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Toyota Corolla

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Comments

  • jgockeljgockel Member Posts: 3
    Sounds alot like my old 99' escort zx2 I just sold for $400. Unfortunatley I only got 147k out of it before the tranny went out, but I was rear-ended 4x, hit medians, trees, cars popped 3 tires on a camping trip, used to try and jump it over large bumps on hilss etc... Good Times! Now that i'm a little older i'm going to try buying a new 2009 Corolla S. I'm hoping I can do all the same fun stuff with it lasting 300k miles. The Toyota is about double the price of the escort so i'm praying for better reliability because I was genuinely <--(sp?) suprised how much that ford took and kept going, you hear so much bad stuff about american cars but I guess for 1/2 the price you get what you pay for.
  • goldy2goldy2 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 1999 Toyota Corolla, 4 door. My two front doors get filled with water. In the winter they freeze shut. Does anyone know how the water is getting inside the door walls. Thank you.
  • terceltomterceltom Member Posts: 1,024
    Are the doors actually getting filled with water or are the locks just freezing ? Freezing locks is a common problem with almost any car after a rain and then a freeze. Doors filling with water is a totally different problem and has to be some kind of weather stripping problem.
  • irismgirismg Member Posts: 345
    There's an interesting problem. My '98 has never done that, but I don't discount your issue because of my experiences. I hope you get a good answer!
  • canccanc Member Posts: 715
    It sounds to me like the drain holes at the bottom of your doors (there should be two) are plugged with grime and dirt--check close to the welding seam of your doors to see if there's anything obstructing these holes. If so, you can use a thin wire, like a straightened paper clip, to unplug the holes.
  • bottgersbottgers Member Posts: 2,030
    I currently have a '99 Corolla and I'm seriously considering an '06 or newer Civic.

    The 5 speed manual Corolla's been a fantastic car; unbelievably reliable, still gets 38 MPG with 201K miles on it, everything still works and the car runs and drives fine, and it's reasonably comfortable. However, I'm getting older and while driving a stick at times is still enjoyable for me, it's a real pain in the [non-permissible content removed] in heavy traffic, so I want my next car equipped with an automatic.

    While I like '03 and newer Corollas, I like the '06 and newer Civics better. Not only are they better looking, they just seem to be a better car all around. I absolutely love the Civic's 5 speed automatic. However, I have heard some things about the latest gen Civics that leaves a little cautious about buying one.

    Some have said they're reliability isn't up to the levels of the previous gens.

    Some have said the 5 speed auto is problematic.

    Some have said to stay away from the '06 model because since that was the first model year of the current gen, they were still working out some bugs so it had more problems that later year models.

    Is there any truth to any of these statements? Is there anything else about this car I should consider before buying one?

    There seems to be more reliability issues with the new Civic compared to previous gens. In terms of reliability, would I be better off just going with say an '04-'06 Corolla?
  • 4barrel4barrel Member Posts: 4
    I would stay away from the 06-07 Non Si Civics. They had issues with the engine blocks cracking, Honda has even issued a tsb regarding this issue.
  • southflorida3southflorida3 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 1999 Toyota Corolla with 172K on it. I have a mechanic that would install a 2001 engine with 51K on it for $1500 (Total). The car's engine is shot with white smoke coming out of the tail pipe (shut the car off immediately). Prior to this the car burned and leaked oil...a quart a week.....and one of the spark plugs always had a lot of oil on it.... The car is in decent shape with newer tires, newer starter, newer brakes, and has been maintained on an above average basis. This car would be used for my daughter as a 1st car... What are the pros and cons of an engine swap? If fixed, the car will be worth a bit more than the cost to cure.... but I don't want headaches. There would be a six month guarantee with the engine replacement. What say you?
  • terceltomterceltom Member Posts: 1,024
    To me that's a no brainer. I have a 2001 Corolla with 50,500 miles on that runs like a clock. I also have a 1998 Corolla and a 2009 Corolla. If my motor went on my 1998 and I could get the deal for a Toyota motor with 51,000 miles on it for $1500.00 like you were offered, I would jump at it to throw into my 1998. That car would probrably gain another ten plus years of life.
  • mnfmnf Member Posts: 405
    Does anyone know on the LE 2009 Corolla that is not equipped with XM if besides the bracket and unit does it need a antenna or is it already installed.

