I think you can get an 09 for less than the rebate+08. Plus it comes with many more standard features.

Electric power steering - I found it to be very good, responsive and accurate. Some say they have to correct all the time while driving, I have never found this. give it a test drive.

Drive them both pick which one you like. They both have their good points.

 

Hello,

I cannot compare to older models. This is the first Toyota That I have owned (2009 S).

I have almost 17000 miles on mine and have not had an issue yet.

As far as the EPS - It is too responsive, not Numb. I find myself overcompensating sometimes. I definitely takes getting used to.

I'd go with the 09 only because it came out in early 08. In the future, when you go to get rid of your 08, anyone wanting it will think that it is older then it is.

 

I need to make a decision real quick to take advantage of the $1000 Canadian EcoAuto rebate from the federal govermenent credit for the 2008 Corolla. The government will abolish the program in January. The credit does not apply to 2009 Corolla, only to 2008 Corollas (That program was set-up to encourage Canadians to buy more fuel efficient cars by giving a $1000 refund on selected models).

Most dealers have ran out of 2008 models and one dealer I found has a few 2008 models left in stock so I need to move real fast if I decide to get the 2008 model. Which one should I get? the 2008 with a $1000 rebate from the Canadian govermenent or get the 2009 which does not qualify for the rebate.

I am looking to buy the 2009 corolla. I want the new Corolla because I think it is a very good looking car and based on my satisfaction of owning a 1996 Corolla since day 1, nothing major except maintenance for over 200,000 km and counting. Last year I replaced the clutch master and slave cylinders and rebuilt the starter motor copper contacts. Both repairs were straighforward DIY for less than $100 dollars. Therefore, I hope the 2009 will be a reliable car with pretty much trouble free for many years.

I have read that Toyota has quality issues lately. The online reviews are not that good about the 2009 Corollas. It seems the 2003-2008 generation is a better? do you agree?

I want to hear from actual owners

In particular:
- the expected reliability
- the electric power steering, is-it that bad ? they says it is unresponsive and numb?

thanks

It's a redesign so the jury is still out on long term reliability. Steering is on the vague side but I have adapted to it. It is not a sports car feel and the steering does not "communicate" road conditions in that fashion. I have not read any consistently negative online reviews although some rate the Honda Civic higher primiarily for engine response and more sport like steering. Personally, I don't like the interior and exterior design of the Honda but this is totally subjective. I love the design of the 2009 Corolla (except the clock/computer switch location)-again subjective. I am a new owner ( 3 weeks, XLE) and a perfectionist. I am very pleased with this vehicle thus far. It is relatively quiet (much more so than the Civic) and compliant but it is not a Lexus. My best advice is you should test drive and decide for yourself.

 

i wouldnt spend plus/minus $20,000 on a 2008 corolla which has been seen on the road for so long. the shape and form is disgusting. but the 2009 corolla looks so good. i just love my 2009 corolla for everything that it is. i have no issues since May 2008.

 

I've had it for 2 months - my only complaint is the interior (just hate the looks of the center console). I think handling and speed is good, especially for a 1.8L. I've had no problem with the steering or rattles. You might have to drop it a gear lower to get up a hill. The reviews are all rigged. As you know, the cars that get high marks for looks and performace will not still be on the road in 10 years.

 

Keep in mind that posters whose primary focus is aesthetics can only be marginally useful. You obviously don't need anyone to tell you what looks good. I gather you are more interested in opinions of function rather than of form.

 

i had a 5 speed 06 corolla (same as the 08). i now have a base model 5 speed 09 model.

mileage is shaping up to be very similar between the two. i drive the 09 in the same manner and on the same routes as i did the 06.

the 06 had lower rpm's on the highway (about 150 rpm less at 70 mph). nevertheless, the 09 is definitely quieter (road/engine noise) under all conditions, especially under acceleration.

the 5 speed seems to shift smoother in the 09, not quite as "notchy" as the 06.

the ride is similar, but the 09 may be just a tad softer. handling is not great in either car. the electronic steering doesnt seem bad to me, but i was already used to it with my yaris. it can take some getting used to.

the styling of the 09 interior is a bit cleaner, mainly because the center stack is better looking, imo. the 06 didnt really have the full length center stack. the radio was off center and that always bugged me.

