1998 Toyota Corolla GS review from UK and Ireland

The only thing that has gone wrong was the alarm that went off at 4 am for no apparent reason, and continued to sound until I disconnected the battery.

Up until then I did not think the car had one!

A mechanic said it was a common fault, due to moisture in the connections and now the siren has been disconnected. One day I may buy another siren, but at £30+ it can wait.

The image and performance of this car are the only problems.

My wife, and friends tell me it's an old man's car, which is not helped by its purple, grey, silver affair paintwork, and 'interesting' cloth fabric on the seats. But I suppose it must appeal to some people.

The performance is OK. The lack of a turbo on this model makes for how progress, and the chances of getting caught on a speed camera are near impossible, unless you get a very long run up!

The leg room in the back is a bit small. This seems to have been given to the boot space which seems enormous.

However the car is a work tool, not a fashion statement, and does the job brilliantly. Toyota reliabilty. Air conditioning and sunroof. Adjustable seat and steering wheel. All this and much cheaper than a Volkswagen Golf bought second hand.

Golf may have the edge in the style, but the Corolla beats it hands down in the value for money game!