How long do I hold onto my Corolla?

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somerandomdude419@reddit

Keep it forever because it will be the last car running in your fleet. Lol I’m serious. Ask the guy with 420k miles on his 97. Someone else Posted a 2009 with like 480k. These cars don’t die. Wow… a battery… tire sensors… sounds like easy NBD stuff… yes they are boring but they are Cheap to maintain great gas mileage…. Again though the only person who can answer this is YOU.

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jack0lanterns@reddit

Delayed comment here, but would you feel the same way if you didn’t know an honest mechanic or didn’t know much about cars? I’m in a similar boat as OP. What would you say is the expected avg repair cost per year after 100k miles?

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jillavery@reddit (OP)

thank you, this is the rationality I was looking for to save me from myself lol

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Slartibartfastthe2nd@reddit

cars are really nothing but a cash drain. people attach themselves to their cars emotionally and use their cars as a symbol of status which is incredibly just dumb.

keep that car forever if you can. At some point if you need something to accommodate lifestyle (wagon, suv, something with a tow hitch), then would be time to re-evaluate. Until then, just make car payments to yourself into savings for that future purchase.

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jillavery@reddit (OP)

Ain't this the God honest truth. I very emotionally want a new car right now and it's not super grounded in reality. I DO need a bigger car for a roadtrip in a few weeks, but that's a one time thing and renting a car for $500 is a lot cheaper than buying one.

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ChloricSquash@reddit

A good way to do drive my own car math is 50¢ times the number of miles you will drive on the trip. The extra step is doing that against an airplane ticket and Ubers. Generally anything over 500 miles one way is a no brainer for rental. 1000 miles begins plane ticket territory.

That's only dollars math. Convenience is completely different and not generally rational... Like how I'll fly and still rent a car for... Freedom? 😂

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SpanishFlamingoPie@reddit

Yes. People think I'm crazy for driving my old Nissan cross country, but it's needed less work in 30 years than their vehicles have in 5. If it works it works

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GringoSwann@reddit

I'm currently on 255000 on my 07 yaris...

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PolarSquirrelBear@reddit

I’m also firmly in the camp though that just because you can doesn’t always mean you should.

Drivers are not getting any better out there. 2013 will be fine because it has a lot of modern safety features, but a 97 to today’s standards is night and day in terms of safety. All of these things could be the difference of life or death in a major wreck.

Not trying to trash your 97 either. Just my opinion (I may be super safety focused).

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advanttage@reddit

Reliability is the best feature a car can have, and you'll be hard pressed to find a more reliable car than a pre every-car-needs-an-ipad era Corolla. Personally I'd keep it if I were you.

That being said, if you were itching for something else maybe you can slide your way into a Honda Fit. It's also really reliable, easy on gas, and has more cargo space than makes sense. The only issues are that you can load more into the car than the suspension can handle, and the automatic is not the play. Underpowered Honda's are best with a 5 speed, and who doesn't enjoy ringing out to 6 or 7 grand?

I had a 2011 Honda fit which was not cared for by the previous owner, and since I'm in Atlantic Canada I chose not to invest in fixing the rust issues. I do miss the heck out of that car though!

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Nodeal_reddit@reddit

150k on a Corolla is nothing. Besides the body damage, it sounds like regular small maintenance stuff. I’d drive and maintain it for another decade.

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mazsive@reddit

Paid off car that runs for 300k plus with some maintaince is always better then having car loan. I have a 2011 corolla S manual with 158k and a 2020 se corolla with 46k.

I'm almost done with the 2020 se. Then I got a decade or 2 with 2 cars without ever paying for a new car. Then I'll probably switch to EV.

Not selling these gems. just my thinking.

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jillavery@reddit (OP)

You're so right. We haven't had a car payment in 17 years, it's kind of incredible. I shouldn't rush into one.

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mazsive@reddit

No need too rush. The market is also insane right now. And we're almost in a full EV Era. Wait it out is my opinion. :) but it's your decision.

I'd also recommend putting away say 350? A month and pretend you're paying for one. By the time you're ready you can probably straight up buy one of yhe rates are high.

