Urgent! need to decide real quick 2008 or 2009 corolla?

[hungt1999]

I need to make a decision real quick to take advantage of the $1000 Canadian EcoAuto rebate from the federal govermenent credit for the 2008 Corolla. The government will abolish the program in January. The credit does not apply to 2009 Corolla, only to 2008 Corollas (That program was set-up to encourage Canadians to buy more fuel efficient cars by giving a $1000 refund on selected models).

Most dealers have ran out of 2008 models and one dealer I found has a few 2008 models left in stock so I need to move real fast if I decide to get the 2008 model. Which one should I get? the 2008 with a $1000 rebate from the Canadian govermenent or get the 2009 which does not qualify for the rebate.

I am looking to buy the 2009 corolla. I want the new Corolla because I think it is a very good looking car and based on my satisfaction of owning a 1996 Corolla since day 1, nothing major except maintenance for over 200,000 km and counting. Last year I replaced the clutch master and slave cylinders and rebuilt the starter motor copper contacts. Both repairs were straighforward DIY for less than $100 dollars. Therefore, I hope the 2009 will be a reliable car with pretty much trouble free for many years.

I have read that Toyota has quality issues lately. The online reviews are not that good about the 2009 Corollas. It seems the 2003-2008 generation is a better? do you agree?

I want to hear from actual owners

In particular:
- the expected reliability
- the electric power steering, is-it that bad ? they says it is unresponsive and numb?

thanks

[LeanBurn]

I think you can get an 09 for less than the rebate+08. Plus it comes with many more standard features.

Electric power steering - I found it to be very good, responsive and accurate. Some say they have to correct all the time while driving, I have never found this. give it a test drive.

Drive them both pick which one you like. They both have their good points.

[EHemmalin]

Hello,

I cannot compare to older models. This is the first Toyota That I have owned (2009 S).

I have almost 17000 miles on mine and have not had an issue yet.

As far as the EPS - It is too responsive, not Numb. I find myself overcompensating sometimes. I definitely takes getting used to.

I'd go with the 09 only because it came out in early 08. In the future, when you go to get rid of your 08, anyone wanting it will think that it is older then it is.

[Jim Bob Jones]

Originally Posted by hungt1999

I need to make a decision real quick to take advantage of the $1000 Canadian EcoAuto rebate from the federal govermenent credit for the 2008 Corolla. The government will abolish the program in January. The credit does not apply to 2009 Corolla, only to 2008 Corollas (That program was set-up to encourage Canadians to buy more fuel efficient cars by giving a $1000 refund on selected models).

Most dealers have ran out of 2008 models and one dealer I found has a few 2008 models left in stock so I need to move real fast if I decide to get the 2008 model. Which one should I get? the 2008 with a $1000 rebate from the Canadian govermenent or get the 2009 which does not qualify for the rebate.

I am looking to buy the 2009 corolla. I want the new Corolla because I think it is a very good looking car and based on my satisfaction of owning a 1996 Corolla since day 1, nothing major except maintenance for over 200,000 km and counting. Last year I replaced the clutch master and slave cylinders and rebuilt the starter motor copper contacts. Both repairs were straighforward DIY for less than $100 dollars. Therefore, I hope the 2009 will be a reliable car with pretty much trouble free for many years.

I have read that Toyota has quality issues lately. The online reviews are not that good about the 2009 Corollas. It seems the 2003-2008 generation is a better? do you agree?

I want to hear from actual owners

In particular:
- the expected reliability
- the electric power steering, is-it that bad ? they says it is unresponsive and numb?

thanks

It's a redesign so the jury is still out on long term reliability. Steering is on the vague side but I have adapted to it. It is not a sports car feel and the steering does not "communicate" road conditions in that fashion. I have not read any consistently negative online reviews although some rate the Honda Civic higher primiarily for engine response and more sport like steering. Personally, I don't like the interior and exterior design of the Honda but this is totally subjective. I love the design of the 2009 Corolla (except the clock/computer switch location)-again subjective. I am a new owner ( 3 weeks, XLE) and a perfectionist. I am very pleased with this vehicle thus far. It is relatively quiet (much more so than the Civic) and compliant but it is not a Lexus. My best advice is you should test drive and decide for yourself.

