2009 Toyota Corolla

gizzer777

I have the NON JBL 2009 6 speaker w/ 6 cd changer and am satisfied. I did not buy an economy car to put a $1000+ stereo into it, even though it is the XLE model. I would not call it a blaster but I do not have to turn it up to far to keep me happy. Besides, I would not want to blow one of those speakers! (they are pretty flimsey looking)

I did note the cd/and aux port sound is far better than the fm section as in most stock stereo cars. Rated as average by me FWIW.

Suggest you test drive one and judge for yourself...sound is very subjective and it depends on what you are looking for.

I always laugh when I see a $3000 car with a $2000 stereo in it

here4u

It's a bit sensitive. I read up before I bought and test drove to make a decision. I am pleased with the 09 S model with 16" wheels/tires. Great around town and parking. I don't think it's as big a deal as some people are making it. I also think it will improve when the OEM tires are replaced.

mnf

2800 miles later and no big deal here as you have heard after a few miles you dont even notice it . The first time or two out yes now i dont even notice it.

Good Luck

MNF

johnc27

I ordered an XLE with rally wheels and it's arriving in two weeks. I test drove an LE twice for a good half hour and on the hwy. This car did not wonder off the road. I let go of the steering wheel as a test. It went in a straight line. Would Toyota really make a car that wonders off the road and goes into the next lane? Does it really need constant correction on the hwy or are some of these people being too criticle. Wouldn't people be complaining even more if this were really true? It sounds down right awful. These people that say the car needs constant correction on the hwy are making me have second thoughts. I was excited. Now I am scared. Should I keep my 05 Corolla LE ? I am not sure who to believe.... What happens to our resale if they correct this issue in a later year ?

denvecsr

Just check yours out when it comes in. While driving mine home I noticed it pulled to the left and the steering wheel was off centered. I was concerned that my new vehicle needed an alienment. I took it immediately for service. They checked and it needed an alienment. Their excuse was, this happens. I said no way a new car should need an alienment, something is wrong. Now 4000 miles old and another one is due. I see trouble down the road for me. Great car otherwise. Going 60 miles per hour using cruise control down intersate 95 to Florida I got 43 mpg and comfortable. Keep you posted on the alienment problem. This is my third Toyota. 94 Camry, 94 Corolla, 09 Corolla. I have driven many cars in my 35 years of driving. Taxi (private and NYC yellow) driver, Limo driver, stuntman.

jilliew

When my '09 XLE had around 1k miles (with no steering problems) I took it on a 200k road trip up to Yellowstone, NP. I got on I-80 and set the cruise at 65mph and it was a great trip. I could almost take my hands of the steering wheel. And according to my Garmin Nuvi 660 I got a 46.2 average for the whole trip. That included 8 days of driving in the park. It's possible that some people might have had a steering problem, just can get used to the difference in steering from their other car, or maybe it's spies from enemy territory (Honda, Hyundai) giving people grief. When you get yours just take it out on a long test drive on the street and highway and see what you think. If you don't like it refuse to take it. I can't imagine with as many '09 that are being sold that this is an issue.

kdhspyder

While the EPS has gotten some attention your comments and others herein are similar to mine on my 2005 Prius w/ EPS. Yes it is different, No it is not a significant issue after realizing how it's different ( 84,000 mi and counting ).

What is noticeable to me though is the generally impressive fuel economy ratings being reported such as yours. It's somewhat too early to gather a lot of data but FE values in the mid 40 mpg range seem very very common. This would make this Gen 10 about 10% better than the previous Gen. Now THAT's a slick trick.

This type of feedback gets passed from one person to another driver to another family really fast.

backy

Mid-40s mpg is Prius territory. So much for the long wait lists for a Prius! Just get a Corolla instead, save a few thousand bucks!

kdhspyder

absolutely....

The new 'R' family of engines are phenomenal in terms of FE and power.
1GR in the 4Runner, FJ, Taco, Tundra
2GR in the Avy, Camry, Highlander, Sienna, RAV
2ZR in the Corolla

The new AR 2.5L is due here soon, weeks.
The 1ZR is probably due in the next Gen Prius next summer.

backy

I'm still trying to figure out why the phenomenal 2ZR in the Corolla I drove recently couldn't far exceed (or exceed period) the old Beta engine in my Elantra in FE, when tested over the same course. Unless the 2ZR improves by about 15-20% in FE after break-in?

kdhspyder

Maybe it did, but with your bias in favor of Hyundai it was discounted.

