1990 Toyota Corolla DX review from North America
"Very dependable car, just wish the little differential secret had presented itself before it was to"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
When I first got the car from my Grandmother a shop tried to tell me the brakes needed to be totally replaced rotors pads calipers, they were wrong I got another year and then only had to have the front rotors turned, front pads and driver side caliper replaced, cost 250$.
About three months later I had part of the exhaust replaced, cost 110$.
The most significant problem I've had (currently) is that the transmission has failed, I had noticed a drip coming off the transmission pan about a year ago and had a shop tell me it would cost 250$ to check it out, I chose to keep an eye on the fluid level by checking the transmission dipstick regular. I never felt any slipping or other signs of trouble until one night on the way back from a 900 mile trip the tranny seized. Apparently this paricular model has a separate reservoir for the differential which holds transmission fluid to keep the gears lubricated. I'm bumbed out about the fact that I was trying to be aware of the fluid level and never knew anything about a separate place to have fluid for the transmission and NO mechanic ever said anything about it when I'd get my oil changed. If you have ever heard of this problem I'd be interested to hear from you, if not BE AWARE of differential level, mechanics I talk to say it's common problem with the Corolla and it's twin the GEO prism, but I think it's only with the Auto tansmission.
General comments?
Overall a great car, very dependable.
Would like to keep and get more mile out of her, but am disssapointed about transmision.
Pick up is slow, but once up to speed she cruises.
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| Reliable, powerful and gas saver |
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| My car makes me happy |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1990 |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 7 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 81778 miles |
| Most recent distance | 107400 miles |
| Date of Entry | 31st August, 2003 |