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Advanced-@reddit

I just want to add:

A few visits to a junkyard for the dented parts
A simple $250 modern stereo upgrade with android/apple support
A good detail

Will make your car feel like a new car. For alot cheaper :)

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jillavery@reddit (OP)

Such good advice, thank you

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efnord@reddit

Drop a little extra on the sound system if you're into that sort of thing- it's a LOT harder to upgrade in newer cars where one giant touchscreen controls everything. https://www.crutchfield.com/p_20648TP102/Kicker-48TRTP102.html?tp=112

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jillavery@reddit (OP)

I am into that sort of thing and i really should.

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efnord@reddit

Leave the rear door speakers alone, put your whole speaker budget into the front doors

OFC amp install kits cost about twice what CCA amp kits do. But you DO NOT WANT ALUMINUM WIRE TO YOUR BATTERY. OFC all the way.

That subwoofer I linked up is surprisingly effective for its size and really efficient, you get more bass per input watt vs. the competition.

Noise cancellation is expensive but worth it, car doors make lousy speaker boxes and a Lexus is just a Toyota with about 200 pounds of noise cancellation added.

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Just_Schedule_8189@reddit

Lol i just bought a car with 160k miles. Why are you worried? The vehicle is over 10 years old and has 150k most of the depreciation is behind you.

Best bet is to save a few thousand in a savings account that can be easily accessed and if it breaks down you have the money. Buying a new car will cost you more than maintaining this one. Only thing to watch for is if it has a timing belt you are pushing mileage on that and if it hasn’t been replaced should be. I don’t remember if Toyota uses a belt or chain. If it is a chain you probably never have to change it.

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jillavery@reddit (OP)

It's a chain I'm pretty sure. A car over 10 years old makes me nervous, but Toyota...

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Just_Schedule_8189@reddit

Nah man you are good. That thing will probably go 300k miles. Just look at it this way, if you save what you would every month for a newer car you could save up while you drive that car and buy your next one cash. And if it does break down you have more than enough to fix it or buy something else.

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mmmmmyee@reddit

This is the move. Make yourself pay the hypothetical new car payment (with new car insurance adjustment) and put the money in separate account just for new car when the need actually arises, or you just get so sick of driving a trusty old corolla and an upgrade just needs to happen.

Also treat it as a eye opener for how much you’ll be spending more a month with new payment and increase in insurance.

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Just_Schedule_8189@reddit

Yeah honestly if you want to stay middle class just keep buying/leasing cars. Instead if you invest what you would spend in a car payment into a 401k you would be a millionaire in 20ish years.

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mmmmmyee@reddit

It’s on op to make that call. If he wants to invest, hey he’ll have money to work with being this disciplined.

This is askcarguys buddy.

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timmoer@reddit

I drove my 230k mile, 20 year old BMW cross-country between Toronto and San Francisco, 3 times. You'll be fine.......

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ProstheTec@reddit

I'm still driving my 2004 Corolla with 230,000 miles on it. These things are beasts.

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finallylegalwoohoo@reddit

I heard the Corolla is an easy car to drive? I live in the city, but we are moving. I used to drive when I lived in Texas but haven’t driven in 30 years. Would you suggest this car model to get back into driving? Need I say, I am nervous.

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jillavery@reddit (OP)

I wouldn't call it easy, but it's not hard. The nice thing about this older vehicles is they don't have all the bells and whistles of the new ones. You just get in it and drive.

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Delanorix@reddit

If you say everything is solid, why don't you trust it on longer adventures?

Cause of age and miles?

Baby, I've done a 800M round trip on a 225k Focus. It went to 315k before transmission failure.

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jillavery@reddit (OP)

I'm probably being too sensitive about it. I've back into a few things and ran into the sides of my garage a few times (why am I considering a new car again?) so it's rough cosmetically, but yeah, it gets me where I need to go everyday.

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timmoer@reddit

Uh, haha yeah no offense but practice parking more before you get a new car. Scratching up pristine bodywork will hurt so much more

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jillavery@reddit (OP)

How can I be offended when you are speaking truth? lol I tell myself this time will be different, but for real, was looking at Subarus cuz I could probably really benefit from eye assist.

