Toyota Corolla Reliability?

If you're looking at older Corollas, another solid option is "Jack's Garage" near the old airport on Vibhavadi Rangsit. They see a lot of 80s and 90s Japanese cars and the owner is pretty upfront about what needs work. They charged me 600 baht for a pre-buy inspection on a Celica last year and found a cracked engine mount the seller was hiding. Just call before you go because they get booked up quick.

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honestly you should check out some of the shops around Petchaburi Soi 15, there's a few guys there who've been rebuilding old Toyotas for decades. one place called "Aek's Garage" is pretty well known for 80s and 90s Corollas, he can prob find any part you need. expect to pay around 500-800 baht for a full inspection, which is cheap insurance against buying a ditch survivor

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try the shops near Saphan Khwai, there's a cluster of old school mechanics under the bts that have been fixing Toyotas since the 90s. one spot called "Somsak's" doesn't even have a sign but they'll do a compression test and check the gearbox for like 400 baht. just bring the car early morning before the heat kicks in

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Krua Dok Mai Kao is solid but I've always found their som tam a bit tame on the pla ra. If you want the real funky version, try the shophouse spots along Soi Udomsuk 26, near the night market end. They pound it fresh with fermented fish that'll clear your sinuses, and it's like 60 baht. Different style from the On Nut places, more Lao-leaning.

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for som tam specifically i'd say the Isaan spots in Chatuchak are underrated, weekdays only though since the weekend crowd ruins the vibe. there's a stall near gate 2 that does tam pa with fermented bamboo shoots, super sour and funky, not something you see much in On Nut. if you're already heading north for Or Tor Kor anyway its worth the detour.

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honestly the som tam at Krua Dok Mai Kao is good but what got me hooked is their nam prik pla raa dip with the raw veggies, that funk hits way harder than the papaya does. think most people sleep on it cuz they just order the som tam and gai yang. also pro tip, go before noon on weekdays, after that teh pla ra gets milder cuz they batch it for the lunch rush

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