[Catanzaro]

I am considering purchasing or leasing a new Corolla. I have read some reviews and mainly the lack of acceleration seems to be one of the disadvantages of having this vehicle. In addition, the CVT Transmission as some people do not like them. Mazda and Acura have regular transmissions. I currently have a 2023 Subaru Legacy with a CVT and it is not a bad car, and purchased a 10-year warranty with 100,000 miles of coverage just to be on the safe side. I am more concerned with safety features, along with reliability. We have to go with a smaller safer vehicle, given the new driver is not that tall. I will be looking at Honda as well, but am not really crazy about how they look.

A few questions:

1) With the CVT transmission, does Toyota recommend service every 30,000 miles? I am a big believer in servicing fluids, no matter if they are deemed lifetime. Some dealers will not even touch them.
2) This will be a new driver in the next 12-18 months so I have some time, and maybe car prices will come down.
3) What does everyone like about the Corolla, at least the newer generation?
4) What do you dislike about the Corolla, the newer generation?
5) Lastly, do you regret purchasing the Corolla, or if you could do it all over again, purchase another brand of vehicle?

 

[igzy]

Hello, for questions 1~4 you can find answers/opinions on the first and second page of this sub-forum threads. All were discussed very recently...

For 5, I am happy with mine, so much that I almost went on to purchase 2023 just to keep a newer version of it once ICEs are outlawed...

 

[Catanzaro]

Thank you. I see the Sticky or the Pins. Will read.

 

[raymond10078]

1. Toyota does not recommend CVT fluid replacement for normal use. Some on this forum do. I do as well. I'll be doing it myself - at around 60k. I did it myself on my 2016, too.
2. Not a question.
3. I lost my 2016 Corolla 11/22 (accident), now driving a 2022 Corolla XSE. The new safety system - I really like it, namely the cruise control, which will maintain a set distance between you and the car ahead, all the way to a complete stop. I commute 80 miles a day, 95% of it freeway, with the cruise set, and that one feature is terrific for this daily commute. The XSE has the 2.0L motor, and acceleration is not an issue. My 2016 - for the most part - it wasn't an issue either - except if you're running, at say 65, and stomp on it, the increase in speed isn't that great. No doubt the 2.0L is my preference (getting better gas mileage on my commute, too), but the 1.8L was certainly very acceptable.
4. My only dislike is the tire noise. It may actually be the lack of noise deadening in the car, I'll find out when the tires are replaced. I test drove a Civic, and I did find it a bit more quiet, but the seat bolsters didn't fit my frame at all - I was uncomfortable during the test drive - I can't imagine what my commute would be like. I've been installing sound deadening material - not yet certain that'll be that much of a help. The noise isn't unacceptable - but if you're traveling with a companion, you have to raise your voice just a bit to have a normal conversation.
5. No regrets at all. I bought a Certified use Corolla (only 5k miles), an off-lease car. Haggled, and got a good price, IMO. The dealership claimed the car was worth 31k (inflated corona pricing), it was "on sale" for 27.5k, I paid 25k. No delivery or other add-ons. Includes a 100k warranty.

 

[WeirdBeard]

I have a manual, but regardless of transmission, I replace the fluid every 30k miles just to be on the safe side. Fluid is cheap and services are easy, so why risk it?

I wouldn't expect prices to come down on anything any time soon

I've got a 22 XSE HB 6MT and love almost everything about it. It handles and rides very smoothly and gets excellent gas mileage. It's comfortable and well equipped. It's stylish inside and out. It's really fun

I don't care for the electronic parking brake, but the auto dis/engage functionality is pretty nifty.

And for your last question, I paid too much for mine and I'm still very happy with it and would do it again XD

 

[toyotahybrid]

2023 no doubt.

2022 models are way too noisy on highways. It might be the same for 2023 model but I never drove a 2023 model. Test drive it.

 

[voodoo22]

If you're serious about this you need to make a spreadsheet to compare what you consider to be pro's and con's. Whenever I buy a new vehicle I make a list which contains the prices and start and then list what is not on other models in the next model. It's easier to do when you're comparing same model year of just one car, but I do it across all the cars and it works very well, but you have to spend a good hour browsing the manufacturer websites to complie the data, vs relying on strangers commenting on what they care about.

