1987 Toyota Corolla GL 1.6 4AF from Australia and New Zealand
Summary:
The most economial overall car you could own
Faults:
130,000km; Clutch was shuddering (although we think this was the 1st owner's driving), replaced clutch.
200,000KM; Thermostat jammed shut and caused the car to badly overheat. Blew the head gasket 2 weeks later. So crack tested the head and replaced the head gasket
Cam belt + water pump done.
250,000km; Clutch master cylinder failed.
335,00km; Rear suspension very worn - replaced.
345,000km; Water pump leaking
Replaced water pump, cam belt.
348,000km; Clutch went. Replaced clutch.
General Comments:
We bought this at 129,000km when it was 2 years old. Yes that is correct, 129,000km.
We have serviced it regularly when required, and generally spent as little money on it as was possible.
It has been the most reliable car we've ever owned, and has hard a very harsh life as the family car, Chief Trailer Tower and off roader.
At 351,600km, this car is now my son's daily driver with him doing 10,000km/year. It still goes really well, and is showing no signs of letting go.
The interior has lasted very well with no rips in the seats, and the dashboard has had a custom made carpet mat on it for the last 12 years, protecting it from the harsh sun.
We still tow our trailer with 1.2 tons of firewood on, and it does this so well.
Currently it is back as my Wife's main car, as her's has broken down.
We still take it on long trips, and it doesn't use/leak any oil or fluids, and just recently returned 8L/100km fuel economy.
In conclusion, if someone had told me 20 years ago that this Corolla I bought without even test driving, would be back as our main car at 351,000km, I'd have never believed them.
No one can believe how well this Corolla goes, and how quiet it is on the road given its mileage, and how little we've spent on it. The paint might be peeling off it, and it may have an odd colored door, but at heart it is as trust worthy as they come.
All it needs is new front suspension and some rust removed, and it would be a very respectable vehicle.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 1st February, 2010
4th Jun 2022, 20:11
Great review. You just don't hear people talk like this about cars anymore.
Highly doubt in 10 years time when electric cars are getting older that anyone will be able to or even want to talk enthusiastically about maintaining them cheaply.