So althought they are built side-by-side, saving a nickel here and there on
the GM Geo/Prizm to keep initial costs down - shows down the road in added
repair costs!

I bought a new Prizm in Oct. '92, just when the new body style came
out on the '93. The engine died at 165K and I got a remanufactured one
put in for $5K with 2.5 yr warranty in July 2002. The alternator went
out in the second year. The starter has gone out twice on it. The
radio (Delco) was crap, and I got rid of it 2 years after I bought the
car. I just got new tires on it and it's running great at the moment.
Going to get ride of it in May and buy a Toyota Highlander.

Patrick
pmcguire16@comcast.net

Yes.

I was shopping for used Corolla's, and i found a guy that had 5 used Corollas
--- but one of them turned out to be a Geo Prism.   He claimed that the '98
prism is identical to the Corolla, built in the same factory, same engine, same
basic frame.   It sure looked to be an accurate statement after inspecting the
car.   But I have a few questions:

1.  Other than the inherently lower resale value of the Prism, and uglier logo
on the hood of the Prism, is there any other reason to prefer a real Corolla
over the Prism?
2.  How much of a price discount should I expect for the prism versus the
corolla?    
3.  This particular prism was a '98, with 96K miles, AT, no power windows or
locks, but it had a tachometer (the other Corollas I saw did not have tachs).
Price was $5395.   It did seem like a bit better deal compared to the corolla's
he had on the lot.

Also a general question on choosing a Corolla/Prism...If choosing between a '96
with 77K miles with power windows and locks and alarm (bit higher end model),
versus a '98 prism with 96K miles, but no power windows or locks or alarm,
which car would be a better buy if the prices where the same?   What ages a car
faster....miles or years?  

Any comments/recommendations?

thx...Paul