I have not bought a corolla yet, but am looking to buy one in the next few weeks and I want something bulletproof for commuting 130 miles a day. I'm wondering if there are certain years to seek out or stay away from as far as the 8th and 9th generation corollas(any newer is out of my price range and I prefer not to go any older than 97'). Is one year/generation of corolla obviously better/more reliable? Are there any red flags to watch out for?
Thanks and I look forward to learning even more about these great little cars!
93-02 are basically the same car...only things changed were the engine and front subframe, torque converter on the transmission (although still the same tranny) and some interior bits and bobs. I've beat on my 96 for 170,000 miles now and she's still dead reliable. (210K on the clock).
It's a shame you don't want to go older than 97. One of the old mid-80s Camries would actually be a great commuter car--I believe they had a 2 or 2.2 liter engine, comfortable interior, surprising handling, and returned fantastic mileage. Plus you can pick them up for usually less than a grand. I wouldn't recommend an 80s Corolla for that long of a commute just based on the interior noise anyway.
My first car was a 96 corolla dx, and as expected for a 16 year old male at the time, I beat the living shit out of it. Taking turns way too fast, holding gears too long, slamming on my brakes to skid, catching air on hills, and even cheapo ebay mods. I sold it a few years ago with 120k miles on the clock, and it ran like a champ still. I've seen it on the road a few times since, and I'm certain its got well over 200k on it by now.
My current dd is a 99, with about 120k on the clock as well. Though my driving has toned down considerably since my early years, it has still taken a beating, just of a different sort. It has survived harsh winters with tons of road salt, giant potholes, endless hours of stop and go traffic, and even being rear ended a couple times. Engine still purs, trans still shifts smoothly, and all the electronics still respond to every touch. It's slow as balls and handles like crap, but that's a different story.
I have a 96 DX 1.8 liter automatic transmission. Bought new. Have done all oil changes, spark plugs, air filter, radiator fluid, etc. myself. Car has been great and gets nearly 30-35 mpg.
Personally, I think the made in Japan Corollas are probably better in general.
One of the old mid-80s Camries would actually be a great commuter car--I believe they had a 2 or 2.2 liter engine, comfortable interior, surprising handling, and returned fantastic mileage. Plus you can pick them up for usually less than a grand. I wouldn't recommend an 80s Corolla for that long of a commute just based on the interior noise anyway.
The '89 Camry is a beauty, too. As Pilotor says, they have a comfortable interior, great handling, and awesome fuel mileage. The Corollas from that era, on the other hand... awesome fuel mileage. (But LOUD on the highway.)
Quote:
Originally Posted by PhatRoyale
97 with 143k miles on it. Original owner.
I'm partial to the 7th gen because I own one.
But it you want a newer car, then I suggest you get a 2001 or 2002 model.
I think the '01 and '02 are the best-looking of their generation. My 'LE is pretty comfortable inside, but it does transmit a lot of road noise into the cabin. That's really the only flaw it has.
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