Faults:
The hardware has issues.
The door handles have been replaced more than once.
The interior is plastic, and after 13 years, it's in need of repairs.
I drive really hard, and the car can take it, but the ride is bumpy.
General Comments:
The car is excellent and runs great. They sure don't make them like this anymore. I still drive it on a daily basis after 13 years, and it is more dependable and worry free than my 2004 model.
I replaced the starter a few months ago after 13 long years, and the original battery lasted 7 years.
I did put in a short ram cold air intake to boost the pick up and performance, and I have outran newer Civics.
The car is now riding rough, but I do push it to the limit. It is vibrating and burning gas like crazy. I plan to replace the oxygen sensors, flush the fluids and replace them, and have it realigned.
It needs a paint job and the interior needs to be redone, but the engine is whisper quiet and super dependable with low maintenance.
I would restore her to her former glory if I won the lottery, because the new cars are built to break, and don't last.
13th Nov 2018, 13:18
I am now up to 250,000, and it's still running like a champ. It is however a good idea to buy replacement interior door handles in bulk if you plan on driving this model Corolla for a while.