1979 Toyota Corolla review from North America
"A lovable city joyride"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Water Pump
Shocks
Froom brake pads / rotors turned
Rear drum brakes
Oil pump
PCV valve
Belts
Tires
Clutch
Clutch master & slave cylinder
Brake master cylinder
Leaky window & trunk seals.
General comments?
This car was a fairly rough example of a rugged economy Corolla from the Carter era. I've gradually resurrected it and used it as a daily commuter for a 100-mile round trip.
Corners beautifully with new shocks - parallel parks in any spot (and you get a minor upper body workout too) - comes to life slightly with a new clutch. Beats most construction vehicles off the line.
Conquers flat highways easily - has some trouble passing on hills.
Shifts and handles potholes like a truck. Desperately wants a 5th gear. Difficult to shift into reverse - you need to wait a second or two from neutral.
Gets 22 - 26 mpg - not bad for no fuel injection, but not stellar for its size.
Carburetor hates anything resembling cold weather starts.
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| The cutest car I will ever own |
|
| Incredible. Buy one if you can find one in good shape. |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1979 |
| First year of ownership | 2005 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2006 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.6 Liter Manual |
| Performance marks | 3 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 5 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 4 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 157000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 168000 miles |
| Previous car | Buick LeSabre |
| Date of Entry | 21st July, 2006 |