Toyota Corolla

backy

I have driven Corolla CE rentals (probably '04 models) with power windows.

ghulet

If not, maybe the one I posted from eBay is a former rental. Still, according to Toyota's own website, you can't get PW on CEs in the U.S. I guess it wouldn't be a surprise if Toyota built fleet models a certain way.

backy

I am positive because: 1) I was surprised that a CE had power windows, so I double-checked, and 2) it was definitely CE interior trim, not LE. Now, it's possible that because Hertz orders so many Corollas for their fleet, Toyota made up some CEs with extra features like power windows just for them.

grandtotal

CEs are available in Canada with power windows (as part of a package with Cruise Control). One of the few instances where we can order something the US cannot instead of the other way around.

smpool

My 2003 CE AT is two years old and has about 11,500 miles on it. About a 1000 miles ago, the engine block was replaced under warranty by the dealer due to a pinhole leaking coolant. Ever since, I seem to be getting much worse gas mileage in city driving - 21 to 24 miles per gallon. No dash warning lights are on. What could it be? Is this normal city mileage? What should I check?

dudleyr

The new engine has to break in.

muhipac

Hello guys .. I'm about to go a head and buy a nice corolla 94 with 5speed trany . The dealer is asking for 2,500,00 for this car . The car has 120*** miles on it and it looks great. Now before i do buy this car i want a heads up on moding this lil sweet rolla . I'm I going to be able to find whatever mods i want for it like headers ,air intakes , lowering kits ,budy kits etc .. your advice is needed and thansk in advance .BTW what do you think about the price VS the miles this car has?

2k1trd

I am a auto tech and have worked on many vehicles in my years and i must say that corolla is one of the best cars on the planet!...the only thing that seems to go on them is alternators and starters wich is no biggy.Othetr than that,just do normal maintenance and they go forever.oh and don't worry about the milage being high as that is nothing for a Toyota engine.I drove one with 200k+ on it and it drove like it had 50k on it!

beernut

If the 120k was maintained properly, its not a lot of miles. I agree that the Corolla is as good as it gets. I just wouldn't buy an eleven year old one from a dealer. He's charging you double just to cover his cost of hiding anything wrong with the car from you. In other words, YOU are paying the guy to screw YOU. Find a "lil sweet rolla" from a private owner.

 

Now ... headers, intakes, lowering, etc, etc, blah, blah, blah ... what's the point? None of that bolt-on crap is going to put any real hp to the pavement. If your mission is to impress your buddies (girls over 15 aren't impressed with this sort of thing), figure out how much you want to spend TOTAL - including bling worship - and go buy GTO fixer-upper (or a 'cuda or whatever). Put some sweat into it, learn something in the process, enjoy kicking butt on the roads and make your money back when you sell it. Then take that money and invest in some really cool tatoos.

beernut

FYI: This weekend, the wife took our 2005 Auto on a little 850 mile jaunt. Dead nutz 39 mpg.

johnclineii

Your tarring ALL dealers with that bad brush is not only inaccurate, it's uncalled for. Dealers back the used cars they sell, at least SOME of them do. Not to mention, where do you think the dealer got the car? If there are problems to be "covered up," at least part of the blame goes to the former owner. Sigh.

 

There is no such thing as a fair overgeneralization...

beernut

Now the juices are flowing!

 

It was a cautionary comment to folks about buying old cars from dealers. I assumed (incorrectly so, I guess) that the reader base of this board would know that some goof named "Beernut" probably hasn't personally dealt with every dealer in the U.S.

 

Story time: I recently sold a low mileage Ford truck. One of the guys showing interest in it early on said, "Yea but YOUR truck has 36,000 on the original tires and the one the used car dealer is selling is only two years old, only has 21,000 miles and it has brand-new tires!"

 

Hmmmm... Let's see now - two years old... 21,000 miles, Ford truck, NEW TIRES... ???

 

Back in the very old days, two tablespoons of sawdust in a gearbox worked wonders. Today, new tires and two quarts of Armor-All under the hood make an old problem car new for a couple of weeks. Private sellers are not as likely or as skilled at hiding things. You can see what you are getting. (Boy, could I tell you some stories about a local Chevy dealer!)