I'm surprised by the regular reports of the Gen 10 hitting mid-40's for extended trips but I'll wait to gather more data and more reports over the next 18-20 months. It has only been out for 4 months in the public's hands. More data is needed. 40-ish mpg is the best I expected from this larger heavier vehicle. Mid 40's is a very pleasant surprise.

gizzer777

Background:
I traded a 2007 Hyundai Sante Fe that was pretty loaded, for a 2009 Toyota Carolla XLE (pretty loaded except for lack of a sunroof)...This is my 1st economy car EVER, and I have had at least 14 autos/SUV's that I can remember.

At 1st I missed the Hyundai 2007 Sante FeSante Fe (Pretty impessive vehicle for the $$, no problems except MPG, and the price was really getting hammered by KBB and Edmunds). That took about a week of getting used to a car again over an SUV. I AM QUITE IMPRESSED BY THAT LITTLE ROLLA AT PRESENT! It is comfortable, has all options that I would ever use, but ohhhhh....the Mileage.....The electric steering took about a week to get used to...Like that too!

An Interesting side note: It is only a 1.8 L engine and accelerates acceptably. Funny. but once up to hwy speed, I have to be carefull, as the little thing will be at 75+ (effortlessly) before I know it...again another surprise, especially with a 4 speed automatic transmission

Just did a 50 mile r/t in my 2009 XLE Rolla. For the heck of it I reset the computer that clocks MPG. Strictly hwy It was getting 44.6 . Figure that the computer may be a mile or 2 off, it is still amazing. Around town, I get about 27....I'll take it (Actually already did and only have about 1000 miles on it so far!) In this town 2009 Carollas are in very short supply and the discounts and great financing are gone Glad I got mine in early June! The Carolla is also very quiet at HWY speeds too....was a big surprise to me

My dealer does NOT recomment early oil changes...Says it is "old school" thinking" I may do it anyway...$40 is cheap insurance IMHO

backy

The implication that I was mis-stating my experience with the Corolla because I own a car from a different brand was not appreciated. Especially given the source--someone who works for Toyota and whose job it is to sell Corollas. Would you advise then that we discount everything you say in any Toyota-related discussion, due to your Toyota bias?

kdhspyder

Actually I'd say that as far as impressions are concerned yes both of our statements have to be discounted somewhat. That's a natural bias IMO. Facts are really all that matter, that's why I said that more data is needed.

Admittedly I am certainly emphasizing the good attributes of the Gen 10 Corolla....this is in fact a Corolla thread!!! As you will note I am not proselytizing in a Hyundai or Mazda thread.

backy

Nor should you. Just as you should not "discount" data on Corolla real-world fuel economy from someone just because they don't currently own a Toyota.

You apparently think I am biased against the Corolla. The fact is, I really, really want to like the 2009 Corolla. But there are some things about it, things that are important to me, that I don't like. You'll notice I'm not the only person with that point of view, if you read through the Corolla discussions.

kenym

You apparently think I am biased against the Corolla. The fact is, I really, really want to like the 2009 Corolla :sick:

Now that's really, really funny :shades:

terceltom

Ordered my own XLE about 90 days ago, just got word it will be at my dealer next week. Got a great price for it at $20606 ($21854 OTD). This is way under Edmunds TMV of $21921 before tax and tags and only $1100 over invoice. In this market of demand for the Corolla and the lack of availability of the XLE, this is a great price. This car is loaded :
JBL sound, Sunroof, Alloys, Spoiler, Cruise, Carpet mats, Body side moldings, All Weather Guard, Mudguards and Vehicle Stability Control. I myself was concerned about the Electronic steering. After test drive on two vehicles my concerns were thrown out the window, as this steering is a dream not an annoyance.

backy

Why? It was a serious statement, no intent to be funny at all.

I think it would be funnier if I were to say, "I am a two-time Corolla owner and three-time Toyota owner (very nearly 4 times but for some delivery problems) and I absolutely loathe Corollas and Toyotas. That's exactly why I bought those cars, and why I have the 2011 Prius in my sights for our next long-term family car."

Now THAT would be funny. Also very weird. :confuse:

kdhspyder

It might be that on this Corolla thread many of your posts ends with a 'suggestion' that one might appreciate the Elantra or some other option. It's done politely of course and indirectly of course but the intent is clear enough.

I have no doubt that you have respect for Toyota, Honda and Nissan - in addition to Hyundai of course.

backy

I like a lot of different cars, and brands. The fact that I don't work for a particular car company and don't depend on sales results from that company to make a living leaves me more free than some other folks to state my honest opinions about cars, including the Corolla--pro and con.

