Looking to buy a Corolla..anything to watch for?

[lt1tyrell]

I would like to start searching for a corollla, probably around 05-07. I would like an S model. What should I look for in these cars? Any years seem to have certain problems? Any problems with either the auto or manual transmissions? I would buy either one if it was the right car. Hopefully one of these cars will be as good to me as my old 91 tercel! Thanks.

[moggi1964]

Got 73k on my 2005S auto and haven't had a single problem.

Shocks started to get a big soggy at 72k but NJ roads will do that to you.

Serviced on schedule by dealer (about to change to DIY) and my sig shows the (unnecessary) but welcome upgrades.

Runs Mobil 1 with OCI of 5k.

[NorthGaYota]

I have 07ce and other than paint chipping it runs like a top..

[mikered30]

In general, avoid 06 corollas made in CA, their ECU failure rate is high, but being in Canada, you will likely get a Canadian made corolla. Belt and belt tensioners suck across the board. Condensers on 9th gen corollas are thin and prone to puncture. The lower storage compartment in the center counsel breaks easily.

[zythr]

Interior quality is not what it was on past Toyota's, then again, that has been going on across the board with the majority of their line up

[NMGeorge]

There's that buzzing noise at the base of the windshield, during high speeds and strong wind. It's a bad seal, IIFC.

[jrallan26]

The only issue I've had is the paint. Other than that, it's been a great car.

[NMGeorge]

^
Oh yeah, I agree! My car has been a little tank! Sure, there are things that I'd like to be different and some common problem areas, but over all, it's been a great buy. Color me happy.

[chrisanthony14]

So far i had no issues with my corolla, only what other users posted about Toyota being cheap on the paint job.

[omgLIFT]

Originally Posted by lt1tyrell

I would like to start searching for a corollla, probably around 05-07. I would like an S model. What should I look for in these cars? Any years seem to have certain problems? Any problems with either the auto or manual transmissions? I would buy either one if it was the right car. Hopefully one of these cars will be as good to me as my old 91 tercel! Thanks.

how much are you looking to spend? I have my 05 corolla XRS which is 1 of 6,600 2zz XRS's ever produced that if I get what i'm looking for i'll let go. If you are interested it has 48,xxx miles, black sand pearl, 6 speed and lightly modified so if you are interested send me your email and I can send you some pics or you can check out pics of my XRS at the East Coast meet thread it's the black corolla with Vuteq and bronze TC wheels.

[lt1tyrell]

Thanks for the offer but I am in Canada so I am just looking for something local.

[chrisanthony14]

anther thing that i forgot to mention is the little noises you get from the interior pieces. I have one now on a 39km corolla on the front passenger side. Every time i go over a bump it squeeks. I have no idea where that is coming from

[silver04rollas]

I remember my 2004 Corolla S had a flimsy center compartment door (just below the HVAC controls). The hinges kept breaking. Toyota replaced it twice under warranty.

When I traded that in for my XRS, Toyota had changed the design of the hinge and I have not seen the issue with the XRS. Make sure the center compartment door shuts properly.

[cooleric2000]

Yeah, the Corolla seems to run for a while. My friend had his for like 7 years.