Faults:
Too much rattling (don't ask me where; I better look for something fine!).
Oil leak (from the transmission as per my friend, but the dealer says I drove on dirty roads!).
Horrible handling in rain/snow (and I already upgraded tires; it seems to be something wrong with wheel).
The headlights have almost half of their light they had the first day! Strange, but real!
The power locks failed, and were repaired under warranty.
General Comments:
Well, the car has never died on the road, which is good, but not enough for a new car if you ask me.
Little thing go wrong here or there, which annoys when I remember I had nothing similar with my old VW. I decided to buy new car when I arrived in the USA, to not worry about the car (a pure commuter, not a fun sporty car). I am not a car fan, and do not know that much about mechanics. I needed something to get me to work every day (around 85 miles 2 ways every day) with the least issues, but this car makes me thinking about saving for a switch sooner than later. I had no experience with USA winters in IL, or I would have bought something with better handling, as this car is just out of control with a little rain or snow.
Also I wanted to save a few bucks on fuel, but the car seems thirsty comparing with the announced mpg.
There is a delay (what they call it? A lag? Sorry English is not my mother tongue)
Overall, I believe the Corolla (or maybe Toyota? I cannot talk about it) is too much overrated. It is not any better than a Kia Rio, and seems much worse than the Elantra (which my colleague drives, and has given me rides in it a few times.)
The dealer is also horrible. They kept my car overnight to tell me the other day there was no leak; I had driven on dirty roads! They also believe rattling is normal with a car!
4th Sep 2011, 10:09
Welcome to the modern age of Toyota quality. Your 99 Camry was one of the very last model years that were good, and the rest is history.