moving centre armrest 2010 CE

[Jestercat]

Greetings all.....

My wife and I took a 2010 CE 5 speed, mid level convenience package Corolla out for a test drive today.

We like the car enough to buy, but have a couple of issues with the car that might break the deal:

1. The center console armrest is in an uncomfortable position. It's okay for me with my forearm length, but when my wife sits in the proper seat position for driving with her hand on the manual shifter, she is constantly banging her elbow on the front corner and edge of the armrest lid. I know it seems like a bit of a picky issue, but.....

2. The clutch feels, in her words, "wimpy". Now, she used to drive a Tacoma 5 speed which likely had a much more robust return spring, but still, I felt it a bit lightweight too. Perhaps it's something we can become accustomed to but wonder if it will hold up to long term wear

Any input or suggestions for solutions to these issues would be appreciated, thanks in advance

Jestercat

[v8eaterWRX]

The clutch will be wimpy, its a Corolla not a Supra lol

As for the console, I opted for the auto in my 2010 S so I cannot speak on that one

[SuperchargedMR2]

The arm rest doesn't bother me or my wife with our 5M. I would say that she will get used to the arm rest & reposition her arm a bit.

As far as the clutch goes, every clutch I've driven has felt different. It's just a matter of getting used to a new clutch "feel." I have 4 manual transmissions in my cars & every one of them feels different when I first drive it, no worries though!

[Jestercat]

Thanks for the input....

Is your 5M a 2010 model? If it isn't, are the centre consoles perhaps different?

My wife and I have substantially different forearm lengths, so it is an issue for her.

Does anyone know if it's an easy mod to move the console back an inch or two, or even move the lid, or is this even possible?

[msncorolla422]

Originally Posted by Jestercat

Thanks for the input....

Is your 5M a 2010 model? If it isn't, are the centre consoles perhaps different?

My wife and I have substantially different forearm lengths, so it is an issue for her.

Does anyone know if it's an easy mod to move the console back an inch or two, or even move the lid, or is this even possible?

i dont know about that, but someone does have a padded center arm rest that is also slidable.

[Jeff Lange]

The sliding arm rest is offered in LE models (Canada), XLE models (USA) as well as S and XRS models with leather (Canada & USA). This however only allows the arm rest to move forward, not rearward, thus I am not sure it would help in this case.

As far as the clutch goes, I would not worry about extra wear. The clutch is lighter because the vehicle is lighter duty. You will get used to it quickly, trust me. Going back and forth between the Corolla and the Supra, etc. it is very noticeable, the Corolla has no feel to the clutch at all, feels like I'm pressing my foot into a pillow, but within a day it feels normal, and then the other clutch feels super heavy for a bit.

Jeff

[joeylgarcia]

if ur findings about the corolla is how you describe it then i guess it is not the kind of car for u. shop and test drive other models or other brands. trust me u dont want to regret your decision after you have already bought the corolla.

[cabur]

Originally Posted by Jestercat

Greetings all.....


1. The center console armrest is in an uncomfortable position. It's okay for me with my forearm length, but when my wife sits in the proper seat position for driving with her hand on the manual shifter, she is constantly banging her elbow on the front corner and edge of the armrest lid. I know it seems like a bit of a picky issue, but.....


Any input or suggestions for solutions to these issues would be appreciated, thanks in advance

Jestercat

I presume your wife is not as tall as you.
Have you adjust the driver's seat height? With tilt and telescopic steering and seat height adjustment that's more that can be said compared to other similar makes.
I'm 6' and my wife is 5' 2". We found a compromise position on the height which we are both comfortable.

[kniterider09]

Originally Posted by Jeff Lange

The sliding arm rest is offered in LE models (Canada), XLE models (USA) as well as S and XRS models with leather (Canada & USA). This however only allows the arm rest to move forward, not rearward, thus I am not sure it would help in this case.

As far as the clutch goes, I would not worry about extra wear. The clutch is lighter because the vehicle is lighter duty. You will get used to it quickly, trust me. Going back and forth between the Corolla and the Supra, etc. it is very noticeable, the Corolla has no feel to the clutch at all, feels like I'm pressing my foot into a pillow, but within a day it feels normal, and then the other clutch feels super heavy for a bit.

Jeff

+1, i cud not agree more about the clutch jeff, its a night and day difference between our corolla's and other cars, once u get used to it and then go drive a performance car like STI or bmw, come back and u'll be like whoa, ur pushing ur foot into nothing

i am going to go find out if i can order that sliding center arm rest seperately for my xrs from the dealer.

[Jestercat]

Thanks for the replies everyone....

The Corolla is our first choice as we already own one, along with a 2002 Sienna. The clutch isn't a deal breaker, was just surprised at how lightweight it felt. Not concerned about the wear on the clutch plates as much as the durability of the pedal and linkage to the actual clutch.

The centre console is an issue. We did try adjusting the seat to a place where both of us are comfortable but she still had the same issue. It doesn't seem to matter where the seat is, her arm/elbow still comes in contact with the armrest.

I guess what I am saying is that I am perplexed why (at least to us) this obvious ergonomic design issue was somehow missed by the Toyota design team. Toyota's smart design history is a big component of why we are such a loyal fan over the years. We can't help but feel this was an oversight because if the car was an automatic, there wouldn't be the issue (it only happens in the manual as the driver's hand spends a lot more time on the shifter).

I'm going to check with the dealer to see if the centre console is interchangeable with one from an LE or XRS. It appears in photos that they are mounted somewhat further back, but maybe it's my eyes playing tricks on me

[FlawedLegacy]

I have an auto and still leave my right hand on the shift knob and cannot say i've ever hit my arm. In fact, I have my arm on the armrest and the shift knob, but I am not moving it as if I had a manual either.... very interesting

[Jeff Lange]

The clutch pedal setup is actually beefier than some others, it is a fully metal design and is hydraulic, so I wouldn't worry about wearing it out.

As for the armrest, I find it to be quite comfortable and well placed, unlike the one in my uncle's Saturn Ion, which I hit my arm on constantly.

Jeff

[Jeff Lange]

For anyone looking to order the moveable centre armrest for the 10th gen, here are the part numbers:

58905-02470-E1 - Tan/Beige Interior (Std, CE, LE, XLE)
58905-02470-B1 - Light Grey Interior (Std, CE, LE, XLE)
58905-02480-B2 - Dark Grey/Charcoal Interior (S & XRS)

Jeff

[SuperchargedMR2]

Originally Posted by Jestercat

Thanks for the input....

Is your 5M a 2010 model? If it isn't, are the centre consoles perhaps different?

My wife and I have substantially different forearm lengths, so it is an issue for her.

Does anyone know if it's an easy mod to move the console back an inch or two, or even move the lid, or is this even possible?

Mine is an 09 model but I believe they are the same. My wife is 5'3" and I'm 6'2" so our arms are quite different in length too! I was just trying to point out that when ever you are getting used to a new car things feel different, but after a short time you adapt to it & get used to how you fit & work with the car.

[Jestercat]

Are those Toyota Canada part numbers, or aftermarket (from who?)

Thanks