    Thanks

    MNF
  • naz786naz786 Member Posts: 1
    my airbag light aswell as the engine traction and p/s lights keep coming and going, i took it to the main dealership and they said the wiring for the airbag has come off the circuit board and that the airbag is coverered under my warranty but the wiring aint im not sure if thats right is it true plz help./;
  • terceltomterceltom Member Posts: 1,024
    I guess the easiest answer would depend on the age and mileage of your Corolla. If it's under 3 years old and under 36,000 miles I would say Yes, the wiring should also be covered also.
  • elementoficeelementofice Member Posts: 1
    hi i have a 2002 toyota corolla that drives pretty smooth but recently i found out that when i start the car after the car being parked for a few hrs or overnight, and i shift from park to reverse or drive, doesnt matter which, there seems to be a loud gear side that wasnt there before. this only happens the first time after starting the car in the morning or something, after i shift a few times and after i start driving, the transmission shifting becomes smoother. is this because the transmission fluid is low and needs to be drained/refilled? because i recently drove from la to north california which is like a 6 hr drive, and i noticed after driving halfway when i stopped to take a break that there was fluid dripping from under the car. i thought it was the coolant fluid, but i checked that and the water was still full, so it most likely is transmission fluid leaking perhaps? does anyone have any opinions on this? thanx!
  • terceltomterceltom Member Posts: 1,024
    edited July 2011
    I assume that when you state"a loud gearside" you mean a loud noise when doing this shifting. The easiest way to check if you lost transmission fluid would be to follow the cars manual on how to do this by using the dip stick under the hood. If it is the case that you are low on fluid perhaps you blew a seal on the transmission that needs to be replaced. To do this you check the fluid with the car's motor warm and running; after you shift all the way up and down the shift selecter stop in park and check the fluid using this dipstick.
  • naeshinaeshi Member Posts: 2
    my car has developed problems with rear stop lights. Rear stop lights will not turn off when I switch off ignition. Auto parts store informs me that a switch located on brake pedal needs to be replaced. The switch costs $34.99. I was also informed that the problem could be rectified by purchasing a rubber grommet that attaches to the existing defective switch Please help. I just purchased car only four days ago for $5000. Thank You
  • terceltomterceltom Member Posts: 1,024
    What exactly is it that you need help with? I would just get my head down under the brake pedal and determine which of these two fixes is necessary. After this determination go to a dealer and pick-up the correct repair part. Replacing should be straight forward, just remove and replace the grommet or switch as needed.
  • naeshinaeshi Member Posts: 2
    Thank you TercelTom. My problem is I cannot see the complete switch when I get under the brake pedal and have no idea on how to remove it other than by feeling around. I do notice that there is a panel underneath the steering wheel that seems to be secured by only one bolt or screw. Do you know if this panel is removable?. If so, it seems like I would have a much better view of the switchAgain, thank you for your interest
  • aladdinsanealaddinsane Member Posts: 182
    Howdy all...
    Does anyone have an idea, a clue maybe, as to why Toyota does not develop a hybrid system for its Corolla?
    I know some of you will say Toyota has the Prius line for anyone interested in owning Hybrid tech, but if the automaker can provide Hybrid tech for the Camry then why not for the Corolla too?
    It's about time some automaker offered a SMALL vehicle, Yaris sized, with Hybrid. The Honda Civic Hybrid, or regular high mileage HF, are great...but I find Honda's warranty lacking...that's a deal breaker, speaking for myself.
    Any 4-1-1 appreciated...
    Peace!<-AladdinSane<- :shades: -
  • dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    edited February 2012
    A corolla hybrid would cost just about as much as a Prius, but would have quite a bit less interior space and would lack the advantage of a hatch.

    I don't see much point and I suppose Toyota doesn't either.

    Not trying to be flippant. I also have a niche I would like to see filled, but I know it never will be. A Prius that handles better and has a stick shift. I won't hold my breath.

    They are coming out with a smaller Prius soon though.

    http://www.toyota.com/upcoming-vehicles/priusc/
  • mcdawggmcdawgg Member Posts: 1,722
    edited February 2012
    Agree re: the stick Prius.

    aladdinsane : The comment about the Honda Hybrid - if you want the best fuel economy, I am not sure why you would by the Honda?
  • aladdinsanealaddinsane Member Posts: 182
    I dig the hybrid's Flash Gordon two tier infotainment cluster, plus the Civic's reliability/dependability reputation is nothing to sneeze at (so to speak). I realize there are other brands with better stats and even a better driving experience. The Civic is just one of a small list I have of machines to check out. I'd like a hybrid, but there aren't many small hybrids out there to check out for purchase. The Civic's size is just about right, speaking for myself.
    Peace!<=AladdinSane<- :shades:
  • mcdawggmcdawgg Member Posts: 1,722
    edited February 2012
    JD Power Dependability Study

    This is the latest dependability study by JD Powers. It shows that for 2009 models (3 years old), Toyota got more awards (8) than any other maker. #1 Lexus (Toyota) #2 Porsche, #3 Cadillac And Toyota, #4 Scion (Toyota).

