4 beater cars I’m considering. Input?

[bighead2586]

The 1.2 Ltr. 3 cylinder can take a beating . There are some threads here on that topic . Test drove the MAZDA 2 with 5 speed manual the first year of introduction in the U.S in 2010 as an 2011 . The clutch and shifting were the easiest I ever encountered to this day . Wish I bought it and still see them on the road or parked in driveways in what look to be in good external condition.

Oh yeah I forgot there's such thing as a Mazda 2. I'd be sharing the car with a non manual driver, otherwise I'd love to get one with a stick.

 

[The Critic]

K24a burned oil? You know why?

Same reason why most engines burn oil: low-tension rings that clog up.

 

[Elkins45]

The RAV and Camry are 2AZ but the low tension rings weren’t until 2007. Still have head bolts to worry about though. Corolla or Accord are probably the better bets. My 2007 Corolla was absolutely trouble free for 180k miles before I sold it, but it was a stick.

 

[PandaBear]

So far the Accord is sold. All seems to be "import" high mileage car from the mainland to Hawaii. I would say you need to check Carfax and underbody for rust and condition. All seems to be ok as long as you are familiar with how to maintain them.

I don't think you will drive enough miles to wear them out but you might need different advice based on parts availability. You want something easy to fix locally with locally available parts.

Not sure if oil burning is the biggest concern in Hawaii if you don't drive too many miles, but as long as you are changing oil based on time instead of miles you are probably going to be ok.

 

[bighead2586]

Got there as the Accord was being sold. Drove the Corolla and it was a little too beat up for me. Drove it though and it kind of spoke to me. Think I’ll Keep an eye out for a clean example of the generation and see if I can get it for around $4500. I’m a patient person

 

[The Critic]

Got there as the Accord was being sold. Drove the Corolla and it was a little too beat up for me. Drove it though and it kind of spoke to me. Think I’ll Keep an eye out for a clean example of the generation and see if I can get it for around $4500. I’m a patient person

I had some fun with one:

Thread 'Bought a 2005 Toyota Corolla'

Jan 5, 2022

Technically, my sister did. But the car is mine until reconditioning is complete.

It is a 2005 CE with 140K miles. Paid $3K.

My sister lives in the city and needed an inexpensive car for weekend errands. Her plan is to keep the car for a few years and upgrade to something newer.

This Corolla was purchased from a friend of mine. It was their family's spare car for 3.5 years and was no longer needed. They only drove it for 15k miles for the duration of their ownership.

When my friend's family purchased this car in 2018, they had me bring all maintenance up-to-date. I also...

• The Critic
• Replies: 170
• Forum: Vehicles

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[bighead2586]

Nice. It's funny how a basic ass car like a 2008 Corolla could inspire nostalgia the way this beat up little car did today. The first car I drove extensively was a 1990 Corolla 5 speed manual that my sister and I split as our first car and my test drive today really brought back memories of that rattly but solid little thing. The cloth interior, the mushy pedals and the heavy steering felt like home if that doesn't sound too corny. I think I was born a couple decades too late LOL.