Case and point people complaining about how loud the car is. Well our base model HB is very quiet for the class and maybe because we have 15's vs 18's etc. Some people complain about the acceleration, well imo those people just don't know how to drive to conditions. I've driven our HB in cities and on hwys under all conditions ranging from stop and go to 90 MPH and have only once felt I could use more power and it was because I did plan well while going up a mountain. If our car was a MT I'm confident I would never be wanting for power. The only area where the car disappoints me is that the MPG isn't quite as good as I thought it would be and I chalk it up to poor aero affecting the hwy numbers more than I would like.

 

[jdmgroupie]

I have a manual, but regardless of transmission, I replace the fluid every 30k miles just to be on the safe side. Fluid is cheap and services are easy, so why risk it?

I wouldn't expect prices to come down on anything any time soon

I've got a 22 XSE HB 6MT and love almost everything about it. It handles and rides very smoothly and gets excellent gas mileage. It's comfortable and well equipped. It's stylish inside and out. It's really fun

I don't care for the electronic parking brake, but the auto dis/engage functionality is pretty nifty.

And for your last question, I paid too much for mine and I'm still very happy with it and would do it again XD

Thank you for purchasing a manual. God bless.

 

[Catanzaro]

The issue here in NJ is that most dealers charge over MSRP. The only dealer that does not charge over MSRP will not allow anyone who lives further than 25 miles to purchase a new vehicle, and maybe a used one as well. They have a large inventory of vehicles. Luckily, I was able to get my 22 Avalon Touring prior to this change. The community was outraged that they were selling to everyone.

Luckily, I have time and close to 1 year, maybe longer to keep looking.

 

[Spritanium]

It's a corolla, it's like the platonic ideal of a car. It's good enough at everything, it excels at nothing, and it'll run perfectly for as long as you decide to keep it.

Change CVT fluid every 60k miles. If the dealer says they won't do it, point at the manual and show them where it says to do it at 60k miles

 

[Beechnut]

I have a 2020 SE sedan, manual. It's pretty much identical to a 2022 except that it doesn't have rear cross-traffic alert (but it does have blind spot monitoring). We bought it used (34k km) in March 2022 as a second car to our 2018 VW Sportwagen (also manual).

It's a generic Asian sedan, very good at what it does, but as noted above, doesn't really excel in anything except reliability. The VW drives much better (handling, stability, ride, performance), has way better ergonomics, and a faster and easier to navigate infotainment system.

That said, the things I love and those I hate:

1) Fuel economy is excellent, I'm averaging 6.6 L/100 km in winter driving, and about 5.8 in summer driving. That's 35 mpg winter, 41 mpg summer and about 1.0 L/100 km better than our VW. This is in mostly rural driving with some autoroute at 105 km/h (65 mph)
2) The infotainment system sucks. It's slow and not so easy to navigate. CarPlay takes forever to boot up.
3) Ditto the trip computer. I can display trip average economy, tank average, and long-term average. But you can't toggle between them on the fly like on the VW.
4) It has great safety features, even though it's Toyota's cheapest model. I like the radar cruise control, the auto high-beams, the lane-departure assist and the blind spot monitoring. I wish it had RCTA, but beggars of used cars can't be choosers; I found the car I wanted at the price I was willing to pay so in this market, I grabbed it.
5) Performance is adequate; it could use more low-end torque but I'm spoiled by the turbo engine in my VW. It has the 2.0L engine. I'm a fairly placid driver so it suits my needs.
6) It really needs more interior storage spaces: coin holder, sunglass holder, bigger door pockets that can take a large water bottle.
7) Road noise is a bit tiresome. Engine noise is OK but still not the quietest car I've ever owned.
8) Handling is acceptable. It's not a sports car, but can hold its own.
9) I prefer an old-fashioned mechanical handbrake, but the electronic one hasn't given me any grief so far.
10) The back-up camera is basically useless in winter, from the road grime, if you forget to wipe it clean before getting into the car. My VW has a concealed pop-out camera that's always clean, and many cars now have a squirter for the camera. I guess that would adde extra complexity and $.
11) Here's the big one. It's very reliable. I'm sure it will bore me for much longer than my VW will excite me. This is where Toyota has built its reputation. Which is great as my local dealer sucks so I don't really need them.

