1986 Toyota Corolla DX review from North America

The car needed a tune up, as the person who worked on the car before put them incorrectly in and the car was misfiring. The steering wheel shaked when first driven so I had a wheel alignment and tire rotation done which corrected the problem. The oil change was recently done. The cassette player wasn't working, so I had it fixed which cost $92.00 total, but it's the original Motorola and the sound system is killer. It has a small dent in the door and a little paint wear and rust on the driver's side fender which has to be fixed. Total spent so far: $400.00.

I bought this car as a daily beater for $685.00 from the original owner (a very nice lady who was getting up there in age and kept excellent records), while my engine on my RX7 is being rebuilt. I'm going to keep it because it is a wonderful little car. The interior hardly looks like it's been sat in. There are no rips in the headliner or seats, only a small gouge on the driver's side where the window latch is, which I can live with. It doesn't have the greatest pick up or zippy style like the 7, but that's like comparing apples to oranges. My 7 has been nothing, but problems since the original owner didn't take care of it. I had starter problems, transmission, you name it! This car, once I fixed the little things it needed has been a pleasure to drive. It's a lot roomier than my 7 and can seat 5 adults comfortably. Gas mileage is great. I get around 30 mpg on highway, even in it's antiquated state. The seats are comfortable and for what it is a point a to b car, it's more than adequate. From what other Corolla owners have told me, I can expect many more years of enjoyment from this little baby.