1988 Toyota Corolla CS. AE82. 1.6L 8v 4 cylinder

Summary:

A reliable and economical vehicle

Faults:

In the time that I have had the corolla, only 2 things worth saying have gone wrong.

Temperature gauge decided not to work and the car needed a wheel alignment pretty badly.

General Comments:

The corolla is a good car to get you from a to b. It is not the most powerful car in the world, but with a few dollars lashed out a 20v can be easily fitted. I found this car was very reliable and great on fuel.

If you are interested in buying in the AE82 range I would suggest that you go for the seca. A little more money gets you more options and it also comes out with the Toyota 16v.

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

Review Date: 29th October, 2002

1988 Toyota Corolla CS 1.6 carb

Summary:

Great on fuel and very reliable, but no head turner

Faults:

Cushioning on one seat went through and I replaced both the front seats with those out of a corolla seca.

Replace fuel pump (it was still working). Replace catalytic converter (was making strange noises and spat out some of the "black coral"). Replace glass support in passenger window because it had rusted through. Replace brake lines (still working). Small oil leak in the head gasket, but I've been getting away with it.

Also, I backed out of the garage with the driver's door open and bent it almost off. It was a pain to replace and spray, but I can't blame that on the car.

Broke off the passenger's window winder and replaced. Could have been stronger??

Rust is eating some parts, but I wouldn't say that is was very aggressive.

General Comments:

The 'rolla is not generally a very visually appealing car in most people's opinion and mine more so because I've lost a wheel cover and have a few rust spots.

And as for power, it's not close, though it can be quite surprising. It happily hums along at 110km/h on the freeway between Sydney and Canberra.

Where it really excels is in reliability and fuel efficiency. I've always trusted that it will run and never been disappointed. It had to put up with fierce Sydney traffic and didn't complain and hardly dented the hip-pocket.

I've moved house a couple of times and loaded the 'rolla with heaps of stuff (you can put the seats down to carry extra gear, or sleep in if you're keen enough at a party), and it's not had a problem with carrying a full load.

So despite the fact that it's not going to turn any heads, it has never shied away from anything I've done with it (unsealed or rough terrain, heavy loads, long distance, or fierce traffic) and that's why I'd be very hesitant to part with it especially with how reliable it's been and how little it has expected from me.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th June, 2002

1988 Toyota Corolla Levin GTV 1.6 4age

Summary:

A fun, quick and reliable coupe

Faults:

Clutch needed replacing at about 75000.

Brakes replaced once in the time owned.

Hand-brake cable will need replacing soon as it has stretched.

General Comments:

For the engine size, the car is a good performer.

The 4age is a strong engine and will rev freely all day.

I have had next to no problems with this car since I bought it.

I still enjoy driving it today and do not plan to sell it in the near future.

I have no complaints about the (Toyota) Levin at all.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th August, 2001

1st Dec 2010, 22:38

I fully agree with the review. I've owned a 1988 Toyota Corolla Levin since 1995, and it's a great car! Certainly have no intention of selling this car any time soon. Upgraded the engine from a big port 16 valve to a 20 valve Black top, and boy am I having fun. Hondas and Subarus hate me! Plan to give it a tweak with a pair of half race cams. Evolution beware! Just need to know the best supplier in relation to cost.

11th Jul 2012, 16:53

Hondas and Subarus hate you? Not here where it snows 350 inches a year... my Corolla can't be used 5 months out of the year unless I have chains on it. But my old Subarus keep chuggin', without chains, no problem...

From the mountains of California, sayonara...