There is plenty of rust along the bottom body panels and doors. I try to remove it every year, but it keeps coming back.
Exhuast system components only last 2 to 4 years. They have been expensive to replace, except for the muffler due to its warranty.
Gas tank/fuel pump braket rusted out when the car was 10 years old and had 150,000 miles. Repairs cost 500 dollars (all new parts, cheap labor).
The alternator finally went at 170,000 miles and cost 300 dollars to replace (new parts, cheap labor).
Even with its rust problems, this car is very good. It does not burn oil. The motor has never had any major service done to it (no headgasket replacements, rebuilds, etc.)
The radiator is the original.
The power steering, axles, CV joints, and UV joints are the originals.
The transmission is the original.
The clutch is the original!!!
It still gets decent gas mileage (30 miles per gallon).
The car has never left me stranded, even when the alternator was going. It would still start, eventually.
The all wheel drive system (with locking center differential) is handy in the snow or on muddy dirt roads.
The rust problems are probably partially due to it being a Maine car, and a lot of salt goes on the roads in the winter.
I think it is too bad that Toyota stopped selling all wheel drive and station wagon Corollas in the U.S.
I would buy a new one if they were still made. Instead, I have to settle for a Subaru.
Trying to find information on a 89 Toyota Corolla SR5 All Track Wagon. If anyone can help e-mail me at legoland_bomber@yahoo.ca thanks.
I have a '92 Corolla All-Trac Wagon & haven't had any problems (Bought for $2700 4/02 with no rust from AZ) but just put brakes in from Midas ($300 for front brakes with new rotors) because it seemed convenient. Has 93,000 miles on it.I'm not even sure if I really needed the brakes. Not sure about timing belt; if it has been done or not. Should I worry about it?
I'll add my opinion here about the 1989 Toyota Corolla All-Trac. My experience is similar to the one in the review: a persistent rust problem the past few years, but engine is going strong at 188K miles, original radiator, original clutch. Only things I've replaced are starter; timing belt (at 150K, I followed the maintenance schedule... never had a problem with it) ; and exhaust system components about 4 times (but paid only the first time for a Toyota warrantied replacement). Plus routine brake and other maintenance. A/C ran out of freon this year so no longer works. I'm really sad that this car was in an accident last week and is being totaled by the insurance company!
We have an 89 DX All-Trac Wagon that we've had since new. Has 235000 miles on it. The clutch lasted 212K, the first water pump 192K. Aftermarket water pumps last about 18 months or less and shouldn't be used. I should have replaced the water pump when replacing the second timing belt at 180K... (live and learn) Brakes last about 90K and the original discs lasted 192K before being too thin to turn. Car still gets about 28 mpg and burns no oil. Exhaust systems last about 90K in Colorado. Have one small rust spot above left rear wheel. A great car and wish they still made them. We're finally selling it due to family expansion -- the car is really too small for car seats in the back.
I purchased my 1989 Toyota "AllTrac" Station wagon used last year.
I have been unable to operate the fuel compartment door with the indicated switch, located to the left of forward on the floor of the driver's seat. If anyone has a comment on a troubleshooting procedure I might employ, It would be appreciated.
I have an '89 All-Trac purchased used 5/01. It has 150,000 on it now. Good car, tough. Goes almost 1000 miles a week now. No rust problems, but the transmission just went out. Cost, $2200 rebuilt, great work, cheap labor. Still gets great mileage, too, but I had to get rid of the tiny, tinny rear speakers.
I noticed a couple of comments from people who wish Toyota Corolla All Tracs were still made. Good news! They are, just under a different name. It is the Toyota Matrix 4wd. It has all wheel drive for all weather capability without giving up the handling, comfort, and gas mileage of a car. The All Trac lives!
Hello!
I have a Toyota Corolla Station wagon All Track 89. I bought it a week ago and it was running just fine until this morning. As soon as I started it up and I shifted in to first gear I heard a very strong squeaking sound on the passenger side. It seems that it is coming from the front part of the car, but it might bi from the middle too. The interesting thing is that the sound appears only when the car is moving even if the engine is not running. The car has brand new tires and the brakes, feels and respond just great. I will appreciate if anyone can give me an idea what could this sound be caused of and how much would be the repair cost.
