I'm in the market for a new economy car and recently test drove the XRS. Several months ago I drove the Corolla 'S' and really disliked the way it steered. However, I found the XRS much improved. I also like the bigger 2.4L engine, which, I found actually pepped up the car by quite a bit. I have driven the civic as well as a mazda 3 but was underwhelmed by the interior quality of both.
I am a bit concerned about the quality of the XRS though. The reviews I've read haven't been great and it seems that some people have had some issues with the AT and the brakes.
So, please, if you have any advice or insight for me it would be much appreciated! If you own one, would you buy it again? Is it better than the civic(lx or ex-l) or the mazda3? Have you had any major issues with the car? What is the fuel economy like? Average cost of fill-up and how many KMs per tank? How does the car handle in winter?
This is a Toyota forum....you will always get good comments about the Corolla....you should go test drive all the cars that interest you within your price range, then make your decision. Different people has different requirements and feelings in terms of driving, so go do some test driving and find it out yourself.
Don't just go ahead and buy a car because it has good reviews....You are the one who will be driving it everyday, you have to like it.
This is a Toyota forum....you will always get good comments about the Corolla....you should go test drive all the cars that interest you within your price range, then make your decision. Different people has different requirements and feelings in terms of driving, so go do some test driving and find it out yourself.
Don't just go ahead and buy a car because it has good reviews....You are the one who will be driving it everyday, you have to like it.
Understood. I'm more looking for imput by people who actually own the car and can testify to its reliability and operating cost. Test driving is not going to help me in that regard.
This is a Toyota forum....you will always get good comments about the Corolla....you should go test drive all the cars that interest you within your price range, then make your decision. Different people has different requirements and feelings in terms of driving, so go do some test driving and find it out yourself.
Don't just go ahead and buy a car because it has good reviews....You are the one who will be driving it everyday, you have to like it.
+1
I love my S with a 5-speed & it has plenty of get up & go when I need it to go.
Plus I've averaged 36 mpg since new!
__________________ 89 Supercharged White MR2 5-speed / 09 Corolla S CSM 5-speed
07 Matrix XR Gray Pearl 5-speed (sold 11/23/11)/ 94 Corolla DX Red 5-speed / 95 Previa S/C White Auto/
07 Corolla CE CSM 5-speed/ 10 Prius III Blizzard Pearl
Several months ago I drove the Corolla 'S' and really disliked the way it steered. However, I found the XRS much improved.
The S and XRS are balanced slightly differently, I drive the S and coulsn't notice the defference (this is my first car though), but I plan on putting TRD ("toyota racing development") spings on to see the difference they make.
You should definately try all the cars similar to the Corolla before deciding. I test drove the Mazda 3, Mitsubishi Lancer, Nissan Sentra, Nissan Altima Coupe (its more expensive, but I really like it), and the Hyundai Genesis Coupe (same as the Altima).
While I dont have the XRS, I have an LE with TRD Springs now (09 Corolla), my wife has an 09 Mazda 3i (sport package) and I like my car more in nearly every way! There are a few things she has that I wish I had, but as far as overall driving, I like my car much more.
Hope this helps! If you have any more specific questions Corolla vs 3, send me a PM! Glad to help someone out!
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2009 Magnetic Gray Metallic Corolla LE ^Click For My CarDomain Page^ Team HAMSTER™
Third summer now with my xrs, 5spd manual. just got back from a 2600 km trip this weekend. I averaged between 6.8 - 7.0 L/100kms on the trip. about 350 kms to half tank at highway speeds of around 110-120 km/hr. in city i average the same, between fillups is usually 500 kms for 40L, so another 10 L in the tank before light comes on.
winter driving is good, traction/stability control helps, as do winter tires.
2.4L engine is good, has decent passing power on highway, not great, but ok.
havent had any major issues, had that one stupid ecu issue that was fixed by dealer under warranty, car has been running great since then. brakes are still good, so is the clutch and tranny. i've got 51K on my car now.
maintainance: air cabin filter ($30 bucks) - change when dirty. Oil changes: around $30 as well, ($7.00 for oil filter). I change mine every 8K or 6 months.
so not much costs for maintaining the xrs if you do it yourself.
Alternatives: I went with friends, my friend was driving the new kia forte koup, auto, 180hp. he averaged the same milage as me with little more power. his car handles better than mine stock vs stock. and its more comfortable than the xrs as well, and better interior (leather, heated seats, bluetooth, sunroof etc etc). cost the same as my xrs. you might want to look into it. only issue he has is his auto tranny is shifting hard in 1st and 2nd, but thats warranty covered. otherwise its a good car and i would recommend it.
hope that answers what you were looking for. good luck.
I have similar experiences to kniterider09. I've had mine since April 2008.. 5 speed auto XRS. It's a good car and I've had no mechanical issues with it. I did need a rear window replaced (ill fitting window was rattling away) and I've had a few other rattling issues in the pillars and one squeak from the sunroof. But aside from that (they really are minor in the grand scheme of things) it's been extremely reliable.
Nothing aside from regular maintenance (and the rear window replacement - under warranty).
I find the 2.4L very torquey and fun on highways and in the city. Fuel economy is about the same as kniterider09 has recorded... around 6.5 to 7.0L/100km average (mostly on highways). Decent for the application...
In a year or two I think my XRS will be far surpassed by the newest compacts out there that will have both more power and better fuel economy. For example, if Ford brings a 1.6L EcoBoost to the new redesigned Focus early next year it'll be very hard to beat.
I bought my XRS 2010 in February, I am very happy with the car although I have a few small unresolved issues, I would re-buy again in the event my car would be stolen or totaled.
My gas consumption in Cabo San Lucas Mexico which is a place that has an insane amount of stop signs and speed bumps; my worse city driving was 17mpg with a heavy foot and as high as 27mpg (includes 10% highway 90% city) when I was driving efficiently, driving cross country is 30+mpg
The car is great and you will be happy being the new owner of one.
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Last edited by ToxicBanana; 09-07-2010 at 02:17 PM.
The XRS comes with the 2AZ-FE that has seen duty in the base Camry from 2002 to 2009, pretty torquey 4-cylinder and good for a daily driver. It's proven to be reliable if regularly scheduled maintenance is followed.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TURBO Das Automagazin
A BRZ, a curvy mountain road makes one liter of happiness hormones.
Sorry to hijack the thread a bit, but couldn't resist a question considering the number of XRS owners here. Has anyone removed or investigated removing the rear spoiler on one of these things? This old guy thinks the XRS would make a great alternative to the Camry SE...smaller, almost the same power in the I4 version, easy availability of a manual etc. Just don't think the racer look is for me but the local dealer has got a pristine used one in his yard. Tks
Bought my 5sp MT XRS in July '08. I have had ZERO issues and LOVE the car. I test drove the same cars that others have listed above. But the XRS had many more features for far less money. I know many people have been complaining about their cars and I am thankful that I haven't had any of those issues. My car has worked like a dream and averages 33 mpg on summer blend and 30 mpg on winter blend. The Injen CAI is a fantastic upgrade and really wakes up the engine.
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