Need advice on a 2001 Toyota Corolla CE?

Wife in Love

I am looking to buy a used car-a 2001 Toyota Corolla CE. Its got 135k on it.















I am going to test drive it and take it to a mechanic-i was hoping someone can tell me the most important things to check for? I know to check the timing belt and the water pump...what else?















I am trying to find out if he has maintenance records but i know the oil and sparkplugs were just changed. At 2800.00, is this a good buy?















Thanks...I have no idea how its been upkept, but if i keep the oil changed and all the fluids changed right on time, about how long should it last without major repair?

o0PoSH0o

check to see if the local wrecking yard will accept it.......

James

135 k is a lot of mileage.















my list.































walk a round it looking at tires for uneven wear















type how to read tire wear















look under it for any wet spots on ground or bottom of car















leaks bad walk away















check tail pipe clear dry good















black bad walk a way















open door look at insides clean no smells good















open hood check all fluids















any low walk away















anything wet looking walk away































now crank it listen















how fast it starts















how easy it starts















any ticking or knocking bad































check ligths blinkers radio heater ac seats what ever it has indie see what works or doesnt















now drive it liek you would your own car for 20 to 30 minutes















how it steers















how it brakes















comfort of it















recheck everything after test drive















and then if you still have questions walk away















i mean if you really want this car then check if it is in good shape

pbleek

The mechanic will know what to look for and give you a report. If the car is in good shape $2800 is a reasonable price, you should get another 100K trouble free miles out of this car.















My rule of thumb is if the previous owner took care of the outside and inside of the vehicle, they likely did the required maintenance as well. You can tell a neglected car right away. If you maintain the Corolla it will last to at least 200K+ miles.