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f5alcon@reddit

Cheaper to just get the cosmetic things fixed, I was in a similar spot bought a car and while I like the new one not having a payment was better and now I worry about door dings and stuff that the old one already had so I didn't care about new ones.

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CamelHairy@reddit

Your tire sensors are around $75 each. You about at the half life of the engine, not uncommon to see 300k or more miles. The only reason the tire person wanted it was because he wanted a reliable car

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Unusual-Pool2568@reddit

I’m sure you’ve already got your answer but you should definitely keep it. My dad owned a 98’ Camry that Toyota was indestructible lol, he put on over 480km. Unfortunately it did get totalled cause some idiot rear ended me when I was driving and the air bags came on :(

That was about 7 years ago lol but never had any issues with, I actually took it on a couple of road trips as well too. If you ever get bored of driving the car I would suggest some cosmetic upgrades, maybe a set of nice wheels, tinted windows (helps a lot with blocking suns UV rays as well not just purely cosmetic lol) add some footwell lighting etc… just some ideas to help you jump start.

Anyways, hope you don’t sell that beast and definitely would not recommend buying a brand new car unless you can afford it lol.

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TopJ99@reddit

If you have good amount of money for new car, sell it to any uni/ college student or to someone who really need a car but can't spend enough! A great way to get some blessings!!

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seanx50@reddit

Forever?

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Watch-Admirable@reddit

Way cheaper to get a rental car for long trips than a new car. Show the old car some love. Get the dents fixed and the minor issues done. Paintless dent repair and a good polish will surprise you.

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Growthiswhatmatters@reddit

My car is at 600k miles and running smooth.

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C4PTNK0R34@reddit

Until it blows up.

I'm keeping my 2001 Tundra for that exact reason. It has the 3.4L with the 5-speed manual and 642k miles. It's had about 4 clutches, the frame replaced under recall, and a handful of odds and ends replaced. New trucks are way too expensive and you really can't find standard-cab longbeds anymore.

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jillavery@reddit (OP)

Yeah we’ve got a 2004 Tacoma too

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anallobstermash@reddit

Why would you get rid of one of the best vehicles ever made?

It will outlive you.

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Admiral_peck@reddit

Personally I would keep it as long as it takes for the thing to rust out or finally have a major engine or transmission failure.

Use it as a beater when you get your new car, and/or as an emergency backup car

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Material_Victory_661@reddit

You can buy sensors on Amazon. It is a Toyota, I would keep driving it.

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eboneetigress@reddit

Something bigger? Such as a car payment or bigger insurance quotes. How about bigger car repair costs because anything newer is bound to land in the dealership where the 200.00 diagnostic fee doesn't go towards the fix

You have a reliable car and that guy making the offer knows it. Keep your beater and like it was said earlier, hit the junkyard for body parts.

These newer vehicles have two batteries in odd places or you have to remove the bumper to replace a headlamp. It's crazy you can't make minor fixes anymore. My 2000 Pathfinder suits me just fine. 286k

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carsuncovered@reddit

I have a 2012 Corolla LE. I added a wireless apple carplay dash screen and oh my god did it transform the interior. 5 years of ownership without any problems. I'd keep it and run it till you have enough disposable cash that it wouldn't matter if you bought a new car, or it finally breaks.

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3Oh3FunTime@reddit

Change the coolant, and transmission and differential fluid. Might also be time for the brake fluid also.

For coolant and transmission I highly recommend the dealer or speciality Toyota shop. Fluid specs have changed a lot in the last decade or two and Universal coolant and transmission fluids are not the same.

Ironically, oil and brake fluid are all the same.

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jillavery@reddit (OP)

thank you for this

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3Oh3FunTime@reddit

Just so you know, you’re in some of the prime cost/benefit years for that car. If a qualified mechanic can look it over, they will tell you if it’s ready for long trips. Things like brakes, suspension, tires, fluid, leaks, belts, etc.. If those things are good, the car will be plenty reliable and you can drive it on long trips with no worries. Also, another hint, sometimes people get a new stereo with Apple CarPlay, or android auto and maybe some new speakers, and their car feels very new again. For some people also they really like remote start. These things are available aftermarket stereo and car shop and can breathe new life into an older car. Also note that new cars these days are very complex and five years from now these cars may have more issues than your car will. This is a 2013. Corolla is in demand. :-)

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jillavery@reddit (OP)

Def going to look into giving this car some TLC, thank you.

