Got a 2003 Corolla. Had it for 2 years and has 155k miles. Its going today to go into tranny shop again. It's a 5 speed, and the input shaft bearing in these cars are prone to failure. Thinking about selling when it's fixed and getting something different.
I'd like something reliable and that gets 30+ mpg. Needs to be 4 door, I like 5 speeds...but reliable wins. I've had Corolla's and a Civic. Either of those 2 newer than 12 years old is over $5k with under 200k miles around here.
Open to suggestions.
Thanks
Recommend me a reliable, economical car - under 5k
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Hmmmmm,good reliable car for 5k? Well,maybe an older Hyundai Elantra or something?
2nd gen regular Neon? You could get an R/T with leather and a sunroof for under $5k too but I think the normal motor is geared for better mileage. 4 banger Sebring must be pretty cheap and owned by lots of little old ladies who took car of their cars by the book.
I'll be honest- this is a car segment I know almost nothing about (never had any interest in economy cars) so I won't even try to make a recommendation.
But I'll pose a different question: in GENERAL, aren't Toyota Corollas pretty highly regarded (yes, this is from someone who hates Toyotas and admits it, but bear with me...)? SO if the only significant issue is an input bearing problem AND you're going to have it fixed anyway... I'd find out what the tranny shop can do in the way of upgraded parts or assembly technique to FIX the input bearing weakness and just keep the Corolla.
Check out Saturns thats what I have and I'm happy with it.
Originally Posted By: 440Magnum
But I'll pose a different question: in GENERAL, aren't Toyota Corollas pretty highly regarded (yes, this is from someone who hates Toyotas and admits it, but bear with me...)? SO if the only significant issue is an input bearing problem AND you're going to have it fixed anyway... I'd find out what the tranny shop can do in the way of upgraded parts or assembly technique to FIX the input bearing weakness and just keep the Corolla.
Why is it prone to failure?
Maybe you just need to change trans fluid more often or use some Amsoil or something? Also as 440 said, maybe there is an upgraded bearing you can have installed, as well as possibly more preventative maintenance. I changed the manual trans fluid in my new Honda at 1K miles to Amsoil. I've no doubts the trans will last a long time especially now.
Scooby U R sort of reposting as you were looking at a saturn last week maybe? I would stick with the "devil you know" as the grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence. That said, a grandma car like a mid-late 2004-2007 Kia Amanti with low miles might be good. I havent researched this car though. Think out of the box. Repair costs will swamp a few MPG improvement in short order.Maybe look through local obits and see if a local family has a panther for estate sale on the cheap. Thats a good car. I got this unfortunate situation right now right here at work with a mercury and a caddy needing to go. I'll take the Mercury over a DTS 
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Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Originally Posted By: 440Magnum
But I'll pose a different question: in GENERAL, aren't Toyota Corollas pretty highly regarded (yes, this is from someone who hates Toyotas and admits it, but bear with me...)? SO if the only significant issue is an input bearing problem AND you're going to have it fixed anyway... I'd find out what the tranny shop can do in the way of upgraded parts or assembly technique to FIX the input bearing weakness and just keep the Corolla.
I am very happy with my 04 Ion. Got it for $4200 and it had 106K on it. Runs like a champ, the best 4 cyl GM ever put into a car. It has decent power and still gets 32-34 MPG with very very very easy driving 80% hwy miles. My 5 spd was kinda difficult to get into 1st gear when I got it but I put Amsoil atf in and it now is a great shifter. Plenty of room, 4 doors, the only problems so far are that the engine fan has quit on me but since I do almost all hwy driving I'm not concerned and the darn windshield wipers had a crummy design and mine are broken. So if you see an Ion driving in a downpour stay away from them lol
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Originally Posted By: bigdreama
It's hard to beat a Corolla for long term reliability. If the car is sound then your best bet is to fix it and drive it.
Originally Posted By: css9450
Surprised no one has mentioned a gently-used Crown Victoria yet.
Originally Posted By: Scooby
This is the 2nd repair in 2 years on the trans. AFTER I bought the car, I have found that the C59 transmissions basically eat the input shaft bearing. I've scoured the internet for some sort of upgraded part, but none is available. My only "upgrade" option is the buy a C60 6 speed that has had the ratio changed to match my 1ZZ motor. Only problem...$2800.
This car has 155k miles, and would be more than happy to keep it for another 155k miles. I change the manual lube every 15k miles with either Motul or Redline...but it seems to make no difference.
I think it's kind of funny even though the car wears out input bearing people keep suggesting the Corolla is most reliable. It might have reliability in many other areas but transmission failure is pretty major and knocks reliability way down.
Originally Posted By: JOD
Originally Posted By: css9450
Surprised no one has mentioned a gently-used Crown Victoria yet.
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