When we first bought it, the trunk leaked. We solved the problem with some new rubber in the right areas.
The remote trunk release cable broke, but luckily it was just a small tab inside the trunk. It was easily fixed.
It needs an alignment, and maybe even a new front right axle. The CV boot split a little, which isn't good.
Most recently, the water pump decided to eat itself, so we had to replace it. The timing belt was also replaced at this time (it was about due.)
The wheels are quite ugly at the moment. The paint is coming off on all four, though, I have planned to repaint them for some time. They are great, almost 'vintage' looking steel wheels. I couldn't imagine anything else on the car.
The seats seem to be quite durable, as mine are obviously worn, but definitely not worn out. No holes, surprisingly.
The factory speakers in it were only 4in, so it would be pretty hard for an audio enthusiast to get great sound out of it. We get decent music coming out of a nice deck and some off-brand $8 a pair ***Mart speakers.
It isn't the tightest car - Definately no go-kart. I'd imagine some slightly shorter, harder springs may do it some good.
I just cleaned the engine not long ago.
With regular oil changes, and other maintenance, this car will easily last well past 200k miles.
You should have no problems hitting the 200k mark... my sister is doing just that on her 90 Corolla Wagon. She routinely drives it many miles and performs all maintenance in a timely manner. Even after 15 years, not one spot of rust on the car. It was repainted in 2003, as the clearcoat was peeling off. The only real trouble spot on this car has been the A/C. She had it replaced and converted to R134 at around 120K. She plans on driving this car until it won't drive anymore.
No problem.. my 1988 Wagon just hit 400 000 kms... I cannot believe it although she has been well maintained, oil changes, etc.
It is now time for timing belt change again, as the last time was at 320 000
Here is to 200 000 more!!
Canada.
Our 1988 Toyota Corolla has just turned 225,000.A great car all around, economical and fun to drive. Only what you might expect has had to be repaired, no surprises. We bought her new and both my daughters learned to drive a standard transmission in her and she still has the original clutch. We were thinking of selling after our daughter bought another car, but will keep it and see just how long she will go.
Our 1988 Toyota Corolla has just turned 225,000.A great car all around, economical and fun to drive. Only what you might expect has had to be repaired, no surprises. We bought her new and both my daughters learned to drive a standard transmission in her and she still has the original clutch. We were thinking of selling after our daughter bought another car, but will keep it and see just how long she will go. Best $11,000 I ever spent!
I just bought my 1988 Toyota Corolla coupe for $500 and I'm very excited to get started restoring her. I need to learn how to drive it cause it's a manual shift, but the guy that owned it before me said he wouldn't have a problem driving it to Mexico and back so I take it it is a good car. Best $500 bucks I ever spent.
We call her the red rocket! She is the best investment I have ever made. 196,000 miles and still going strong. The only real problem is rust above the rear wheel. I too had problems with a leak in the trunk and the cable, but nothing else too serious just routine maintenance and replacement parts.
I just retired the girl to my niece who is turning 16 this month. She is so excited and has been busy detailing her in and out. I hope she loves the car as much as I did. I brought my son home from the hospital and he is now graduating high school. How cool is that! GREAT CAR!!!
I agree, great cars. We have a 1996 Geo Prizm 1.6 3 speed automatic. It has the Toyota Motor and Transmission, even the Brake Calipers are stamped Toyota. We now have 276k Miles and it runs the same as when we bought it at 103k.It has paid for itself 5 times over.
I first bought my 88 Toyota corolla coupe when I was 17 and now I'm 18 she still runs great had a few problems at first because the original owner didn't take care of her, but she is a great car overall and will continue to run good hopefully for a while.
My father-in-law gave me a 1988 corolla sr-5. It needed an engine. My son and I did an engine swap. I love the car; it had 165,000 miles on the old engine. I hope I can get another 100,000 out of this one, too! I'm thinking about restoring it to original, slightly modified condition.
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