the exterior of the 09 is much, much nicer, imo. it doesn't look so tall and skinny like the 06 does. i think the 09 doesn't have an economy car look at all. if your not saving a bunch of money, beware that you may regret driving a model that first hit the roads over 6 years ago (2002) and is really starting to look outdated.

predicted reliability is going to be good with the 2009 corolla. it will take years for that to become a reality.

finally, the standard safety equipment (side airbags, antilock brakes, and a couple other things) can be very important to some people. the 08 you are considering may or may not have side airbags.

keep in mind, reviews for the previous generation corolla (03-08) were never very praising. the corolla always gets ripped for not being the following: fast, a good handler, boldly styled, and fun to drive. the corolla has never claimed to be any of these things. the corolla is, and has always been: reliable, fuel efficient, conservative looking (but i think in an appealing way), and a comfortable ride as economy cars go. the 2009, i think, will be all of these things as well, but will still take hits in reviews for not delivering some things the corolla has never attempted or desired to deliver.

 

Excellent job Buddy 97.

 

I agree, I think thats about the best comparison one can get.


Im not sure how long you plan to own the vehicle, but I would think resale values would be better if you purchase the latest generation available.

 

You will only get a 1000$ refund if you take the manual 2008

Id wait for February and get the 2010 Corolla...lol

 

I worked in the cambridge toyota plant for 10+ years and can tell you the 2008 rolla is insane reliable and safe but its smaller and very ugly compared to the new model and kinda dull really minus the xrs model. Trust me get the 2009 its soo much nicer looking has more room and they lowered the price of the new rolla's. If u buy a 2008 when someone in the new style pulls up to you at a set of lights you will be like damit why didnt i buy that model its that much better. This new model really is geared more now for the younger crowd with its agressive new look. I can fit my family of 5 in the new rolla which is amazing really for a small compact car. Get the XRS model its a awsome set of wheels for the money. It looks like a mini camry and we all agree that car is amazing now. Up till now even as an employee i wouldnt buy a toyota cause they were so dam boring looking but that has all changed. They really got there stuff together now with there new styles coming out.

 

09's are priced lower than 08's in Canada.
I'd seriously study the total pricing. Feature to feature. O9's have much more.
09's also have a flat floor at the rear seat.

 

I think 2009 is better. More standard features with less price. I drove both 2008 and 2009 model, like the 2009 better. It is more controllable on high way.

 

I initially prefered the looks of the 2008 but,
My shoulders didn't fit in the 2008, not an issue in 2009 Corolla.

I bought the 2009
No issues and 35 to 38 mpg.

 

Hey

Owned for close to 6 months

19,000 km, incl a 3500km trip for one week

No issues what so ever, not even a squeak

I really never noticed much difference with the EPS, except during parking you can hear the electric motor just a little, steering is responsive and it goes where you point it, even in aggressive driving, although I am told the XRS has a different tuned EPS then the others...

Standard tranny is smooth, 1st is a little bit to low IMO, other ratios are OK, could use a 6th gear for highway at 110km/h +

Ride is good, even in the stiffer XRS, seats are comfy, Toyota luvs the plastic inside but it is an econo class car... carpet a little cheap for my taste...

XRS is quick and fun to drive, cant speak for the other models

IMHO the 09's look WAY better then the 08's, in fact the 08's are so ugly I would buy the funky looking civic first!!

 

My '09 Corolla came off the lot with issues.

I didnt want them didnt buy a new car to get them.

Should have bought a Civic or a Mazda 3. The new '09 civic coupe is HAWT. WOuldnt see why someone would get a 'rolla over it.

It is less good on gas than my previous Mazda Protege SE 1.6L but is considerably faster, larger, taller, rust free and so in these regards I dont mind it too much.

 

in b.c. an 08 corolla sport is $24,462.00.
thats with tax , and the $1000 clean air rebate inc.

09 corolla s is $23,295.00. thats no rebate and taxes in.

09 has more safety, looks better, better engine, quieter inside, AND less expensive.

08 can probably come down in price to get rid of it..... but really, get the new one.

but if you do get a new one, get an xrs
or a matrix xr.
something with the 2.4 in it.
help get rid of them all!!!!]
then lower it, paint it black, and put flames down the side.
and dont let all this B.S. at the end here take away from what i said earlier in the post.
enjoy your new 09 corolla xrs.

