Hi all, I'm looking at buying a Corolla XRS (5 spd mt). I test drove an S and found that the handling and shifting were... not the best. (I could not test drive an XRS... none in stock)
Handling: Way too vague and lazy, I could almost make a full turn on the wheel just to turn left or right.
Shifting: Shifter sucks... long throws, hard to move between gears especially 2nd to 3rd (compared to my 2002 Civic LX). When I say hard to move between gears, I meant that I feel there is too much friction/effort moving between gears, I want something 'slicker'.
Now, I know that the handling in the XRS is supposed to be 'better'... exactly how much better? More responsive? As for the shifter, will the XRS feel the same as the S for the stock shifter, and if so, will a TWM short shifter kit rectify this problem?
Also, does the XRS have any modification potential? Not complicated mods... just minor things that can be done without spending too much. ECU flash, maybe? I don't know, please help
Last edited by Elusivellama; 01-08-2010 at 07:00 PM.
If you are going for something that will give you solid sporty performance....sorry the 10th gen corolla is not a car that will suit you. Afterall the corolla is an econbox, and yes even the XRS. Especially with the VVTL-i engine dropped out of the line and TRD will not make a supercharger for the 10th gen.
There are some common bolts on mods out there in the market already available for both the S and XRS: CAI, lowering springs, short shifter, sway bar, front strut brace.
TWM short shifter will solve the shifting problem that you are concerning about. I have it on my 09 S, I love the way it performs and how the shift feels.
The electric steering takes some times to get used to, at first I found it weird as well but I am used to it now and have no problem whatsoever.
Best part for the corolla is how it saves you money on gas. On my 09 S, I manage to go 650km with one full tank of gas which costs me $34.
If you are going for something that will give you solid sporty performance....sorry the 10th gen corolla is not a car that will suit you. Afterall the corolla is an econbox, and yes even the XRS. Especially with the VVTL-i engine dropped out of the line and TRD will not make a supercharger for the 10th gen.
That's okay, I don't consider myself to be an enthusiast. All I want, really, is a car with good low end torque, great fuel economy with regular fuel, low insurance costs, reliable, good quality, loaded with comfort and convenience without bogging the car down and making it feel like crap. I'm not going to be throwing the car around corners at 70km/h or tracking it, or racing it against others.
Quote:
There are some common bolts on mods out there in the market already available for both the S and XRS: CAI, lowering springs, short shifter, sway bar, front strut brace.
TWM short shifter will solve the shifting problem that you are concerning about. I have it on my 09 S, I love the way it performs and how the shift feels.
Hmm good to hear it fixes that problem... so not only is it a short shift between gears, but when it shifts, it is slick and precise, with minimal friction?
Quote:
The electric steering takes some times to get used to, at first I found it weird as well but I am used to it now and have no problem whatsoever.
Best part for the corolla is how it saves you money on gas. On my 09 S, I manage to go 650km with one full tank of gas which costs me $34.
I have no problems with the electric steering feel, just the responsiveness. And yes, the gas savings is a big benefit
That's okay, I don't consider myself to be an enthusiast. All I want, really, is a car with good low end torque, great fuel economy with regular fuel, low insurance costs, reliable, good quality, loaded with comfort and convenience without bogging the car down and making it feel like crap. I'm not going to be throwing the car around corners at 70km/h or tracking it, or racing it against others.
Hmm good to hear it fixes that problem... so not only is it a short shift between gears, but when it shifts, it is slick and precise, with minimal friction?
I have no problems with the electric steering feel, just the responsiveness. And yes, the gas savings is a big benefit
If you like low end torque, then you should go for the XRS, the 2.4L engine has some nice low end power to it.
The TWM short shifter with all the upgrade bushings will give you a more precise shifting feel. But with the upgrade, the shift will become stiffer. Personally, I like the stiffer feel.
But before you make your decision, go through various car dealership and test drive different models first. Getting comment on a toyota forum is not 100% accurate, coz we are toyota fans. You should feel the car yourself, not just hearing or reading off the forum.
If you like low end torque, then you should go for the XRS, the 2.4L engine has some nice low end power to it.
Good to hear that... high end HP doesn't concern me too much, I'd probably never get to use it as I don't generally drive my car like I stole it, nor do I usually exceed 120 km/h on the highway.
Quote:
The TWM short shifter with all the upgrade bushings will give you a more precise shifting feel. But with the upgrade, the shift will become stiffer. Personally, I like the stiffer feel.
Hmm... I guess as long as it is more precise and significantly shorter in throw length, I could probably get used to it.