    Also note - for compact cars, the Prius was #1, #2 COROLLA. That's pretty good, considering the 2009 was the first year of a new generation of Corolla.
  • blackdynamite1blackdynamite1 Member Posts: 7
    edited March 2012
    I know I'm impressed! :shades:

    And it makes sense when you pair it back to back with the current car. It does carry over design elements, it just does so more aggressively:

    http://www.newcarsfor2013.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/2013-Toyota-Corolla.jpg- -
    BD
  • aladdinsanealaddinsane Member Posts: 182
    I like what I see for the Corolla in this pic.
    Any idea when this new version will be sold?
    2014?
    That sounds a forever away, especially since I'LL be in the market for new wheels soon.
    I could wait for it, but it still sounds as if this new version is far off.
    :(
    Whatcha think?
    Peace!<=AladdinSane<- :shades: -
  • blackdynamite1blackdynamite1 Member Posts: 7
    Expect to see it late 2013-early 2014

    If the current model's sales tank, then expect an earlier release.

    Since the current car has held fast against the many new models on the market, I'd expect it around 2 years from today. ;)
    BD
  • aladdinsanealaddinsane Member Posts: 182
    Howdy friend...
    Thanx for the reply.
    I appreciate it.
    No matter what the naysayers may say I still dig the Corolla "S" and the machine's general simplicity.
    I have more to comment on concerning the Corolla, but I don't wish to bore you.
    Anyway, thanx again mate.
    Peace<=AladdinSane-<- :shades:
  • blackdynamite1blackdynamite1 Member Posts: 7
    Keep in mind, as it seems you are overseas, I was referring to the timeframe for a U.S. launch. The U.S. is usually the last market to receive new Toyota designs, for a variety of reasons.

    Toyota vehicles can launch up to one year earlier in foreign markets, so be on the lookout! :surprise:
    BD
  • aladdinsanealaddinsane Member Posts: 182
    No brother...pure USA flavor here... ;)
    All good, though...
    And I do appreciate the replies, definitely...
    Peace!<=AladdinSane<= :shades: -
  • terceltomterceltom Member Posts: 1,024
    Not much "all-new", right?
  • michika12michika12 Member Posts: 4
    I'm user of used car Toyota Corolla, any feedback on mileage when you bought it?
  • terceltomterceltom Member Posts: 1,024
    I drive almost all city driving and get 25 mpg. consistantly with all three of my Corollas ("92", "09" and "01" ). When I do drive highway for a trip or something like that, I usually can get 35 mpg. or better.
  • bottgersbottgers Member Posts: 2,030
    edited September 2012
    It was a bitter sweet week for me. Last Friday night I was on my way home when I got a flashing check engine light on my '99 Corolla. After going through a multitude of troubleshooting steps I've learned the engine has a bad valve in cylinder #4 (cylinder would not hold more han 15 PSI when doing a leak-down check). With 295K miles I've decided the car isn't worth fixing and that I've more than gotten my money's worth.

    I picked up a really nice, one owner '04 Corolla LE with 149K. Before purchasing, I took the vehicle to my mechanic to have him check it out. He gave it the all okay and said he found no problems. I got a good deal...paid $5600 and the Kelly Blue Book is $7500.

    As I spend more time driving this car I realize the huge improvements in design over its predecessor. The interior seems huge compared to the '99...not only more leg room up front, but in the back as well. The seat is much more comfortable as well...more lower back and lumbar support. The dash layout and user controls are also more ergo-friendly. One thing I never liked about the '99 was the sloppy suspension. I always said the car "swashbuckled" down the road....lots of body lean in turns, and just in general the suspension always seemed to have too much travel and moved way too slowly. Even with new struts and springs (which I just had installed this spring) it was still sloppy. In contrast, the '04's suspension feels taught (almost sports car-ish), and yet still soaks up bumps better than '99...how is that possible? The '04 is also much quieter, especially on the highway...road noise was always pretty bad in the '99. The '04 is an automatic, the '99 a manual....when I bought the '99 I wanted a manual...when I bought the '04, I wanted an automatic...I like driving a manual, but not in heavy traffic...plus getting older the auto just seems more pleasant to drive to me...

    Overall, I have to say I'm amazed at how large of a difference there is between these two models. Don't get me wrong, I loved the '99 and it served me well, but the differences between these two are literally like going from a Yugo to a lexus...I really don't know of any other way to put it....
  • terceltomterceltom Member Posts: 1,024
    Sounds like you certainly got your monies worth out of your "99"; good luck with the 2004. You only have 146K miles to catch-up, LOL.
  • bottgersbottgers Member Posts: 2,030
    ...of course my goal isn't to catch up, but to surpass...
  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,146
    You really did get great use out of your '99!

    With the earlier generations of the Corolla (and the Sentra), you were basically paying for a rock-solid engine and transmission, and they threw in a basic, functional interior and everything else. This car has come a long way over the years, from being just reliable transportation to a truly nice vehicle.

