Left-field choices for young drivers

Here is the Corolla's Service History. I do not believe the final 2 entries, but I do not care much.

Yep, so FMDSH up to 2014, one more in 2018 and then 2 imaginary ones.

The oil looks cleanish, not dreadful but certainly not clear enough to suggest it was changed last month. I might do an oil and filter change on the driveway, just for fun and to force the lad to join in. Haven't checked the air and cabin filter yet. I will get a garage to do a brake fluid and fuel filter change shortly. Not going to bother the spark plugs.

The car starts on the button, drives straight, and emits virtually nothing from the back. The filler cap is clear of anything suspect, it doesn't leak anywhere, it is totally dry inside and underneath. There's no rust to speak of, but there is a bit of laquer peel, and paint fade (DCR > Vauxhall Pink), along with a small area of very badly repaired damage around a rear door and wing. There isn't a single sign of use or wear in the interior, and the aircon blows ice cold.

It is, to all intents and puroposes, absolutely perfect for its intended application. Once the new tyres are on.

Certainly was the case with the automatic courtesy Micra we got as punishment for too many walls having been built in the wrong place. It ran away at low speeds and simply wouldn’t reach higher ones, so 40 was about the only speed it could sustain without constant intervention.

The Corolla is manual, though. Should be easier to control, I hope.

It is indeed the most analogue car I have been in for a long time.  A joy to be transported back in time.

Do you get many warm days north of Bromsgrove?

Just had a closer look around the engine bay, and checked out the fluids, filters and aux belt. I'm not going to touch a thing. Maybe just the brake fluid as you can't see that and it's better safe than sorry. And no cambelt to mither about.

Just had a minor "oh shit" moment.  E10.  Checked, and yes its compatible.  Phew.

Tyres on today. Lad still doesn't know I bought it, I'm stringing him along. Big reveal on Friday morning. He's now booked his first lesson for next week. I've said if he's competent enough by New Year he can start driving to school (accompanied of course), so long as we can source a car between now and then...