New to the Corolla forum. Looking at purchasing a low mileage 2005 to replace my '91 Tercel daily commuter. The Tercel has been the most reliable car I have ever owned.
Both manual and auto transmissions are available locally. Are there any systemic problems or known issues with the 2005 Corolla that I should be aware of? Any tips or purchasing advice that you can offer? Thanks for taking the time to respond!
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2002 Camry 2.4L Auto - 70K miles
2008 Corolla 1.8L Auto - 48K miles
I have the 2005 LE Automatic and i love it. Fun to drive, reliable, and easy to work on. I recently installed fog lights and use them every chance i get.
I only have 2 complains about the car.
1. The center console lids break very easily, but i was able to fix them using magnets. In my opinion it works even better than before.
2. The serpentine belt is known to squeak loudly at a low millage due to either the belt or tensioner (or both). But i plan on changing the belt (~$35) as soon as i have some free time.
Other than that, it is a great car and you will love it. Just promise to take care of it.
I would recommend the manual transmission. You're already used to driving one, and the manual just adds more fun and economy to your drive. I didn't even drive and automatic car. You're lucky if you have a good choice of manual transmission cars in your area -- there was only one in my entire city (of 150,000 people) when I was looking. I get about 34-35 MPG in mine, which is probably 70% city/30% highway, but I've never really taken it on a full highway run to see what it'd get on a tank of 100% highway.
Mine also has a slightly squeaky belt. Plan to replace with a Goodyear Gatorback soon.
deja_vu1344 hit the nail on the head with the lids and the serp/tensioner. Those are the most common complaints on here. There is a TSB for the tensioner, maybe if it squeals you can bargain for a replacement. The 05s have a drive by wire throttle, it may feel a bit different from your tercel at first.
I only have 2 complains about the car.
1. The center console lids break very easily, but i was able to fix them using magnets. In my opinion it works even better than before.
Yes, that was a big flaw uptil 2005. The center console lid was poorly built. I got it replaced under warranty and they installed a 2006 one and the design of the 2006+ is 100% robust.
__________________ SSM 05 Corolla XRS 6 Spd VVTL-i 2ZZ-GE /04 Corolla S 1ZZ-FE (sold)
Yes, that was a big flaw uptil 2005. The center console lid was poorly built. I got it replaced under warranty and they installed a 2006 one and the design of the 2006+ is 100% robust.
New to the Corolla forum. Looking at purchasing a low mileage 2005 to replace my '91 Tercel daily commuter. The Tercel has been the most reliable car I have ever owned.
.
Both manual and auto transmissions are available locally. Are there any systemic problems or known issues with the 2005 Corolla that I should be aware of? Any tips or purchasing advice that you can offer? Thanks for taking the time to respond!
I bought an 05 LE with a 5 speed new. 63k miles later, not a single issue.
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Rick
2007 Camry Hybrid - Mine
2007 RAV4 Limited - Wife's
1996 4Runner SR5 4WD - Hauler and Toy
05 and up is drive-by-wire correct? how does everyone compare the drive-by-wire system to the 03-04's with the cable driven system? does everyone still hate drive-by-wire?
I'm thinking of buying one later on, so IF I don't end up buying an XRS and end up buying an S model, this would probably pose a problem for me.
05 and up is drive-by-wire correct? how does everyone compare the drive-by-wire system to the 03-04's with the cable driven system? does everyone still hate drive-by-wire?
I don't hate DBW at all. The only thing I don't care for about it is you can't "feel" the throttle through the pedal anymore. With a 5-speed manual, it took me some time to get used to modulating the throttle based on pedal position alone...and not on feel. With an automatic, I couldn't really care less. But after a few weeks/months, I've gotten used to it and it's not a second thought at all anymore.
I do appreciate the lighter weight and less complexity in the engine compartment. There are no throttle cables anymore. And no cruise control cable. And no cruise control module. And no cruise bracket. All that junk is gone. I think it's a step in the right direction.
I can't complain about my car. I purchased my car used in 2006 with 15k. The only things I have done were oil changes, 2-front tires, and and an air filter replacement at 40k. The only regret is that I didn't purchase one earlier, as the Chevy Cavalier I had before was a real piece of sh@*.
__________________ 2005 Corolla LE - Impulse Red - Auto Trans - 1ZZFE - 86,000mi 2003 Echo - Auto Trans - 96,000mi. - slow as dog-dirt - I'd rather put my money in the bank than in the tank!!!!!
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GEN9 2005 - Any Issues?
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