Power came from a 1.8 liter four cylinder engine which delivers 126 horsepower and 122 lb.-ft of torque alongside very reasonable mileage. The engine employs variable timing for surprisingly peppy performance- as long as you opt for the manual five-speed gearbox and not the four-speed automatic. Also available was a high-performance XRS model with an up-tuned variant of the 1.8 litre engine, with 170 high-revving horsepower and a six-speed manual.
Corolla engines used a timing chain, which doesn't need to be replaced after a given interval like a timing belt. This engine should provide reliable and trouble free operation for years and years if you stay on top of the maintenance. Be sure fluids are changed religiously, and you'll enjoy worry-free driving. An extended warranty is probably a waste of money.
No major engine-related problems were noted, aside from several owners reporting the need to replace their catalytic converter after fairly low mileage, and being presented with an unreasonably hefty bill in the process. Other owners report sporadic illumination of the check engine light, which could indicate a slew of problems ranging from a faulty O2 sensor to a leak in the emissions control system to the need to re-program the engine's computer. Be sure to check for the check-engine light on a test-drive.
Pay close attention to any sounds coming from the vehicle's suspension too, especially when cornering. Drive slowly in a circle in a parking lot to listen for any abnormal sounds coming from the steering or front end, and be sure to check the front tires for even wear. If they're more heavily worn on the inside than the outside, the car will probably need an alignment.
Though reliability issues are few and far between, the sheer sales volume and appeal of the Corolla mean that you could just as easily wind up shopping for a bad used example as a good one. Like any machine, maintenance is key for prolonged proper operation- so you'll want to make sure you're getting into a model that has been well taken care of, not a neglected accident repair or one used as a taxi-cab. Get the VIN number and have a carfax or similar report carried out, just to be safe. A trip to a mechanics hoist would be ideal too.
Corolla has recently been updated, meaning trade-ins on the ninth-generation cars will be plentiful. Though the high resale value means you probably won't find any cut-price deals, you're not likely to find a better small sedan for the money when practical sensibility is concerned.
photo:Toyota
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| 2005 Toyota Corolla |
Corolla engines used a timing chain, which doesn't need to be replaced after a given interval like a timing belt. This engine should provide reliable and trouble free operation for years and years if you stay on top of the maintenance. Be sure fluids are changed religiously, and you'll enjoy worry-free driving. An extended warranty is probably a waste of money.
No major engine-related problems were noted, aside from several owners reporting the need to replace their catalytic converter after fairly low mileage, and being presented with an unreasonably hefty bill in the process. Other owners report sporadic illumination of the check engine light, which could indicate a slew of problems ranging from a faulty O2 sensor to a leak in the emissions control system to the need to re-program the engine's computer. Be sure to check for the check-engine light on a test-drive.
Pay close attention to any sounds coming from the vehicle's suspension too, especially when cornering. Drive slowly in a circle in a parking lot to listen for any abnormal sounds coming from the steering or front end, and be sure to check the front tires for even wear. If they're more heavily worn on the inside than the outside, the car will probably need an alignment.
Though reliability issues are few and far between, the sheer sales volume and appeal of the Corolla mean that you could just as easily wind up shopping for a bad used example as a good one. Like any machine, maintenance is key for prolonged proper operation- so you'll want to make sure you're getting into a model that has been well taken care of, not a neglected accident repair or one used as a taxi-cab. Get the VIN number and have a carfax or similar report carried out, just to be safe. A trip to a mechanics hoist would be ideal too.
Corolla has recently been updated, meaning trade-ins on the ninth-generation cars will be plentiful. Though the high resale value means you probably won't find any cut-price deals, you're not likely to find a better small sedan for the money when practical sensibility is concerned.
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| 2003 Toyota Corolla |
photo:Toyota
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