A "NEW" 2002 Toyota Corolla

[Kira]

Hello, I trust I can make this interesting. I'll be brief......

An old lady next door was T-boned destroying her 2002 Corolla. She has asked me to keep my eye peeled for a replacement 4 door car in the $5,000-$6,000 range.
Her fractured arm will buy time for this car search.

1) Given she owned the '02 for 6 years I thought she should get an '08 at least. There's real flexibility on this number.

2) Also, It turns out the octogenarian loved the crank windows in the '02. She's fearful of being "trapped in her car" by failed windows. Here is where we all (involved neighbors) must use our communication skills to influence this lady if need be. She's sweet.
I'm thinking there are no vehicles-even base models-made with crank windows after 2008.

3) I know this isn't too terribly challenging for me or BITOGers but hearing your suggestions would be fun.
Since she's a solid 5,000 mile per year driver I know there are lotsa cars out there.

 

[dlayman]

7th gen (2001-2005) Honda civic VP. One in great shape should be easily attainable in that price range. VP trim has crank windows and no power locks. (There are other cars around that still have crank windows too). Just be sure the timing belt, etc. were changed on time or have them changed immediately. And that the airbag recalls have been done.

 

[supton]

Well, you could try convincing her that electric isn't that bad. It certainly is a bit limiting, as crank windows are getting harder to find--not impossible, but if she liked her Corolla, it could be hard(er) as you look for newer versions.

Anyhow: if you search, you can find new Versa 1.6 S models with crank windows and no power locks. So they are out there. I'm not sure how many Nissan actually sells, nor if you can get crank windows with their autos. That might be the only new car with crank windows.

Is she just after 4 door, automatic, small cars?

 

[Rolla07]

My 07 has crank windows and so far, couldnt be happier with the car. I have done very little work on the car til now and runs great. If you can find an 07 with crank windows, I wouldnt hesitate going that route.

 

[JustinH]

We have an 08 matrix that is pretty bare bones and it has electric windows and locks.

Most reliable car we have ever owned. Much better than the RAV4 we own as well.

Matrix is just a corolla station wagon, take a look at that and the Pontiac Vibe clone.

 

[Bgallagher]

I feel like you're best bet is 03-08 range compact foreign sedans in the "lower" feature range. She might even be able to find a chevy cobalt or ford focus with crank windows. At this point I would offer to give the car a once over. Changing out all the fluids and filters that need it. Given the age of the vehicles they will all need a little TLC considering it'll be an old lady who most likely will do zero work besides maybe an oil change

 

[eljefino]

A while back the early 90's camrys had an electrical malfunction that took out the power windows and locks, and even locked the locks, IIRC. She's not that far off base.

Dodge neons all had crank windows in the rear doors even with power up front. If she's spry, she's got that option. They made them until 2005.

 

[supton]

You're right, Cobalt could be had with crank windows, at least in 2008.

 

[zzyzzx]

Manual crank windows are more reliable. Keep looking.

 

[mazdamonky]

Base model Mazda 3's were available with hand crank windows I believe up until 2015. Also most economy cars are still available with hand cranks today.

 

[LeakySeals]

98-02 1.8l I4 Toyota engines consume more oil than gas. surprised she hasn't gone dry.

 

[supton]

Originally Posted By: LeakySeals
98-02 1.8l I4 Toyota engines consume more oil than gas. surprised she hasn't gone dry.


Most, but not all. Depended upon several factors. If the owner did frequent oil changes (preferably with a synthetic) it may never have problems--the drain holes were too small in the pistons, but use an oil that could handle the temps and the holes shouldn't plug, nor the rings stick.

That or she just kept adding oil. At 5k/year it wouldn't have been a problem.

 

[HerrStig]

Originally Posted By: zzyzzx
Manual crank windows are more reliable. Keep looking.
Yup, why the window motor on my 99 Camry only lasted 350K going through a toll booth twice every weekday.

 

[LeakySeals]

It was design. The factors made it sooner or later. But it was inevitable. they fixed it in 03 with new pistons.

 

[AirgunSavant]

Get her a set of these.........
Window breakers

 

[Nick1994]

Find her another old Corolla that's low miles owned by another old lady.

 

[andyd]

Mum's last car was a fully loaded CRV. She had one of those rescue tools velcro-ed to the dash. Mum and Dad drove bugs 20 yrs after most people. The CRV and Dads Tacoma 4x4 were their first automatics/ power everything cars. You will have to search for manual windows. I bet you can find them still.

 

[GMFan]

I've always liked crank windows. My Mazda was the first car I owned to have power windows and I hate them . They fail to roll down when very cold, rattle in their tracks and feel like they won't make it another year. "Progress"

 

[supton]

My VW had "great" electric windows. My Tundra is good enough, but not auto (auto down on driver only). My Camry has awful electric windows (albeit auto either way, all windows).

Thankfully we don't use them much.

 

[Nick1994]

Originally Posted By: GMFan
I've always liked crank windows. My Mazda was the first car I owned to have power windows and I hate them . They fail to roll down when very cold, rattle in their tracks and feel like they won't make it another year. "Progress"
Sounds like a Mazda problem. Not a power window problem.