I've always driven little cheap cars, just something to get around more or less. I'll be coming home from a stint in Aussie in a month and have a little cash to burn so I figure it's about time I buy a car that I'll enjoy owning.
What I'm currently looking at is mainly KE35s (SR Coupes), just because I've loved the look of them ever since I first saw one. The only problem is the original engine seems pretty gutless. There's a few around with 4AGE engines in them that would give it a bit more up and go, so that doesn't seem like too bad of an option.
The only problem is I don't really know a whole lot about cars, and have never driven anything around that age. What should I look out for while buying them, any particular problems they were prone to etc!
Am I worrying over nothing about the engine differences! There's a few around with 4k engines, but I don't really want to be driving a car that will struggle up hills, and since that's a 1.3L is seems like it'd have a bit of trouble.
I also wouldn't mind a Mk3 Cortina, but the KE35 is definitely a favourite.
Any other suggestions are most welcome for a similar style of car, but I'm not a big fan of most of the other older corollas, as they all just look like generic granny cars to me (no offence intended to those that love them). My budget at the moment is around the $7500-$8000 mark, which leaves me enough for gas, ferry etc to get it home.
Any help and advice you guys can give me is much appreciated.
vtecintegra,
Jan 1, 9:52pm
Rust, rust, rust
Unless you know what to look for (or have someone you trust to do it for you) don't buy a swapped (i.e. 4AGE) one - all sorts of shoddy stuff goes on in these and they'll need supporting suspension and brake mods to be even remotely safe to drive.
thejazzpianoma,
Jan 1, 9:57pm
Why you would want to part with that much money for a pair of cars that werecheap and (especially the MK3) pretty rubbish even when new escapes me.
You could buy a proper classic for that.
msigg,
Jan 1, 10:03pm
Yea if you could get a good original sr coup they will only go up in value if you don't kock it around, they are very cheap to run and very basic, with a few tools you can keep them going, no electronics to stuff things up.They are sort after.
judyk3,
Jan 1, 10:03pm
So that more or less rules out going towards a 4AGE then, since the majority of KE35s are going to be somewhere that I wont have a trusted mechanic by my side. As far as getting someone to inspect it, with an older car like this would an AA pre purchase inspection be of any use, or would I be better off finding a mechanic with a good rep and paying them the same amount to give it a good look over!
Does the same apply to the 4k engine, since that also isn't the original factory engine (at least I'm pretty sure they originally came out with 3ks, correct!)!
Things like this are the exact reason I'd rather ask for advice prior to buying something, than just rush out and get it.
No offence, but the Fiats you showed don't really do much for me.
thejazzpianoma,
Jan 1, 10:07pm
Thats quite O.K you have to buy something YOU like. However the MK3 was a properly rubbish car in its time. The MK1 Cortina does have some merit though.
The Corolla is just a boy racer over priced theft magnet.
There are plenty of under valued quality classics around though, the world is your oyster. The South island has some of the nicest rust free or low rust examples too.
trdbzr,
Jan 1, 10:10pm
The older Datsun's were pretty reliable cars and didn't have major rust problems either. Im talking about the 1200 and 120Y.
vtecintegra,
Jan 1, 10:10pm
Not sure which came with which but swapping within the same family isn't such an issue anyway as it all bolts up.
A 4AGE is a more involved swap with a lot more to go wrong, and has more than double the power of a 4K
judyk3,
Jan 1, 10:11pm
The problem is that I've seen a lot of molested ones around. I'd love to have one that looks pretty close to original, even if it does have a 4k or something similar in it. The main thing for me is to find one that's tidy from the get go. I have mates who are mechanics back home, so actual engine troubles I may come across arn't too much of a concern, but I doubt that I can convince them to panel and paint a car for me on the cheap haha
judyk3,
Jan 1, 10:21pm
Possibly to the 1200s, they seem to be a bit cheaper and I dont mind the shape.
