Need information for buying a 9th gen

[Chris D.]

I'm trying to figure out what is what in terms of models of Corolla..

LE, VE, S?

Within the 9th generation, what changed interior and exterior wise since the 2003?

Is there an online guide with pictures showing these changes?

I'm looking for a car with power everything, cruise, 5 speed manual and all that jazz..

I'm not quite 100% sure about the car with the lip kit for this will be a year round car and I'm in the rust belt..

Are there years with more issues than others?

What year did the throttle by wire setup get implemented into these (if they ever did?)
When did the tpms become standard on these?

I'm hoping for a clean daily driver that I can do a few basic looks mods but not doing anything that's really performance unless it'll benefit me for better fuel economy..

I'm partial to silver since my current vehicle's lunar mist silver has treated me well in terms of being able to keep it clean, or at least till someone leans against it..

My 02 Tacoma..

accidentally took out my lower valance when backing up over some snow last winter..
so I'm rolling an unpainted valance for now.. new one is in the shop drying..


I hope to learn more about whats good on the Corolla cars..
I've always liked the style of them...
Just went to my credit union for a loan and I'll hear back what my loan limit is.. Found out my credit score is 766..

Thanks

[gideon1331]

If you're looking for features, you'd be looking at an LE. The S had more than the CE, but you're most likely to find an LE with what you want.

For 2005 the exterior was changed slightly, significantly more sound insulation was added to the interior, electronic throttle was added (although there are a RARE few 05's that were made with the old mechanical throttle at the start of production) and the tail lights were changed slightly. Stability control, side/side curtain airbags and TPMS also became optional this year. Side airbags and TPMS take some digging to find, and I only ever saw one with stability control...not likely to find it on a model with a 5-speed.

The Corolla was best-in-class for side impacts when equipped with the side airbags. They are definitely worth the extra effort to find a Corolla that has them. They generally came in a package with TPMS and ABS. Nearly all Corolla's sold did not have ABS, so keep an eye out for that with winter driving.

TPMS became standard for 08 due to federal mandates.

The 05+ models are known for ECM failures (mostly 06 models) but they are now being replaced under a recall. I think up until 07 the serpentine belt tensioners were iffy, but they're not that big of a deal to replace. There were also issues with the intake manifold gasket, but it's on the front of the engine and not that big of a deal to replace either if necessary.

[silver04rollas]

I believe only 2005 - 2006 Corolla XRS was using cable throttle. All other trims were electronic drive by wire.

- Corolla LE got the LED-based electroluminiscents optitron gauges alongside the XRS (XRS were red on black while LE was white on black).

Originally Posted by gideon1331

If you're looking for features, you'd be looking at an LE. The S had more than the CE, but you're most likely to find an LE with what you want.

For 2005 the exterior was changed slightly, significantly more sound insulation was added to the interior, electronic throttle was added (although there are a RARE few 05's that were made with the old mechanical throttle at the start of production) and the tail lights were changed slightly. Stability control, side/side curtain airbags and TPMS also became optional this year. Side airbags and TPMS take some digging to find, and I only ever saw one with stability control...not likely to find it on a model with a 5-speed.

The Corolla was best-in-class for side impacts when equipped with the side airbags. They are definitely worth the extra effort to find a Corolla that has them. They generally came in a package with TPMS and ABS. Nearly all Corolla's sold did not have ABS, so keep an eye out for that with winter driving.

TPMS became standard for 08 due to federal mandates.

The 05+ models are known for ECM failures (mostly 06 models) but they are now being replaced under a recall. I think up until 07 the serpentine belt tensioners were iffy, but they're not that big of a deal to replace. There were also issues with the intake manifold gasket, but it's on the front of the engine and not that big of a deal to replace either if necessary.

[gideon1331]

There were a select few 05 non-XRS Corollas that had cable throttles, but they are very rare. There has been talk of them on here before. They were built during the 04-05 assembly line transition. I don't remember at which plant however.

And yes, the 05+ LE got the LED 'Optitron' gauges. They are much sharper than the conventional gauges. I wouldn't want regular gauges after having the LED ones in my LE.

