1986 Toyota Corolla Base from North America - Comments

Hardly anything has gone wrong.

Needed new brakes, muffler, and battery.

Leaks a small amount of oil.

I bought this car from a dealer in the summer of 1989. I wanted a newer car then, and this car was only 3 years old. It had only 30,000 miles on it. The dealer told me that Toyotas were a good car. I was used to Ford products and was wanting better fuel efficency, and a compact size. The price I paid was $7,000. I wondered if it would be worth it.

I'm extremely proud to say I'm still driving it. Last week I celebrated its birthday when the car hit 200,000 miles. There's is NOTHING wrong with the car at this time. It's still in mint condition. Everything is original. I have only been to the dealer a few times since I bought it 11 years ago. I have noticed, though, it uses about a quart of oil per oil change (doesn't burn it). I honestly believe I can get another 50,000 miles out of this car.

Hi folks, I am an owner of a Corolla 1986 and I love it because after all these years (86-2001) it's still unbeatable and I am very happy with its performance.

You are definitely right.

You said that you think you can drive it for another 50,000 miles. But I think after running another 50,000 miles you will still feel that it will go another 50,000 miles. To me Corolla is such a name. In Japan it is the symbol of Brightness and Victory. It is not just a car to do your everyday job, it is your best friend.

When I acquired mine in 1997 it had 225,000mi on it. Back then I was told not to leave the city in such an old car!!

After 4yrs, trips to SF, NY and Cuba (well only 90 miles north of..) from GA, now the odometer reads 293,000mi.

I did not have any problems except water-pump. Paid itself back to me many many times. It still runs as good as it did; and I am not going to sell it till it drops dead.

I bought my '86 Corolla GTS new. I've put maybe $1500 into it since I bought it: a new head gasket, 2 alternators and wheel rotors.

Any other expenditures have been the usual maintenance things... I wrecked it (a cosmetic total) about 5 years ago, bought it back from the insurance company, pulled the dents out, replaced a few body parts and am trying to drive the wheels off it. It just won't die!...

It's no beauty now with 250K on it, but the (original!) clutch is great, it still scoots, and I still get 29-30mpg highway! It'll be hard to part with it as I still enjoy driving it.

My Corolla has not been a typical one - incorrec valves, a carburettor rebuild and new water pump are all problems I had during the first 30k (I bought it new).

Excessive brake pedal travel and electrical problems have arose since then.

All in all I'd certainly buy one again because mine seems to be the exception. It is currently running like a champ with 151k on it. The body is also holding up quiet well with only the driver's side rear fender well showing its age.

My dad drives a 86' Corolla, and if you could only see it, you too would be amazed that it is still running. But run it does, and even at 150,000 miles, and probably only 3 oil changes in its life, it shows no signs of quitting. I think any car that can stand the gross negligence and hard stop and go driving of my dad for 15 years is a quality machine.

I've had my corolla since 98,Boy I've given it some thrashing. I raced xr2s xr3s golfs16vs and left them standing, with a stage two head and Jr filter it goes like a bullet, I had the clutch and gearbox done. Now at 200k it still got some life left in it, plenty more races and motorway mayhem got 135 mph on a good day. Looking to get it supercharged. unjam London.

Wow...what great reviews. I work in a Chevrolet service dept. and this 1986 Corolla comes in with 147k. My Daughter will get her license in 3 weeks. What a perfect marriage of car and kid.

Sounds like she'll be driving this car... If she doesn't like the looks (its in pretty good shape, but she'll think its "too boxy")

I'll be driving it soon. Thanks for the forum...I'm excited

Dad in Louisville.

Toyota Corolla 1986...what a little DREAM car. I've had mine for 3 years and am absolutely delighted with its reliability and smooth drive with its seemingly endless ability to start every time... and keep going! GREAT car!!

I bought my Toyota Corolla Dx 1987 Model in Nov` 2005. It run, then 217,000 km. I drove it about 13,000kms since.

It is the best car ever.

For your info, Like Maruti is to India Corollas are to Ethiopia.

If somebody e-mail me any service manuals or any documents concerning this car, it is highly appreciated.

Zelealem M.

Zelu_7@yahoo.com.

I have a 1987 Toyota Corolla with 188,000 miles on it.

The body and interior are in perfect condition, almost like new.

I bought this car a year ago for just $300. The owner was relocating to another state and sold it to me.

It runs great, but it has electrical problems. It has went through 3 alternators and one new battery in a short time so I parked it for the winter. I plan to get my mechanic to check that problem out. I hope to have it fixed because I like this car. If anyone knows what could be causing this problem please email me at OceanAve10828897@wmconnect.com. Thanks.

I have owned a 1987 Toyota corolla Liftback wagon since it had 74k miles

Today as of this writing the car broke down for the first time sinc e I have owned it at 198k miles

It appears the timimg belt snapped according to the mechanic

Never had any problems

Ayone have any idea if this is a serious repair and if my toyota is toast?

19:37 The timing belt is something you should have replaced on a Toyota every 60,000-90,000 miles. Your car is PROBABLY all right, but you need to find or buy an owner's manual for your car and learn when and how to have routine maintenance done. The belt snapping can be an expensive problem. The mechanic shouldn't charge you much more than a couple or a few hundred dollars to replace it.

I have the opportunity to buy (trade + $) a 1986 corolla with 73k miles on it, but the guy is asking $1000 and its only worth 5-600 at the most plus the valves are tapping or maybe its just crappy gas? I don't know what to do if I should take it or not.