Toyota/Holden Corolla/Nova hatch

Fantastic value for money. Built quality is the best. This little gem of a car is TIGHT. It has been made with pride and the quality control on finish and trim are fantastic. My Corolla/Nova is 17 years old. The only give-away to its age is slight sun fading of the dash. My Corolla has had a respray so it looks younger than Corolla's of similar age. The engine is supreme. 173,000km travelled and still highly responsive. Not the fastest little car getting around but for a 17 year old 4 cylinder she is perky and keen to give you what you ask of her. The interior build quality will bring a smile to your face. Every switch and nob still work and they show no sign of weakening or age fragility. If you have $2500 or $3500 to spend on a car and you don't buy a Corolla/Nova, you are losing your marbles. Forget all other cars of this age. Look for one that has done about 160,000km and has been regularly serviced. Corolla A4 engines are good for 400,000km, if looked after. Ok, stop reading this now and go find your car!

One Totally Awesome car, With great handling, and comfort, Toyota has made a definate Winner! Its great looks, great power to weight ratio and lastly its Potential. Look at the picture!!!

It's a mad little car with a bit of speed and u can do any extras possible

For such a simple car, one could not fault its willingness to keep going, and going. I had a full mechanical inspection on it a month ago, and I was told that the compression was still good in all cylinders, there were no obvious oil leaks, and overall the car was givin a clean bill of health (except for one CV).

The only problem that I have found with the car is that the steering gets very heavy as the tyres wear out. It is a great reminder to keep newish tyres under you.