Oh..when I got it last year it was worth $16K retail and I paid $12K. I was aware that obviously things would go wrong with the car w/ that many miles on it (not that my Corolla w/ 145K had many problems ever) but I didn't anticipate 8 days after I bought it that my transmission would lock up. Then 4 months later, it seized and cost $4K w/ a discount!! Then 5 days later, the rear main seal was leaking (another $1K) That is just a job that my hubby couldn't do himself.
The previous owner had the tranny flushed every 30K or so and apparently this Jiffy Lube type of company was not only putting in the wrong fluid, but not cleaning out the pan either. Needless to say, this is probably an isolated incident, but since then, there has been the engine light coming on for the second time, numerous times not starting on the first try, and weird things going on w/ the shifting. I've been reading all about the delays which may explain it but of course, I am a bit paranoid w/ the tranny. : )
It's sad that I love this car but want to trade it in but now it's only worth $12,500 and now I have $16,500 into it. LOL I sure hope the guy wanting to get one listens to you RXinNC because it's true, buying ANY vehicle w/ lots of miles on it is risky even if the previous owner took immaculate care. (Mines probably in shock since I don't baby it as much....LOL)