Time to replace my Corolla, what should I get?

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted By: globey
I'm with Spartuss. I'd continue to drive the Corolla. I highly doubt it will "nickel and dime" you to the point of spending 9K. I see people on a daily basis who are upset at having to spend 200 or 300 on parts for their "paid off" vehicles. I simply tell them that it's still cheaper than one single car payment on a newer car. Continue to drive the Corolla...this is when the car starts to pay for itself.


Agree 100%. Unless actual reliability is compromised by these nickel and dime issues, repair them and do your pocketbook a favor. Unless oil consumption goes crazy, the transmission fails, or some other major dollar value thing happens, I'd stick with what you have.

IMO, the last gen civic is underpowered and has reliability issues with and AT. The current gen is overpowered and not that pleasant to drive in many ways. id look for a deal on a bargain basement Yaris, stretch a few pennies and get into one of them instead, if need be. Used Japaneese cars are HORRIBLE deals.

JMH

 

[brianl703]

I don't know how much it shares with the Cobalt other than the engine and transmission, but my mom's 2004 Malibu Classic has had only one problem in 4 years and 40k miles and that was noisy strut mounts, which were fixed under warranty. (Well, the next door neighbor also tore off the rear bumper with a moving truck but that's hardly GM's fault...).

 

[Pesca]

Originally Posted By: grampi
I would have to go with the sedan model as I need the extra practicality of the 4 doors. I also want to go with an automatic this time around. My Corolla is a manual, and while I have preferred manuals to autos most of my life, I'm getting to the age (and I encounter a lot of traffic) to where I'm getting sick of shifting. I absolutely love the 5 speed auto in the newer Civics (which is one of the main reasons I prefer it to the older Civics).


If you were a manual guy and wants to move on, there is the Sentra with the CVT you could check.
I know it exists in 2007 models, I don't know if it was the first year or if you can have earlier model with the CVT.

It is the best of two worlds: you are close to the manual mpg, but no more clutch pedal.

I am like you, was a manual guy but not that much choice when you look at CUV, that is in part why we went with the Rogue.
It is not as fun as a manual (I enjoy even more now using my wife's car from time to time), but when I am in traffic, I am happy. Still way better than an automatic car in my opinion.

Cheaper but probably less comfortable, you have the versa, also with a CVT model, I think.

 

[PandaBear]

The problem I see with spending only 9k for a car to replace your corolla is that you may end up having a less reliable ride.

IMO the quality of Corolla starts going downhill since about 2002, and it is better to save the 9k and fix all the stuffs that bothers you. 200K could means some stuff to fix, like suspensions, door locks, power windows, radiator, hoses, a few leaks here and there, but once you fix those stuff the car will last a long time, especially if you do your own work.

The same 9k won't buy you anywhere close to the same amount of durability and miles on another used car, and the risk of major problem that the sellers hide from you (i.e. head gasket, transmission problem, etc).

The only exception for this rule is if your car is rusted out and the used car you buy has no rust, and in your area cars usually die from rust than break down.

 

[Dave Hess]

They are offering 0% financing on the 2009 Corolla if he really wanted to buy a new car. I would keep the old Corolla for a few more years and save some $$$

The 2006 and newer Civic is a great car, but some people love the car & some people hate the car. I haven't had any problems with our 2007 Civic except the 40+ miles per gallon.

 

[grampi]

Originally Posted By: Spartuss
If it makes you feel any better. Chevy Cavalier's were very reliable for the most part.


Oh come on, Cavaleirs were recycle-mobiles. Compared to Civcs and Corollas they were garbage.

 

[grampi]

Originally Posted By: Pesca
Originally Posted By: grampi
I would have to go with the sedan model as I need the extra practicality of the 4 doors. I also want to go with an automatic this time around. My Corolla is a manual, and while I have preferred manuals to autos most of my life, I'm getting to the age (and I encounter a lot of traffic) to where I'm getting sick of shifting. I absolutely love the 5 speed auto in the newer Civics (which is one of the main reasons I prefer it to the older Civics).


If you were a manual guy and wants to move on, there is the Sentra with the CVT you could check.
I know it exists in 2007 models, I don't know if it was the first year or if you can have earlier model with the CVT.

