1995 Toyota Corolla Wagon 1.8L

Summary:

Very practical car

Faults:

Clutch master cylinder.

Entire exhaust.

Exhaust manifold (cracked).

Manual transmission (rebuilt).

Brake master cylinder.

Engine and transmission mounts.

Struts (all 4).

Oil leak.

General Comments:

I love this car. I also replaced the normal wear items such as brakes and tune-up parts, timing belt & water pump. Had problem with rust on both sides of the rear panels and right rocker panel. The biggest problem is oil consumption, probably due to piston rings, very common. I get 35-40 mpg overall, and 40-45 mpg on highway trips.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd February, 2022

25th Feb 2022, 00:21

Your claimed MPG is a good 50-60% higher than what an EPA test was able to record (24/31) back in 1995. Perhaps the car is lighter now due to all that rust.

In reply to 25th Feb 2022, 00:21

26th Feb 2022, 12:55

From the owner. I stand by my gas mileage. This is a daily driver, and it gets this because of its 5 speed manual transmission, and I don't drive it hard. It only has 105 hp. The car was purchased in an area that had a lot of snow, and the road salt caused the rust. I am the second owner.

In reply to 26th Feb 2022, 12:55

26th Feb 2022, 18:39

Correct. I live in the UK and most cars here are manual transmission 4 cylinder cars. 35 - 40 mpg from a 1.8 petrol sounds correct, I have had many cars like this and always calculate fuel consumption myself (never trust the trip computer) and get a steady 38 mpg average from 1.8 and even 2.0 petrol cars easily, even with mixed driving and conditions.

In reply to 26th Feb 2022, 12:55

26th Feb 2022, 20:17

Dry the car with a cordless leaf blower, this should eliminate rust problems.

26th Feb 2022, 21:35

Close to 40 mpg highway that would be the top, if you keep it below 60mph. These were very light cars back in the days at around 2300lbs.

1995 Toyota Corolla DX 1.6

Summary:

Dependable!

Faults:

Cat, muffler, strut, brakes, tires, filler neck for gas tank, driver's door handle, radiator,

General Comments:

This is only my 2nd car, and I have now had it for 3 years! I have written a review on here before, stating how much I really like this car. Even though it is now 16 years old, it is still going.

As you can see from above, the amount of maintenance I had to do over the three years really is not that much. I have also done most of the maintenance myself, and I am an amateur car mechanic. This car is very easy to work on! I am very pleased with this car, and believe I will still get a couple if not more years out of this.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th February, 2011

3rd Jan 2017, 04:46

I agree, but does the three speed tranny seems to make the engine scream for mercy when going faster than 60 mph.

1995 Toyota Corolla DX 1.8L DOHC

Summary:

I absolutely LOVE my car!

Faults:

1 - Tie rod ends replaced: I knew these would need to be replaced when I purchased the car, and saved $450 by doing the work myself.

2 - Sway bar linkages (all four): Also something I found in the pre-purchase inspection, that I did myself at a total cost of $150 for parts and 2 hours of labor.

3 - Shocks/struts (all four): One week into owning the car, I hit a bump and the shocks never released again ($800).

4 - Seat belt tensioner: Seat belt began locking in all positions, to the degree that once I had it out, I put a pin in it so it could no longer retract; still haven't replaced.

5 - Wheel bearings: Contrary to what Toyota tells you, you can replace JUST the bearing and not the whole assembly; saves over $300 in parts.

6 - Power window relay: Toyota dealership will try to get you to buy a motor; it is almost ALWAYS the relay, which saved me $150.

7 - Headlamp assembly: The pre 99' Toyota Corolla's are all known to have their headlights fog over within 100,000 miles, to the point where it can be dangerous to drive at night. Found replacements at a junk yard for $28 a piece.

8 - EGR valve/plugs: This was a very expensive but necessary fix, with a cleaning of the throttle body and a new EGR valve ($250 part MINIMUM)

9 - Clogged fuel pump/filter: Was harder than I thought it would be, but saved again over the dealer!! ($300 savings)

General Comments:

Overall I am very pleased with this purchase; I spent $1000 to replace my 2002 Hyundai Accent (WORST car decision ever in my opinion). I have put my fair share of sweat equity into it, but it runs better than my mom's 2009 Corolla!

Every older car has its quirks, and I have been very fortunate with mine. The suspension was shot when I bought the car, and I knew that, so really I have nothing to complain about, but I would advise ANYONE with this car to NOT take it to a Toyota dealer for service. They want almost three times what it's worth in labor charges and parts!!! I fix it myself using a Chilton and Haynes manual (with both you have a perfect overview of locations, easy fixes, etc that fills the gaps left by the other).

This car hadn't had it's oil changed in 4 years according to the service records that I have found by running its VIN number, and it still to this day burns NO oil between changes, and doesn't have a gasket issue.

I performed all of the fluid flushes upon purchase, and thought that the car was running funny, so I ran a diagnostic and found that the EGR was nearing the end of its life (stuck open), and the fuel filter/pump were both going out.

I've gotten many good miles out of this car so far, and for everything I have had to replace, I have NEVER been stranded! I will drive this thing until it enters Toyota Heaven, but until that day comes if it ever does, I will enjoy every bit of this AMAZING piece of engineering!

Only reason I said I don't know if I would own another one is the recent decline in Toyota quality... they just don't make em' like this anymore...

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

Review Date: 8th July, 2010

25th Jul 2010, 22:57

I've got a '96 Toyota Corolla DX, and I agree with you completely.

My Corolla has been great. I've only had to replace the radiator, rear sway bar links and the thermal vacuum switch. Everything else has just been basic maintenance (timing belt, accessory belts, filters, oil). The only issue I have with it now is it needs to have all 4 struts replaced. But hey, I can't complain, they're the original 14 year old struts.

By the way, my Corolla has over 180,000 miles and shows absolutely no signs of stopping anytime soon. It's gonna be a long time before that car dies.

The 1.8L 7A-FE engine is the heart of my Corolla. It's a great balance of power, efficiency and reliability. The 1.6L 4A-FE that was the standard engine in the Corolla is no different other than being a little less powerful. Strong motor and a far better design with the original iron block. I hate newer cars with aluminum engine blocks. I don't know, but aluminum just doesn't sound all that durable to me.

8th Oct 2010, 17:14

ORIGINAL REVIEWER:

My Corolla has unfortunately entered Toyota heaven much earlier than I had anticipated. While parked it was hit by a drunk driver and the insurance company totaled it out. I did end up buying the car back from my insurance company however, and parted it out for more than I originally paid for it. All in all, I got all of my money and more out of this car, even after it was totaled!

One thing to make mention of however, it had started to burn oil at the 165,000 mark and that had an effect on mileage (nominal really, but noticeable to me, dropping 2-3 mpg avg).

I ended up getting a 98 Celica, and have nothing bad to report on it so far, other than the fact that I hate now driving an automatic!

In reply to 8th Oct 2010, 17:14

9th May 2021, 20:59

The previous owner could have changed the oil themselves, therefore the reason for no records.