I've been offered a deal to buy a 1999 Toyota Corolla VE 5-speed with 186k for $400. The owner did tell me the car is leaking/burning oil (he's not sure which one it is). I searched online for this issue on this vehicle and it seems to be a constant but people don't seem to mind because other than that the car still is a great commuter car. What is your opinion on this offer?
It may not be such a great deal if it won't pass emission inspection
Good point. The owner claims it passed this year and others in forums also say that even though this car has this issue it passes emissions flawlessly.
A 1999 Corolla with a 1.8 1ZZ FE will go 300k miles IF it has been maintained well. It's not hard to determine if it leaking or burning because if it leaves puddles on the ground. I don't know where you heard this is "a constant' but it's NOT. '99 Corollas are not notorious for oil consumption. But something is not quite right if he is willing to unload a car worth $2500 to $3000 in 'fair condition' with 200k miles for $400. Be careful and Best wishes
Run it to the emissions and see what the numbers are
Above 4.2 ppm CO (Carbon Monoxide) 0.6 NoX (if above that EGR is bad) is what to watch for. There is so much more, they even measure formaldehyde .... where would THAT come from...
for $400.00 buy it..put some engine restore in it and see what happenes !
Here are some pictures of the car.
Side
Back
Interior
I repeat. Be careful. That car looks good but we have no way of knowing condition of engine. He could get $1500 overnight. So unloading it for $400 may ease his conscience if he is aware of a serious engine/transmission problem. But as Kelly said - buy it. You can't go wrong for $400 I see Calif plates so at least it does not have to go through an equipment check Lights/brakes/glass/ etc. All Calif cares about is what comes out of the tailpipe