Since you want a CVT I won't bother commenting on the stuff related to the manual transmission.

My understanding is that the 2023 has a better infotainment system, ALL engines in the non-hybrids are the 2.0L, no more manual transmissions (blah!) and some trim differences. If you're buying a CVT, I'd go for the 2023 for the better engine even in the low-end models, and better infotainment system. If you want a manual, 2022. If you can find one. The 2023 hatch has a really cool orange colour. If this car is for a new driver, a 2022 L or LE with the less powerful 1.8L engine might be a feature, not a bug.

You should also consider the hybrids.

To answer your last question, I would absolutely buy this car again. In fact when the VW comes up for replacement (probably in 2-5 years) I can almost guarantee it will be a Toyota unless Toyota reliability has a meltdown by then (probably a RAV4 or Corolla Cross as we need the room for our bikes).

 

[GarageNoGarage]

I have a 2020 SE sedan, manual. It's pretty much identical to a 2022 except that it doesn't have rear cross-traffic alert (but it does have blind spot monitoring). We bought it used (34k km) in March 2022 as a second car to our 2018 VW Sportwagen (also manual).

It's a generic Asian sedan, very good at what it does, but as noted above, doesn't really excel in anything except reliability. The VW drives much better (handling, stability, ride, performance), has way better ergonomics, and a faster and easier to navigate infotainment system.

That said, the things I love and those I hate:

1) Fuel economy is excellent, I'm averaging 6.6 L/100 km in winter driving, and about 5.8 in summer driving. That's 35 mpg winter, 41 mpg summer and about 1.0 L/100 km better than our VW. This is in mostly rural driving with some autoroute at 105 km/h (65 mph)
2) The infotainment system sucks. It's slow and not so easy to navigate. CarPlay takes forever to boot up.
3) Ditto the trip computer. I can display trip average economy, tank average, and long-term average. But you can't toggle between them on the fly like on the VW.
4) It has great safety features, even though it's Toyota's cheapest model. I like the radar cruise control, the auto high-beams, the lane-departure assist and the blind spot monitoring. I wish it had RCTA, but beggars of used cars can't be choosers; I found the car I wanted at the price I was willing to pay so in this market, I grabbed it.
5) Performance is adequate; it could use more low-end torque but I'm spoiled by the turbo engine in my VW. It has the 2.0L engine. I'm a fairly placid driver so it suits my needs.
6) It really needs more interior storage spaces: coin holder, sunglass holder, bigger door pockets that can take a large water bottle.
7) Road noise is a bit tiresome. Engine noise is OK but still not the quietest car I've ever owned.
8) Handling is acceptable. It's not a sports car, but can hold its own.
9) I prefer an old-fashioned mechanical handbrake, but the electronic one hasn't given me any grief so far.
10) The back-up camera is basically useless in winter, from the road grime, if you forget to wipe it clean before getting into the car. My VW has a concealed pop-out camera that's always clean, and many cars now have a squirter for the camera. I guess that would adde extra complexity and $.
11) Here's the big one. It's very reliable. I'm sure it will bore me for much longer than my VW will excite me. This is where Toyota has built its reputation. Which is great as my local dealer sucks so I don't really need them.

Since you want a CVT I won't bother commenting on the stuff related to the manual transmission.

My understanding is that the 2023 has a better infotainment system, ALL engines in the non-hybrids are the 2.0L, no more manual transmissions (blah!) and some trim differences. If you're buying a CVT, I'd go for the 2023 for the better engine even in the low-end models, and better infotainment system. If you want a manual, 2022. If you can find one. The 2023 hatch has a really cool orange colour. If this car is for a new driver, a 2022 L or LE with the less powerful 1.8L engine might be a feature, not a bug.

You should also consider the hybrids.

To answer your last question, I would absolutely buy this car again. In fact when the VW comes up for replacement (probably in 2-5 years) I can almost guarantee it will be a Toyota unless Toyota reliability has a meltdown by then (probably a RAV4 or Corolla Cross as we need the room for our bikes).

I can agree with all of this. I have owned much faster and much more exciting cars, but this has been such a pleasant vehicle to own and drive. Excellent fuel economy, reasonably fun to drive, very comfortable, all the safety tech has been a game changer for me. The blind spot monitoring and RCTA is something I love, along with the the speed limit sign reading. I would absolutely purchase this car again, however since I couldn't get a new manual XSE hatch I'd probably go for a hybrid awd SE Sedan.

