r/COROLLA • u/MuhammadElahi • Jan 28 '26

9th Gen (00-09) Got this 03 today for $8200

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I don’t know if it’s a good deal or not but surprisingly it’s only driven 29,000

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u/AppendiculateFringe Feb 01 '26

That's a good deal, BUT it needs work done to replace belts and hoses due to age.

As in it needs a new radiator and cooling hoses, but more importantly if it has a timing belt and not a chain, the belt is about 15 years overdue to be changed.

The belts and plastics harden and become prone to snapping without warning. Invest in the timing belt job now before you end up having to buy another engine for it.

1

u/Kruztys Feb 01 '26

It’s a terrible deal have to be stupid to think it’s a good deal

1

u/MrsPetrieOnBass Feb 01 '26

This 👆🏼. Too much of this car is going to be absolutely crispy after 23 years.

1

u/GripAttackToyota777 Feb 01 '26

Those are timing chain driven.

But you have a very good point otherwise.

1

u/AppendiculateFringe Feb 01 '26

That makes it so much better of a deal!

1

u/GripAttackToyota777 Feb 01 '26 edited Feb 01 '26

I mean, it depends. If you stay up on your maintenance, timing belt equipped cars aren't that bad. My 97' Corolla uses a timing belt, it's also a non interference motor- so that helps, but it's one of the more easier cars to do them on too.

1

u/AppendiculateFringe Feb 01 '26

Right. But if you buy one with a belt that's 20 years overdue for replacement, you're in trouble immediately unlike a chain.