[Raddman04]

The grill was also different, so was the front bumper and the bumper lip, the fog lights were optional on the 05 LE and were different and used a 9006 bulb instead of a H3. I believe that's when they came out with smoked headlights! I never noticed any difference in the tail light design! Stay away from the 05-06 models, they had tons of problems with it's ECM and electronic throttle by wire, search some of the threads here on the 05/06 problems owners had/have, there are many some still ongoing from 05 posts!
I also believe on the LE and CE you have to use a 185/65/15 tire where with the sports model S you can go to the 195/65/15 tire...Good luck!

[Chris D.]

Does this site load dog slow for anyone else?

I finally test drove a corolla VE (base model) automatic just to see how it fit me..
This car has 101K and they still want $8K for it LOL trippin.... It was at a Toy dealership..

This car would have been perfect for a nymphomaniac female because at an idol it vibrated like crazy..
So much in fact that I popped the hood before I drove it.. All it needed was a hula skirt.. christ!

ergonomically the car is great..
If the base model seats were comfortable, anything above that (if it makes any difference) is fine by me..

I absolutely have to have a 5 speed after test driving that automatic..

If I get a 2006 or newer, I can get a 3.49% apr..
if it's older, they tack on another .25%... No biggie.. But I'm aiming for the newest low mile car I can get..

Raddman04, out of the 2 pictures you posted above this post, which is what year?

If that 2005 VE was a throttle by wire car..
It had some serious lagging throttle response..

I see no reason why they had to involve electronics where a cable has worked well since the first car was driving..

[Raddman04]

I see no reason why they had to involve electronics where a cable has worked well since the first car was driving..

My thoughts too

Ninth generation didn't have a VE, they had a CE which is the standard model, LE which is the higher class model and the sports model S...

Top blue is a 03-4 and the silver is a 05-06, must probably both a CE!

04 Corolla S below

[Chris D.]

Having a hell of a time finding a silver 03-08 in a 5 speed manual..

sheesh.. LE/S silver manual transmission seems to be a golden goose..
Heck, I have yet to find a manual just to be able to test drive it..

[FinalGear]

Originally Posted by Chris D.

Having a hell of a time finding a silver 03-08 in a 5 speed manual..

sheesh.. LE/S silver manual transmission seems to be a golden goose..
Heck, I have yet to find a manual just to be able to test drive it..

lol... for more info on the 9th gen corolla... wiki it...lol
Just make sure you find one w/ a sunroof.... it will be well worth it

[silver04rollas]

As posted above, all 2005+ 1ZZ-FE 130 HP 5 speed manual and 4 speed auto have drive by wire throttle system.


I would recommend if you are bothered by throttle lag, try and find a 2005 or 2006 Corolla XRS and the throttle response is far more sensitive than you would want it to be (it is also cable driven). It will remove any concerns you have about throttle lag.

You will get 6 speed manual gearbox and also a 8400 rpm high-revving 180 HP engine. Also, lots of other goodies such as, handling, brakes, wheels etc.

Though, they are tough to find since only 6600 were ever made.

Originally Posted by Chris D.

Does this site load dog slow for anyone else?

I finally test drove a corolla VE (base model) automatic just to see how it fit me..
This car has 101K and they still want $8K for it LOL trippin.... It was at a Toy dealership..

This car would have been perfect for a nymphomaniac female because at an idol it vibrated like crazy..
So much in fact that I popped the hood before I drove it.. All it needed was a hula skirt.. christ!

ergonomically the car is great..
If the base model seats were comfortable, anything above that (if it makes any difference) is fine by me..

I absolutely have to have a 5 speed after test driving that automatic..

If I get a 2006 or newer, I can get a 3.49% apr..
if it's older, they tack on another .25%... No biggie.. But I'm aiming for the newest low mile car I can get..

Raddman04, out of the 2 pictures you posted above this post, which is what year?

If that 2005 VE was a throttle by wire car..
It had some serious lagging throttle response..

I see no reason why they had to involve electronics where a cable has worked well since the first car was driving..

[W6e6s6W]

Originally Posted by Chris D.

