Thinking about getting a 2004/2005 Corolla

[wheelsup]

Hi guys new here - wife wants a new car her VW is falling apart. We're thinking about a Corolla. I'm looking for a model that has a lot of compatibility with other model years. For example I was looking up trannies and it seems the 2005/2006/2007/2008 and later 2004 transmissions are the same. Something like that. I don't want a unique model year that would limit the purchasing of used parts.

For price I'm thinking a 2005 Corolla as we want to stay well under $10k. Good model year?

Thoughts? Are these cars easy enough to work on? Doing routine things like brakes? How about timing/accessory belts? Transmission flushes? Wheel bearings/axle replacement? Or are they not very shade-tree mechanic friendly?

Any good repair guides available?

Is there a buyers guide on here with things to look for? We've never owned a Toyota before.

[deja_vu1344]

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). Mine was recently replaced and now is amazingly silent.

The cars have a timing chain so no worries there.

As for the repair guide, I know there is one floating around somewhere on TN.
I think this is basically the same thing.
http://www.onlinefreeebooks.net/auto...agram-pdf.html

[05_Echo]

The only problem I have had is the bearings in the tranny going at 130,000 miles, other than that it's been a good car.

[bford17]

my mom has an 05 corolla ce auto. its a well built car. it is reliable and dependable. she bought it a while back used, it had 30k when we bought it and now its in 80k and still running strong..still runs like new IMHO.

just do the usual service like changing oil. just take care of the car and you're car will definitely last.

also i would say that it is an easy car to work on. I consider myself a weekend mechanic / DIYer / car enthusiast and I've been doing most of the work with my car(1994 honda accord ex) but I also work with my moms car (05 corolla ce) and i have to say that my moms car is easier to work on in my opinion. I recently just replaced her serpentine belt(accessory belt) because it was starting to squeak..and it was a easy to replace..I also just done a "drain and fill" of the transmission today..tranny is smooth as butter!!!

so yeah...i would say get a corolla..

[dorman68]

I purchased mine in 2006 with 10,000 miles on it. The only things I have done were the following;
- 2 new front tires at 30k
- trans fluid changed at 30k
- oil changes every 3-4k

great car, still has the original brakes, the only advice I have to give is to get an automatic , stay the hell away from the 5-speed manual trans models, the 5-speed manual transmissions are junk.

[Sean 06 Corolla S]

I bought mine in 2007 with 14,000km. Mine has a 5spd manual transmission and I've had no problems what so ever with anything. The only thing I had was the center doors broke but everyone has that problem. Like everyone else and magnet works much better than original. My car now had 50,000km. I'm thinking I'm going to do a transmission fluid change. I use Mobil 1 oil and I change it about 8-10k. No need to change sooner the oil just starts to get dirty for me around 8k. The car is also very responsive. You get a good reliable feel once you take one for a test drive. The car handles well and I still have stock tires on but I will need to replace them after this summer. Brakes are original. And I find the car easy to work on. I've worked on Toyota vehicles before my dad owns a 1990 4runner (400,000km) and my mom has a 1990 camery(360,000km) and my grandpa has a 97 camery(190,000km). I've worked on all the cars. I find them easy. But I find for general changes my 06 Corolla has be by far the easiest. By the way you can change your oil filter standing up it's located higher and up front by the front bumper.

[JasonA]

My '07 has been flawless. The 5-speed transmission is wonderful. With some Redline MT-90, the shifting is very smooth in it. Some internal parts on the manual transmission were changed in the 2004-2005 year range to improve durability. Either way, as long as you don't beat on it, it'll be just fine. Too many examples of units running well last 100,000 miles to consider them junk. The manual is so much more engaging to drive, but most women prefer the automatics (the primary demographic I'm sure)...it was hard to find a 5-speed when I was looking.