It is the best of two worlds: you are close to the manual mpg, but no more clutch pedal.

I am like you, was a manual guy but not that much choice when you look at CUV, that is in part why we went with the Rogue.
It is not as fun as a manual (I enjoy even more now using my wife's car from time to time), but when I am in traffic, I am happy. Still way better than an automatic car in my opinion.

Cheaper but probably less comfortable, you have the versa, also with a CVT model, I think.


None of these cars would even come close to being my price range. They're still too new.

 

[SatinSilver]

I'd strongly consider the 01-05 Civics. You can get one in your price range. I had an 05 service loaner and was quite impressed with it. I also had an 06 Civic rental and although nice there's been complaints about the emergency brake digging into the side of your leg. I've heard this from others also.

 

[grampi]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Originally Posted By: globey
I'm with Spartuss. I'd continue to drive the Corolla. I highly doubt it will "nickel and dime" you to the point of spending 9K. I see people on a daily basis who are upset at having to spend 200 or 300 on parts for their "paid off" vehicles. I simply tell them that it's still cheaper than one single car payment on a newer car. Continue to drive the Corolla...this is when the car starts to pay for itself.


Agree 100%. Unless actual reliability is compromised by these nickel and dime issues, repair them and do your pocketbook a favor. Unless oil consumption goes crazy, the transmission fails, or some other major dollar value thing happens, I'd stick with what you have.

IMO, the last gen civic is underpowered and has reliability issues with and AT. The current gen is overpowered and not that pleasant to drive in many ways. id look for a deal on a bargain basement Yaris, stretch a few pennies and get into one of them instead, if need be. Used Japaneese cars are HORRIBLE deals.

JMH


I absolutely love the looks and utility of the Yaris hatchback, but for as much time as I spend in my car, I would have to have more creature features than what comes on the basement model for it to be a comfortable ride. When it's equipped the way I'd want it equipped, it ends up being way too expensive. I also can't stand the auto transmission in the Yaris. It either has the engine constantly over-revving, or bogging. It desparately needs a 5 speed auto.

I only paid $6K for my Corolla when I bought it 3 years ago. That has certainly turned out to be a pretty good deal. I do think the used Civics are way over-priced though.

 

[grampi]

Originally Posted By: LT4 Vette
They are offering 0% financing on the 2009 Corolla if he really wanted to buy a new car. I would keep the old Corolla for a few more years and save some $$$

The 2006 and newer Civic is a great car, but some people love the car & some people hate the car. I haven't had any problems with our 2007 Civic except the 40+ miles per gallon.


40+ MPG is a problem? I wish I had that problem ;0)

 

[Pesca]

My point was to be a step ahead of where you are.

In my first post, I suggest to keep your car for now, as long as it can.

In the meantime, you should first determine what do you want next?
Testdrive the different cars mentioned, make a choice, and then check regularly what is available in the used market.
You could be surprised and find a great deal tomorrow... or maybe in 6 months.

But at least, you are prepared: you know what you want and look for it (even not actively).

Buying a car is the second most important investment after a house.
If you want to move in a certain neighborhood, what do you do except the same thing?
Define your criteria, look at the classifieds and wait for the occasion.
Should be the same for a car, especially an used one. It is not like your car has been totalled and you need a ride for monday: You have time, take advantage of it.

One of my friends looked for a house for more than a year, and finally got what he wanted.

 

[ThirdeYe]

Originally Posted By: grampi
Originally Posted By: Spartuss
If it makes you feel any better. Chevy Cavalier's were very reliable for the most part.


Oh come on, Cavaleirs were recycle-mobiles. Compared to Civcs and Corollas they were garbage.


My first car was a '96 Cavalier LS (w/optional 2.4 engine) that was owned by an elderly man with under 100,000 miles on it. Every week something went wrong with that car, and I hardly even used it. Air conditioning went out, brakes (maintenance, so I don't like to count that), multi-function switch, EGR valve/emissions CEL, Rear muffler clamp broke, vents wouldn't work properly, you name it. I only had it for maybe 2,000 miles and had enough of it. I probably just got a lemon, but it sure left a "sour" taste in my mouth. My next car (Nissan Altima with a questionable history, and a previous rental car) was almost trouble free for 10,000 hard, teen-driven miles. When I purchased it, it had an oil leak that I got fixed within the first week. After that, I had 2 years of trouble free service. Right before I sold it, it needed the alternator rebuilt, rear brakes and a new battery (got it done by a local mechanic for under $300 total)

 

[The Critic]

I would try to keep the Corolla for as long as possible. It sounds like you're starting to have some problems, but they don't appear to be serious so I would live with them for as long as you can.

