Comments: 1-15, 16-17
Bad exhaust - have had to replace parts that were already replaced - have to replace them again soon.
RUST - passenger side rusted sooner than the driver's side; Toyotas from that generation have rust problems around the wheel wells.
Currently have an oil leak - will fix when the car is ready for new timing belt.
Fading in the rear window area from UV rays - caused speakers to dry out.
Channel blew in the stereo.
Replaced typical stuff - brakes, starter, etc.
The SR5 is a terrific car. When I was looking for my car, I found SR5 owners tend to take better care of their cars than sedan owners and it really shows. People are always amazed when I tell them what year the car is.
My car is in brilliant condition. The paint has held up well except for spots of rust. The car idles quietly - you can't really hear it. Fuel economy is impressive. The car always starts. It handles well in snow especially with snow tires.
A great all around car. Buy Toyota!
I have an '89 SR5. It's black, but I put rims and tinted windows on it. It's a really nice car, everything you said sounds right about it.
I just bought one earlier today! I'm really excited! It has no rust and is super clean inside. I plan to tint the windows, and I already have a CD player and boom box!
I have a 1989 SR-5. it is red. the paint has started to fade on the back. I have a pioneer cd player with 3 10inch subs powered by a 1500 watt amp. 18inch rims, ram air on the hood, neons inside and out strobe. and an exhaust system. good car and pretty fast for an 89'
I have a 1989 Corolla SR5, its white, with sunroof and everything. The only thing I have had to do is the thermostat since I bought it. The last owner replaced the timing belt. It has only 97,000 miles, and I like driving this car better than my 1996 Buick. It's a great car.
I bought my 89 sr5 this past July (04). I paid $750 for a car with 215,000 miles. Having owned imports before I knew it would be reliable. I'm amazed in its ability to keep going, and it has a carb instead of fuel injection. It now has 220,000 miles and started this morning when it was 5 degrees above 0. (F). Also the summer temps here get to the high 90s and it never overheated. I have 2 10 inch subs with a 200 watt jbl amp. Only the license plate rattled till I wedged a matchbook behind it. I look forward to surpassing 300,000 miles and collecting my $100 from my friend who says his Saturn would make it to 200,000 miles (it made it to 198,788 miles before the head gasket blew). In closing I'd like to add if you find an import you like, reasonably priced, buy it. You will never buy domestic again.
I've owned my 89 SR5 for 2 years now and never had a problem with this vehicle. I replaced the exhaust system as the manifold as had a crack in it. The car handles fantastically well and has done 170k with excellent paintwork, much better than other cars of the same vintage. It's reliable and start first time every time and is also very quiet. It could do with a bit more leg room in the front if your over 6ft 1inch. The corolla wagon are generally well looked after by current owners, the one's I've seen on the road always look in great condition. The air con also works very well, if you want a good reliable wagon with suprising amounts of room inside and great handling it certainly gives the subaru a run for its money!
I just bought a 1989 Toyota Corolla SR5 with 170,000 miles. It runs well except it wants to continue running after I turn the key off. Has anyone experienced this same problem?
Your run-on problem is not altogether uncommon in many cars. I have an old Dodge truck that does the same thing when I try to use 87 octane gas. It never does it when I use 93 octane. Probably over the years carbon has built up in the cylinders, increasing the compression ratio. The "run-on" problem is also called "dieseling" because even after you shut off the ignition, the gasoline continues to detonate in the cylinders without spark, but only because the air/fuel mixture is compressed, so it explodes spontaneously. You could try using higher octane gas. I don't know if fuel additives will help clean out the carbon, because it will be baked onto the cylinders like rock, and the best way to remove it would be chip it out with a chisel and stiff wire brush on a drill head. Better gas is the easier solution.
I have a white '89 sr5 with 209,000 miles and still running strong. I bought it from my brother and still runs great and looks great. I also installed a set of 15x7 Kosei Senecas with Falkens size 195/50 15s. It runs great, but once in awhile it starts idling really rough like it wants to die out. Also right now I can't pass the state inspection beacause my running lights won't work up front. I'm missing the light bulb holder and can't seem to find a place that might have them. Have any ideas as to where I can get it from?
22:35 I know it sounds kind of hillbilly, but go to a big junkyard, bring the tools you need to get the part you want, and most often they'll have a wrecked car somewhere that'll have the part you need. Just be careful what they try and charge you for it.
I'm buying a Corolla SR5 tomorrow. It's got 232,000 kms, and it runs good EXCEPT it has a little engine noise when you gas it from a stop. I have had this problem in many of my 80's Toyotas. It's not really loud enough to be a knock, but more like a "rattle" Anyone know what this may be? (I know it's nothing major right away as they do keep running for a while after this problem starts) I'd guess it's from not maintaining it like it should be?
Well I have one! sr5 88, well I wanna tuning my car, any comments for it?? I wanna change my engine to a 4age!! hehehe.
I Paid $1500 for a 89 Corolla SR5 with 280 000 km on it. Its in really nice shape. Cars cost more in Canada...
I bought a toyota corolla SR5 1989 a few months ago for $150.00 canadian. It was not running. Towing cost more than the car. I replace the blown gasket, new water pump, belts and carb from ebay. It is running perfect to date and my daughter is using it as her first car. Rust on both side of rear wheel, which I alread fix. Paint and interior is still perfect. My neighbor says it is in mint condition.
We have an 89 SR5 and were wondering how big the tank is, how many kms it will go on a full tank?? Any response?? Thanks.