1999 Toyota Corolla CE review from North America

I recently replaced the front struts on my corolla. Around 80,000 to 100,000 miles, expect to put a little money into the suspension. A little advice for those who change out the struts, don't be cheap! Go ahead and replace the strut top mounts even if they look pretty good. Within a few weeks they will give out and you'll be pulling them out again, and that is not a simple task. Trust me, you will thank me for it later. Struts are around $55.00 each. Mounts are around $30.00 each. while you're at it make sure you have a full alignment done as well or it will all be for nothing.

At 82,000 miles, I am now looking to replace both CV joints. It happened to me on my 1993 corolla at a 110,000 miles, so it appears I am a little ahead of schedule on the 1999. This is to be expected eventually, all depending on how the car was driven in the past of course. If you are going to do the work yourself, don't waste your time looking for just the CV joint replacement parts, there are none. You'll have to buy the whole left or right front axle (depending on the side that needs replacing). The cv boot will be intact. It will cost $90.00 to $130.00 per side.

I am also repairing the passenger side door handle (both inside & out). Look out though, because it's a manufactures only and will cost a whopping $115.00 just for the door handle, labor not included.

It appears to me as an owner of a few corollas over the years, They are very good cars. I would highly recommend the Toyota corolla to anyone. They are known for their great gas mileage, both in town and on the open road. They do not cost much to maintain. I spend around $300.00 a year for a good set of tires and about $30.00 per oil change every 3,000 miles. I use Vavoline duroblend motor oil. It's never let me down! The corolla has an extremely strong built motor and durable transmission. Even though this cars weight is a whopping 3,500 pounds, it moves like a car half it's weight. This car boasts a 1.8L 125HP engine. Doesn't sound like much, but it's plenty. Even with the suspension work and minor cosmetic work I've done, I know for a fact if it were any other car, I'd be paying a lot more for much bigger problems. This car is a steal of a deal. For the money, you simply can't buy a better car.