2002 Toyota Corolla GLi review from Israel

Well I have owned this car from new, and after nearly 5 years and 110,000 kilometers. Nothing has gone wrong until this this week, when a warning came on telling me to go to the garage to check the engine. It appears that there is a small fault with the catalyst converter, but nothing urgent according to the garage, and the car can be driven as normal, but should be checked if the light comes on once again.

I first wrote about this car soon after purchase, and as I said then, this is the best car that I have ever owned, it has been 100% reliable for nearly 5 years, comfortable and relaxing to drive, with a good turn of speed, and quiet. The auto gearbox has performed smoothly without fault, and the kick-down works well, but there is a slight lag before it changes down. I usually change my cars after 5 years, and fully expected to buy another Corolla 4 door sedan, (very few hatchbacks are bought in Israel, and nearly all cars are automatics), but unfortunately the new Corolla (and Auris) sold here now comes with that awful MMT gearbox, and is horrible to drive, so Honda Civic here I come.