Our family recently got a new (to us) car and are trying to decide which older car to sell. Background: live in New England, bought both these cars within the last 18 months. Appreciate your input and advice! The contenders:
2006 Toyota Corolla (auto) with ~110K miles, lived it’s life up till 103K in NYC (lots of traffic miles on bad roads). Previous owner told me transmission was replaced at 55K. Runs well. KBB is about $4500.
Vs.
2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i (4 cyl auto) with ~195K miles. Have records from previous owner showing it was well cared for, has many new parts. Runs well, though transmission lurches from time to time shifting from first to second gear. KBB is about $3500.
I would say the Corolla 90% of the time, but you live in New England, and snow isn't a once-in-a-while thing, it's frequent. The other big factor is that NYC miles are double or more wear on the car than most places (except downtown Boston, maybe). A Corolla trans going out after 55k is a good example - that's damn early, and an indicator that it has led a hard life.
That said, a good mechanic's once-over and a compression test would give you a good idea of how many miles are left in the 2 cars.
If the Outback still has its original head gaskets they will likely be blowing in the near future. If the previous owner replaced them it could be OK but the transmission lurching is not a good sign.
Previous owner did head gaskets and timing belt at 150K. The transmission clunk happens only once in a blue moon and has gotten way better since putting some Lucas Transmission Fix in last year.
Which one has averaged more $$$ in repairs and upkeep per month? I think you should have them both looked over by a trusted mechanic one that's not gonna tell you to keep the one that he's gonna make more money on you by keeping it