The early 8th generation Civics (2006 models) are not very reliable. They have had water pump problems, wheel bearing problems, alignment problems and engine block cracks that are beginning to show up. If you do want to buy an 8th generation Civic, you're better off buying a 2007 or 2008 model.

 

[rationull]

Originally Posted By: Spartuss

Maybe in Canada something is different from US models but the only thing that I can remember is that if you are comparing a sedan to a coupe trim for trim, both are the same. Perhaps your DX does not have a rear stabilizer bar and the coupe does which makes a difference in handling.


There are small differences between the Civic coupe and sedan models that aren't especially visible. The drivetrains and brakes are of course the same (when comparing like trim levels) and the FE ratings are the same.

However, according to Honda's website the coupe has slightly tighter steering (2.67 vs 2.7 turns lock to lock) except on the DX model (I can't remember whether DX-G inherits this or whether it's actually based on the USA LX model). Also, the coupe has larger front and rear stabilizer bars. I can't remember if the spring rates are different or not.

 

[Saturn_Fan]

Originally Posted By: grampi
So far this year, these are the repairs/replacements I've had to make.

Electric radiator fans (both) and housings. Cost $400

Front stablizer bar links (both). Cost $110

There are some other things wrong that I haven't gotten fixed. Both driver's side windows are inop, they probably need new regulator assemblies. I have a constant check engine light on due to an EVAP system error caused by a bad fuel system vent valve (has no affect on anything). I also have a constant flashing seatbelt warning light on the dash.

Everything else on the car works fine and the engine uses about 1/2 qt between 6K mile changes.


Wow! 1/2 per 6k aint bad my friend.

I would keep this car and despite you having to spend 510 bucks on it, I think it would make it to 300K, then maybe consider getting rid of it at that time. I went with a CE Corolla because it didn't have power windows/locks. One less thing to go wrong when I get to 200K.

 

[ekpolk]

Keep the 'rolla until you encounter your first expensive repair, if that ever happens. Obviously, it will at some point in the future, but I'd speculate that you have a pretty solid chance of extracting another 100-200k miles of very inexpensive motoring from this car before anything serious happens.

Thinking ahead, have you considered a base model Camry as a replacement? Much more room and comfort, and since all base models are I-4s, also very good fuel economy. You can still get one of these cars for under $20k as long as you're not looking for a bunch of options.

 

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted By: grampi

I absolutely love the looks and utility of the Yaris hatchback, but for as much time as I spend in my car, I would have to have more creature features than what comes on the basement model for it to be a comfortable ride. When it's equipped the way I'd want it equipped, it ends up being way too expensive. I also can't stand the auto transmission in the Yaris. It either has the engine constantly over-revving, or bogging. It desparately needs a 5 speed auto.

I only paid $6K for my Corolla when I bought it 3 years ago. That has certainly turned out to be a pretty good deal. I do think the used Civics are way over-priced though.


Question - what creature comforts do you need? stuff beyond PW/PL/keyless/AC/CD? Im not sure if those cars come with a sunroof at all... you might be able to find a rental car turn-in for a good price. Personally, I dig the looks of the cornflower blue 4dr yaris. But Id buy one with MT.


I found your discussion on the AT to be the complete opposite. If you look in the vehicle writeup sub forum, youll find my assessment of an 08 yaris that I had as a rental car. I had it for a week, then an 08 civic for 2 weeks, used throughout CA.

The civic was the one that shifted WAY too much. With 5 speeds, it was just way too confused. The slightest touch of pedal pressure caused a downshift, and it never really knew where it wanted to be. In addition, while the civic engine was nice and powerful, and it was muted by sound insulation, the road buzz and NVH from travel was significantly louder or at least more annoying/less pleasant to my ears, as compared to the Yaris, where you could hear the engine more but other noises almost didnt exist (phew, that's a run-on).

