It could be a little of both. Toyota quality was on the decline starting in 2005, since the focus changed from quality to being number 1 in sales. Unfortunately, Corolla was one of models that was affected. If you're still leery about the car look pass. Since you're looking for a DD, don't rule out the Echo. It has proven to be super reliable, especially the last 2 years, 2004 and 2005. Ironically, the asking price for the 2004, 2005 models may be as much as for XRS you were interested in.

 

The overall quality of a 9th Gen Corolla is significantly better than pretty much all of it's competitors. The console box is an known issue but the rest just sounds like a bad previous owner.

Read this thread for common issues:

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/1...03-2008-corolla-matrix-pontiac-vibe-common-problems-potential-buyer-thread.html

 

The issues you pointed out on the door handle is common. They used chrome surface material. It's like tape. Mine lasted about 6 or 7 years before peeling away.

Since the xrs was built in Canada, there are some issues I want to point out. They aren't big deals, but just have noticed it since I purchased it recently.

The driver side vent has a fitment issue. I swapped out with a NUMMI built 9th gen and it was no change. The part would not be flushed to the cluster side. It's more noticeable when temps rise.

The B pillar garnish to the headliner has a gap that shrinks and expands with the raised temps. Thought it was a clip that broke.

Overall, external panel fitments looks to be identical to Japan and NUMMI built 9th gens.

Other than that, I got lucky. Mine is a 2006 black xrs that has 68,xxx. Currently has 74,xxx. I really enjoy the lift but wish it wasn't so high. Just need more torque when hitting lift. Feels like a hovercraft in the lift zone.

 

OP the xrs you looked at seems to have been neglected. I still own my 05 XRS and bought it new in Aug. 2004. The pics bellow are a couple months old, but shows what a well kept interior looks like in the xrs with age. My car only has 54,8xx miles today. Sadly you won't find an xrs on the market in this condition.

 

An 11 y.o. car with 100+k miles is not going to be pristine, unless the owner is OCD.
I wouldn't fault it for cosmetic problems, just adjust your $ offer accordingly.
Plus, most people let their used car go for a reason other than simply being tired of it or realizing they can't afford it.
Every used car I've owned I learned why they let it go.
Except for the first car I bought with serious rust, the reasons have been minor and able to fix properly.
But there was always a reason the seller typically disclose.
I advise to always get an independent mechanic to inspect a prospective used car, unless you yourself are a mechanic, or there's a comprehensive warranty, like a CPO from a dealer.
Even with inspection there can be hidden issues.

 

Any 140K car is going to need some reconditioning... but it's not all that hard to tell whether it has been thrashed or reasonably cared for.

Toyota is as dependable as any other make and more so than a good number of them, but 140K on an economy car is a bunch of its expected life. Prepare for some repairs in your future. It's only logical.

 

When I started looking for the corolla xrs, most were over 150k and were trashed. That being said, you do get lucky sometimes. I paid above excellent condition because at the time, it was the best looking car and had lowest mileage of xrs. Be patient and if you are unsure of the condition, do a ppi.

 

i remember i had to drive from socal to central california to get my 05 matrix xrs. it was in good non abused condition from the first owner. so dont be afraid to search state wide for a rare xrs model.

 

Took me 2 months and 300 miles to get my 2006 corolla xrs. It is a slick top and 1 owner car. All the ones I saw were 130k or higher. It will take time. Good luck.