1996 Toyota Corolla DX 1.6 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

No surprises, Toyota's number one

Faults:

No real big problems.

Tail lights worked some of the time, and this car had a tendency to burn out headlights quite often.

It also lost, a lot of oil and antifreeze. 1 quart of oil every 800-900 miles, and 1 gallon of antifreeze every 4-5K miles. Honestly, I don't know where it all went, because the mechanic said that the engine wasn't burning anything and that it was running in tip top shape. My garage floor was always clean without a drop of anything, and the engine compartment is spotless. I'm confused. Where are my fluids going? Oil heaven?

Nonetheless, a great car.

General Comments:

It replaced a Toyota Tacoma with 397K miles. I was hoping it'd go a little longer, but of course, you never know when someone's going to run into your rear end and push your spare tire into the backseat.

It's comfy and cozy for a little car. Was.

I liked it a lot. I was impressed with the pickup of this little thing, I assume because it was a stick shift.

Gas mileage was good, but not outstanding. 27 in the city, and around 39 on the highway. I drive 60 MPH on the freeway with any car.

Aside from those weird quirky issues of the headlights and the disappearing oil and antifreeze, it's been a great car. It's no longer in drivable because I got smashed, but it did it's job well. No surprises here, it's a well built car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th May, 2006

15th May 2006, 01:28

Re the oil and antifreeze burning: These are classical symptoms of a head gasket failure (it's probably on its way out). Look for "mayonnaise" signs on your oil cap. On the other hand, I guess your mechanic has already checked this out, so he should have noticed it...

1996 Toyota Corolla DX 1.8 from North America

Summary:

The Best your money can buy

Faults:

Starter went off at 57000 miles.

Had to change the brake Pads and shoes once, but obvious due to age of the car.

Clutch Plate went at 72000 and 91000 can't figure out how's it possible with a manual transmission.

Other than this THE BEST CAR EVER!!! :)

General Comments:

This is my brothers certified car. It still drives as if its brand new. Its annually driven around 15000 to 22000 miles. Though there's no leakage, I still have to put oil into it even after following 3500 regular Oil change and scheduled maintenence, but I consider this acceptable. What really puzzles me is that the Clutch plate assembly had to be changed twice for a manual transmission!!! I have never burned the clutch nor I am rough on the gears, but I often use the engine for braking or must be the dealer.

I am truly impressed by the car's performance and cheap maintenence, if you follow the factory recommended maintenence. I would definitely recommend this car especially the manual because its fun and RELIABLE!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 8th July, 2005

9th Aug 2006, 17:38

1996 Toyota Corolla Review-

Sounds like I am in the minority here, but have had nothing, but trouble with my '96 Corolla. Bought it used and the brakes shimmyed and locked up from day one. Had the pads inspected and adjusted, but that only lasted a month. Soon after the rear shocks went out and costs $700 dollars to replace. Front door has been aligned twice and is still off causing the door ajar light to stay on which killed my battery. Replaced that two weeks ago then the car just died on me. Had the timing belt replaced, but found out it need an engine rebuild. I know this is hard to believe, but believe me I am living this nightmare!

1996 Toyota Corolla SD 1.6 from North America

Summary:

Very reliable and inexpensive to run

Faults:

Front brakes replaced at 130000 km.

Rear brakes replaced at 158000 km.

Radiator replaced at 164000 km.

Battery replaced at 170000 km.

New OEM tires put on at 96000 km when I purchased the car only lasted 50000 km.

Over the last few months once in awhile the starter won't engage on the first try, suspect solenoid or starter problem.

Air conditioning may be giving out at the time of this writing.

Paint hasn't stood up well - some peeling on the trunk lid.

General Comments:

This car was a great buy for running costs, I have been able to drive and drive it with almost no problems.

Being a very basic model, it has almost no comfort or convenience features and the sound insulation isn't great. There's a lot of noise at speeds over 100 km/h.

The small engine means it's not powerful, but with 5-speed it's responsive enough for ordinary driving and gets good gas mileage. Routinely see 33-34 mpg in town and 40-45 mpg on the highway.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th May, 2005