About to purchase a 2003 Corolla LE but getting cold feet...

[megacoupe]

Hi, first post on these forums.

I'm a student with a very limited budget, so the Corolla seems like a good choice. I'm in love with the S trim in particular (white exterior, black interior), but alas, I need to buy a car before the semester starts and I might have to settle for an LE instead. I found a very meticulously maintained 2003 LE with nearly 70k miles for around $7000 (a bit above my budget, but without a doubt a good deal). However, I'm starting to reconsider biting the bullet because of some small concerns that I hope you guys can help me with:

1. S vs LE: Is the only difference between these two trims the body kit and rear spoiler? Can anyone list the other differences? Or is there an online resource where I can read up about all the differences? (having trouble finding a detailed list on google)

2. Is it possible to get a factory body kit and rear spoiler for the S and have it installed on the LE? If so, where? And how much can I expect to spend? (And is it silly to try to make an LE look like an S?)

3. The gauge lights: They are okay on the 2003-2004 Corollas, but I love the gauge lights on the 2005-2008 models. In fact, I like them so much more, it's almost a dealbreaker not to have them.

Maybe I need to be talked down, but I'm strongly considering letting go of the well-maintained, low mileage 2003 LE because it's the wrong color (black and not white), the wrong year (2003 and not 2005+) and the wrong trim (LE and not S).

I supposed I could wait and hope for right car to show up on Craigslist or whatever, but from what I've seen, used Corolla S models are pretty rare in my area, let alone in the color and year I want (and certainly more rare are the ones that have been well-taken care of and have low mileage!).

I need to make a decision in the next few days and can't decide if I should settle for close enough at the right price or wait and hope for something that may never come.

Any advice and info would be appreciated.

[hardtopte72]

They are all good choices. I am partial to the 05-08 models because I like the front bumper and fogs better (you could always just swap it down the road).

Going down the list.

1. These cars are actually quite different. Things the LE will have that the CE and S may not include:
Map lights on the mirror
Tweeters in the Front Doors
Time adjustable intermittent wipers
Double center console storage lid
Much softer and more plush seats
Wood Grain Interior Trim
Specific LE wheel covers (if it doesn't have alloy wheels)
195/65/15 Tires (vs. 185/65/15 on the CE)
On the 2005-2008 Models they "ALMOST" always have a 6 disc CD changer
That is most of it.

Things the S will have the CE and LE will not have include:
Body Kit
Fog lights with factory switch in the turn signal stalk
Black interior
Specific S wheel covers (if it doesn't have alloy wheels)
On the 2005-2008 models a lot have the 6 disc CD changer but not as many as the LE

2. Yes it is but it is pretty pricey. You will need an S front and rear bumper, both sets of lips, the side skirts, and all the associated seals and hardware. The body on the S is actually made to accept the side skirts so on the LE they won't be as sturdy unless you drill into the body. It has been done with no issues just supporting it at the front and rear.

3. The gauges from the 2005-2008 will fit but the fuel gauge will not work without swapping out the fuel tanks and the sending unit. This is unfortunate as the Optitron Gauges from the 2005-2008 LE are very nice. However the 2003-2004 LE has a really nice set of white gauges.

Some things that changed on Corollas between 2003-2004 and 2005-2008 include:
Addition of XRS trim for 2005-2006 with the 2ZZGE Engine, 6 Speed Transmission, Rear disc brakes, different gauges, different steering rack, X brace behind reat seats, standard strut brace, and different wheels/tires.
Addition of engine immobilizer
Drive by wire
Different front bumpers
Different tailights (change of the amber turn signal lens to clear)
JBL Sound system
Tire Pressure Monitoring Option
Optitron Gauges
Differnt Fuel Tank and Sending unit
6 Disc CD changer
Removal of Tape Deck in 2005
And I think that is all.


Even though you would like a white car I would stay away from white Corollas. They do not have clear coat and the paint fades and stains extremely easily. This is a common issue on the white Toyotas that are not metallic paints. I like the 2005-2008 based on looks and the drive by wire throttle (less stuff to go wrong) but a lot of people don't like the way the throttle behaves and looks are subjective.

All in all a Corolla is a great car and one with a good service history is hard to come by with a car in this price range. What ever you decide to go with will ultimately be a good choice. Oh and get a 5 Speed .

[Bob Shiftright]

It's been many years since I was a student, but if I was a student today and had limited resources, I'd avoid spending money on car modifications. It's a Corolla, but that's not a bad thing! Buy a BMW when you have a job and money!

I inherited mine -- for a low mileage example you might look around areas with a lot of retirement communities. Mine is a low serial number (000xxxx) early '03 LE with AT, ABS, side airbags, cruise control and the cassette/CD stereo -- well-optioned early cars do exist.

AFAIK, the early year cars have less sophisticated electronics so they are less likely to break. Not that it's a problem for any well-maintained Corolla.

My car is white and I was just appreciating how well the paint had held up over the years! The plastic headlights had become cloudy and I replaced them. I used Toyota parts, but aftermarket replacements are readily available and are much cheaper.

The only "modification" I've done to the car is WeatherTech floormats. I touched up some scratches and replaced one of the mirrors. Otherwise, besides replacing the headlights, I only put a new battery in the car, changed all the fluids and vacuumed out all the dirt and leaves.

[gold94corolla]

IMO, $7,000 is a lot for a 03 Corolla, especially if you are already planning to spend more money on mods, which really adds up fast.

Anyone else can comment on the price? The mileage is good.

[MD1032]

I have driven a 2004 CE with the white S gauge cluster (similar or identical to my 2005 S) and wood grain trim. I have also seen an LE with what most certainly appeared to be a factory spoiler. Truth be told all of these cars are pretty much going to be the same, just different flavors.


Beggars can't be choosers. I would try to put less of an emphasis on mileage and color. I turned down a more attractive model when I bought mine, trust me, but I bought the correct car.


This 2003 will have a standard throttle. I have never driven a drive by wire car where I have felt completely satisfied with the way the throttle feels. Yes, I realize this means that the throttle body will have an ancient design with an IACV that will eventually start acting up 200k down the road, but there is a subtle difference (because Toyota did a darn good job of implementing their drive by wire) between the two types of throttles and I personally prefer a standard throttle with IACV.


Honestly having been in your shoes, a 2003 with 70k for $7k sounds about right. Go into the dealership, offer $6200, and go from there. They are dying to get rid of that car, trust me. I would probably pay $6500 for that car. If you aren't 100% satisfied with the way it drives, keep shopping. These cars are everywhere.

[PhatRoyale]

Never rush a decision like this. Especially when it's a used car and buying the wrong one can mean endless headaches.

[Kreuger]

I paid around the same for my '04 CE with 118k on it. I would personally take the deal. Dont be so put off by something so trivial as the colour. If you need the car, you get it.