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  • michika12michika12 Member Posts: 4
    Please share your experience with Toyota Corolla
  • terceltomterceltom Member Posts: 1,024
    Absolutely wonderful! I'm on my fifth Toyota Corolla in thirty years and all have been exceptional and gave me great service. In fact, as I look back I wish I wouldn't have gotten rid of some of them. No need for extended warranties with these cars, all of mine have rarely been in the repair shop.
  • mcdawggmcdawgg Member Posts: 1,722
    Definitely very positive. Some people on here like to beat up the Corolla, but it is still exceptionally reliable and fuel efficient. Check Consumer Reports, JD Power, True Delta. Also, some people are quick to point out that the automatic is only a 4 speed, but the Corolla in Consumer Report's real world MPG tests was beat by only a diesel and a hybrid in it's class. I thnk this was a test done about a year ago.

    Will the new Corolla be better - no doubt, and it will I am sure come with a new transmission, etc.

    But the current one is reliable, fuel efficient, smooth, quiet, and safe. Also, very easy to work on (oil changes, air and oil filter changes).
  • bottgersbottgers Member Posts: 2,030
    edited October 2012
    When I hear people say they don't like the Corolla, it's mostly because they say it's boring. To me there's nothing boring about Swiss-watch-like reliability and unmatched fuel economy. Just for the heck of it, I've been keeping track of my fuel economy since I bought my '04. On one stretch of pure highway driving I went 254 miles with the crusie control set at 75 MPH and the air on, I got 45 MPG...that's damn near hybrid MPGs! The only time I've gotten less than 34 MPG was when I was towing my motorcycle. I put 2500+ miles a month on this car, so nothing is more important to me than reliability and fuel economy...as far as I'm concerned, no other non-hybrid can match the Corolla in these two areas....
  • bottgersbottgers Member Posts: 2,030
    ...I like the fact that the automatic tranny in the Corolla is only a 4 speed...many people may like/want 5/6/7 speed autos, but keep in mind, the simpler and fewer parts in any mechanical device means there's less that can go wrong with it....these 4 speeds they put in the Corollas are bullet proof as long as you keep up on the fluid changes...
  • terceltomterceltom Member Posts: 1,024
    Gotta agree with everything you said about the Corollas. I can get very close to the same mileage you're getting on the highway, but my problem is my driving is like 90% city. In the city the best I ever got with my Corollas was 28 mpg. I'm on my fifth or sixth Corolla and my goal is to buy a Corolla plug-in or a Corolla convertible should they ever make one. I love my 91 Miata but I'd really like to experience a convertible Corolla.
  • empoweredbcempoweredbc Member Posts: 50
    140 HP
    CVT
    100 lb weight loss
    30/38 EPA MPG (somewhere around there)
    Crisper Styling
    More luxury features available like Push Button Start, JBL Audio, Rear view camera, heated seats, etc

    My only real question is will Corolla get a hybrid version? Toyota has said EVERY model will have a hybrid version by 2020.
  • terceltomterceltom Member Posts: 1,024
    Awesome ! When they get a hybrid I'll be first in line.
  • bottgersbottgers Member Posts: 2,030
    I bet a hybrid Corolla would be awesome! Think of the MPGs you could get with that thing!
  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,146
    If most people posted that, I'd think it was just idle talk, but I actually believe you WOULD be first in line, Tom!

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  • bottgersbottgers Member Posts: 2,030
    I'm a little disappointed in the projected fuel economy numbers of the new Corolla. I'd rather they forgo the bump in HP and make the car more fuel efficient. It seems they are more concerned about HP numbers than fuel economy numbers. With gas prices likely to keep going up, so should the mileage of new vehicles. If automakers were less concerned about power output and more concerned with MPGs they could easily have cars like the Corolla getting 50 MPG on the highway by now....instead we get more power and the same or less fuel economy....
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    If automakers were less concerned about power output and more concerned with MPGs they could easily have cars like the Corolla getting 50 MPG on the highway by now....instead we get more power and the same or less fuel economy....

    Well... the new Sentra has only 130 hp, down 10 from 2012, and does have higher FE than the old car... but no better than the 155 hp Mazda3 or 148 hp Elantra, and not much better than the 160 hp Focus... or even the new Altima!

    So I am not sure lower hp is the answer, not with the weight of compacts being what it is today because of bigger cars, more safety etc.
  • empoweredbcempoweredbc Member Posts: 50
    edited November 2012
    Turbos, CTVs, Hybrids......plenty of cool, new stuff is coming down the pipeline. This is the last go-round for the old bored-and-stroked 1.8 in the Corolla, or the 2.5 in the Camry/Rav4. And Toyota already has the #1 lineup in overall fuel efficiency.

    3 years from now, by 2015, you won't recognize the engine lineup. The future's so bright, I gotta wear shades! :shades:

    But the next Corolla will be lighter, faster, and more efficient. No need to fret now...
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