An update. The pricing on the Corollas was just too good. From what I could see using the local and national Toyota inventory sites, the local dealership had 11 of the 44 Super White LE Corollas available for sale on their lot. But the price wasn't going down as they sold them in preparation for the 2014 model.
I took my older daughter down for a test drive last Friday while the younger was at work. We searched the lot for all the color and interior options. That afternoon I went over the inventory and found that they had some "J" VIN numbers - meaning they were built in Japan. Better?
On Saturday the 19 year old and I went down to look them over and found a White LE with black carpet and beige seats. We test drove the LE. She also looked at the S model. She liked the bolstered/non-velour black seats and black interior. I liked the alloy wheels (wheel covers are a liability!). I didn't like the faux ground effects - never have. I asked if anything was done to the engine or suspension - the salesman agreed with my guess that they had a stiffer sway bar - not true.
I woke up Sunday and proclaimed to my wife that I couldn't stomach the ground effects. Well - we test drove the S and it suited her and me just fine. The fog lights and alloy wheels makes it worth the extra $1000 (the two S's that they had were on clearance too for $16495) We test drove it home to get Moms approval and she is happy and I have a reliable, inexpensive car in the fleet.
Thanks for the help getting this decision made!
