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I've had Michelin X Ones, Firestones, and Kelly tires on it. The Michelins were the best. The car handled and stopped better - especially in rain.
Right now, the only problem with car is a rotational noise from the front end that I can't figure out. Otherwise, it is in great condition. No broken door handles, etc.
Honestly, I'm bored to tears by this car. I want a new car, but I can't spend $300 - $500 a month to replace a car that is this cheap to run.
My main complaint about the car is that it is light. Because of it's weight, it doesn't handle as well in rain and snow as I'd like.
So, while my friends upgrade to new Camry's, Accords, and luxury sedans, I keep putting along in my Corolla. Luckily, I'm happily married, because I'd never pick up a chick in this car!!
i do have this sound coming from the rear seat area when i go over bumps. i have a car seat installed so i thought it's the car seat. i'll check it out.
My '99 is just as good so far - zero problems.
You asked about a rotational noise - My '99 had a rotational rubbing noise at low speeds, going straight or turning. Toyota Mechanic said it was the tires rubbing on the wheel that made the noise. It stopped when I put on Michelin X-1's. Try putting some silicone spray in the area where the tire meets the wheel and see if it stops briefly. Also, try Corolland.com.
Recently, I've noticed that steering's stiffened from before. It's not impossible to drive. It's just not as soft as it used to be. The car currently has 800 miles on it.
I've checked the power steering fluid levels and taken it back to the dealership, but they have no idea what I'm talking about.
Has anyone experienced this?
With a few people in the car with the windows closed, a lot of condensation quickly builds up on the windshield. Is there a way to blow air on the inside windshield without running the AC in defrost mode? This is usually enough to keep the condensation away without running the AC when it is already cold? I could do this with other cars.
When I press the accelerator lightly & then take my foot off, it makes a funny noise. Seems like the spring could be making the noise. Can this be lubricated?? Thanks.
-Remember that running the AC compressor, which takes water out of the air, is completely separate from the air temp you desire in the car. You can set the temp knob to any level that makes you comfy, and leave the AC on, and the compressor will keep the air inside the car nice and dry. There is no need to suffer with it too hot, too cold, or too moist - and you can direct the air anywhere you want. The system will keep you comfy, but you do have to let the AC compressor run to do its job. [The temp knob basically mixes warm air from the heater box with cold air from the AC, and thus provides whatever temp you want.]
I was expecting my vehicle to come with the "all weather guard package" (heavy duty heater and rear seat heater ducts), which is listed as standard on the 4WD base model. The XR is supposed to have everything that comes standard on the base model, plus certain features. Under the XR heading in the booklet, though, this package is listed as an option.
One other curiosity is that the salesroom booklet lists the EPA ratings on the 4WD Matrix as 17/32, but the window sticker shows 26/31.
Does anyone know about the availability of the roof rack? The booklet says it is an available accessory, but the parts people at my dealership say they have not yet received any information on it. The disclaimer in the booklet: Some options and accessories may not be available in all regions of the country.
Has anyone replaced their wipers on their 2001 Corolla yet? If so, then what wipers did you choose and why?
Toyota's marketing shop calls them the same thing, so its easy for them and us to get confused over what options are options and which aren't.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
If Toyota is referring to two different things as "all weather package," the Matrix sales booklet certainly is misleading if not categorically incorrect. This is under "standard features" on the base Matrix:
• All-Weather Guard Package with intermittent rear window wiper (standard on 4WD models, available on 2WD models)
And then under "available options" on the base Matrix:
• All-Weather Guard Package -- intermittent rear window wiper, windshield molding, heavy-duty heater and rear-seat heater ducts (2WD models, standard on 4WD)
And then we have a statement in the next column, under Matrix XR, that the XR includes all standard features of the base model (or other standard features that replace these features).