 

To end on a high note, if you can find a dealer who will "fully" stand behind a 120,000+ mile used car, marry him.

superman5

does anyone have problem brake squeeking? what is the average life span for your corolla brakes, i have about 35k right now, but brake squeeks on every stop for last 5k or so, dealer have checked the pads and they are at least at 50% still, i even complained to dealer but they said they found nothing wrong....

carglow

I've gotten similar results with my 05 auto. I think my best was 37 mpg, but the 22-23 mpg city is disappointing.

beernut

I hesitate to check city MPG. This is my wife's daily driver and she only knows "full throttle" and "stand on the brakes at the last second". I know the results will be disappointing. I will deliver a lecture on fuel efficiency and she will tell me to shut the .......!

nikolasmor

I am starting to do some research on vehicles for my wife and am wondering if you can get the Corolla S with anti-lock brakes but without a moonroof? Toyota's website doesn't show it as possible but others show it as separate options

beernut

If you're looking for a car for your wife - maybe for some kids to drive or at least ride in as well? ... obviously its your choice, but what I did (at my wife's urging) was get all the airbags and ABS availabe. Our's came with a sunroof - she doesn't care about a sunroof but I like it. For our financial situation, which isn't great, the extra money for the roof, especially considering possible better resale value, didn't seem like a bank breaker for us and availability of cars with a roof was pleantiful. The only downside I see is that the headroom is a little less with the roof, but again, not a problem for us.

We absolutely love our S and it is perfect for my wife. I will caution you about two things I don't like about it - remembering that its not my daily driver and she doesn't mind these things. 1) Consumer Reports mentions that the steering wheel may be too far away for taller drivers. I'm not tall, 5'-10, but the wheel is too far away for me, and 2) With all the headrests and maybe the side airbag covers (not sure about the impact of that one), visibility out the back sucks. I find it very difficult to see anything behind 180 degrees to the sides. Maybe its just a matter of getting used to it - but I don't like it.

Also, I put it on the road this weekend and found it to be a little loud and not particularly smooth for long distance highway, but I'm used to big, old Detroit cruisers.

There is a lot of good press lately about the Mazda 3. I liked it OK and have no problem with Mazda in general, but it seemed much smaller inside. The front seats seemed too small for my butt and the rear seats seemed much smaller than the Corolla.

Last thought ... I noticed the Corolla was not a strong accelerator above 60 to 70 MPH. No complaints about it, just an observation. Its obviously a HP vs. MPG trade-off.

nikolasmor

Yeah, I'm 6'5" and am trying to convince her to pick something a little bit bigger. I would rather her go with a camry or mazda 6, but then again its not my car.

beernut

I didn't find the Camry larger enough inside to warrant the extra $, and the MPG is radically less.

modestmouse

I just bought a 2005 S and I had ABS and all the safety stuff but not the sunroof. You should talk to your dealer, perhaps call so you don't have to be haggled. I don't like sunroofs, just another thing to break and cost $$$ down the line.

So its possible, ask them about getting one straight from the factory, you'll have to wait 6-8wks but in my case that was fine. I may hold different for you.

MM

nikolasmor

Yeah I think thsts the only way to get it without the sunroof. I just find it hard for me to rationalize special ordering something like a
corolla.

ind22

I am looking to buy a used car and saw this nice looking corrolla just today. Its blue in color with no rust and no visual color problems it looks nice. Interior is clean, 1 owner but the mileage is high. This is a private owner.

99 Corrolla CE
95,000 miles
Made a deal at 3700 + taxes and fees

Is it a good deal. ? Please help.

While doing a test drive I observed that the steering seems a little loose. Is this oK ?

Any thoughts would help.

queenkris00

I'm looking at buying an Corolla and I was wondering if the moonroof was a slide or a tilt one...I've tried looking on-line, but haven't been able to find my answer. Thanks.

danielj6

Are you taking the car to a trusted shop for a thorough diagnostic test? Even if you know the owner.

Check kbb.com and Edmunds.com to find out if your price is right.

queenkris00

Do Corolla's come with the option to have the audio controls on the steering wheel???

beernut

95,000 miles. Nope, not a lot of miles - if it got regular oil and other maintenance. Look carefully at the records and, I agree, have a Toyota knowledgable mechanic look it over.

Roofs. Corolla roofs tilt and slide.

Steering wheel controls for radio. Nope.

cjg

I have a 2005 toyota corolla. At night when i start the car the automatic headlights go on as does the lights for the speedometer. The other light which is for the radio area and gear shift has a delayed reaction. I takes about 20 seconds for it to go on. I usually turn on my inside lights to see where to shift. I took it to the dealer and he said that nothing was wrong with it and that it checks out when the headlights are turned on manually. But the problem is that at night when the lights are suppose to go on automaticlly and the only lights that don't go on or are delayed are the ones the light that i had mentioned above----it would seem to me that something is not quite right. He told me that if i wanted them do go on sooner i would either have to do as i have done which is to turn the inside light on to see where to shift or turn the headlights on and that would make that lights go on or wait the 20 seconds for it to go on. He claims that that is how the manufacturer made it. I really don't buy that. Why have automatic lights if i am going to have to turn the light switch on manually for those particular lights. It makes no sense to me! By the time I have turned the lights on manually and shifted to the right gear and started driving off --- then the light goes on.It doesn't seem right! My last toyota ---1998 all lights went on at the same time. Is this how the 2005's are being made? What is the purpose of the delayed light? Or is there a problem?

beernut

I hate to say it, but the dealer could be telling you the truth. I've found that the '05 Corolla automatic lights act a little odd from time to time and from car to car.