Note: If by Acura your talking about the new Integra its a CVT also, the Mazda is a traditional auto though.

 

[Raithskar]

Sadly, I was pretty relieved to get rid of my J-VIN 2020 Corolla SE sedan 6-MT after only 2 years & 9500 miles, due to a handful of developed issues. Sucks, because I really liked my Corolla at first. Mainly re-occurring ignition/electrical/battery issues (which left me stranded on several occasions), manual transmission gearshift irregularities (manuals should be bulletproof designs at this point - but nope), super-white paint yellowing developing on painted plastic portions of vehicle, windshield glass hazing over & pitting in upper sensor array area, & numerous developed rattles/vibrations in the interior cabin areas (super annoying). The differences in my nice 2015 Yaris SE hatch 5-MT & lackluster 2020 Corolla SE sedan 6-MT ownership experiences were quite pronounced. Toyota definitely doesn't build them like they used to - or at least not consistently, based on my experience. Seems like a lot more sneaky corner-cutting going on to offset the costs of added tech-bloat & to maintain certain price-points.

If I was going to take another chance & buy a Toyota today, it would likely only be the new 2023+ Prius, which looks a lot better than the Corolla IMO, with the completely different (& far more reliable) eCVT design automatic transmissions used in hybrids. I personally do not have any trust for Russian Roulette belt/chain design CVT's in general, from any automaker.

 

[One average guy]

I am considering purchasing or leasing a new Corolla. I have read some reviews and mainly the lack of acceleration seems to be one of the disadvantages of having this vehicle. In addition, the CVT Transmission as some people do not like them. Mazda and Acura have regular transmissions. I currently have a 2023 Subaru Legacy with a CVT and it is not a bad car, and purchased a 10-year warranty with 100,000 miles of coverage just to be on the safe side. I am more concerned with safety features, along with reliability. We have to go with a smaller safer vehicle, given the new driver is not that tall. I will be looking at Honda as well, but am not really crazy about how they look.

A few questions:

1) With the CVT transmission, does Toyota recommend service every 30,000 miles? I am a big believer in servicing fluids, no matter if they are deemed lifetime. Some dealers will not even touch them.
2) This will be a new driver in the next 12-18 months so I have some time, and maybe car prices will come down.
3) What does everyone like about the Corolla, at least the newer generation?
4) What do you dislike about the Corolla, the newer generation?
5) Lastly, do you regret purchasing the Corolla, or if you could do it all over again, purchase another brand of vehicle?

Are you Mark Cantanzaro the uneven shoulder?

I am considering purchasing or leasing a new Corolla. I have read some reviews and mainly the lack of acceleration seems to be one of the disadvantages of having this vehicle. In addition, the CVT Transmission as some people do not like them. Mazda and Acura have regular transmissions. I currently have a 2023 Subaru Legacy with a CVT and it is not a bad car, and purchased a 10-year warranty with 100,000 miles of coverage just to be on the safe side. I am more concerned with safety features, along with reliability. We have to go with a smaller safer vehicle, given the new driver is not that tall. I will be looking at Honda as well, but am not really crazy about how they look.

A few questions:

1) With the CVT transmission, does Toyota recommend service every 30,000 miles? I am a big believer in servicing fluids, no matter if they are deemed lifetime. Some dealers will not even touch them.
2) This will be a new driver in the next 12-18 months so I have some time, and maybe car prices will come down.
3) What does everyone like about the Corolla, at least the newer generation?
4) What do you dislike about the Corolla, the newer generation?
5) Lastly, do you regret purchasing the Corolla, or if you could do it all over again, purchase another brand of vehic

Are you Mark?

 

[JakeBlade]

I just had a '22 Corolla with ~18K miles as a rental for 3 weeks and I found it to be very peppy, fairly comfortable drive in regards to handling bumps and pavement imperfections, and got great gas mileage. The headlights were very bright except when the lenses were coated with road salt grime. Road noise I'd say was about average. I was impressed by both the acceleration and transmission--It has a CVT with proper 1st gear and simulated shifts after that. I used to have a 2005 Pontiac Vibe with 1.8L and it was pokey slow. This Corolla felt like an older V6 car or truck with V8 to me. It could climb up to 80mph easily and quickly and effortlessly cruise at that speed getting like 34 mpg. The back seat is fine for kids or smaller adults but just not enough leg room for larger adults. If I was younger and smaller and needed a good reliable commuter I'd get one without hesitation.