 

Tough decision. I would think the '08 would be more reliable since it's had a few years to work out any problems. However you would get a warranty with either one anyway.

I feel the current models drive better than the previous models. This is based on regularly driving an '05 with 90k miles, an '06 with 30k miles and a '09 with just over 1k miles. It feels a lot more solid on the road, probably because it is slightly heavier. The eps feels no different than a hydraulic system. It's best you drive each one first.

I think the '09 models look better because of the more aggressive looking front end. But other than that they are pretty similar.

You might be able to get a good price on an '08 since the 09's have been out for a while. But if not I would go for the '09. Another thing to consider is resale value, an '08 vs '09 model.

 

everyone already said what i think, i support 2009 , since its a newer model, the resale value is way better.

 

Ok guys, I think I am going for the 2009 but...

Ok Guys

I think you have convinced me to go ahead with the 2009. Yes it is true, the 2009 is a bit less expensive than the 2008+$1000 rebate (strange!)

I have an appointement Friday with the dealer for a test drive and maybe sign the purchase!

I need advice on the following:

- XRS or not XRS?: the purchase price seems to be around $5000 more!! and it drinks more gas but I heard it is much more fun to drive and looks better too. On the insurance side, I called up couple of insurance companies and they consistently quote about $300 more per year for the XRS (about $900 for the CE and $1200 for the XRS). Hmmm.. with the gas price increasing the XRS would cost me about $600 more per year to own (increase in insurance cost and fuel), I drive about 20,000 km per year

- Automatic or Standard?
I don't care that much, but I heard the automatic is quieter on the highway due to the gear ratio. It seems the standard transmission could use a 6th gear to be adequate. However the automatic transmission is another $1000 to pay

- any thought on spending for the Toyota extended warranty package with rustproofing etc. for about $600 more? the standard warrany of 3 years/60000km does not seem a lot. I remember when I bought my 1996 corolla, it used to be 5 years/100,000 km

- one last thing but not the least: at the dealership, how much margin can I negotiate with respect to the pricing from the toyota website? I am intending to make about $2000 downpayment and finance the balance over 36 months (4.9% from Toyota Financing, can I negotiate that rate?) Any tips on negotiating from you guys will help. (I live in the Montreal area)

 

Ok Guys

I think you have convinced me to go ahead with the 2009. Yes it is true, the 2009 is a bit less expensive than the 2008+$1000 rebate (strange!)

I have an appointement Friday with the dealer for a test drive and maybe sign the purchase!

I need advice on the following:

- XRS or not XRS?: the purchase price seems to be around $3000 more and it drinks more gas but I heard it is much more fun to drive and looks better too. On the insurance side, I called up couple of insurance companies and they consistently quote about $300 more per year for the XRS (about $900 for the CE and $1200 for the XRS). Hmmm.. with the gas price increasing the XRS would cost me about $600 more per year to own (increase in insurance cost and fuel), I drive about 20,000 km per year

- Automatic or Standard?
I don't care that much, but I heard the automatic is quieter on the highway due to the gear ratio. It seems the standard transmission could use a 6th gear to be adequate. However the automatic transmission is another $1000 to pay

- any thought on spending for the Toyota extended warranty package with rustproofing etc. for about $600 more? the standard warrany of 3 years/60000km does not seem a lot. I remember when I bought my 1996 corolla, it used to be 5 years/100,000 km

I have the fully loaded XLE. The S is cool and provides the Sports platform in appearance and handling. Has a larger and more powerful engine, hence the added insurance cost. You have to determine your priorities.

 

Auto/manual.
My driving is mostly in rush hour traffic in city. Therefore my choice is auto.
I borrwed a manual pickup once to carry a HW tank home. The drive was just keeping me too busy.
The C $1000 for the auto is well worth it. Also when you sell the car later you'll get more buyers and price for the auto.
Another conception is that a manual is a youngster's car and trashed.

