2005 Toyota Corolla GL 1.5 petrol

Summary:

Low cost of ownership and pleasing to drive

Faults:

None.

General Comments:

The more I drive this car, the more I am in love with it.

I use only synthetic oil in this car, and it performs extremely well with potent acceleration and a smooth pull throughout the range.

The engine is extremely smooth and quiet, and after 3 years there has been no detectable increase in vibration. Sometimes I still have to check the tachometer to see if the engine is running.

It is also extremely good on fuel economy and suitable for anyone on a budget.

The only thing a person may complain about this car is that it is probably too high and the cornering could be improved. However this would come as a compromise to the ride quality.

Steering in car parks and tight spaces is a breeze with the electric steering.

Thus far I have had no problems with this car, and it does not seem to be deteriorating in any aspect.

Quality, reliability and fun to drive in a low cost package.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th June, 2009

1985 Toyota Corolla DX (wagon) 1.5 gasoline

Summary:

This car is one tough little wagon

Faults:

I re-built the engine, serviced the wiper and starter motors, and changed a few suspension rubbers and clutch. Added to that, a paint job was needed, although there wasn't much rust to deal with.

General Comments:

This is one bullet proof ride. You can carry a lot of stuff and it won't complain.

The manual is a dream to drive.

I had a bit of work to do (which was done gradually over a year and a half), mainly because the previous owners neglected this tough little car. Some of the roads in T&T are terrible, others are punctuated with pot-holes. This car never broke or lost its alignment in a year.

It's the right car for a first car or for a miser who loves to neglect cars. This car does not beg for attention. You can be a late sleeper and it won't cause you to get to work late, because it will start every day on the first try.

I still regret selling my white Ke-70 Corolla wagon.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th August, 2004

5th Dec 2005, 15:41

Original reviewer here, I still regret seling that wagon. It is a testimony to th equality that Toyota produces. The Corolla was cheap and cheap to maintain. Presently, the current Corolla has grown to another class. The replacement to the compact class is the Yaris or Echo depend where in the world you live. This Yaris can never in my view recapture the quality and durability (and magic) that was evident in the rear drive Corollas of the 1980's.

In reply to 5th Dec 2005, 15:41

31st Jan 2017, 23:53

Original reviewer here again after all these years... I still miss that little wagon. Tough and easy to live with... They certainly don't make them like that anymore. Toyota KE-70 Corolla reliability and economy!

In reply to 31st Jan 2017, 23:53

3rd Feb 2017, 04:46

Thanks for sharing about your experience. It sounds like this car really made an impression on you; so much for the tired trope of Toyotas as sterile and soulless appliances.

In reply to 31st Jan 2017, 23:53

5th Feb 2017, 13:17

I gather that you bought the Corolla to resell for a profit, considering all the work you did on it and then reselling it after only owning it for a year?

In reply to 5th Feb 2017, 13:17

5th Feb 2017, 18:48

I have dumped big money in a few myself. It's typically disgust from unreliability or being late to work that prompts selling so soon.

In reply to 5th Feb 2017, 13:17

26th Jan 2018, 02:21

Original Reviewer here again.

I did not sell the Corolla Wagon for a profit. My wife and I bought a Nissan Sentra Wagon (which was an automatic) about a year and a half later. The Nissan was easier for my wife to drive. I sold the Corolla with a heavy heart though, hence the regrets.