 

[ken2116]

I can't speak for recent Corollas, but have put 66kmi since new on a 2019 "standard model" Prius and several hundred in a family members 2023, loaded, Rav4 Prime, both excellent vehicles. We've found the safety and driver assistance features on both to be very good and expect the Corollas to be similar.

Mechanical CVTs historically suffered premature and very expensive failures - it's likely they're improving but this should be considered by those planning long term ownership. Would you consider a hybrid? Toyotas hybrid drive system lacks the drive belt of mechanical CVTs and has performed very well over time.

 

[Cyclingmasterseller]

I am considering purchasing or leasing a new Corolla. I have read some reviews and mainly the lack of acceleration seems to be one of the disadvantages of having this vehicle. In addition, the CVT Transmission as some people do not like them. Mazda and Acura have regular transmissions. I currently have a 2023 Subaru Legacy with a CVT and it is not a bad car, and purchased a 10-year warranty with 100,000 miles of coverage just to be on the safe side. I am more concerned with safety features, along with reliability. We have to go with a smaller safer vehicle, given the new driver is not that tall. I will be looking at Honda as well, but am not really crazy about how they look.

A few questions:

1) With the CVT transmission, does Toyota recommend service every 30,000 miles? I am a big believer in servicing fluids, no matter if they are deemed lifetime. Some dealers will not even touch them.
2) This will be a new driver in the next 12-18 months so I have some time, and maybe car prices will come down.
3) What does everyone like about the Corolla, at least the newer generation?
4) What do you dislike about the Corolla, the newer generation?
5) Lastly, do you regret purchasing the Corolla, or if you could do it all over again, purchase another brand of vehicle?

I first maintained, then inherieted, a 2015 Toyota Corolla S model from 92-year-old women. I took such good care of it for her she ended up selling it to me for a song. I started driving it when it had 16k on it, now it has 30.8k on it and runs like a charm. In fact, I am in the process of putting 4.5k into it, as I am tuning it with various modifications to make it handle and run like an S-model should run.
Now, getting to your questions, let me answer you like this:
When it comes to maintaining your vehicle, there's the "factory-warranty" way (which is good, because it's free, but remember, their intervals for fluid changes are based on one thing -- marketing. When they say "lifetime", that's a joke. Lifetime for a dealership means the time length of the warranty and nothing more. So, on here, you hear many people say, "the dealership told me, so therefore I'll follow", and that's foolish, unless you're a turn-key, throw-away person.
For me, I want to keep my car for a very long time so here is what I do:

Change Transmission fluid every 30k (drain and fill) because when this procedure is done, you're really not changing out all of the fluid, hence, the reason you change out every 30k. Because this is the CVT transmissioin (constant variable transmission) you MUST use the specified transmission fluid -- if you do not you WILL trash your transmission. For the 2015 model corolla its the FE version and should be stamped as such on your filler bolt.

Oil every 4.5k using Mobil One 0-20 weight plus the Mobile One oil filter M1C-154A (for the 2015 corolla, available at Walmart).

Brake fluid (professional flush with machine) change out everytime you have your brakes changed out, usually every 30k.

Radiator fluid flush -- every 3k for the pink junk, or 5k for the good green.

Cabin filter: I highly recommend the high quality, life time, K&N filter, awesome and easy to install and maintain. Also, K&N for your air filter as well -- it breaths better, with less restriction vs stock paper filter.

And lastly, as far as the Corolla, as a car, is concerned, a new S-model is perfect. It will have the pep you want and get great mileage, as it was and is designed to do. If you want super-power, save your coins and buy a Supra and shove high-octane fuel into it. Fortunately, for you, the Corolla will provide just enough pep to keep you happy and yet get great fuel milage -- something you'll never get from a Supra.
P.S., make sure your corolla has a "sport-mode", and use it when driving under 50 mph. Over 50 mph turn it off. And don't be afraid to drive it -- they designed the S model to be run, so run the thing for best MPH. If you baby it, you'll dog it, and it will not get the milage you expect.
Cheers. Now, go out and get yourself a Toyota Corolla S model and have some fun.

