Buying my first Toyota

[Blue_Bird]

I have been using the site to do some research on the 9th gen Corolla before I go and test drive this 2008 1.8L Corolla ce tomorrow. I understand that there has been a recall on the ECM for the 2005-2008 cars and that they will begin swapping them once parts starts arriving. I haven't found anything else through my research but I do have a few questions if any members could spare a minute or two and give me some peace of mind.

1. Are there any other recalls for the 9th gen Corolla?

2. Did they use a different motor or just a better tune in the performance edition Corolla?

3. Whats the hp/torque in the performance Corolla?
(I read that the CE has 126/122)

4. I am fairly mechanical but is there anything specfic that I should look for on these cars? (mechanical or body)

The car that I am looking at has a 5 speed with 30,000 kms and the price is $11,400 +GST. So about 12 grand when its all said and done.

[ChpStcksRlz]

1. Mine has only been recalled for the ECU so far (first recall I've ever got... then again it is my first car)
2. There's 2 "Performance Edition" of the Corolla 9th Gen, the typical Corolla S and the Corolla XRS...
The Corolla S is pretty much the Corolla CE in almost all aspects, BUT in addition has a body kit, sexy black interiors, chrome interior parts, white 'sporty' gauges, 15" Alloy Wheels, Fog Lights, and of course the spoiler.
The Corolla XRS has all the Corolla S's additions (excluding the white gauges) and also 16 in" Alloy Wheels, better suspensions, an extra set of gears in the transmission and last but the best of them all the 2ZZ-GE engine (also found on the last Celica GT-S), which is FAR superior from the Scion tC, Corolla XRS (10th gen)'s 2AZ-GE engine.
3. Yes you are correct, it has 126hp but some are reported to have 132hp on the 9th gen Corollas (but those are probably the 2003-2005 models), mine went to inspection today and it got 135hp on the Dyno for some reason.
4. Well most people treat the Corolla as a cheap car that'll get you from Point A to Point B (it kinda is), so the car might MAY been abused horribly, just make sure it stands up straight and has no problems moving around, then you'll be fine.


I drive a 2008 Toyota Corolla S, originally meant to get me from Point A to Point B, but now added with style

[PhatRoyale]

The CE is the base model.

A performance edition Corolla was only released for 2005 and 2006. Dubbed the XRS model.

Came with a high-revving 2ZZ-GE that put out 170hp. 6-speed manual, 4-wheel disc brakes. XRS specific suspension. The list goes on and on.

If you look around, there are a few private sellers that are selling XRS' for around the $10K mark with low miles.

If you want the best, get the XRS and skip the rest of the Corolla lineup. You won't be disappointed.

[PhatRoyale]

A little educational video to help you in your buying process:

You Tube

You Tube

[Blue_Bird]

Thanks for the info everyone. I would like to pick up an XRS but I'm currentlly getting raped by the insurance company because I am young and have a penis. The plan is to have this car through college and baby it and then either buy or build up a crazy weekend warrior when I graduate. I do have one more question, does the CE have drums in the rear? If it does is there a DIY guide for swapping to discs?

I phoned the dealer ship today and got the VIN, it says the motor is the 7A-FE.

Thanks again I'll keep you posted.

[PhatRoyale]

You should call your insurance company to get a more accurate quote. I've heard that insurance is comparable to any other normal Corolla.

The CE has drums in the rear.

The dealership must be mistaken since the 7A-FE was an engine option only available on 1993-1997 Corollas.

You should PM a fellow here by the same of silver04rollas with any questions or concerns you may have since he upgraded from a Corolla S to a Corolla XRS so he should be able to provide you with more detailed information that you need to make a better decision.

[Blue_Bird]

I bought the Corolla CE. Its my third car and its the most powerful that I have owned thus far lol. Its got a nice growl to her, over all I am pleased with the purchase. Im going to keep it stock until the warranty is up in 2012. Might drop a K&N filter in there at the next service interval.

[wernermeister]

Originally Posted by Blue_Bird

I bought the Corolla CE. Its my third car and its the most powerful that I have owned thus far lol. Its got a nice growl to her, over all I am pleased with the purchase. Im going to keep it stock until the warranty is up in 2012. Might drop a K&N filter in there at the next service interval.

Congratulations! and Welcome to the Corolla CE ownership club....
[82,000 miles here on a 2006 CE; very peppy car for it's engine size; my two teenage kids love to drive it; heck, I love to drive it too!]

[ChpStcksRlz]

Originally Posted by Blue_Bird

I bought the Corolla CE. Its my third car and its the most powerful that I have owned thus far lol. Its got a nice growl to her, over all I am pleased with the purchase. Im going to keep it stock until the warranty is up in 2012. Might drop a K&N filter in there at the next service interval.

Just curious what were your 2 cars before? and Congrats, Corolla's are really great cars.

[Blue_Bird]

They were both from 1997, the one I bought in grade 12 was a Saturn SL2. The one I just sold was a Ford Ranger Spalsh reg. cab, Both vehicles had inline 4s. The Ranger had a 2.3L that made 100hp and the SL2 had a 1.9L that made 124hp. Its strange that the vehcile with the smallest motor makes the most power. The satty was an auto and the ranger was a stick. The ranger converted me, I dont think I could ever go back to an auto.