 

to hungt1999... buy the 2009 corolla and become one of us... hehehe

 

well it sounds like you can afford the higher payments that come with 36 month term, so it seems unlikely that the $50 a month more for an xrs will break you.

with that in mind, the xrs isnt as sporty as a mazda3 or civic si, but its sporty enough for most.
take magazine comparisons with a grain of salt.

its very unlikely the mazda will be MORE reliable and cheap to run than the corolla. i think its unlikely itll be AS reliable and cheap to run as the corolla over say 10 years.

the resale value of the xrs will be alot better than a mazda3 because theres 10x as many full load mazda3s. theyre everywhere, but thats also because theyre good cars. its not a bad thing to stand out a little.

the corolla xrs is the top of the corolla foodchain. well built, good torque, sunroof, goodlooking, and decent mpg.
if you dont go blasting through the canyons all the time you wont miss the civic SIs handling prowess.

my car is old and modified and i can feel every leaf go under the tires through the steering wheel, so all the new cars ive driven recently feel disconnected in comparison. i assume id get used to it.

 

wow.. I'd like to know which insurance company is giving you that low of an insurance quote! I have a clean driving record (not even tickets) and yet paying out the roof.


hmm...$5k eh? So you're comparing a CE Pkg "B" vs. an XRS? The XRS is more engaging for sure but it depends if you're looking for a commuter car (thus a CE in automatic) or you're willing to "drive" to work every day. Again an automatic will yield a higher resale (just because there are more used car buyers looking for an automatic). An S or XRS in manual might have a higher resale value over a CE manual because "kids" would be looking at those cars in 5-10 years as a sporty car for the drive to school.


I would drive both cars you're considering extensive and be honest with yourself which one you're willing to live with for the next x years.

I'd skip the rustproofing. The ECP is up to you. Are you sure the 5yr/100,000km isn't the powertrain warranty? We had a 1997 Corolla and it was 3yr/36,000km for the bumper-to-bumper warranty. Our 2000 Corolla was upped to 3yr/60,000km.

 

i honestly think lbear is a mazda salesman

seriously, is gas milage is your thing and you like the looks of the xrs then buy the s

if you want ample passing power and a pretty good handling quick car and can 'live' with 30 us mpg then go for the xrs

its not loud on the highway at all, engine is whisper quiet

a friend of mine has a mazda 3, although she says its not a bad car, she regrets buying it, works both ways i guess... btw the xrs is faster then the mazda 3 thats in its price range:thumbsup:

after 6 months i still enjoy a drive in the xrs, but you decide, test drive them all, take your time and get what YOU want, after all its alot of $$$$ over the next 5 years

 

i honestly think lbear is a mazda salesman

a friend of mine has a mazda 3, although she says its not a bad car, she regrets buying it, works both ways i guess... btw the xrs is faster then the mazda 3 thats in its price range:thumbsup:

after 6 months i still enjoy a drive in the xrs, but you decide, test drive them all, take your time and get what YOU want, after all its alot of $$$$ over the next 5 years

The Mazda is not perfect by any means. I have my complaints about it but it is what it is for under $20K. The Mazda3 is faster and handles better than the Corolla S.

Now as far as the XRS goes. It's competitor is the Mazda3 Speed. They are priced the same.

Per Car & Driver regarding the test drive of the 2009 XRS:
"Steering, clutch, and shifter feel are nonexistent. The larger 158-horse, 2.4-liter inline-four is just as personality-free as the 132-hp 1.8-liter found in non-XRS Corollas. The suspension—tuned for firmness and generally quite capable, even though the Corolla’s ride sometimes borders on flinty—never begs to boogie down a back road. The XRS is a point-A-to-point-B toaster in a body kit. And let’s face it, a 0-to-60 run in the sevens isn’t exactly quick these days; the Mazdaspeed 3 does it in 5.4."


THESE #'s DON'T LIE:

XRS:
Zero to 60 mph: 7.9 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 16.1 sec @ 87 mph
Engine Power = 158HP - 162 LB.Ft

Mazda3 Speed: :thumbsup:
Zero to 60MPH: 5.8 sec
Standing 1/4 mile: 14.2 sec @ 100mph
Engine Power = 263HP - 280 LB.Ft

 

Can we stop turning every thread into a Mazda Vs. Toyota fight? OFF TOPIC! I say go with the '09 if you're going to buy a Toyota.

 

Yes, please.

Go with the 2009 Corolla S and save your money. If you want more power and handing go with the Mazda3 Speed. IF you are dead set, brand loyal and have money to burn, then go with the XRS.