2009 Corolla reliability ? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Hedgehog48 · 03-17-2008, 08:32 PM

I know its too new to tell but do you think the 2009 Corolla with be a reliable car that will go 200,000 miles with minor maintainence? Also, how do you feel the electric power steering will hold up.
I just sold my 96 Corolla DX that was my kick around car. I also have a Ford diesel pickup but don't drive it much due to fuel cost. My 96 had over 187,000 miles on it but was starting to rot, needed struts and a few other things so when a friend came along and offered me $2,000 for it, I had to part with her. Now I need a replacement. I'm thinking either new or used Corolla or maybe used Camry but the 2009 Corolla really catches my eyes. Any input would be appreciated.

imEric! · 03-17-2008, 09:03 PM

You're definitely correct that it is too early to determine the reliability of the 09 Corolla...

.eRiC

YOHAN · 03-18-2008, 05:12 AM

I don't think I can answer that question since I'm going to keep my Corolla for only 2 years... less actually.

And then I'll be heading back to Asia and just get another car. Probably not the Corolla.

Hedgehog48 · 03-18-2008, 04:02 PM

The new engine and the electric steering make me nervous. I have never financed a commuter car because I have always bought used ones but its getting to the point that a few year old Corolla is almost as much as a new one. Any issues with the 9th generation Corolla?

jlspec · 03-18-2008, 04:25 PM

If you want a daily driver car that is pretty good on gas and fun to drive I would recommened an Acura Integra LS. Even though I love toyotas, they don't have any that can compete with the 90-00 Integras. The Celica GT is a great car to compete but it doesn't come in four doors. A used integra for a 96 cost around 4000-6000K and those run just as good if not slightly better then the corolla plus it's much stronger. They do about 30-33 mpg too. So if your looking for a daily driver just to get to point A to point B, I think a Integra is pretty nice.

Sorry to be off topic..

Hedgehog48 · 03-18-2008, 05:34 PM

I'd like to buy something less than 5 years old. I wouldn't mind buying new as long as it will go the distance.

***REN69*** · 03-18-2008, 08:25 PM

Will the sun come out tomorrow?? it's a 50/50 chance.

wisky · 03-18-2008, 11:03 PM

You may want to check out my final post in the "Poor Quality Control" thread and consider one of the super deals currently on 2008 models.

John Mo · 03-19-2008, 08:50 AM

I agree that it's too early to know anything for certain about the new model. It's gotten a little harder to give Toyota the benefit of the doubt. My '90 4Runner had the 3.0 V6 with the head gasket problem. My '02 Sienna is covered under the extended warranty issued because of the oil gel problem (no problems to date at 137k miles). My '93 Camry has been totally bulletproof through 267k miles, but the recent Camrys had the transmission problems. <shrug>

On the electric steering... my only concern has been with reviewers that say it's tough to keep it pointed straight down the road without constantly tweaking it. If it's really obnoxious, I suspect there will be a TSB or an aftermarket option to tweak the programming.

As far as reliability goes, I'd expect the electric steering to be as good or better than hydraulic systems. Electric steering has been around in the Prius for a few years and is appearing in other models now too.

I'm fully planning to see 200k or 300k miles out of my 2009 Corolla. Most any car these days can make it to 150k with basic maintenance. The Corolla will be at least that good and probably better.