Toyota Corolla Reliability?

You're getting good advice already. One thing I'd add is check the engine mounts. On the 2008 Corolla, the rear mount tends to go soft around 120k km and you'll feel vibration at idle, especially when the AC is on. Replacements aren't expensive at a shop like B-Quik on Rama 4, maybe 3,000-4,000 baht for parts and labor including alignment.

Also keep an eye on the alternator. Bangkok's stop-start traffic puts extra strain on it and I've seen several fail around the 130k-150k km mark. If the headlights dim when you're sitting at a light, that's your warning. Better to swap it before it leaves you stranded.

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the 2008 model has a timing chain not a belt so that's one less thing to worry about. but the real issue nobody mentions is the dashboard cracking in the heat, it's super common on this gen and toyota had a warranty extension but it's long expired now. if the ac blows weak check the condenser, they sit low and get smashed by debris on bangkok roads. honestly for getting another 100k out of it just stay on top of the spark plugs and coil packs, they start misfiring around 120k if ignored.

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one thing i haven't seen mentioned yet is the radiator. the plastic tank on top can develop hairline cracks from heat cycling, common on this gen around 130k-150k km. if you're sitting in traffic on vibhavadi and suddenly see steam, that's prob the culprit. a new one at a shop near fortune town runs about 2,500 baht including labor, cheap insurance to just swap it preemptively. also check the coolant condition, if it's brown instead of green or pink, the water pump might be on its way out

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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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