Car advice (part 3)

[slateman]

I'm almost there!!!!! Need other opinions though. Its really between two options and maybe a wild card.

1. 97 Corolla DX. 78,000 miles. 4 cyl, automatic transmission.; power locks, doors, steering, and brakes; and airbags. $6700

2. 99 Corolla CE. 66,000 miles, 4 cyl, 5 spd; Power everything.


Is the 99 worth another $800? The extra gas milage?

For thos who drive a stick in suberbia, is it that great of a hassle?

Wild card: My Uncle owns an 85 Trans Am. Just for a goof, I asked the insurance company how much it would be to drive it. They told me it was about $35, every six months, more to drive it.

This has me intrigued. The car has about 180,000 miles on it, but its been well maintained and runs really well. It also been garaged and hasn't been driven that often for the past few years (my Uncle bought a 318 BMW and only uses the Trans Am for fun).

What is the probablity that it would last me for the next two years w/o anything major needing to be done?

EDIT: Forget the Trans Am I just called my Uncle. It not only needs some work but he isn't willing to part with it (for some reason he actually wants to go over 100mph ) So its really between the two Corollas. Maybe I should start a poll?

[dcmander]

I love trans ams. So beastly. Made to last.

PM TransMan, I'm sure he has plenty to say.

[TigerMan]

What kind of deal would your uncle give you on the Trans Am? If it's good, I'd just go with that. I'd do that because, assuming your saving for another car later on, the Trans Am should just be able to last you for what's needed in those 2 years. And you'd be getting it from someone you know and trust, not some complete stranger who could be selling you a lemon.

[ASDadam]

The real question is what kind of driving are you going to be doing? A Trans Am with 180k miles isn't going to like City Driving AT ALL, especially if gunned real hard. City driving the Trans Am is more likely to break down and die on you considering the wear and tear it has already probably recieved (normal wear and tear will still kill engines around 200k) Plus you have to look at the other stuff like the Suspension, the ignition, the fuel system, etc etc that wont last a whole lot longer considering the age and the mileage on them. I'm a HUGE fan of Trans Ams but the amount of gas its going to cost you is it worth it? I'd go with the 99 Corrolla. Cant believe i'm actually saying to go foriegn over domestic. I'm going to lay down and cry myself to sleep now.

[slateman]

Alright. I though I would give everyone an update (and a the thread an up )

I like the 99 Corolla a little more. Its a bit more comfortable and doesn't have that plasticy feel of 97 Corolla. However, it needs a new clutch soon (mechanic says in about six months maybe a little more). I'm now starting to lean towards the 97 Corolla. Any advice?

One other thing, anyone in the Northern Virgina: How much of a hassle is it to drive stick around here?

I test drove the 99 Corolla, and it took 15-20 minutes) but I started to get the hang of it. At least I didn't stall out, slide back on a hill (much), or have the car shuddering violently after a while.

That reminds (sorry, I know I'm rambling) Just how much damage can I do while getting the hang of driving manual (shoudn't take more than a couple of weeks, methinks)? Does stalling out damge the engine or transmission (I know that shuddering does)?

Thanks for the help.

[Cha0tic]

Originally posted by slateman
However, it needs a new clutch soon (mechanic says in about six months maybe a little more

That reminds (sorry, I know I'm rambling) Just how much damage can I do while getting the hang of driving manual (shoudn't take more than a couple of weeks, methinks)? Does stalling out damge the engine or transmission (I know that shuddering does)?

Thanks for the help.

you may need a new clutch sometime sooner than 6 months

[Mantis]

If you learn to drive a manual properly you should have no problems wherever you drive. I had a manual in a place with intersections on pretty steep hills and such and once you're decently accustomed to a manual, even the dreaded "up-hill left hand turn" is no problem (that was the worst for me when I was learning to drive anyway). Of course, I learned on a stick so it may have been easier in a way, just getting everything over at once.
Just make sure it has a working hand brake and learn to use it while you start off, make hills no problem.

[MicrOMag]

The '99 is a better deal, but idk if thats an appropriate price for it.


check the blue book value on

www.kbb.com

and www.edmunds.com