The yaris did great doing 80 MPH up and down the mountains on US-101 between Oxnard, CA and LA. It downshifted when necessary, but was smart, and the car kep up really well - AC on and everything. I was very suprised.

Nobody will mistake the yaris's handling for the civic's but then again the tires on the civic are 205 series and far more $ to replace come PM time - something that you will want to consider.

So, as far as I could tell, the yaris AT was far less busy, and did a better job helping it to keep up, as compared to the civic. Sometimes I feel as if having too many gears can be a liability, and driving around in the yaris vs. the civic seemed to indicate that. Couple that with less overall buzziness and noise, and slightly more comfortable seats, and the Yaris was a winner - it only really looses out if you need the marginally larger amount of space that the civic provides (in which case, why not go for a 4cyl camry or accord?)

JMH

 

[grampi]

Originally Posted By: Saturn_Fan
Originally Posted By: grampi
So far this year, these are the repairs/replacements I've had to make.

Electric radiator fans (both) and housings. Cost $400

Front stablizer bar links (both). Cost $110

There are some other things wrong that I haven't gotten fixed. Both driver's side windows are inop, they probably need new regulator assemblies. I have a constant check engine light on due to an EVAP system error caused by a bad fuel system vent valve (has no affect on anything). I also have a constant flashing seatbelt warning light on the dash.

Everything else on the car works fine and the engine uses about 1/2 qt between 6K mile changes.


Wow! 1/2 per 6k aint bad my friend.

I would keep this car and despite you having to spend 510 bucks on it, I think it would make it to 300K, then maybe consider getting rid of it at that time. I went with a CE Corolla because it didn't have power windows/locks. One less thing to go wrong when I get to 200K.

I plan on keeping this car for quite a while longer. I think the major components are still in good shape. The inside of the engine is clean as a whistle and the transmission still has the original clutch with no slippage problems. I don't mind replacing worn parts as in most cases the cost to do so is less than a car payment. The only thing I really worry about is something going that would leave me stranded. I'm on the road every weekend and anything breaking that would be a show stopper would probably end up being an expensive (not to mention very inconvenient) adventure. But then again, I'm not making any car payments so even then I'd probably still come out ahead.

 

[JHZR2]

why not do a bit of extra PM if there is a worry?

Might sound stupid, but think about the parts that would leave you stranded:
-multiple failed tires
-bad fuel pump
-broken starter
-bad alternator
-dead battery
-fried ECU
-destroyed PS rack
-busted radiator/hoses
-etc.

Some of these are more likely (battery, starter and alternator for example), others, like a fried ECU are negligible in terms of probability.

Get the glaring things that annoy you (windows for example) fixed, and then either test, straight up replace, or set up a savings fund for the other stuff that you knmow could be an issue down the line. Between doing that, having a set of tools and jumper cables, and an AAA membership (and a cellphone, I guess), you should be well set...

If you havent done it recently, stuff like oil change, all filters (oil, air, fuel), MT fluid, alignment, PCV valve, coolant being replaced wouldnt hurt. This PM will do the systems good, and ought to flag any glaring issues that may hit you short term. You could also go out with a multimeter and just verify stuff like resting battery voltage, alternator output, etc. to be quick checks of common things that could fail on you.

 

[02Pilot]

I've got to say I'd keep the current vehicle and drive the wheels off it. Fix what needs fixing and keep up the maintenance and you should be able to go a long while.

Now, that being said, if you're looking to make a switch (since you want an automatic), I'd avoid the TDI for all the reasons mentioned; the current-generation Civic sedans really look quite good, though as you say prices are above your range right now.

The Cobalt is not a bad car - my girlfriend drives one - though it is not likely to be as trouble-free over the kind of mileage you do as your Corolla has been. At 60k miles, we have replaced a control arm bushing (under warranty), a reverse light switch, and a turn signal/light control switch. That said, the car is an order of magnitude better than the Cavalier it replaced, and gets an honest 40mpg on the highway (manual).

Keep your eyes and your options open, but keep the Corolla until the right replacement comes along.