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Own-Elk7348@reddit

I looked at a 2013 Corolla back in, 2013, and I chose another vehicle because it was so spartan and outdated compared to the competition. We are now in 2024, and even after 11 years, funny as it sounds, I regret not buying that Corolla. They are mechanically bulletproof and have no tacky gadgets that cost an arm and a leg to repair. Keep your Corolla. My cousin has a 2011 with 120k and...I am green with envy.

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Suburbking@reddit

500k if you.do your part.

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Artistic_Put_1736@reddit

Always keep a Toyota. Original owner of a 2007 Prius, original HV battery still going strong.

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Skeptic92@reddit

150k miles is nothing on a Corolla! Keep it for sure.

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Worldly-Republic8715@reddit

Sell it for $300 more than the mechanic offers you.

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AppleTherapy@reddit

I drive a 2009 toyota Corolla. These cars are super reliable. People sometimes seem to comment about how long they last and one guy even talked about his past Corolla like it's a nostalgia about how long it lasted.

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MatTheScarecrow@reddit

My rationale for our 2008 Camry is this:

We're going to keep fixing it until the cost of repairs / maintenance gets us a better car.

If it costs 2000$ to replace the sway bar linkages, struts and other stuff I can't remember, then we repair it. Because 2000$ does not purchase a car of equal or better functionality and reliability. At least where we live.

4000$ repair? I'm probably going to repair it, because we can't spend $ 4000 and get a better car.

But past that dollar figure, we're starting to creep up into "I can buy a reliable car for that price" territory. At which point, depending on the nature of the maintenance /repairs, it might be worth it to get rid of our Camry.

Look at your maintenance costs and figure out if all that money can buy a more reliable / functional car in the same time frame. Chances are you'll be better off fixing your corolla for a long while.

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thellymon@reddit

sunk cost fallacy, $4k is a bit high for repairs on a camry that might be worth $5k max in a private sale

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MatTheScarecrow@reddit

Is it a fallacy, though? It's not necessarily obvious that abandoning the strategy I've been investing in (selling the camry) would be beneficial.

It can be a sunk cost fallacy if you refuse to get rid of a car even when the math suggests you'd be better off doing so.

In this particular case, though, I maintain that 4k of repairs is the smart move (and not me sticking to my sunk costs) because you will not find a car that replaces it for 4k. And a camry that needs 4k of repairs will not sell for 5k. It's probably closer to 1.5-2. And 6k wouldn't get me a better car when compared to said Camry with the 4k repair. (This relies on me having reasonably detailed information about my Camry's mechanical condition and my local uses car market.)

(I should have probably specified I'm in rural Canada, where similar cars are sitting around 8k CAD right now.)

All I'm saying is: do the actual math based on your local prices. Compare the cost of repair vs the cost of replacement (including a realistic selling price for your car as it exists right now.) and determine which one gets you the most value per dollar.

Sometimes, better the devil you know. At other times, you need to stop sinking money into a lost cause.

It depends.

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thellymon@reddit

Agree! And I wasnt saying you werent correct, but Ive seen it before where people just keeping putting in money to a broken car when they could put all that money collectively into another vehicle.

Now like you said if youre not finding another vehicle maintained like your vehicle is for that price then it can be worth it. Its tough with cars because at any time your transmission can go esp with higher mileage and the car is practically totaled at that point.

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Prestigious_Meet820@reddit

I've got an even older one, just be nice and it'll last forever. My TPMS light has been on for 8 years.

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hari_yama@reddit

As someone who got rid of their clunker for a newer car about six months ago..... keep it until it will not drive another mile. I regret getting rid of the old Fiesta every single day no matter how "nice" my new car seems

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Sea_Librarian4666@reddit

I just bought sensors off Amazon for $50. You screw them onto your valves, connect to monitor upfront.

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derpy-derp123@reddit

Drive it till the wheels literally fall off, probably bad wheel bearing eventually. Just change your oil every 3000 mi religiously.