Quote:
But before you make your decision, go through various car dealership and test drive different models first. Getting comment on a toyota forum is not 100% accurate, coz we are toyota fans. You should feel the car yourself, not just hearing or reading off the forum.
I have been to various car dealerships and test driven the cars that I was interested in, here are my compiled experiences:
Honda:
This was my first choice as I have always been a Honda boy. I wasn't really that interested in the regular civics, and I test drove an Si briefly. The salesguy wouldn't let me VTEC it, nor take it on the highway. That's like going in to buy a high end mountain bike and being told to put trainer wheels on it during the test ride. Besides, the Si is severely overpriced for what it is, and I absolutely loathe spending money for overpriced products, especially to smug salesmen who think that 'Honda = guaranteed sales'. Controls for the HVAC were button-rific... not to my liking at all. Interior plastics are said to scratch easily.
What did I like about the Civic and Civic Si? Honda's reputation, of course. The ultra slick and beautifully shifting 6spd MT on the Si, the 5spd MT on the regular models wasn't bad either. I liked the 2 tier instrumentation, it didn't bother me one bit. Styling is also excellent for this kind of car, interior room was good.
Mazda:
I went to the Mazda dealership and was almost struck blind by all the grinning faces on the Mazda 3s. Awful styling aside, I test drove a Mazda 3 GT (2.5L engine) in a 6 speed MT and was generally impressed by its low-end torque and performance. I wasn't thrilled with the reverse gear being to the upper left on the shift knob (at least, if I remember correctly), the side view mirrors were too small, the rear window was too tiny (I drove a Sport, not a sedan), and the car itself felt like a sardine can. The back seat space was atrocious, I could NOT get out of the backseat without banging my feet against the bottom sill and I'm 5ft 11", slim build. It also had that huge hump in the middle of the floor. Did I mention that the smiley face front fascia was an instant turn off?
I liked its heated seats, which toasted up right quick.
Subaru:
Next, I tried Subaru (2.5i sport) and was quite impressed with the low end torque and AWD performance in the snow. However I was not impressed with the fuel 'economy'. The styling of the front fascia was... I don't know, just OLD school japanese econo car. No aggressive lines or anything... just a mindless, generic look. Interior had the annoying backseat hump, and the rear armrest lacked cupholders. Seats were fuzzy, furry things with ugly 'water spot speckle patterns' on it. Roof liner felt like cheap cardboard with mousefur bits spray-gunned onto it. Colour scheme of the (mostly) plastic interior was all black or some variation of dark grey... monotonous. Worst of all... when I grasped the door handles on the outside, it felt too hollow and I could almost feel the handle bending from the slight pressure of my hand. I had to try it a few times to make sure I wasn't mistaken.
I liked the heated seats, heated windshield though... nice touches for the Canadian winter.
Nissan:
I took one look at the Sentra and was struck by how cheap it looked and felt. I didn't even spend more than 20min at the dealership. After looking at pics of the SE-R Spec V's interior styling, I'm glad I didn't get to experience this clown's car.
VW:
I briefly flirted with getting a VW, until I was reminded of my family's first two Jettas and other stories from my co-workers and friends about electrical problems, falling driver side windows, strange knocks and rattles, etc. No thanks.
Hyundai:
Elantra had a surprisingly good interior. Styling was inoffensive and generic.... boring. Price was good, but Hyundai reliability is still not up to the level of, say, Toyota or Honda. However, I also test drove a 2010 Tucson mostly because I was intrigued by the idea of an inexpensive CUV with such sexy styling... it seems to be quite good, actually! Of course, Hyundai can make as many claims as it wants, the real test is over several years of ownership.....
Toyota:
As mentioned, I tried the Toyota Corolla S and was unimpressed by the vague steering and crappy shifter. However, if the XRS steering is substantially better and the shifter can be replaced by a TWM short shifter with a weighted aluminum knob, then it would be the perfect car for me. I liked the interior space and materials, even if they were mostly plastic. Centre console armrest could use some padding, but that is minor. Flimsy coinbox under the steering column does not impress, but is very minor. I loved the double glove compartment. Feel of the car is solid and smacks of good quality. Visibility was excellent. Standard features are impressive, including stability/traction control... just missing heated seats, but I've driven cars for years without heated seats and I can learn to live without it.
Last edited by Elusivellama; 01-08-2010 at 09:24 PM.
I wouldn't go for Honda at all, especially when you want something that has low end torque. Honda's engine has always been lacking low end torque, its vtec technology is good for the track but for day to day driving, it is not so practical, unless you like to shift at 7000rpm in every gear. Actually samething applies to the 9th gen XRS VVTL-i engine, you have to rev it high to get the power out of it.
