

Are there any specific faults i need to look out for, or any little niggles that may not be quite so obvious at first glance?

Any information would be a huge help at this point!

Many thanks in advance

Jason

[philjones1978]

Have they got full service histories? That helps. Check that the cambelt has been changed on them. Other than that the 1.6 engine is bullet proof, or seems to be. Watch out for bodywork dents, scratches, dings etc. I'd do a HPi check on it too.

I have a 98 1.6 sr and nothing has gone wrong on it in 2 years exept the rear struts that open the boot are rusting. Very reliable cars for the money.

[Riotus]

Many thanks for the reply.

Neither advert specified whether or not they had service history, so i can only assume they dont have it, i'll know more tomorrow, as im going to go see them anyway.

At what mileage would you have expected the cam belt to have been changed, would it be before 50,000 miles or after?

Thanks again.

[poultonjoe]

Many thanks for the reply.

Neither advert specified whether or not they had service history, so i can only assume they dont have it, i'll know more tomorrow, as im going to go see them anyway.

At what mileage would you have expected the cam belt to have been changed, would it be before 50,000 miles or after?

Thanks again.

←

70/80k at a guess? thats bout normal isnt it?>

[Twincam.GTi]

The Handbook for my Toyota GS is 60,000 or every 5 years whichever is sooner.

Also the service shedule says oil needs to be changed every 9000 mile only. Don't go by this, the 1.6 engine (Toyota 4AFE) is a very good highmilage 'plodder' but change the oil around every 5,000 mile ...9,000 is just way to long for a good engine life.

[Riotus]

Thanks again for the tips guys. Been very helpful.

Well, yesterday, i spent most of the day travelling between the two showrooms to see the two cars above, and this one:

one is a 1.6GS R reg, 55000 on the clock and the garage is asking £2995 for it

was in fantastic condition, where the other was quite run down, so ive scrapped the idea of that one.

So, after chatting to the sales guy, seems quite a good deal, as he'll give me a three month unconditional guarantee and change the cambelt as part of the price, as well as 12 month MOT. The car also has the last 4 MOTs and service docs.

Looks as though i'll be joining the ranks of the Toyota Owners soon! :D

Thanks again every one for your help!

[Riotus]

Well, ive gone and done it. Finished all the paper work etc this lunch time, and im now the VERY proud owner of a Corolla 1.6GS :D

Driving it back from the garage to work became a tour of North Wales' coastline. Such fun to drive.

Thanks again all for your help and advice, its been very helpful.

[philjones1978]

Welcome on board. I'm sure she won't let you down. Are you thinking of modifying her in any way? What colour is she?

[Riotus]

Cheers! :group-cuddles:

Not sure about mods at the moment, as ive looked around on the web (yup, already!) and theres not much that "grips me" really. And to be fair, i really love the shape and look of the car anyway, one of the reasons i was drawn to them in the first place. Its got alloys anyway, so unless some seriously dodgy parking ruins them they dont need changing.

One thing for sure though, i'll be changing the side repeaters for clear ones as Orange ones stand-out to much! Oh, the car is gleaming white, with black trim/details. Looks great IMO, and its spotless, not a mark on it - and intend to keep it that way!! :D