Hi Scotty!

My name is Amanda. I'm from Upstate NY and have been following your channel for the longest time. It's helped me navigate my 2001 Corolla like a pro! Or at least like someone who knows what she's doing haha.

I bought my 2001 Corolla when I was 16 years old (I'm just shy of 30 now). It's lasted me such a long time! She's not in the best cosmetic shape but she's done me so well over the years. I recently, in the last two months, have been having an issue with suspected low compression. It started with the car struggling to start at times and has progressed to very rough idling, sometimes dying if I'm at a red light, trouble starting, and a hard time getting up hills.

I brought my car to the local mechanic who told me that I have low compression in cylinder #3. He told me that cylinders 1, 2, and 4 have 120PSI and cylinder 3 has 60 psi. From my research, it seems like this diagnosis fits the bill. I've tried bringing it to other garages but mistakingly have mentioned the low compression to them and no one will even look at it (because I guess this is just a death sentence for the car and it's not worth it to look at). 

I've been driving this thing for the last two months, jeopardizing it not starting every time I get in it. The check engine light hasn't come on yet and the car does still run. I've been lookin at getting a new (used) car to replace my trusty gal but the market is absolute trash at the moment. SO I'm wondering if this sounds like it really is a death sentence for my car or if there is a possibility that it would be worth fixing?

I'm happy to include a video of what it sounds like when idling or trying to start if that would be helpful!

Separately, I've looked at a 2010 Toyota Matrix as a replacement. 130K miles but otherwise seems to be in good shape (I had it checked out by a local mechanic). It has a very slow oil leak (mechanic told me its nothing to worry about), and recommended new brake pads and rotors which the dealer is willing to do before I buy Is $6,500 a fair price on this? 130K miles is higher than I want but it seems impossible to find a lower milage Toyota, Honda, Lexus, or Mazda under $10,000. UGH!

THANK YOU ENDLESSLY!!!!!
-Amanda