'95, '96 Corolla: Reliable?

Hi all,

I'm planning to buy my first car in next fall. I'm a student so I don't have much money which makes me looking for a very reliable car I don't have to bring to the garage every few weeks.

I read the latest JDPower reports and they said that the current Corolla is the most reliable car in the compact class and all corolla drivers are completely contended with their cars.

Because I can't afford a bling bling 2005 Corolla, my question is whether the 95 or 96 Corollas are that reliable too, or which cars you would recommend.

(I thought of a 10 year old japanese car like a Civic, Protege, Corolla, Almera...)

Thanks

Robin

corollas are very reliable thats why i got it as my first car also, im also a student and money is limited, my corolla pumps out about 30 mpg (one of the main reason i got it) i've had bad experiences with hondas, my bros civic didn't last him very long and kept tending maintenace costs, my sisters accord cost her rain falls of $$$ for maintenance costs, also I'm a BIG toyota fan and asians look better in import cars, lol.....jk

I have a 96 Corolla and had found it to be very reliable. Of course, mine has less than 70,000 miles on it. I bought it brand new (well leased it a few years at first then just purchased it). Still in great shape.

Thanks for your answers! I'll soon visit the local dealers to hear what they say.

The 96 Corolla is a great car.

Having owned a 95 Corolla (in the form of a Prizm LSi). I can say that the car was solid. Only problem I ever had was an exhaust leak shortly before I sold the car at 90,000 miles.

I had a '93 corolla for 4 years. Only 2 things went wrong...aftermarket stereo lept screwing up...and I had smashed the basepan while rallying...lol

Both of which were my own fault!

Thanks for your answers! I'll soon visit the local dealers to hear what they say.hear what they say and don,t bank on it. i believe nothing dealers say. most could not eat their supper if they gave you a good deal.check your local newspaper early each morning so you,ll know when a fresh good sounding car pops up. jump on it quick.check kelly blue book on the net . "private party price" is what you should be paying. bring a deposit with you. if you drive it and it feels good,then make a deal. if you hang around waiting for your mechanic to arrive to inspect it usually you,ll lose the car .i,ve had 20 used cars in the last 15 years and this system works for me. NOW = search the net to see what to watch out for when your driving a possible deal.