I’m considering buying a 2008 Toyota Corolla CE or LE. I’ve never bought a new car before.
I’m counting on it to solve ALL my problems for years to come. What are your thoughts on this car?
They’re changing the model next year.
Does it fit a mountain in it?
Billy, in the case of the Honda Civic the EX has - at least did for the 2003 and 2004 models - a better engine than the LX or DX and so we bought the higher end model. I took a quick look at the comparison on the Toyota site and the CE and LE appear to have the same engine. The decision may not, therefore, be as important for the Corolla. However, you should compare them based on what you get for the additional $1000 or so for the LE over the CE. If the difference is only in the styling, then the lower end may be fine for you. If there are mechanical differences you should consider the higher end.
As for buying new cars the only advice I have - fortunately based on the experiences of friends and not my own directly - is to never ever never buy the first year of a model. Never ever.
And for what it’s worth, my mechanic who we’ve been using for 14 years, recommended the Civic over the Corolla because he sees fewer repairs on the former. And my wife, who is 5’9", is quite comfortable in the Civic.
If they’re changing the model, then clearly there are some problems that the current model won’t be able to solve.
Unless the newer model is just going to be able to solve the same problems, but better, and faster.
Usually the last year that a model is made that is when they are the highest quality. It takes many years to get the kinks out. New models usually have substantial upgrades but many more little problems.
Get a horse.
All good advice. The differences are in color matching, and for a $600.00 upgrade we get the automatic locks and windows.
I’m 6’4" but I’m willing to squeeze.
get the LE
Hey,
My brother was shopping for a new car earlier this year, corola was on his short list… from what I remember the only difference in the CE and the LE is creature comforts in the trim level. I Think you minimally get ‘wood grain’ accents and basic power options. Go for the LE, how often to dish out the cash for a new car? It’ll be worth it down the road.
As far as corollas go, I’m a fan. We had a 91 with just over 250K, I got rear-ended and the car was totaled… that was a shame. The car had absolutely no engine/tranny/AC issues ever! Of course it had normal maintenance, but never any big repairs. We replaced it with an 02’ with 57K. If this one’s like the last one, I’ve got another 200K trouble free miles ahead of me…
I’m a big guy, 6’1" 200lb, and I have no complaints on the fit… I don’t even have the seat moved back all the way… of course you’re a bit taller than me…
good luck!
steve
Hybrid!
Get a Smart car. Walk the talk.
Not sure if I want to add all that poison to the environment.
Maybe personally economically for the gas savings, but there are costs to the environment with hybrids–batteries, etc.
What’s that? Is it smarter than me? Will they take over?
It will make you look smart. 
The Smart car is a small car designed for city driving.
Dear Gilby, did you get my private message?
Billy,
I think my neighbor wants to sell his '94 Chevy Suburban 4x4 with the 454 engine. I think he gets 8 mpg while towing his camper, 11 mpg otherwise. I’m thinking of buying it just to play around in, maybe commute back and forth to school, unless of course you would like to buy it first. It’s in good condition and you wouldn’t have to take out the front seat and drive from the rear seat.
Honda Fit
14k
These is my thoughts. Four door hatch… Why would you want a yota if your not getting a pickup?
We got an 07 CE last June with a trim package that added power door locks, power windows, outside temp sensor, and cruise control. It did not include the aluminum wheels, remote door lock or sunroof, really don’t miss any of those.
We’re getting 30-34 mpg in all-city, short trip, lots of stop and go, driving and close to 40 mpg on all highway driving. Manual transmission.
At the time the price difference between the 07 Civic, first year on new body style, and the 07 Corolla would buy a lot of gas!
My thoughts? Well, you asked…
I’d go for a late 90’s Honda or Toyota sedan with a recently rebuilt engine. You’ll likely get 100k + miles out of it, but end up spending 1/3 to 1/4 of what you’re looking at dishing out right now.
If you really want a newer car, buy a lease / rental return. They’re usually 1 year old, maybe 10-15k miles on it, and you’ll save a good 10-20% off the price of a new car.
There really aren’t many reasons to buy brand new, unless you’re dying to have a particular feature or style.
Very sweet of you to offer, Yoops, but no can do.
and the smart car wouldn’t help me too much either, cuz I’d be taking 4 trips just to get the groceries home, with no place for the dog, much less the Coker!
There are good reasons to buy new. I buy new because I want something that is unlikely to have problems for a long time.
Is it the wisest decision from a money perspective? No.
Also, consider, an inexpensive Honda or Toyota that’s only a couple years old will not have depreciated very much compared to most cars. Especially if you get a good price and good financing, which is usually easier to do with a Corolla than a Civic.
Buying new doesn’t guarantee a lack of troubles. That’s why automakers provide a warranty and the occasional recall.
Buying lease / rental returns is the best compromise between new-ness and economy. A good dealership will give the car a comprehensive exam before putting it on the lot, and they’ll share the results with you before you buy that car. Plus you’re still covered by what remains of the warranty.
Although later models may need servicing, parts for these cars are cheap and easy to find. An engine or tranny swap can be done for just a few hundred dollars (as opposed to the few thou you’d be be billed for a new car).
Buying a later model with a rebuilt engine gives you the piece of mind that you won’t need a major service anytime soon. Sure, you might need new brakes or a clutch sooner than later, but you’ll get plenty of bang for your buck if you choose right. Take your prospective buy to a mechanic for a comprehensive exam (costs you 1 hr. labor) before you say “Yes” and you’ll know exactly what you’re getting into.
Depreciation is only a worry for those who want to resell their auto. I’m in the “drive it until it croaks, fix it, then drive it some more” camp.
For the auto-savvy, there is money to be made in the used auto market. You can buy a fixer-upper, have it rebuilt and detailed, and get a great return on your investment, if you know what to buy and for how much.
Throwing away a perfectly good used auto is the American way, and we’re all anti-American here, right?