1989 Toyota Corolla XL review from Australia and New Zealand
"Very reliable given the age and mileage"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Front exhaust outlet pipe needed replacement at 152,000 kilometres.
Engine oil consumption is beginning to rise to 1 liter per fortnight.
Front driver and passenger window-winders have broken twice.
Front brake hoses have perished just 20,000 kilometres after being replaced.
General comments?
This vehicle provides good acceleration for its engine size and weight.
It is able to comfortably hold a 130 kilometers per hour cruising speed.
Average urban fuel consumption figure has been 8.5 litres per 100 kilometres.
Average motorway fuel consumption figure has been 5.5 litres per 100 kilometres.
Specification is basic but functional.
Gearbox is very strong, and the gear lever does not rattle and shake like other Japanese models of a similar age.
Despite not having power steering, fitment of 155 series profile tyres results in very light steering weighting.
Interior trim is strong and long lasting.
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| Great on fuel and very reliable, but no head turner |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1989 |
| First year of ownership | 1999 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2001 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.3 petrol Manual |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 6 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 9 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 113000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 161000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Toyota Corona |
| Date of Entry | 13th September, 2001 |