What I do know is that the DRL's come on with the ignition - no delay. This should include no panel lights or taillights. Then, the car's sensors start trying to figure out if its dark out. If it is and after some delay, it turns on the headlights, taillights and panel lights. I used to think it was also linked to the shifter, not letting you drive without headlights at night and just turning them on for you. Perhaps someone else has input on that. I also noticed that when I open my garage door and the door opener's light is still on, the car thinks its light out and won't turn on the headlights until I back out into the night darkness, then "poof".

By the way. I don't know how long you've had this car, but you should know where the shifter positions are without looking. Before MADD, it was a necessity!

fayazkm

Hi

I have an 05 Corolla LE (1000 miles) which makes some kind of a grinding or groaning noise during turns.I took it to the dealer who drove it around but found nothing unusual. Any thoughts ?!?!?!

The noise is quite distinct to me.The dealer tech guy said that it was a normal sound for a Corolla.I've yet to drive another 05 Corolla to verify this.

Has anyone heard of such a problem ??

Am trying to get my hands on an 05 Corolla to test-drive it !!

Beernut -- thanx for your inputs !!!

jrct9454

Yep, those lights are working exactly as designed. Your beef, if there is a legitimate one, is with TMC. Personally, I never found this feature to be a problem for me, either in our current-gen Corolla, or my mother-in-law's '98 Corolla, which has the same feature and behaves pretty much the same way.

I can fool the automatic lights on our Mercedes, as well, though it does react a bit more quickly than the Corolla to sudden changes in ambient light. It's not unusual for me to switch the C240's lights on manually because a) I want the dashlights on right now or b) the conditions are marginal and I want to err on the safe side.

cjg

It sounds like my car has no problem. I guess I wasn't putting too much trust in their word as when I had asked them if the locks on my car could be re programed they said no that, that was how the car was made but when i finally got around to reading my manual it should you how to re program your locks! Unfortunately the manual didn't solve my light problem. This is my first automatic as i have always had stick and yes, eventually I will get used to where I need to shift without needing the light. Thanks for your words of wisdom.

hawks1

I've been looking at the 5-speed manual LE with cruise control. Can anyone give me their valued opinion concerning this car, i.e., gas mileage, reliability, road worthiness, etc. Believe I can buy locally for around $13K without a trade. Is this too much?

backy

$13k for an LE would be a good deal IMO. It's excellent for fuel economy, reliability, and smooth highway cruising (for a small car). The main issue with it is the driver's position. Be sure you take it on a long test drive (you and anyone else who will drive it) before you buy. Personally I find the seating position intolerable, and this problem has been noted in every review I've seen of the Corolla. It seems to be optimized for shorter drivers. Otherwise I think it's a fine small car.

jacknimble

Lets see: Edmunds has it for $13563 plus $200 for cruise, and they are showing a $1000 rebate (at least in my area), which would put invoice at $12763. I think that $237 over invoice is a good deal.

I have an 2003 Corolla with over 33k and it is excellent in every way. I noticed the driving position/steering wheel issue when I first purchased it, but have gotten use to it. I am 5' 10" but I've read other 5' 10" drivers still do not like it. It is roomy, quiet, reliable, and very capable on the highway. Gas mileage around town is low 30s and highway is high 30s.

w2323

That is a great price. I go to local toyota where I have gotten 2 cars in the past no one beats them. Price on the CE with the rebate is 12499 with a manual trans. So an LE at 13k sounds great.

tyh

I just bought a 05 Toyota Corolla CE and I wanted to know how to determine if the car has a keyless entry system installed without asking the dealership.

beernut

Does it have power locks? Did it come with a key fob? If "no" to either, probably not.

tyh

Yes it has power locks. What is a key fob though? It also has a security system already installed where the engine can only be started with the key and the doors too, if not the alarm will sound.

beernut

The fob is the black plastic doodad that comes hanging on the key ring with buttons for remote lock/unlock and an little square, orange emergency button on the back. If you didn't get one, you probably do not have keyless. Check the window sticker for the options list. If you have it, it should be listed.

jbollt

You can call Toyota regional (the number is probably in your owners manual). Give them the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and they will tell you if the car has the remote keyless entry system. I once bought a used Toyota Camry that didn't have the keyfobs (I just call them remotes), and the car did in fact have the proper equipment for the use of the remotes. The dealer then grudgingly agreed to order and program the remotes for us at no charge. They had claimed the car didn't come with them.

