1987 Toyota Corolla GTS review from North America
"Would highly recommend the GTS"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Alternator went at 292,500.
Head gasket went at 406,000 (my husband says that it was because the animal safe antifreeze I was using ate through the head gasket).
First clutch lasted for 143,000 kms; second clutch lasted for 192,000 kms.
5 speed transmission was rebuilt by the dealership at 54,000 kms (we had no further problems after that).
Regular wear and tear type of repairs: brakes, tires, oil changes, timing belt.
Rear axle bearings and rear end were replaced in the mid-300,000 kms.
General comments?
Overall the car was extremely reliable. We drove the car very hard from the day we bought it until the day it was rearended and written off.
When the head gasket went and we had the motor opened up the original cross-hatching marks on the cylinder walls were still there from the factory (the motor hadn't worn yet inside).
Until the day the car died the most oil it ever burned was 1/2 a litre per 8,000 kms (which is nothing for a 13 year old car).
We enjoyed the car so much that we bought a second one a year before this one was written off.
Recommended reviews
  | Pretty much an OK car |
| The 86 Corolla is a fine economy car and has quality workmanship |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 1989 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2000 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.6 4 cylinder twin cam Manual |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 9/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 9500 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 420000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Honda Prelude (1979) |
| Date of Entry | 8th February, 2001 |