I finally test drove a corolla VE (base model) automatic just to see how it fit me..
This car has 101K and they still want $8K for it LOL trippin.... It was at a Toy dealership.

That is insane! I paid $9000 for my 05 S with 64k on it. it was in really good condition. power everything +sunroof

[Chris D.]

I've test driven a XRS, too much car for what I'm looking for and lesser miles per gallon..
quick car, 30K on it, but for a limited edition performance car, the handling was seriously lacking..

Anywho..

Is there a site anyone knows of that you can input a vin number and find out what it's equipped with? CE, LE, S, ect.. comes with auto or manual, ect..

I've already figured out how to ID which ones are CE's, they have a non body matched side molding (black)
I'm shooting for an LE or S..

some of the prices on these have been ridiclious, also hard as hell to find a silver or white 5 speed manual..

The XRS I drove was beat down.. 30K on an 05 and it looked to have had water in the oil, neon lights under it, cold air intake with lots of dirt.. Scuffed up bumpers.. All for 12,999 LOL riiiiiiight..

[mikered30]

Originally Posted by Chris D.

I've test driven a XRS, too much car for what I'm looking for and lesser miles per gallon..
quick car, 30K on it, but for a limited edition performance car, the handling was seriously lacking..

Anywho..

Is there a site anyone knows of that you can input a vin number and find out what it's equipped with? CE, LE, S, ect.. comes with auto or manual, ect..

I've already figured out how to ID which ones are CE's, they have a non body matched side molding (black)
I'm shooting for an LE or S..

some of the prices on these have been ridiclious, also hard as hell to find a silver or white 5 speed manual..

The XRS I drove was beat down.. 30K on an 05 and it looked to have had water in the oil, neon lights under it, cold air intake with lots of dirt.. Scuffed up bumpers.. All for 12,999 LOL riiiiiiight..

http://www.motoverse.com/tools/vin/toyota.asp

[silver04rollas]

Goodluck with your purchase.

The ridiculous price aside, shocked to hear about your experience with that used XRS. I guess, you answered your question yourself. The shocks, tires and springs must be shot especially if there was high body roll. The hardware is all different from 1ZZ Corollas. All disk brakes, stiffer shocks, stiffer/lower springs, tighter steering ratio, almost 40% stiffer chassis with the X-brace, anti-roll bars and strut brace, better wheel/tire combo (Michelin Pilot Tires).

I came from a brand new 2004 Corolla S I drove for 14,000 KM to my 05 brand new XRS and insistantly figured out their handling was simply night and day.

A well maintained XRS handles very well for its class. I have driven it for 7 years and I know how seriously fast I can push it into/through/out of the corners especially on a road course provided I am not on my Michelin PA3 winter tires when the steering response and flat cornering goes to hell.

Back in the day, it outhandled Mazda 3 Sport in a direct comparison and pull 0.86g on the skidpad and 67 mph slalom speed (MotorTrend).

Originally Posted by Chris D.

quick car, 30K on it, but for a limited edition performance car, the handling was seriously lacking..

.....

The XRS I drove was beat down.. 30K on an 05 and it looked to have had water in the oil, neon lights under it, cold air intake with lots of dirt.. Scuffed up bumpers.. All for 12,999 LOL riiiiiiight..

[Chris D.]

I know the S vs. XRS is a night and day difference in the handling department..
I've test driven both, I'm just on a different level for what I call handling..
I've done the autox, road racing in several different cars.. Miata, Omni GLH-T, VW, Honda, ect..

stock for stock, the Civic's have just about everything beat in the handling department from their design..
I thought the 2004 Civic EX sedan I test drove with 101K on it vs a 2006 Corolla S w/35k was a night and day difference..

But I'm not turning one of these into anything other than a daily driver..

I just bought a silver 2008 S 5 speed with 12K miles on it.. sunroof..
certified used, 7yr/100k warranty..

I bought it sight unseen, but it's from a reputable dealer and I got it for Just under 15otd + shipping ($545)

So I'm officially family now..
First few things on my list are to retrofit the headlights with a true hid projector setup..
Plug n play HID's in stock housings with no projector are for newjacks..
Thats all I can think of for now..