Faults:

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!

Faults:

Front exhaust outlet pipe needed replacement at 152,000 kilometres.

Engine oil consumption is beginning to rise to 1 liter per fortnight.

Front driver and passenger window-winders have broken twice.

Front brake hoses have perished just 20,000 kilometres after being replaced.

General Comments:

This vehicle provides good acceleration for its engine size and weight.

It is able to comfortably hold a 130 kilometers per hour cruising speed.

Average urban fuel consumption figure has been 8.5 litres per 100 kilometres.

Average motorway fuel consumption figure has been 5.5 litres per 100 kilometres.

Specification is basic but functional.

Gearbox is very strong, and the gear lever does not rattle and shake like other Japanese models of a similar age.

Despite not having power steering, fitment of 155 series profile tyres results in very light steering weighting.

Interior trim is strong and long lasting.

Faults:

Gearbox and carburettor are worn (car has travelled a high mileage), but they just keep on going!

The only repair I've had done is the replacement of the rear suspension struts, which was to be expected at this mileage.

General Comments:

This is the cheapest model Corolla (3 door hatch), so it doesn't have any fancy features (didn't even come with a radio), but this is my first car and reliability and low running costs are what matter most to me, and boy is this car reliable!

Starts first time, every time, even on cold winter mornings when the car is parked outside and covered in a thick layer of ice.

Interior is comfortable, but only just big enough for me (I'm 6'4").

Ride is firm and handling is superb (the suspension in many New Zealand Toyotas is tuned by world Formula 1 champion Chris Amon) - handles like a sports car rather than an economy hatchback - virtually no body roll around corners.

The only problem with this car? The 1300cc engine is pretty gutless, but what do you expect!