By the way, did you buy this car used? Many times the old owners don't give the remotes when they trade in the car, or they "get lost" before the dealer sells the car.

hope this helps

tyh

Thanks u guys....I bought the car new. The dealer called me yesterday so I just asked him about it. Unfortunately he said it didnt come with u...so I have to go get the whole system installed. Man thats money I REALLY didnt wanna spend but its annoying to have to open the door with your keys especially if u have other things in both hands. Well thanks again for all the help...I am gonna go now and see where I can get the best system at the lowest price.

beernut

Garsh! How much could it cost? You already have the PL's!

samnoe

Any plans in the future to offer power drivers seat? I mean, the Corolla offers so many luxury options, and even leather seats, but come on! No power seats?

backy

How many other cars in the Corolla's class offer a power seat? I'd be happy if they offered a manual seat with a dual-plane height adjuster, as can be found on the likes of the Suzuki Forenza/Reno, Hyundai Accent and Elantra, and Kia Rio. I mean, if a $10k Korean car can have a nice seat adjuster like that, why not a Corolla? And maybe that, plus a telescopic wheel, would eliminate the seating position problem that stikes the Corolla off the shopping list of people like me.

ghulet

I noticed a manual CE sedan on the inventory list of one of my local dealers (the only manual they had available), the car includes CQ (which includes the All-Weather package and floor mats, but no mention of anything else; cost: $415). Anyone know what's included in this package? Toyota's website was of no help. Thanks.

jrct9454

Check Kelley's website for package content.

beernut

I had a list from Consumer Reports that broke down the All Weather Package items but I threw it away after I got the car. It included mats, trunk cargo net (I think), rear floor heater ducts, black window trim (I think) and some other goofy stuff - just niceties, but they make life a little better. Negotiate the price down for the option.

labrat41

I have a '89 Corolla and a '91 Corolla, and I have alot of new parts on the '89, which I'm currently driving. I need to know what parts will interchange, such as struts, engine, tranmission,(both have 5 speeds) or body parts. If anyone has any information on this I would be grateful. Just trying to keep mine on the road, and on a low budget.
Thanks,
Labrat41

herrkaleu

I'm going to move to Madison WI (53711) and consider buying a Corolla LE, silver, w/ Cruise, etc.. and ABS and curtain airbags.
with http://www.carsdirect.com/home I can equipp it w/ those options...
now I read, that it is difficult to get ABS in some areas. How is that in Wisconsin?
I'm currently living in Germany... there every car of corolla size and above comes w/ curtain airbags and VSC as standard, so we never worry... and you can get any feature everywhere.
Reading all this here confuses me a little bit.
While searching on toyota.com I can't pick options (except for the all weather, but I must pick it, got no choice...). But i don'T know if that'S just the retarded Toyota site, or the Madiosn-Zip code...

another thing I noticed about US cars (except that the models for the US market seem to be from the stone age... the European Corolla looks like this:
http://www.toyota.de/showroom/corolla/gallery.html
It also comes there w/ a 1.4 l / 90 hp engine, and 2 different Diesel engines... and 12 year rust through warranty
back to topic:

the oil change every 7.5 K miles..
Well, VW/Audi have 50.000 km / 2 year oil changes in Europe, but 8.000 km oil changes in the US with the very same engines. Similar is true for Toyota..
so, is the oil in the US worse, or is the fuel worse? I mean, it's not that cars in Europe break down because of the oil (otherwise manufacturere wouldn't do that for too long:-). Or is it some sweet thing to do the dealerships a favor so they can make some extra $?

I also considered the civic, but ABS and side-airbags (no curtain airbags available!!!) only come w/ sun roof and alloys.. which I don't need.

another thing, why is VSC only available w/ automatic transmission? I see that VSC applies the brakes and reduces power if needed... but that works w/ manual transmission too.... so why does Toyota only offer it with automatic transmission?

By the way, does anyone know good Toyota dealers in Madison/WI? How long does it usually take to get a car? I'm a little bit worried with all the things that are not standard and might not be available....
Even when I'm German, I don't wanna buy a VW.... but if Toyota leaves me no choice and doesn't give me the safety features that i need, I have to get a VW (at least ESP and curtain airbags are standard...the way it's supposed to be:-)

beernut

I went to the linked website above to look at the European Corolla and can offer the following: The reason U.S. Corollas "seem to be from the stone age" is because the "modern, European" Corollas look like a bucket of barf and U.S. buyers don't buy barf. What a gross looking little car! Yuk!

U.S Corolla buyers buy U.S. Corollas because they like them, "stone age" appearance and all. If I wanted to drive something around the country that looked like everybody else's VW, I'd move to Europe. (NOT!)