1997 Toyota Corolla Si review from Estonia
"Reliable, but when you get a lemon, write it off or sell to the next victim, parts cost millions"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Leaking power-steering, too expensive to fix.
Burns a lot of oil, engine rebuild too expensive to consider.
Rear brakes stuck, due to faulty regulator, too expensive to even consider.
Clutch failed at 180000km.
Rust, rust and more rust, the body just fades away.
Wheel bearings whine, unable to replace due to enormous cost.
General comments?
Although I got a lemon, I must say it is reliable. The main problem is, that when the car gets about 8 years old, every two or three failing components cost a total of the cars current value, so you can't fix it, just wait and see how long it will last. I believe this is different in Japan for example, but here in former USSR it is really impossible to deal with this car when it starts loosing pieces, the money numbers just aren't realistic.
Recommended reviews
 | A big mistake of a purchase |
I will never recommend this car to anyone |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 2004 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2006 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.6 4A-FE Manual |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 7/10 |
| Comfort marks | 5/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 2/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 167000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 198000 kilometres |
| Date of Entry | 22nd February, 2006 |