1988 Corolla SR5

Hello all,

I'm looking at getting a 1988 Toyota Corolla SR5. It's a 2-door, 5 speed, and I'm not sure what the engine is. If I'm not mistaken it's a 4-cylinder, and the car is RWD.
My question is: Is this a good car? I don't see many SR5's around so I guess it's a bit rare, or maybe just unsuited for our Canadian climate... :D

Anything you can tell me about this car would be great! A friend of mine and I are thinking about starting an 80's Import car club, because the 80's were the coolest years for Japanese Imports (in my opinion). Basically I need a car that's economical, but that I can also do a little work on and make it look cool and go fast :)

Someone also suggested to me that I should get a Suzuki Swift GT- they said it gets about 40 MPG and for an impovershed high school student, that's not bad :D I know I can get the Corolla for $1400 (Canadian), but I don't know how much a Swift GT would cost.

Lastly, a friend of mine is trying to sell me her Dodge Colt. It's a '93 (i think). Unfortunately she was driving down a snowy hill when her tire blew out, and she skidded into a guardrail. There's some body damage on the driver's side, and it needs a new front left tire, but other than that the car is in prime condition. She's asking $300 for it, and I think I could fix it and sell it for about $3000 :D She's supposed to call me today with some final numbers on how much to sell it for, and I could have the car by as soon as tomorrow morning. I don't think I'd keep the Colt, because it's way too girly (it's purple :O) and I could sell it and buy a cheaper car, and have cash left over to buy new stuff for my next car.

Anyways, I think I've typed enough for one sitting :D

Any suggestions would be appreciated, thanks!

hhhhhmmmmm 1988 RWD? I don't know about that dude maybe a 1987. but still a SR5 is a SR5 not fuel injected it has a 3a-c or 4a-c single overhead cam engine, no disc brakes in the back, and least importantly no bucket seats infact that doesn't matter at all lol. If the car is an 88 it is chasis code AE92 an 87 should be AE85 (the famed AE86's low powered twin). My friend has one and I agree they are nice looking cars (AE92) and has many motor swap possibilities 20v 4ag, superchaged 4agze all make 160+ hp in stock form, but if you want performance from just bolt on's you may not be too impressed. The GTS would be a mutch better platform to start with. I would say yes if you are looking for a nice car for daily use or if you have the money for a 4age swap.but you should try looking for a GTS if it's performance use you want.

I have an 89 SR5 and its a fun little car. Although the power and low end torque is quite week, the car handles well. Mine's a bit of a hand full in the winter - it really likes to understeer. (easily corrected though :biggrin: )