Thanks!
We also have an '89 Corolla All Trac wagon. We bought it "barely" used with 14k miles on it way back in late '89. It has been a fantastic car. We have also experienced the above mentioned rust and exhaust problems. A year or so ago we finally decided that it was time to replace it and bought a Subaru for the "family car". Well, the Corolla, while definitely showing its age and 190k miles, was just too convenient as a winter beater and farm utility vehicle to get rid of. So we kept it. And it just keeps on plugging along now affectionately known as the Rolling Tool Shed. One small item that we have experienced and perhaps worth mentioning (previous poster take note) is that when it is real cold the speedometer cable makes a squealing noise. Once everything is warmed up it goes away.
I brought my 89 toyota all trac yesterday with 181000 miles on it. seems to run great there was no owners manule in it so was wondering. can I use the center switch for the all trac at anytime or do I have to stop to engage it.
I bought a 1989 corolla all trac with 103000 miles on it and all seems well. Mine has a 4 speed automatic with overdrive which is activated by pushing a button on the shifter. My manual says to keep the center differential locked unless it's being towed or a small spare emergency tire is on. I noticed some grabbing when reversing on a turn, but not straight backing up. I take it out of auto all trac now when in reverse and all seems fine. Why not leave it out all the time except when I need the traction? It seems to drive fine in just front wheel drive.I'm sure there is a good answer and I'm guessing it has to do with how the automatic transmission works. As for the person without a manual asking about the correct procedure for locking in ALL TRAC, the manual says the car should be at a stop. I noticed with the manual transmission the manual says to lock the center differential only when the vehicle has not enough traction on a slippery surface or when one or more of the wheels the ground. I have a 90 front wheel drive wagon with 300000 miles on it.
Greetings.
I am a happy owner of a '92 Corolla Alltrac Wagon and am heartened to see other drivers' input regarding the car. Since the Alltrac wagon is fairly rare (at least in my Seattle area where the Subaru seems to be the official wagon) I was wondering if we could create an email list or message board on-line to discuss our cars. Could this be done at this website? I know sometimes parts are not easy to get (cheaply) and I'd think it would be informative to discuss what we have discovered about our car. Anyone interested?
Thanks.
I'm on my second Corolla All-trac wagon and couldn't be happier with it. The first one I bought on a fluke: I needed a family car quickly, a co-worker of my future son-in-law had it for sale-CHEAP. It had taken a hit that crumpled the right front quarter panel;he used insurance money to buy something else. It had been sitting (on grass) for over 16 months. We put a new battery in it and it started! In less than a year I put over 18,000 on it. That car brought me and my family home safely over 200 miles through one of the worst blizzards in years. While other vehicles were stuck or sliding off the road (twice saw tractor trailers jack-knifed in the median) that car chugged on through. Not even the snow bank piled in front of my driveway by the snowplows could stop it. My three boys had newspaper routes so that car was out before the snowplows were out usually. Unfortunately, due to my stupidity, I burned the engine dry. I decided it would be too costly to replace the engine since the car had other things going wrong:rt front was being held with cinch-ties, radiator had a leak, frame was rotting (remember 16 months parked on grass) To make a long story shorter, I did not realize how good the car ran and handled until I had other cars. As soon as someone told me that they saw a car like my 'little red one' up for sale, I jumped on it. What a relief!! I'm currently looking for another in good condition (quite difficult in the NE). I have two boys reaching driving age and trust the car completely. As far as expensive parts? Well worth it!
I just got mine I love it I got it for $400 no rust what so ever only problem battery dies change the alternator, and the battery bu still have the problem if any one has this problem or fix it please do tell what the problem.
I purchased a 1988 All-Trak wagon in pretty good shape 79,000 miles on it about 2 years ago.
It now has 120,000 miles on it and has needed nothing other than oil changes. I been waiting for it to give me a reason to replace it, but the car isn’t cooperating.