1996 Toyota Corolla SD review from North America
"Very reliable and inexpensive to run"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Front brakes replaced at 130000 km.
Rear brakes replaced at 158000 km.
Radiator replaced at 164000 km.
Battery replaced at 170000 km.
New OEM tires put on at 96000 km when I purchased the car only lasted 50000 km.
Over the last few months once in awhile the starter won't engage on the first try, suspect solenoid or starter problem.
Air conditioning may be giving out at the time of this writing.
Paint hasn't stood up well - some peeling on the trunk lid.
General comments?
This car was a great buy for running costs, I have been able to drive and drive it with almost no problems.
Being a very basic model, it has almost no comfort or convenience features and the sound insulation isn't great. There's a lot of noise at speeds over 100 km/h.
The small engine means it's not powerful, but with 5-speed it's responsive enough for ordinary driving and gets good gas mileage. Routinely see 33-34 mpg in town and 40-45 mpg on the highway.
Recommended reviews
| Bit twice by Toyota, never again |
|
| This is the best Financial decision I ever made in my life |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1996 |
| Year of manufacture | 1996 |
| First year of ownership | 2000 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.6 Manual |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 6 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 96000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 173000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Pontiac Sunbird |
| Date of Entry | 13th May, 2005 |