1991 Toyota Corolla GL 1.3 Hatchback from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A fun, reliable and complete small package

Faults:

Nothing wrong so far, I did manage to get 2 punctures in a week, but you put it down to the bad roads around here! I lost a few of the plastic pop rivet things that fold down the boot carpet, and that's about it!

My gran has this car from new, I only got it recently, as the second owner. Its got a full service history and nothing has ever gone wrong with it!

General Comments:

This 1.3 12 valve engine is QUICK. Its not going to be a world beater, but remember this is a small engine, and I think it pumps out somewhere in the 80 brake range. That's a nice round figure for what is a small reliable car.

The interior is very Japanese, but still comfortable and practical. The only real gripe I have about the interior is the lack of space to install speakers. The only standard pods are 4 inch ones under the dash. I have installed 6/9's on the rear shelf, after re-enforcing it with some medium density fibreboard. The sub sits well in the boot, and the sound does ride nicely round the car, which is surprising with the lack of speakers.

This baby loves to wheel-spin, and will do so happily through first and second, oh and sometimes a little bit in third if it's a little wet.

Handling wise, the car is nice, its not going to compete with my last car, with its small body, wide wheels and fantasticly hard ride. Still, nice enough to point and flick around corners. Don't expect any back end out action though except on the very nastiest road surfaces!

One thing is for sure though, this is a great car to own, it will go on for centuries, is fun to drive and will not let you down!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 24th January, 2004

15th Feb 2004, 22:35

Why do you say such good things about the car, but say you would not buy another one?

3rd Jul 2007, 22:58

And you put a frown-ie face.

27th Jun 2012, 17:27

These are great little cars. They are work horses.

I bought mine in 1991, and still have it; never ever gone wrong. Just service it and replace consumables.

Not fast, but easy to drive. The front end is skippy in the wet (wheels tend to spin).

Rot problems, but I wax oiled mine from new, so no body pan rot.

I still love it, but parts are hard to find. 2nd hand new ones are expensive.

66,500 miles from new.

1991 Toyota Corolla XL 1.3 petrol from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

A great cheap reliable runner. Would definitely recommend Toyota to anyone based on my experience

Faults:

The ventilation system is poor.

The steering is quite heavy as my model doesn't have power steering fitted.

Motor is burning a bit of oil now.

Drivers seat is starting to split, but I would expect that after the hard life my car has had.

Paintwork had faded quite badly (red cars always seem to don't they?) but this responded well to some Color Magic wax!

General Comments:

The interior layout is excellent and it is easy to find a comfortable driving position.

Parking is easy as visibility is so good on the 5 door model.

The car starts on the button and cruises smoothly and quietly. No-one would believe how far it has traveled.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th October, 2003

1991 Toyota Corolla GL 1.3 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

The best car I've bought

Faults:

Apart from routine repairs and replacements, I have only had replace the fuel pump.

General Comments:

What a fantastic little car this Corolla is. It just runs and runs and runs. OK, so its got some rust and the windscreen is scuffed due to the previous owner never changing the wipers, but it has everything I want: a good driving position due to the tilt-adjustable steering wheel; a good driving feel; economy up to 40mpg; enough space for my bits in the back; and that reliability.

Oh, and its got windows that you actually wind up and down by hand. Well done Toyota!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th October, 2003