1999 Prizm/Corolla

[atoyotchick]

I just picked up a 1999 Prizm because its supposed to be the exact same thing as a Corolla. It has the 1.8 liter engine in it, and only 50K miles on it. It runs fine, but I find it to be very raucous sounding, not quiet like I had expected. I had previously a 1996 Corolla with a 1.6 liter in it and that car's engine was considerably quieter. As a matter of fact you could not always tell it was running when idling it was so quiet. Not this Prizm, just sounds like one of those small motors thats straining to work, but yet its rather peppy. It also seems to idle high when idling. Is this normal on the 99 models to sound raucous? I'm was hoping for a nice quiet riding car but this doesn't appear to be it.

[Corollacrazy42]

Anything done to the exhaust? It should be generally pretty quiet. Although your terms of quiet and mine might be different, not to mention everyone elses. I doubt anything is wrong with it, or that the 99 is natorious for it. Unless maybe the exhaust was changed, or the metal dealy that connects the muffler to the rest of the exhaust system is missing. That makes it considerabley louder

[atoyotchick]

nope, the exhaust is factory and in good shape. I don't beleive the exhaust is the issue. The motor is plain raucous, unlike other Toyotas I have driven. It just sounds as though its really straining, but like I said, its quite peppy.

[Corollacrazy42]

well is it a 3 speed auto.. if so that is probably the reason too.. mine is loud (I have a 98) and my prizm doesn thave overdrive so it sounds like a raging beast when romped on. This could be your probably too, as my car is quite peppy to for a 4 cycle anyways.

[igorien2k]

its loud above 2500 rpm. mostly its the valve design that makes a click when the valves open and close as well as the timing chain making noise. it should me more noticeable when the car is cold. if thats the case its being very normal. if its just as loud when its warm, that usually means exhaust leak