Maybe someday you will be able to get over the fact that I currently own a Hyundai (also two Mazdas), so we can move on?

pat

Let's drop this personal line of conversation and get back to the Corolla. Thanks.

nippononly

Why is everyone always picking on backy?

A coworker was in the market for a Corolla, took one look at the '09, and then went to great lengths to find what must have been the last new '08 left in the state, which he has been very happy with for a couple of months. Likes the looks of the '08 better, he says, and also doesn't consider any of the changes in the '09 to be improvements.

His is an LE automatic with most of the options except side airbags (were optional for '08, standard now for '09).

mnf

I would think that side airbags and stability control would be changes that you would want. They are not for looks all for safety and what price do you put on that. (CR reports poor crash tests on Corolla with out side airbags) These two options was a deal breaker for me as i first looked at 2008 but could not find them with the options that I wanted.

MNF

nippononly

Well, I think my coworker put an $1100 pricetag on that, as that is apparently how much the car went up in price for '09 in a same-equipped car. And it wasn't worth $1100 to him. He was trying to find a car without ABS, in order to save even more, but selection was very limited as the '08s had been out of production for like 3 months when he was looking.

Stability control seems like serious overkill to me in such a small, low car, but I understand automakers are just trying to get their last profits out of making it an option, as it will be government-mandated in all cars in a couple of years.

gizzer777

Side airbags and stability control were on my short list back on my XLE that I bought in early June. Now you take what you can get out here. Supply here is very short. Even 4 cyl Kia's are tough to get what you want to it!

We will see how not having an SUV this winter works out this year. Earlier last month, you simply took what they had or took a nice weekend drive to Calif to go shopping. There are quiet a few 7000+ foot mountain passes between Reno and Sacramento....you could just watch as your gas guage just dropped! Besides, They do not like Nevada checks in Calif! Trust me, they just do

My Carolla came with about 200 miles on it...Probably was bought by the Reno Dealer from the inventory in the Sacramento area. :sick:

jilliew

Oops, I meant I took a 2k road trip to Yellowstone. I'll probably be pushing daisies before I get to 200k. LOL

jilliew

What does CA have in the way of shopping the Reno doesn't? Just curious. I live in Colfax and like to go to Reno to shop. I know what you mean about watching the gas gauge eat it. Now with the XLE, it hardly moves. The only thing I can think of that Reno and surrounding area (Carson, etc) doesn't have is IKEA. Am I missing something in my own backyard.

jilliew

Yeah, I did the same thing. Not only do those few thousand bucks you save buy a lot of gas, you don't have to take it to the Toyo dealer for maintenance. With the Prius you are married to the dealership. The Corolla is a much more comfy ride, especially on a long road trip.The suspension on the regular Prius is awful, though it improves with the Touring Prius. If you are going to buy a Prius better to get the Touring model. Consumers rated it better than the regular Prius and commented on the better ride.

gizzer777

For one thing Sac has a Mini Cooper dealership and Reno has none...and you are correct...I used to have a Supercharged Mini and I got to get over the hill much more often

Lots of thing change...I used to be a 1 person-2 auto "family"....NOW I am back to normal 1 of each!!! Since things are always changing, the prices do as well!

Auburn, CA. also is the closest carfax too! Just getting out of Reno (cabin fever ya know) makes it a worthwhile trip or it was until gas went nuts. The period of time I was speaking of ...also had an Apple store and a Bose (speaker) store. It was also fun to give my Nuvi GPS a workout! :shades: Sacramento also has a Fry's electronics store while we do not. I see by my short list that the stores I mentioned, cater mostly to the guys. THE BIG HITTER FOR ME AT THE TIME WAS THE MIN DEALEDT

jilliew

I was VERY surprised, and delighted, with that mileage when I took that trip.. I think it's all in the way you drive the car, and being able to keep it in cruise for hundreds of miles and keeping the speed to 65 MPH makes a big difference. I'm not a speedster. 65 is fine for me, I just kick back and listen to the XM radio, which I am addicted to. I hardly use the 6 cd changer and the time flies. I'm anxious to go to Alaska in it, hopefully next year.

slowlearner1

I found a spot in my Prius where I could attach the GPS with velcro. But I don't see much open space on the Corolla and the suction cup won't stick to the dash ( its curved ). I'd like to know where the rest of you attach your GPS?
thanks

gizzer777

I have a Nuvi 350 and pretty much surrendered using the suction piece on the windshield. They were $1000 when it 1st appeared. I waited until they got down to about $350 before I pulled the "buy it now"chute. I saw a magellan (model 1412?) at Costco for $200 the other day. For $200 it seemed like a pretty good deal at first glimpse!!!!

