1999 Toyota Corolla Hatchback from Hungary - Comments

Nothing. After 6 months I've had it, in winter, a little noise came from the brakes at the first 2-3 times I stepped on the brakes (only in the morning), but the brakes were effective. I asked the dealer about it, they checked it (for free), found nothing. The noise was gone in a few weeks, and never came back.

It's a great pleasure to have this car. Extremely reliable, starts immediately even if the temperature is very much below zero. I feel safe even at higher speeds, no vibrations or anything uncomfortable even at 200km/h.

Very good dealer service, quick and polite.

Only drawback is the seat-size (though I'm normal, 1.80m), you cannot push the seat back enough, so I need a small pillow to support my thighs on longer journeys.

I'd definitely go for a Toyota again.

I've noticed (although it came by no surprise to me) that all these Toyota maniacs are happy about one thing only: reliability. Despite this being a really considerable advantage, Toyota fellows seem to ignore that there are so many other characteristics cars should have to be considered "good": handling, comfort, interior space, design and so on, characteristics that unfortunately few Toyota models have in an above average degree.

So, my friends, get in your beloved and "reliable" Toyota, Nissan, Suzuki etc, try to face sharp curves of 70-80 kph or wider ones of 100-120-150 kph - as a Renault or an Alfa does - and if you manage to stay on the road safe and sound, inform me to award you a medal for bravery! As a friend once said, "Japanese make good cars for people who don't love good cars!"

Sincerely yours,

A lover of true driving.

Thank you for a well written report. I bought a 1999 Toyota Corolla Seca Hatch second hand in 2001. Although it has reasonably low km's 17,000 on purchase and 25,000 one year later, I have found this vehicle to be an excellent choice. I agree with the second person about Toyota buyers wanting reliability which is what I paid for and what I got from the lower end of the price scale for vehicles. Not all of us can afford luxury cars so we look for reliable vehicles which have less tendency to break down late at night especially if servicing is maintained. As a young woman I find this far more important than whether my car will reach unlawful speeds on the open roads and trying to corner at speeds a 17 year old male would love. The only fault I would find with this vehicle is the little plastic bits which I and other Seca owners find throughout the vehicle, not being able to find where they come from, I think they are bits of trim.