 

[Nclabtech]

I am considering purchasing or leasing a new Corolla. I have read some reviews and mainly the lack of acceleration seems to be one of the disadvantages of having this vehicle. In addition, the CVT Transmission as some people do not like them. Mazda and Acura have regular transmissions. I currently have a 2023 Subaru Legacy with a CVT and it is not a bad car, and purchased a 10-year warranty with 100,000 miles of coverage just to be on the safe side. I am more concerned with safety features, along with reliability. We have to go with a smaller safer vehicle, given the new driver is not that tall. I will be looking at Honda as well, but am not really crazy about how they look. A few questions: 1) With the CVT transmission, does Toyota recommend service every 30,000 miles? I am a big believer in servicing fluids, no matter if they are deemed lifetime. Some dealers will not even touch them. 2) This will be a new driver in the next 12-18 months so I have some time, and maybe car prices will come down. 3) What does everyone like about the Corolla, at least the newer generation? 4) What do you dislike about the Corolla, the newer generation? 5) Lastly, do you regret purchasing the Corolla, or if you could do it all over again, purchase another brand of vehicle?

I have a 2022 Corolla SE and love it as my daily commuter. In sport mode the pickup is good. It’s an economy car with the 2.0 L . I recommend avoiding the LE or L with the smaller motor. Choose the trim lines with the 2.0

 

[turtle93]

I am considering purchasing or leasing a new Corolla. I have read some reviews and mainly the lack of acceleration seems to be one of the disadvantages of having this vehicle. In addition, the CVT Transmission as some people do not like them. Mazda and Acura have regular transmissions. I currently have a 2023 Subaru Legacy with a CVT and it is not a bad car, and purchased a 10-year warranty with 100,000 miles of coverage just to be on the safe side. I am more concerned with safety features, along with reliability. We have to go with a smaller safer vehicle, given the new driver is not that tall. I will be looking at Honda as well, but am not really crazy about how they look.

A few questions:

1) With the CVT transmission, does Toyota recommend service every 30,000 miles? I am a big believer in servicing fluids, no matter if they are deemed lifetime. Some dealers will not even touch them.
2) This will be a new driver in the next 12-18 months so I have some time, and maybe car prices will come down.
3) What does everyone like about the Corolla, at least the newer generation?
4) What do you dislike about the Corolla, the newer generation?
5) Lastly, do you regret purchasing the Corolla, or if you could do it all over again, purchase another brand of vehicle?

I f acceleration is an issue , maybe the Elantra N is a consideration , although it is a bit bigger. A 2 series would be more expensive but offers great performance especially the M2 variant.

 

[Kenr14]

I am considering purchasing or leasing a new Corolla. I have read some reviews and mainly the lack of acceleration seems to be one of the disadvantages of having this vehicle. In addition, the CVT Transmission as some people do not like them. Mazda and Acura have regular transmissions. I currently have a 2023 Subaru Legacy with a CVT and it is not a bad car, and purchased a 10-year warranty with 100,000 miles of coverage just to be on the safe side. I am more concerned with safety features, along with reliability. We have to go with a smaller safer vehicle, given the new driver is not that tall. I will be looking at Honda as well, but am not really crazy about how they look.































A few questions:































1) With the CVT transmission, does Toyota recommend service every 30,000 miles? I am a big believer in servicing fluids, no matter if they are deemed lifetime. Some dealers will not even touch them.















2) This will be a new driver in the next 12-18 months so I have some time, and maybe car prices will come down.















3) What does everyone like about the Corolla, at least the newer generation?















4) What do you dislike about the Corolla, the newer generation?















5) Lastly, do you regret purchasing the Corolla, or if you could do it all over again, purchase another brand of vehicle?

Ok, great questions. Everyone will have their own opinion and facts. I have a 12 Camry hybrid with 150k and never had to service the CVT. It is its own feel but I got used to it. My sister mas a 2015 Corolla close to 100k. Never a days trouble. and loves it. They did increase the HP for 2023 I believe so it will be peppier. My RAV 4 is CVT also and is great. Reliability and repairs so little with Toyota you can't go wrong!