Finally bit the bullit ($40) and bought the bean bag mounting bag. It is just a matter of where it lands from that point on. Best spot for the bean bag seems to be at the corner or the center of the dash with the corner area winning out for me. The nice thing about the Nuvi's antenna (the SIRFIII chipset is very sensitive) is that it works pretty much anywhere as long as there is no metal blocking it!

I must admit, I came close to putting an in dash unit, like the Kenwood, that has the Garmin's NAV setup built in.
My only gripe with the Nuvi will be that non user replaceable battery they hid so well!
Then I thought of those people with the $3000 stereo in their $1000 car! NOT THIS TIME!, especially since I just got done updating the Nuvi's maps to the 2009 version. Besides, you just do not get a CLOSE SHAVE from the in dash unit
lets face it, I like the Nuvi 350 with its mp3 player
It was already familiar since I have the Nuvi and the 6 speaker oem setup is good enough for me. It is best using the AUX setup in the car's radio along with the MP3 from the Nuvi.....next best thing!

slowlearner1

I've got a crazy idea. I'm going to check out those plastic stick on hooks...like you use in a bathroom to hang toothbrushes on... Maybe those hooks would latch into the vents at the top of the console or into the CD opening and hold GPS. I'll let you know if I have any success. Let me know if you have any ideas...

clemence

I will be buying a car this week and don't know which one to get. I might be able to get an Elantra for $16,000 with the leather package. The Fits are running about the same price. I am not sure about the Corolla...probably 19,000.

I am also wondering when the new Elantras are coming out and if they are going to do deep discounts on the 08's. The problem is, I need one now.

Consumer Reports highly recommends the Elantra, but it seems like the Toyota lines have been steady through the years.

Help! Any ideas/suggestions/tips? I am posting this on the Elantra site too.

clemence

Can someone tell me the major differences? How much lower should the prices of the 08's be?

If you were to buy now, would you buy an 08 or 09?

Thanks, in advance, for your help.

mnf

I have a Garmin 660 my daughter has a 350 and we both use this vent mount that i found on e-bay. Cost from $7.00-$12.00. They are just a piece of plastic but i like it so much more than the windshield mount that blocks your view. Here is a link to one.

Good Luck
MNF

http://cgi.ebay.com/Vehicle-Mount-GARMIN-NUVI-600-610-650-660-670-680-GPS_W0QQit- emZ140254554473QQihZ004QQcategoryZ58046QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

backy

I doubt you could find a new 2008 Corolla at this point. There are big differences between the 2008 and 2009, e.g. standard six airbags and ABS on the 2009, a little more powerful engine, smoother and quieter ride, bigger trunk, and of course restyled inside and out with more width for a little more interior room. Also the 2009 has a telescopic wheel which helps a lot to find a comfortable driving position. So IMO the 2009 is definitely the way to go--anyway, the 2008 would be a used car.

As for the Corolla vs. Elantra vs. Fit, I replied to your post on that in the Elantra discussion. If you can find a 2009 Corolla with leather for only $19k, you would be doing very well.

slowlearner1

That looks exactly like what I want. Question....can you adjust the vent with this holder in place?
thanks

nedzel

The 09 is a completely new car and is much more refined than the 08. I'd take the 09 before the 08.

brokedownincal

I have the non jbl stereo with the single cd. The AM/FM portion of it sucks. Seems every station you hear static. The volume doesnt go high enough for me either. So if you dont care about listening to radio stations and you dont play your music very loud than you should be fine. I regret not upgrading to the nicer stereo. Just my 2 cents.

brokedownincal

Yep you heard me right. 4k miles on it. Car started acting funny a couple days ago/check engine light came on then had to have it towed to dealership. Part is on backorder, no eta on when part will be in. I am not a happy camper!

backy

It sucks, but better that it happen at 4k miles than at 37k miles!

brokedownincal

Hey do you work at the dealership? Thats almost exactly what they said.

irismg

Personal observations are always helpful. I posted a few of my own about a Yaris I had for a week while my older Corolla was in for repairs.

If you don't mind my asking, why do you feel that oil changes (from the dealer, I assume) will cost more? More than what? I think I missed that in your review.