[joeylgarcia]

i wouldnt spend plus/minus $20,000 on a 2008 corolla which has been seen on the road for so long. the shape and form is disgusting. but the 2009 corolla looks so good. i just love my 2009 corolla for everything that it is. i have no issues since May 2008.

[rollasot]

I've had it for 2 months - my only complaint is the interior (just hate the looks of the center console). I think handling and speed is good, especially for a 1.8L. I've had no problem with the steering or rattles. You might have to drop it a gear lower to get up a hill. The reviews are all rigged. As you know, the cars that get high marks for looks and performace will not still be on the road in 10 years.

[Jim Bob Jones]

Keep in mind that posters whose primary focus is aesthetics can only be marginally useful. You obviously don't need anyone to tell you what looks good. I gather you are more interested in opinions of function rather than of form.

[buddy97]

i had a 5 speed 06 corolla (same as the 08). i now have a base model 5 speed 09 model.

mileage is shaping up to be very similar between the two. i drive the 09 in the same manner and on the same routes as i did the 06.

the 06 had lower rpm's on the highway (about 150 rpm less at 70 mph). nevertheless, the 09 is definitely quieter (road/engine noise) under all conditions, especially under acceleration.

the 5 speed seems to shift smoother in the 09, not quite as "notchy" as the 06.

the ride is similar, but the 09 may be just a tad softer. handling is not great in either car. the electronic steering doesnt seem bad to me, but i was already used to it with my yaris. it can take some getting used to.

the styling of the 09 interior is a bit cleaner, mainly because the center stack is better looking, imo. the 06 didnt really have the full length center stack. the radio was off center and that always bugged me.

the exterior of the 09 is much, much nicer, imo. it doesn't look so tall and skinny like the 06 does. i think the 09 doesn't have an economy car look at all. if your not saving a bunch of money, beware that you may regret driving a model that first hit the roads over 6 years ago (2002) and is really starting to look outdated.

predicted reliability is going to be good with the 2009 corolla. it will take years for that to become a reality.

finally, the standard safety equipment (side airbags, antilock brakes, and a couple other things) can be very important to some people. the 08 you are considering may or may not have side airbags.

keep in mind, reviews for the previous generation corolla (03-08) were never very praising. the corolla always gets ripped for not being the following: fast, a good handler, boldly styled, and fun to drive. the corolla has never claimed to be any of these things. the corolla is, and has always been: reliable, fuel efficient, conservative looking (but i think in an appealing way), and a comfortable ride as economy cars go. the 2009, i think, will be all of these things as well, but will still take hits in reviews for not delivering some things the corolla has never attempted or desired to deliver.

[Jim Bob Jones]

Excellent job Buddy 97.

[Dorkinheimer]

You will only get a 1000$ refund if you take the manual 2008

Id wait for February and get the 2010 Corolla...lol

[RedRave]

I worked in the cambridge toyota plant for 10+ years and can tell you the 2008 rolla is insane reliable and safe but its smaller and very ugly compared to the new model and kinda dull really minus the xrs model. Trust me get the 2009 its soo much nicer looking has more room and they lowered the price of the new rolla's. If u buy a 2008 when someone in the new style pulls up to you at a set of lights you will be like damit why didnt i buy that model its that much better. This new model really is geared more now for the younger crowd with its agressive new look. I can fit my family of 5 in the new rolla which is amazing really for a small compact car. Get the XRS model its a awsome set of wheels for the money. It looks like a mini camry and we all agree that car is amazing now. Up till now even as an employee i wouldnt buy a toyota cause they were so dam boring looking but that has all changed. They really got there stuff together now with there new styles coming out.

[cabur]

09's are priced lower than 08's in Canada.
I'd seriously study the total pricing. Feature to feature. O9's have much more.
09's also have a flat floor at the rear seat.

[goodman]

I think 2009 is better. More standard features with less price. I drove both 2008 and 2009 model, like the 2009 better. It is more controllable on high way.

[pwain]

Originally Posted by Jim Bob Jones

Excellent job Buddy 97.

I agree, I think thats about the best comparison one can get.


Im not sure how long you plan to own the vehicle, but I would think resale values would be better if you purchase the latest generation available.

[ernest t bass]

I initially prefered the looks of the 2008 but,
My shoulders didn't fit in the 2008, not an issue in 2009 Corolla.

I bought the 2009
No issues and 35 to 38 mpg.