1979 Toyota Corolla CS 1.3L petrol

Summary:

A cheap and reliable bargain

Faults:

Slight oil leak from spark plug sleeves.

Split hose from thermostat to water pump.

Slight wear to front seats.

Badly repaired rust beginning to re-surface.

General Comments:

Considering the small capacity of the 1300cc 4K engine, it is quite zippy both on the highway and around town. The ever-reliable 4K engine is essentially bulletproof and seems to go on and on.. Recently I drove the car from Gold Coast to Lismore, and from Brisbane to Gympie within the same week and it didn't miss a beat. The 4-speed gearbox isn't really suited to the highway, however, due to the relatively short gearing, but seems happy to cruise at 100-110 kph.

Rust is quite an issue with this model corolla, although due to the previous owner badly repairing the existing rust, it has re-surfaced. Considering its age, there isn't all that much rust there.

Because I am a larger person, the cabin isn't all that spacious, nor comfortable. However, for its age and genre.. its quite well equipped and would rival any other car of its age.

Overall, I am quite happy with this vehicle. After all, for AU$1200 its hard to find a one-owner vehicle with low kilometres (143,000) and 8 months registration, isn't it?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th December, 2003

1979 Toyota Corolla SE 1.5

Summary:

Excellent car for first buyers and great for restoration

Faults:

Starter motor failed at 200,000 kilometers.

Had to replace the radiator.

General Comments:

After the 5 speed was installed this cars performance was improved vastly.

Great for rally, better with a turbo, but its hard to find the right turbo motor to fit the block.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st June, 2003

1979 Toyota Corolla SE 1.4

Summary:

A bargain with 12 months rego for $A1000

Faults:

Water jacket sprung a leak under normal usage.

The rust was getting a bit out of control in the doors, boot, wheel arches, front guards and sills and underneath the boot.

Leaking water in the boot.

Would not start due to ballast resistor failing.

Replaced 3 manifold gaskets in 3 months due to stupid apprentice mechanics.

Rear wheel bearings decided to lock up whilst just driving along home, drove into gutter.

General Comments:

She's a lovely piece of motoring history, very good in the mud, great rally car, has never failed in the 4 years I've had it.

Handles great at high speed, great to get sideways.

The seats are great for vinyl and are very comfortable very cold in the winter inside and very hot in the summer due to the black interior.

The instruments were clear and concise and the functions such as wipers and heater were in good places, good driving position, visibility is good.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th May, 2002

1979 Toyota Corolla 1.3

Summary:

Don't race it unless you're on dirt!

Faults:

Cracked cylinder head @ about 300,000 (it had a reconditioned engine put in).

Fatal collision resulting in a bent chassis was unable to be repaired because of rust.

General Comments:

A good first car... and a great rally car! Constant feedback from the steering wheel & gearbox added to great chassis balance means this car is best driven sliding sideways.

The most fun I've had, but sadly this car died a rally death... *sniff*

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th March, 2001

27th Feb 2002, 18:10

Great for rally is right - I used mine for 3 years (1997 to 2000) for rallies in Canada with no trouble until the front sub-frame broke. Awaiting repair and passing the safety engineers tests. I love the car!

1979 Toyota Corolla CS 1.3 petrol

Summary:

$A 1,000, fully resprayed, good nick

Faults:

Just bought it. You people that diss your Corollas should work out what they're intended for.

General Comments:

Maybe I'll have a different review for you in 2-3 months on this same car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st March, 2001

25th Dec 2003, 04:13

I've had my 1978 cs sedan for 11 months and I really can't think of a valid criticism against it, so far.

I drive from Logan to Beaudesert (QLD) every day. That's 90km per day, 6 days a week.

The little bugger just won't die!

1979 Toyota Corolla SE 1.2 leaded

Summary:

A slow and low performance car

Faults:

Front disc brakes need machining, rear brake drums already have been done.

Overheats like you wouldn't believe, 10 minutes and it's on 3/4.

RUST!!! It's everywhere! Along the roof lining, near front guards, boot etc!

Hole in the muffler.

General Comments:

Well, it was bought as a first car to learn to drive in! Well at least my sister wasn't going to die in a high speed crash!

It is very slow and when it is cold (temperature) it takes a very long time to get up to 60km/h. When it's warm, it's a bit more responsive.

Needs 2 people holding guards to get smoke peeling from the tyres, If you don't have a guard lift, NO CHANCE!

Good for your kids if you are worried.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 2nd December, 2000

21st Jun 2003, 05:10

Hi.

I have a corolla 1979 SE and it runs like a dream, but I must say the automatic isn't exactly the best model ever made out of the corolla.

And it sounds like the one you wrote about is in very poor condition, generally they are a fantastic car , especially with a 5 speed manual classic to drive, but just not the automatics :).

13th Nov 2003, 00:29

I've had the car for ten years. It's in good condition. It has been a very dependable car and never went into smoke like the one you were in. Try another '79 that is in better condition.

1979 Toyota Corolla SE 1.2 leaded

Summary:

Good to learn in

Faults:

Tyres.

Constantly needs tuning up.

Brakes need doing soon.

Slack in the gearbox.

General Comments:

It's an OK car to learn to drive in, but not exactly a pocket rocket, very slow being an auto and only a 1.2 to pull around a 1300Kg body.

Can spin the rear wheels only a little bit but easier if using a lubricant eg. oil.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd November, 2000