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Accomplished_Act6738@reddit

My aunts corolla lasted 16 years. Hold onto it . It's gold

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omegase7enth@reddit

Keeping up with maintenance is important. That car will outlast most new cars on the road. Don't forget other fluids as well. The other fluids aren't changed as often as oil bit will definitely prevent costly repairs.

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375InStroke@reddit

I have four cars over 55 years old, unrestored, daily drivers, and I take them on 1,200 mile trips, but an 11 year old Toyota is unreliable, lol.

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killswitchzero7@reddit

My Camry isn't too far off from your Corolla. Almost 150k miles. New spark plugs and always kept up on maint. I'm not even worried about driving it around long distances. Gonna do an out of town trip next weekend with no worries. As much as I'd like to upgrade to something else I also don't want monthly payments again. Then I also feel weird about getting a newer car and relegating it to the beater work car that stays outside. This one ain't the prettiest but I don't need to worry about getting dings or anything anymore haha.

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jillavery@reddit (OP)

Exactly! I don’t really care about dings it’s nice lol

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dnbndnb@reddit

Read this:

https://www.wsj.com/personal-finance/the-new-math-of-driving-your-car-till-the-wheels-fall-off-9c23b7bc?mod=RSSMSN

There is zero reason not to drive it until the wheels fall off. Every car is a depreciating asset. Unless the motor or transmission blows, keep driving. You should easily get another 50-70k miles out of it.

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AlecJTrevelyan@reddit

People are quick to "it's totalled" cars when they get old. Even if the maintenance work costs more than the blue book value, you need to ask yourself if that fact alone means you should sell and end up with a new car payment.

My wife's Kia optima (not a good car like a Toyota) has 160k miles on it. I just replaced the entire AC system, cooling system (radiator, thermostat, and fan), and front suspension (sway bar links, control arms, outer tie rods). I was able to do it all myself and the parts were probably $1500. All OEM parts. The suspension, AC system, and cooling system will probably never have a problem again for the life of the car. Even $1500 is preferable to her vs a $500-800 per month car payment.

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EastDallasMatt@reddit

Keep it. You should be able to drive it at least another 150k miles.

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audi_dudi@reddit

Only 150K? Keep going.

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CK_Lab@reddit

It's maybe 1/3 of the way through its life. Keep it. Not paying for a car is a wonderful thing.

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jibaro1953@reddit

Keep it and repair as needed.

Don't get rid of it until it starts burning a quart of oil every 500 miles.

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DangItB0bbi@reddit

Until it blows up, catches on fire, or has structural frame damage.

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crownedplatypus@reddit

It only has 150k miles which is nothing for a Corolla, and you keep up with maintenance. Keep the car and reconsider selling it in another 100k miles.

I regularly do road trips between San Francisco and San Diego in a car from the 80’s with far over 200k miles. You’re fine lol.

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TFED360@reddit

Keep it. I worked with a fleet of Corollas that typically got replaced around 270k miles. I dont recall many major issues besides one that starting running rough just over 200k. With that thought process you are only a little over half used on a paid off car. Start making a payment to yourself for the new car now. Its hard to do because it sucks just like paying to a bank for a new car!

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Efficient_Cow_1977@reddit

I have an old car and all my tire sensors are out as well. No big deal I just do a quick glance at my tires once a week and take it to the shop to get them inflated a few times a year and have it overlap with oil changes. Keep in mind that even if you had a new car you would have likely had a flat as well so that’s new car payment + cost to replace all 4 tires. And new cars will need a battery replacement eventually too.

I get where you’re coming from. My car has been in the shop more often this past year and I’m getting sick of it. But for now I’m still saving a lot of money repairing what I have.

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professionalcart@reddit

13’ with 150k. My guy at my old job most customers had em with 265k on an 08’.

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helpimhuman494@reddit

Depreciation?? Nah bro, cars are not an asset. Or st least that's not how I think about it. If it runs good, pay to maintain it well and drive it until there's a catastrophic failure. If you do the maintenence part - that car will last longer than you think..

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mschiebold@reddit

Man, I would love to have a 2013 Corolla with under 200k.

