1988 Toyota Corolla CS review from Australia and New Zealand

Cushioning on one seat went through and I replaced both the front seats with those out of a corolla seca.

Replace fuel pump (it was still working). Replace catalytic converter (was making strange noises and spat out some of the "black coral"). Replace glass support in passenger window because it had rusted through. Replace brake lines (still working). Small oil leak in the head gasket, but I've been getting away with it.

Also, I backed out of the garage with the driver's door open and bent it almost off. It was a pain to replace and spray, but I can't blame that on the car.

Broke off the passenger's window winder and replaced. Could have been stronger??

Rust is eating some parts, but I wouldn't say that is was very aggressive.

The 'rolla is not generally a very visually appealing car in most people's opinion and mine more so because I've lost a wheel cover and have a few rust spots.

And as for power, it's not close, though it can be quite surprising. It happily hums along at 110km/h on the freeway between Sydney and Canberra.

Where it really excels is in reliability and fuel efficiency. I've always trusted that it will run and never been disappointed. It had to put up with fierce Sydney traffic and didn't complain and hardly dented the hip-pocket.

I've moved house a couple of times and loaded the 'rolla with heaps of stuff (you can put the seats down to carry extra gear, or sleep in if you're keen enough at a party), and it's not had a problem with carrying a full load.

So despite the fact that it's not going to turn any heads, it has never shied away from anything I've done with it (unsealed or rough terrain, heavy loads, long distance, or fierce traffic) and that's why I'd be very hesitant to part with it especially with how reliable it's been and how little it has expected from me.