Unless there are chunks missing, I'd just wrap it. Simple, fast and easily changed if needed.

 

Since your car is a midgen model, you might be able to use a 9th gen steering wheel. In the last year of production, the S model got the 3 spoke steering wheel that's used in the 9th gen Corolla.
You may need to purchase a new clock spring to adapt the 9th gen steering wheel.

I don't know if it will actually fit. It should since I really doubt since it didn't really change between 2000-2002.

 

I would just wrap it. Simplest solution. The same steering wheel was used on a lot of models including Camry & Sienna... and yeah I've seen a lot of worn out ones.

 

Went to the junkyard today & found a very nice Corolla steering wheel for $9. Problem solved.

 

That's a great deal. Yours is 4 spoke steering wheel?

 

Yes 4 spoke. But I spoke too soon. Just tried to install the new steering wheel & found it doesn't work because I have cruise control on mine & the
steering wheels are different. The new one also appears to be slightly bigger. The main problem is the old steering wheel is different internally with
the cruise control module. The internal metal of the original steering wheel looks completely different than the new steering wheel which does not
have cruise control.

I am shocked that Toyota would design 2 different steering wheels for cruise control & without. I think the years are the same or maybe one off.
Looks like wrapping might be the best choice. The junkyard has a lot of Corollas but they are all picked clean. The odds of finding an exact match
is slim.

 

Wrapped as in just go to our favorite auto parts store and get a steering wheel cover/sleeve/whatever?

How does one wrap the steering wheel with leather anyway?

 

http://wheelskins.com/

 

https://youtu.be/sStxk4mv_DY

 

Dayum I just finished watching and bookmarked it!