Can't decide between used 2009 or 2010 Corolla

[Navi1234]

Hey all,

My family is looking to replace our aging 1993 Voyager with something that's more fuel efficient. We've narrowed it down between the 2009 Corolla and the 2010 version.

Basically, after all of this reading I've done, I've become thoroughly confused. I know for sure a Japanese made car would be of a higher quality than most American cars (our 1999 Malibu sucks, same spring, front driver side, has broken 3 times within 150k, then the rear passenger spring twice). So with all of the hulla baloo about Toyota recalls doesn't concern me too much.

However, some threads, mostly on other car/Toyota related forums, have stated both that the 2009 Corolla is great quality/reliability-wise, while others have said the 2009 gives lots of trouble and only the 2010 model should be considered. I would like to kindly request clarification on the issue.

If it matters, we perform nearly all repairs ourselves at home, from spark plugs/oil changes to springs/struts and ignitions (just replaced the ignition switch on the same Malibu, wouldn't start without banging the dashboard )

Thank you very much for your time, I apologize for turning my first post here into a novel

[chadfarmer]

I would say it depends on minterest rate on used or new car

[cabur]

Got my 09 in 08. Have been to dealer for the re-call on reprogramming re oil comsumption and the icing on the brake servo line. Both times went in without my car showing the faults.
On a 2010 model all these would've be recified at the factory.
Seeing you keep your cars a long time I'd get a new and latest one. Possibly a 2011 model that's due out soon.

[Navi1234]

Thank you gentlemen, for the replies.

I would say it depends on minterest rate on used or new car

Good point, and I should've mentioned before that we typically don't finance the car, unless it ends up being cheaper than paying the full amount.

Got my 09 in 08. Have been to dealer for the re-call on reprogramming re oil comsumption and the icing on the brake servo line. Both times went in without my car showing the faults.
On a 2010 model all these would've be recified at the factory.
Seeing you keep your cars a long time I'd get a new and latest one. Possibly a 2011 model that's due out soon.

Hmm, if I were to buy the used 2009 Corolla and the previous owner did not have this work done, would I still be eligible for such repairs? Would they notify me of recalls?

Thank you for pointing out that the 2011 will be released soon. A quick google search tells me that not much will be significantly different from the 2010. However, it will push prices down a bit on the leftover 2010 models.

I've been shopping around quite a bit, and have found a used 2009 Corolla CE, 52k, selling for $12 000 + HST. In your opinion, do you feel this is a good deal? Compared to MSRP of 2010 Corolla, it's quite good. The colour (tan) isn't so good but I guess that's the tradeoff of a used vehicle.

Thank you once again for your replies, they are very much appreciated

[SuperchargedMR2]

to TN!

I have an 09 Corolla S that I bought in 11/08. I've had no issues at all although I did get the pedal shim recall done. It's been a great car & I love it.

I would look at a 10 model because you could get 0% on it. Keep your money in the bank earning some interest & you'll come out ahead vs paying cash for it. Plus any issues will have been fixed on the production line. Depending on when you get it you could also get a 11 model soon or save even more money on a 10!

[RBK]

2010 Corolla, no problems at all.
Depending on how soon you need it, I'd just wait for the '11 model (has very minute changes) and buy a 2010 model.

EDIT: http://iguida.com/2011-toyota-corolla

[kevinnz]

I'd like to point out that the 2010 comes standard with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control and the 2009 does not. They have saved my butt a few times.

I'm not sure whether this is true across all the models, but it is true with the S model between 2009 and 2010.

If you are planning to get an S, the 2010 also comes with a black/silver interior and optitron gauges(better for your eyes) and the 2009 doesn't.

[SuperchargedMR2]

Originally Posted by kevinnz

I'd like to point out that the 2010 comes standard with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control and the 2009 does not. They have saved my butt a few times.

I'm not sure whether this is true across all the models, but it is true with the S model between 2009 and 2010.

If you are planning to get an S, the 2010 also comes with a black/silver interior and optitron gauges(better for your eyes) and the 2009 doesn't.

Good points, I forget about the VSC & traction control because my 09 S has them. I do like the black trim in my 09 vs the silver trim in the 10 model. As far as the gauges, I love my standard gauges & they don't bother my eyes at all. I have seen the optitron gauges too & they look nice too but I'm not sure what all the fuss it about.

[kevinnz]

btw, off topic. Can i still send you money for a TN decal?

[Navi1234]

Thanks all for the response. Apologies for not getting back to you guys sooner, been busy visiting a few dealerships and doing some online research.

I've stumbled across what seems to be a major concern for me, that is the Toyota Oil Sludge Problem. This seems to affects Corolla's, Camry's, Sienna's, etc. How prevalent is this problem and am I likely to encounter it? It seems to me that an engine rebuild would be required, as most complaints state that a new engine was put in afterwards.

Also, I've been reading that your warranty for a new Toyota (probably like this with any car company) that making a repair under warranty can be rather difficult for those who do their own minor repairs and maintenance at home (i.e. oil change, spark plugs, etc), as the dates/mileage cannot be verified. Is this true across most dealers or a select few?

Thank you once again, your replies/responses are extremely helpful.

[got-rice]

Originally Posted by Navi1234

I've stumbled across what seems to be a major concern for me, that is the Toyota Oil Sludge Problem. This seems to affects Corolla's, Camry's, Sienna's, etc. How prevalent is this problem and am I likely to encounter it? It seems to me that an engine rebuild would be required, as most complaints state that a new engine was put in afterwards.

The Corolla NEVER had this problem. It was limited to a certain group of Camrys, Siennas, Lexus ES and RXs with the same V6 engines, so that should have no affect on the current Corolla.

[thestone11]

Depends on which trim level are you going to get? If XRS, you can get away with 09 no problem. But if the S, I would go for the 10, since traction and stability control came standard and on the 10 model, it also came with the optitron gauges which the 09 don't.

[nervx]

I'm not sure whether this is true across all the models, but it is true with the S model between 2009 and 2010.

VSC and traction control do not come standard on the 2009 S, they are an option.

[msncorolla422]

Originally Posted by thestone11

Depends on which trim level are you going to get? If XRS, you can get away with 09 no problem. But if the S, I would go for the 10, since traction and stability control came standard and on the 10 model, it also came with the optitron gauges which the 09 don't.

Yeah I would get a 10 just for those items!

Originally Posted by nervx

VSC and traction control do not come standard on the 2009 S, they are an option.

I was so mad when I found out! All I wanted was those two things added on but they wanted $2k! which is absurd and wanted the optitron guages too but I didnt have to have it......so again go for the 2010!

[nervx]

just out of curiosity can VSC, traction control or the jbl stereo be added to your car after buying it?