Water Pump Had to be Replaced.
Several Muffler Problems (was replaced 3 times)
Interior Trim coming off back door.
Front Lights were replaced (even with new bulbs)
This car is VERY VERY cheap to run and RELIABLE! It FIXES ITSELF! If there is some problem with the car, just drive it a bit and it will go away! The biggest problem I had with this car was the muffler. The car had stopped several times. I went over to a muffler shop and got it replaced, but it broke again during a road trip, so I had to buy muffler tape. When I came back I visited the shop and got another muffler installed. That one broke too, so I bought a muffler and installed it myself, and since then, no problems!This car is magnificent, it has been all over the US and has lived in every climate this country has to offer. Once I was on a long trip in my Corolla (about 10 years ago). I was in Colorado and got a little lost. I was looking for a rest stop and saw one of those rest stop signs, so I followed the arrows. After going up and up and up, I realized that this rest stop was at a mountain summit! It was very snowy and icy in some parts, but my ultra reliable Corolla got me down safely. I have tons of other stories and memories about this car and I will never sell it. Right now, I use it as a second car, and it still runs. Unless it's an icy cold day (which don't happen often here in Portland), the car starts immediately after I turn the key, without any of those annoying starting sounds other old cars make. Like all cars at this age, the style leaves much to be desired and the comfort isn't at par with most new cars, but my Corolla looks superb. It is clean inside and has NO RUST! (Even after 4 years of living in NJ and 1 in Montana) I am not embarrassed by driving my Corolla, and drive it more often than my wifes 2005 Ford Freestyle. If you own this car or are planning to buy one, remember you MUST drive it often. At this age, if cars are not used, they will rust and die.
I know exactly what you mean about these things fixing themselves. Mine had a small hesitation at one time, or a shudder when I was barely giving it any gas, and it just went away! I guess the computer compensated or something, but the problem was there for about 6 months, and it has simply disappeared. I also had a squeak for awhile when I pushed the clutch in, it must have found some grease somewhere and that also went away all by itself. Pretty cool, isn't it?
I am buying a 1986 corolla with the automatic 4cyl. it will be my 1st car. it has 120k miles but they have been well maintained. how much is the usual annual upkeep?
"how much is the usual annual upkeep?"
Well, $0 cause the Corolla fixes itself. The posters above you said so.
I own a 1986 Toyota Corolla 5 door LIFTBACK.
Unlike the more basic 4 door Corollas from 1985 1986, 1987 and 1988, this seems to be the deluxe model.
It's ultra reliable. Never breaks down and is at well over 300 thousand miles!
Always starts up and always runs great.
Probably the BEST Corolla model Toyota ever made.
I NEVER see one of these on the road.
If I do see a front wheel drive Corolla from the 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988 time frame, it's always the standard 4 door sedan, not the 5 door liftback.
I would buy another one in a heartbeat. If I could only find a 1985, 1986, 1987, or 1988 5 door liftback front wheel drive Corolla to begin with!
I plan to drive this forever.
Why not, it's a Corolla!
I love Toyota's and I agree that the Corolla is an excellent vehicle... but it doesn't fix itself.
Does it fix itself like the '58 Plymouth in the movie Christine? If so, run away as fast as you can! :)
I hope my following comments are not inappropriate on this site as I just stumbled over it. On October 18, someone noted they loved their Toyota Corolla and said they would buy another 1987 "in a heartbeat." I have such a car and been looking for someone who loves the car. It does run great and starts up even after long periods of being idle. It has 124,000 miles and is all original. Paint is faded, back lift door needs new assists, no cracked dashboard, just a bit on the driver's side window and the driver's seat is worn. It was my mother's (original owner) favorite car and if you are interested, please let me know. It is a California car, so no snow climate issues. It just passed its smog test in October.
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