Toyota Repair: Interference or Non-Interference?, interference engine, toyota corolla

Question
Hello Ted,
I recently purchased a 1987 Toyota Corolla,1.6L,4 cyl,carburated model.It has 187,000 miles on it.This is my first Toyota;all my previous cars have been GM products.
I realize that if a timing belt should snap in a interference engine it can cause severe damage.
Can you tell me whether this Toyota has a interference engine or not?
I do not know if or when this car has had a belt replaced.
Also,in your opinion,is the Toyota Corolla a good car?
I thank you kindly for answering my questions.

Answer
The engine is of the non-interference type,if the belt breaks the engine will simply stop running, have the timing belt checked to see if it needs replacing, the corolla is a very dependable car it only requires a little maintenance to keep it going past 200,000 miles but remember that parts do wear out on any car and replacement of some parts becomes necessary, Toyotas just seem to last longer and are cheaper to maintain, to prove my point, how many models of 1987 Ford, Chrysler or GM do you still see on the road? How many Ford Escorts or Chevy Metros have you seen lately,I hope this answers your question. Your  Corolla should last well over the 200,000 mile mark but just remember that as the mileage goes up so does the chance of it needing repairs, it all depends on how the previous owner took care of it. The bottom line is that you should be prepared for some repair bills at this mileage. Let me know if you need any other advice in the near future.