1989 Toyota Corolla SR5 review from Australia and New Zealand
"Surprising package"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The fan doesn't work on first speed.
CV's are making a bit of noise when cold.
Dash has 2 cracks, otherwise fine.
Everything else is in perfect condition...
General comments?
The thing that pleases most with this car is the traction and handling provided by the constant 4wd, especially when living in wet Melbourne with numerous slippery tram tracks to cross.
It is very comfortable car, even with 4 adults, and performance doesn't suffer too much when loaded. Though it is nothing to get excited about, it is easy to beat more powerful cars at the light's in the wet especially.
At cruising speeds, it is very quiet and refined, and can be responsive at all speeds in the appropriate gear. The handling is quite suprising for this type of car, from parking to twisty mountain roads this car inspires confidence -especially in the wet.
Another major advantage of this car was realised when I moved house recently. The interior space is very practical, and has made for a surprisingly comfortable bed... even for two!
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  | 1989 - Corolla SX 1.6L 4A-GE (Gen-III) Oh what a feeling! |
| Great on fuel and very reliable, but no head turner |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 4AFE 1.6 Manual |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 150000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 204000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Holden Commodore |
| Date of Entry | 5th July, 2003 |