Faults:

Ventilation (fan) speed control knob broke off.

The rear hatch became quite heavy to lift, necessitating in the replacement of the hatch gas struts.

General Comments:

Quite a nifty little performer. Quick off the mark and great downshift acceleration when a boost of speed is required. (The jerky change from 1st to 2nd on cold starts probably the only complaint). Loved the "Power" option.

Terrific amount of front seat leg-room, but if you're short, the reach around for the seat belts can be a bit of a back strainer (though perhaps typical of a lot of two doors)

Well accessorised. This model came std with electric mirrors/sunroof/windows, Air-conditioning.

The interior was bland, but not unexpected for a sporty type car, everything is easily within reach of the driver and both the layout of controls uncomplicated.

Faults:

Suspension or shock absorbers squealing when going over speed bumps and sometimes when changing gears into second from leaving a hill start or take off.

Radio antenna showing signs of light rust and difficult to extend.

General Comments:

Car handles perfectly besides the suspension noise.

Low engine maintenance required.

Sound system isn't the best, but a back seat passenger will hear bass well. However the rear speakers are totally useless because they are so small and sound can hardly be heard.

Since this is a second hand car, to achieve full 100kw power the engine will require a full clean and engine rebuild. Also to save cash replace some of the engine parts with performance parts.

If you would like to know my engine modifications for my Corolla then here they are.

Engine rebuild and clean

TRD extractors

Bosch Super 4's Sparks and 8.0mm leads

OBX Corolla Intake

K&N Race Style High Flow Pod Air Filter

Bosch Oil stabilizer

C.A.P.A. 220kw Supercharger Chip set

Forced Cold Air Induction System

3A Racing 3" hi-flow cat from dump pipe from original manifold into 2.5" stainless steel muffler

Brembo brake system

Monroe shock absorbers

Pedders Suspension lowered 1"

MacPherson strut

MacPherson sway bar

Originally the Corolla was going to be turbocharged, but unfortunately due to costs I could not afford a turbo as insurance companies would not insure a turbo vehicle for an owner under 25.

Well I also got a body kit, better interior with Momo racing seats and a Pioneer sound system (2x10" 500watt Subs, MP3 head unit, 6 CD stacker, 6x9s, 6s and 300watt 4 channel amp) for the car.

It was all well worth doing up the car for its price and performance because Toyota have good reliable low maintenance engines.

Faults:

Nothing. It drives and works like a dream!!!

General Comments:

It is an excellent car. Low consumption with high power (as much as can be from this 1.3L engine).

It has astonishing brakes and stability. I can say with my hand on my heart, that this is by far the best car I ever owned! So do yourself some good and buy one. If you won't like it, you can call me any day you want!

Faults:

Several recurring problems plagued this otherwise reliable vehicle.

The electrical system went through fuses like water. At one point, I had to replace a fuse every week in order to keep the signal lights, headlights, and interior lighting on. I finally tracked the problem down to some faulty wiring in one of the rear signal assemblies.

Otherwise, maintenance and repairs were quite normal for a car with 180000 km on it. Replaced brake pads, tires, changed the oil, got tuneups, that sort of thing.

General Comments:

Great for winter driving in the wintry hinterlands of Western Canada. Always starts, even at -35 degrees. Had good snow tires so never got stuck in the snow.

Pretty good on fuel as well. A 40 litre fillup lasts about 500 km.

Fun to drive, until you load it up with people and cargo. With me and 3 friends (fairly large athletic types) and stuff in the trunk, the poor thing could barely make it up hills.

Seats are on the hard side, but that's how Toyota designs 'em.

Faults:

None yet!!

General Comments:

Having replaced the suspension with lowering springs, and the wheels are 195/45/15. Handling is absolutely fantastic!!

Faults:

I bought the car 8 months ago, it has now covered 92,000 miles, of which I have added 9,000, uses no oil or anything else between services.

General Comments:

Must be driven hard to get the best performance, as it really kicks in at 3500rpm, limiter is at 8250rpm, apart from CRX and VTS, all 1.6's watch out. Yes that includes XR2i's, 205's, and all GTE's (I feel sorry for people I have raced and who have lost - NOT!)

This car is a very underrated hot hatch!

Faults:

It was bought second hand, and developed an engine fault causing oil to be lost (thrashed by previous owner). Engine was replaced under warranty. A calliper seal failed recently and was also replace under warranty.

General Comments:

Fantastic car. Comfortable, good features. Excellent mpg when cruising sensibly, and quite a nippy 16v DOHC injection engine despite being small. Liftback version has a MASSIVE boot. JD Power survey winner 4 years in a row.