Well I found a great deal on a 1979 corolla liftback SR5, she appears to have no rust, she still has the 2tc engine with headers and a weber 32/36 carb and the original paint is in good condition.

One of my questions or concerns is that the owner tells me he is the second owner and that the car only has 37,000 miles on it, he said that the first owner bought the car then past away and the wife kept it garaged as it had sentimental value to her then he bought it off her hands 4 years ago and barely uses it.

I don't really believe she has 37,000 but he said that it hasn't rolled over yet cause this particular model locks up once it gets to 99,999 and dosnt go back to 0.

What problem areas should I be inspecting upon purchase and what areas should I be searching for rust.

Thanks

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Shakotan_culture@instagram

Pretty sure they are full of it on the speedo. Cant recall any corolla speedo's that dont rollover.

Really, just check under everything for rust.

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Money Pits:
- 1980 Corolla Hatchback - Power project
- 1988 Celica Alltrac - Snow fun project

That's what i was thinking myself, maybe 137k but not 37k

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Shakotan_culture@instagram

137k, maybe 237. Really on this old of a car, just take the condition and engine sound at face value and not what the odometer says.

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Money Pits:
- 1980 Corolla Hatchback - Power project
- 1988 Celica Alltrac - Snow fun project

well he swears its 37k

Ill get some pics uploaded soon brother, thanks for the help.

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Shakotan_culture@instagram

with a little experience you can look at the car's condition and see if the car had a long road life or not, look for oem hoses, condition of the carb, condition of the floor mats, seats. look at the steering wheel for wear in the common hand positions on the wheel (10 and 2 o'clock), look to see if the wear and tear items have been replaced ie spare tyre, ball joints and steering components, plugs aand wires, check the dist cap for scratches inside and out.... if all these items are OEM and still in "good condition" its more that likely the story is true.... a true 37k car with garage queen status will have the factory items still in place.

I look at the wear on the clutch and brake pedal pads. 37K and 33 years old, most of the hoses and ignition parts should have been replaced.

Clutch pedal pad wear for sure.

That rear bumper looks like its off a te31?

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I had one, look for rust all aroud the rear-end, leaf springs supports, under carriage. I had to junk the body cuz the bottom was rusted out. Sold the engine and tranny. The next week I saw complete body with a blown engine and a 4 speed. FOR FREE! Still kicking myself.

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MANSUS