Also quite like the shape of the old Galant Colts, but I've seen a couple of those in pretty shocking condition, so if that's a common thing it may be a pretty good reason to avoid them.
judyk3,
Jan 1, 10:23pm
Good to know, thanks. As far as powers concerned, exactly how gutless would a 4k be! Would I be approaching hills with dread, urging it on! Just remember back in the days of driving my old 1.3l ford laser, where you'd try and get as much speed up before the hill and you'd still barely make it
richynuts,
Jan 1, 10:24pm
what about this! 429188406
vtecintegra,
Jan 1, 10:27pm
A 1.3l Laser in good working condition is a rocketship compared to a Corolla with a 4k
thejazzpianoma,
Jan 1, 10:28pm
Easy to look after, motorable and has some redeeming "classic" qualities. Gets my vote as a possibility.
richynuts,
Jan 1, 10:30pm
I am stunned you actually agree with me!
judyk3,
Jan 1, 10:34pm
I'm a little surprised by that as well. I stalk the boards on occasion and I wasn't aware you liked anything with a Ford badge on it.
But now I have to be the downbuzz and say that it unfortunately isnt the sort of shape / style Im into. I like the similar body style to the SR coupe, Galant Colt, Mk3 Cortina, Escort etc etc. Doesn't have to be exactly that of course, but it just gives you a rough idea. Never been a fan of the DX corollas though, most likely due to the winners I normally see driving them
richynuts,
Jan 1, 10:39pm
you may be able to haggle this down to $8500! 436307222
vtecnet,
Jan 1, 11:53pm
How about a nice E30 BMW, 325i with manual transmission, these are fun cars and entertaining in corners. They were made from the Mid 80's until 1991 from memory but have that classic look to them, they are fairly basic compared to newer BMW's and parts can be found easily, I've had 2x of these. Something like Auction no. 429042455
thejazzpianoma,
Jan 1, 11:57pm
Despite appearances I am an equal opportunity bargain hunter! Its just the Fords are often a bit too mainstream in the modern stuff and can go for more than what they are worth.
thejazzpianoma,
Jan 1, 11:59pm
Thats all good, you like what you like. The only thing to be aware of is that with the stuff you are looking at its all very popular with the Boy Racer types. especially the low budget hack it up and abuse it ones.
Just be aware that, that means its harder to get a good one and you are paying quite a price for how much "car" you are getting. Also, these things are theft magnets, easy to break into and popular with thieves. Not trying to put you off here just giving you a taste for the market.
edangus,
Jan 2, 12:05am
Get a KE20 - 4AGE or Rotor it.
Then you will be having fun!
When I was a young fella did the 4age first, blew it up one night, so went to the rotary. Yeehaa
Absolute waste of money, but so much fun doing it (I am talking about 16 years ago)
Note. lotsa lotsa rust in most of 70's to 80's Jappas. Be prepared for some hard graft and continual maintenance (on the body and suspension)
judyk3,
Jan 2, 12:13am
Haha, not much of a rotary person, unless it's sitting in an RX3.
I still prefer the body of the ke35. The others of that corolla range don't do a whole lot for me
thejazzpianoma,
Jan 2, 12:20am
I'm not a good person to ask for actual value on something like that, someone else on here would know though. I guess for me the biggest question on that one would be how usable it is as an everyday driver. If the cam is super lumpy it may not be that nice to drive around town, likewise the lowered suspension. That said, it may have been done nicely and still be driveable. you would have to go and see.
edangus,
Jan 2, 12:22am
Too much money mate 5K tops. Possible port my bum. Starlet 5spd, matched to a 4K! Km's are dodgy at best. So its gonna need a new diff head soon. But hey, your call.
I know what its like went you really want a new toy. Its only money
judyk3,
Jan 2, 12:33am
I'm here asking questions for a reason, and it's not because Im a mechanic haha. Alright, so that's more or less two votes for "run, run away!". I dont want to be buying a car then having to get a lot of work done to it soon after. I mean, a car this age Im not expecting perfection, just want to try and avoid any real trainwrecks
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