1988 Toyota Corolla AE 80 Hatchback Pov Pak review from Australia and New Zealand

3 engine rebuilds.

General maintenance has saved this engine from major repairs unless completely overhauled.

Occasional timing belt and fan belt.

All four shock absorbers and springs need to be replaced in 2001.

This is the best car I have ever owned.

Lacking in performance, but superior in handling and features for its time.

I own a 1988 Corolla "Pov Pak" (ie no added extras :) no power steering, no air conditioning, AM radio standard). My mother bought it brand new from the dealership in Lismore NSW Australia and it has traveled 3/4 of the way to the moon in kms. The speedometer km reading is approaching 300000 kms for the 4th time.

It has had 3 complete engine rebuilds and is bored out 40 thousands of an inch oversize increasing its capacity near to 1400cc.

In all rebuilds bottom end bearings were unnecessarly replaced.

Shock absorbers have been a major issue as Australian roads do serious suspension damage to this car.

This Corolla like all has brilliant steering, and accelleration that will beat a V8 for 50 metres, but needs some serious enhancement (ie turbo or supercharged).

Overall a budget car that is seriously rally competitive if the money is spent on engine and suspension components.

I am currently researching modifications to my car which will include upgrading to a 4agze supercharged 1.6 litre engine with 5 speed 4wd Tercel gearbox mounted north/south as to build my corolla into a 4wd hatchback.