Michelin X-Ones are excellent tires. It handles light snow pretty well, though it doesn't snow as heavily in PA or VA compared to New England. (based on my parent's 94 Corolla)
Triple Edge wipers are actually good wipers, and the Silicone compound will last much longer than the rubber elements in the Toyota ones (if Bosch refills still available, use those).
Next time I need wipers I'll give the Bosch wipers a try. Thanks again for your help.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
If that's no good, see your dealer.
My A/C is so cold, I have to back it down really fast. This is during hot, steamy days in North Carolina.
Really great A/C IMHO.
For example, the manual says that the interior dome light will stay on for a few minutes after the door is closed. Even the switch on the dash shows a clock for the timed option.
This option's not on the CE but Toyota didn't make a different dimmer/dome switch plate to so indicate. Even the dealer had to check it out on several lot cars to be sure.
Perhaps this is the problem here - bad documentation.
i have this on my sienna van and at first, i thought i didnt have it or it wasn't working. the way it works is when after you shut off your engine, the windows will work for set period of time as long as none of the doors have been opened. if you shut off the engine and open the door and then try to operate the power window, it won't work. once you open the door, the reserved power is gone.
it works the same way for my sister's 1997 camry with power windows. i assume that all late model toyota's would work the same way.
the fade-out dome lamp feature is available only for the LE and S models as indicated on the 2003 corolla brochure.
just my $0.02
I replaced the wiper blades (just the rubber inserts) with the Toyota original parts - about $12 total for the pair on sale at my local dealer.
I just had a VERY minor problem yesterday - my clutch pedal was squeaking (from the inside). A spray of white lithium grease on the hinge point and it was fixed! Love my Corolla!
Any ideas on what could be causing this?
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
It could be anything.
boilerman: get the net from the dealer if you don't have it yet. waiting for them to install something that's free always takes a long time! get the net and do it yourself. i havent done one but it cant be that hard to install. i would assume that there are pre-drilled holes on the body for those nets or maybe hooks for the net like on the matrix.
CEL does not go away unless the condition that caused it goes away. Most common is a loose gas cap as mentioned above. Try to unscrew the gas cap all the way then screw it back on till you hear lots of clicks (2 to 3 extra twists). Others have been caused by bad gasoline or clogged O2 sensors. And even if the condition goes away, the computer keeps a record of it for the tech to look at or you if you have the right gadgets to hook it up. Good luck!!
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
There are 2 aftermarket racks
http:\\www.yakima.com
http:\\www.thule.com
I have the Thule and it fits nicely and comes off in less than 5 minutes. If anyone wants a picture or more information about the Thule rack...let me know and I will get it to you.
Virtual beer would do. http://beer.trash.net/
This despite this info is STILL posted on their website...
I am still hounding them about the stupid twilight sensor though...am curious to see if I will get anywhere...
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
If it is annoying you, you can set the dash lights to full brightness. This will prevent them from flickering until you get the sensor repaired. If your dealer can't or won't fix it, have you tried another dealer, or the zone manager?
My twilight sensor turns on the headlights on sunny days whenever the angle of the sun is blocked by the pillar to the extent that the sensor is cast in a shadow. Drive one direction and the headlights come on; turn around and drive back and you have only the running lights. It wouldn't be necessary to compensate for this by playing with the dimmer control on the dashboard display if the sensor were positioned more in the center of the dashboard.
on the 03 corolla, the difference between the DRL and headlights being on is not that much.
also, a tip for making your headlight bulb last longer. when driving at night, the DRL is about 95% bright enough to shine the road so you can just turn your switch to the parking lights position. this means you are driving with DRL and parking lights on. of course this depends on vehicle. on the 03 corolla, DRL is bright enough so i just use DRL and driving lights. i do the same thing with my sienna. the bulb last much longer. on some cars, you just get a yellowish beam on the front so you have no choice but to turn on the headlights.
I hate it, and Toyota has told me it is not their problem.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Thank you!
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I may pry mine out of the dash and prop it up on tootpicks or something so that it is near the glass and consequently gets a lot more of the ambient light available.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)