Used Toyota Corolla Texas TX
Reader’s Question:
I’m looking forward to getting a used car for my son. He’ll be turning 19 later this year, and I think I’ve held him off long enough. Care to offer some interesting advice before he and I go check out the dealers here in Texas? I am thinking of giving the boy 2002 Corolla as a starter. Six years off the price should not be a bad deal.
Kent
Houston, TX
Hi there, Kent. I know that it is a tradition among the fathers of a lot of countries, including this one -getting a car for the young male. First, you have to ask yourself, how confident are you to give 4 wheels to your son? It won’t be like teaching him how to ride a bike. You won’t always be there to catch him when he falls. Much in the same manner, you have to select the right car for your son. Who knows what lie in wait on the roads of Texas? Leaving out price, these are several criteria I used to analyze your choice: safety, fuel economy, overall style. Point by point? Read on, Kent.
Safety as a concern, the 2002 still belongs to the 8th Generation of Toyota Corollas. This batch already has side airbags (on some models, so look for these) and that should take a load off your mind and off your kid while he’s on the road. Overall styling, the 2002 should not look dated as a car on the road. Besides, I doubt if your boy would be expecting an exotic European import as a first car. This should suit him just fine, or you can just spruce it up a bit with a nice sound system or some other accessory. Goodness, I know you don’t want to kill yourself with gas money issues. This model with its 1.8 Liter engine, if well-maintained, should not guzzle more gas than your son’s wallet can pump into its tank. Toyota’s work on multi-valve engine technology has proven itself time and time again.
Hope this eased your mind on the choice of car you made, Kent.
Tags: Houston Dealer, Toyota Dealer, used car
Used Toyota 4runner Texas TX
Reader’s Question:
My brother-in-law in, also living here in Texas, wants me to sell his old Toyota 4runner for him, so I can make money off it. He was explicit enough to tell me not to take it to a lot. What are the ins and outs in selling a used vehicle privately, anyway?
Jeff
Houston, TX
Hey there, Jeff. By the sound of it, you seem pretty lost, lost in Texas! Kidding aside, selling that used Toyota 4runner should not be much of a problem. Just kind of reverses the point of view that you’re used to. If you’re used to being the buyer, then just switch roles. Remember that car buyers do have some specifics that they want to check out. It doesn’t matter whether the vehicle is on a dealer’s lot or if the car’s just in a friendly neighbor’s garage. It’s up to you to switch and give what the buyer wants.
Okay, Jeff. First off, do you have all the papers in order? Make sure you do before you go about selling that car.
Now, for the other basics, there’s the car’s condition, how you’ll price it and the freebies you want to throw in. Let’s start with the price, I won’t dictate to you how you should price the car but I’ll offer advice. Agree with your brother-in-law first on what the floor price will be. One thing with private selling is you have to be prepared because buyers that’ll take a look at that car will expect a steal of a deal. The last thing you’d want to happen is to end up not making profit on your end. Now, do a thorough check on the car. Buyers normally want a price-off for something they might see as defective. So if there are minor (and low-cost) repairs needed to be made, have them done. Loose cables, an oil or fluid leak might cost you that good deal, so practice due diligence. As for freebies, they’re all entirely up to you. A nice accessory could prove valuable to sweeten a deal.
Tags: cheap cars, Houston Dealer, Toyota Dealer, used car
Used Car Toyota Corolla Texas TX
Reader’s Question:
I’m looking at a 10-year old Corolla to give to my kid for his practice driving. A neighbor just wants to get the car off his hands. You know, before the big leagues. I hate to give my son a brand-new car to drive and bump around Texas. Any “ins” and “outs” on this model?
Jay
Houston, TX
Whoa! Jay, Jay, Jay. A 10-year old car, eh? A wise choice for the wallet, but you gotta ask yourself, “Are you really serious?” But hey, since you want the ins and outs, we’ll give you some. I won’t blame you if you do decide to go with this car. It’ll be cheap experience as a learner’s car in Houston.
I think these will be more of general tips. The Corolla back in ’98 had a reliable 16-valve engine on it. If your neighbor properly maintained the car, it should not give you a lot of headaches. One good thing I can point out, though, even if this car is already “aged,” accessories won’t be difficult to find and I think parts are still easy to come by. After all, it is a Toyota. There are critical points you should look for, though. If you see it parked at your neighbor’s car port, do check if the car still “stands” right. Signs of suspension abuse or faults can also be spotted that way. If it leans to a side too much, could be a coil spring or a shock problem. Look under the car, too, check for oil leaks. I am sure your neighbor will allow you to test drive it, do so. After starting, check out if the car is not blowing white smoke already, that’s engine wear (oil and water leak). And also check if the safety gear still work. Good thing with buying used cars off private individuals, I am sure you can get it dirt cheap. What are neighbors for, anyway?
If you get the cash in the future, you can try certified pre-owned cars in dealers in Texas.
Tags: Toyota Dealer
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