19K for a manual shift Corolla with cloth seats sure seems like much, considering what my automatic cost second-hand ten years ago. But, if you're OK with it, that's certainly what counts! Today I actually saw my second 09 model since before it was released in March - a silver XLE. I'm kind of sad that they've changed so much, the size Camry used to be, and priced accordingly.

I hope you get years of great usage out of your new Corolla. Congratulations!

jilliew

That suction cup thing sucks. I can't get mine on either. I just use a Beanie Baby to hold it up there. Amazon.com sells a bean bag thing for it. I think it costs $28. I was going to get it but the Beanie Baby works great.

jilliew

Well I like to hit the casinos from time to time but I'm really no big gambler. $50 is my limit. If I win, I stop. If I use it all up I stop then also. I enjoy eating up there, good meals for cheap.Lots of yummo buffets also. It's a nice drive up there and when I go to Carson to visit a friend I especially like thedriv around the lake. In the fall, Nevada is great for photography. Hope Valley is a favorite. Awesome color. With the XLE I can go more often.

I had no idea Auburn had a Carmax. Last I knew closest was Roseville.

jilliew

Here are some more solutions for GPS holders. I like the friction mounts best. I once used one of those vent holders in my Outback for a call phone and it broke the vent so I'm cautious about those. .

http://www.proclipusa.com/home/home.aspx?afid=42&admkt=1d30b1d4

http://www.tigergps.com/garminacc.html?s_kwcid=garmin accessories|1036957285&gclid=CIOJsJDZgpUCFSEra

http://garmn.factoryoutletstore.com/landing/cat/1640/Garmin-GPS-Accessories.html- - ?cid=3071&chid=1&gclid=CKfjmfnZgpUCFRIdagodXGoHqg

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Electronics-photography/GPS/GPS-accessories/auction-167- - 840647.htm

http://www.overstock.com/Electronics/i.Trek-Heavy-Duty-Friction-GPS-Mount-Base/3- - 181466/product.html?

http://www.arkon.com/garmin_nuvi_mount.php

http://www.bizrate.com/gpsaccessories/supported-models--nuevi-660/products__att6- - 13894--635627-__keyword--garmin+nuvi+dash+mount.html

http://www.amazon.com/BRACKETRON-UFM-200-BL-Dash-Mat-Universal-Device/dp/B00178Y- - 1IQ

slowlearner1

Took about an hour, but I was able to do what I wanted. My complaint with the existing vent clips is that most are big and stick out from the dash. We remove our GPS when we park to avoid theft. I've heard that having a mount, or even circles on your windshield from a mount can encourage a thief to go after your GPS. This way the GPS simply pushes in and pulls out to remove. You can tighten of loosen the unit by moving the vents up or down.

I couldn't figure out how to post pictures on this site so I put them here...

http://www.carspace.com/guides/home-made-GPS-vent-mount

Tell me what you think...

Well, I thought I had 4 pictures to show at this site, but appently not. If anyone can tell me how to post them, I'll be glad to do so.

gizzer777

Tires - oem, continued.

My 09 XLE has the Bridgstone Turanzas with about 1000 miles on them, mostly city, with rather poor patchy roads. OEM tires are NEVER much good on any economy car, but these are OK (must be the fancier name they carry :P )

The Turanzas are an exception, expecially for Bridgestones! I find them to be comfortable and have good (decent) cornering ability. I keep them at 32lbs measured cold. I admit I am almost radical about the pressure, since my garage is fitted out with a compressor and work area. Those of you with the 98 cent pressure guages...dump em and get a decent guage. Must be the fancy air my $300 compressor puts out I guess :shades:

irismg

I personally would get a very low-mileage 08 program car that still had the full factory warranty - which means buy it from a dealer. That's what I did when I bought my Corolla ten years ago July with only 9500 miles on it. I was the first non-corporate owner and thus could get the full factory warranty (at least, that's what they told me when they gave it to me - I didn't have to buy it). The price point is much better, and the design has proven itself for the last six model years, so there are plenty of parts for it as well as aftermarket toys. Find the best-equipped car you can afford to get the best materials. That way, if it's a matter of changing the radio, the wiring will be in place, and Circuit City can do that for you relatively easily. However, they discontinued leather seats for the '08 model, I believe.

Unless you have to buy brand-spanking new, that's what I'd do. Otherwise, Toyota of Plano, Texas still has a new '08, Butler Toyota of Indianapolis has two, Superior Toyota of West Virginia has one, Herb Chambers of Boston has two, Harrisburg Toyota in Pennsylvania has five...so I wouldn't say that nobody has any left. It's more a matter of how far are you willing to go to get one!