In terms of Mazda, I don't buy the new exterior design too. it reminds me of joker everytime when I see one. But it is well equipped for the price and the 2.5L engine will provide you with good low end power. I like the interior design of it though. Handling for the mazda has always been great as well, I remember the protege 5 that I used to have, that thing was great in twisty roads.
For VW, only the Golf GTI is worthwhile to look at.
For Nissan, actually the sentra SE-R spec V is a good car, I like the low end power from that engine.
For Subie, yes it is great with its All Wheel Drive, but ofcoz bad gas mileage is an issue. But again, nothing is prefect. For winter use, the subie stands out. But keep in mind, maintenance cost will be a little higher compare to the others on the list (maybe except the VW).
For Hyundai, if it is not a genesis coupe, say no~!
Finally for our Toyota, it is the best for the money. We really can't compare the Corolla to the civic SI, SE-R spec-V, Golf GTI or Mazda 2.5L sports. Their price tag not even come close. For day to day use, the corolla is more than enough, if you like the low end power, get the XRS.
Neither model handle the best out of the gate STOCK...
My XRS was better than the S
But now that I spent money on the Suspension it is WAY BETTER...
Throw in an Exhaust & Intake and it is a very nice car to drive
Yeah, if I pick up the XRS, I think I'll do what you did and put some mods in, if I feel the need to. I see that your sig lists the suspension mods you did, are those user-installable? At the very least, the stock shifter has to go. Did you get a TWM short throw shifter too?
Yeah, if I pick up the XRS, I think I'll do what you did and put some mods in, if I feel the need to. I see that your sig lists the suspension mods you did, are those user-installable? At the very least, the stock shifter has to go. Did you get a TWM short throw shifter too?
No Shifter Mods yet
Everything is self install-able if you are good with cars and have all the tools.
I chose to upgrade suspension first, then Intake & Exhaust.
I wouldn't go for Honda at all, especially when you want something that has low end torque. Honda's engine has always been lacking low end torque, its vtec technology is good for the track but for day to day driving, it is not so practical, unless you like to shift at 7000rpm in every gear. Actually samething applies to the 9th gen XRS VVTL-i engine, you have to rev it high to get the power out of it.
Yup, I hear you. This is the common complaint of Honda engines known even to the Honda enthusiasts (like over at 8thcivic.com), etc.
Quote:
In terms of Mazda, I don't buy the new exterior design too. it reminds me of joker everytime when I see one. But it is well equipped for the price and the 2.5L engine will provide you with good low end power. I like the interior design of it though.
Oh yes, the equipment and interior design is aesthetically pleasing, I liked it.
Quote:
For VW, only the Golf GTI is worthwhile to look at.
For Nissan, actually the sentra SE-R spec V is a good car, I like the low end power from that engine.
For Subie, yes it is great with its All Wheel Drive, but ofcoz bad gas mileage is an issue. But again, nothing is prefect. For winter use, the subie stands out. But keep in mind, maintenance cost will be a little higher compare to the others on the list (maybe except the VW).
For Hyundai, if it is not a genesis coupe, say no~!
Hyundai will eventually improve to where the top Japanese manufacturers are now, but I think the time is simply 'not yet'.
Quote:
Finally for our Toyota, it is the best for the money. We really can't compare the Corolla to the civic SI, SE-R spec-V, Golf GTI or Mazda 2.5L sports. Their price tag not even come close. For day to day use, the corolla is more than enough, if you like the low end power, get the XRS.
I saw a 2009 manual XRS at $19,900, about 26,700km on it, grey metallic colour. Good deal? I think I can probably haggle it down a bit more
Well, $19,900 CDN. Base MSRP is $22,350, so they depreciated it by 10% for this 2009 vehicle. I did a quick calculation, it works out to about a $4200 savings since there is no PDI.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ToxicBanana
I would hope so, they are selling for $19,480.00 USD new here in Mexico
Doesn't sound like a good deal to me, you are paying a price tag for a new car that has over a years worth of driving on it (going on average here)
In my opinion I would pay the extra 10% for the km alone, you are paying alot of money and you never know what they did with those 26,700km
Last edited by ToxicBanana; 01-08-2010 at 10:32 PM.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
ToyotaNation.com is an independent Toyota/Lexus enthusiast website. ToyotaNation.com is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. The Toyota, Lexus and Scion names and logos are trademarks owned by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
Bad 560
Linear Mode
