racketboy wrote:
Hehe -- I have a '97 Corolla btw

Those late 90's ones look so much better.
My family bought mine for me for $400 a while back and it's been very reliable ever since. It was cheap due to interior staining and cracked dash and other visual flaws, most of which I was able to fix or improve, but the engine and such seems very well kept. I've only taken care of the essentials like tires, spark plugs, oil filter, air filter, brake pads, wipers, valve cover seal, etc. The muffler fell to pieces but I got a new one built and installed for $110, and thats about it. Great car. I've also never so much as bumped any other object on the road, unlike all my friends who wrecked their cars growing up. My cautious nature carried over well.
If I get a new one I'll stick with this series if possible.