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sllewgh@reddit

I don’t feel super great about driving it for road trips that are more than a few hours

You didn't mention anything in the post that would justify such a feeling.

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jillavery@reddit (OP)

just that it's older and needs body work, but you're totally right, I'm being irrational

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Dense_Chemical5051@reddit

Why didn't you report the hit& run and let the insurance cover the body repair? You only need to pay for the deductible and also it won't affect your premium.

If you leave the damage untreated long enough, the rust will grow like crazy and the value of your car will go downhill.

I would get the car repaired and probably trade it in for a Highlander or RAV4 if you need a bigger car. Depending on your budget.

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jillavery@reddit (OP)

that is a good thought, I love Highlanders but they are outside my price range, I also have a relative with one if I need it

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lavenderdood@reddit

How come you don’t feel confident driving it for long trips? When I bought my 1996 Toyota HiAce, the first thing I did was take it on a 600 mile trip from Texas to Florida, then 1000 miles from Texas to Colorado lol. Toyotas are super trustworthy !!!

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frycrpz@reddit

Trust me you don't wanna involve yourself in today's car market. Keep that running and maintaining.

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jillavery@reddit (OP)

true story

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Badenguy@reddit

I bought a Corolla as a first car for my ex, it had 200k miles on it, I put about 2k in it over about 8 years got another 150 k on it. Traded it in and I swear it was sold and gone before my ink was dry. New Chevy Malibu, which broke more than the Corolla, plus I was seeing Malibu’s with their hood up broken down daily. Keep that Corolla dude, save money for something else, but keep that Corolla

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jillavery@reddit (OP)

will do :)

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WirelessBugs@reddit

Forever and ever amen

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TattedUpSimba@reddit

Not having a car payment is so nice. A Corolla is bulletproof. You may spend some money to fix a few things now but really you could have another 150k miles on it no problem. To me how big is the dent? Is something that can be popped out? If the engine and stuff are in good shape then I wouldn't worry too much about long road trips

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atorras1@reddit

forever.

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WordPerfect5dot1@reddit

Until it disintegrates.

Who cares about a tyre sensor? We used to drive without them, just check the pressure once in a while yourself.

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SignificantTransient@reddit

My 2013 manual has 192k and has had no real repairs. My old coworker is pushing 400k in his 2011.

Barely drive it but had no qualms taking a 400 mile trip last weekend. Even if it breaks, repairs are fast and cheap.

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Independent-Cloud822@reddit

Put some new tires on it. Buy a new battery. Keep up the oil changes. Think of it this way: Every month you drive that car, you are saving yourself a car payment. Every month, you're coming out way ahead.

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Head_Nectarine_6260@reddit

Anyone asking you to sell your car to them is looking for a quick buck at your expense. He’s taking advantage of your less car knowledge and that it’s cosmetically ugly to double what he’ll offer you after he fixes everything.

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Butt_bird@reddit

If you want something that better suits your lifestyle then get a new car. You can still get a pretty penny for that Corolla private sale. Last year I sold a 2010 Corolla with 250k miles on it for $3000. Just don’t trade in, you’re leaving money on the table.

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Schlaggatron@reddit

Keep it. Sure you could sell it and get a pretty good price for it, but then you’re definitely going to spend even more money on another car. I’d say drive it until you can’t or until you truly hate the car and need something bigger.

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jillavery@reddit (OP)

Thank you all so much for these replies, save me from myself! Appreciate you Redditors!

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RedditBeginAgain@reddit

Depreciation is a dumb reason to sell it. Anything nicer you buy will depreciate way faster.

What could you trade it in for now with the dent? $5k? A bit more if you clean it up and put work in to sell it privately?

You could own it forever and it will only ever depreciate by about what a mid price used car will depreciate by the second you drive it off the lot. The replacement will then continue to depreciate faster than this one.

If it's holding you back from road trips and affecting your enjoyment of life, that's a totally different question. Newer, shinier cars are nice. If you would enjoy one and can afford one, then buy one.

Don't use some excuse about depreciation to convince yourself that you can save money by buying an expensive thing. Cars cost money, but only you can decide what that's worth to you.

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jillavery@reddit (OP)

thank you!

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