27th Feb 2002, 01:20
I know how you feel, my girlfriend owns a Corolla (4age) Levin, and when I drive it- it makes me feel happy, I secretly plot to somehow own her car, and ask her almost every day if I can buy it off her, but she won't let me- She loves it just as much!
10th Apr 2004, 20:42
I made a mistake and bought my wife 1.
Now I have to fight her for the keys.
We have 3 kids and we all fit in - no worries.
A great addition to our family.
7th Feb 2005, 00:07
I found your heartfelt personification of your car interesting. Several cars made seem to evoke these sentiments more than others. In addition to the early Corolla, the Volkswagen Beetle, Porsche 911, and Mazda Miata come to mind. We all love our cars for different reasons. But what seems to separate exceptional models from merely good ones is that synergistic feel we get when driving, or even sitting in it. It becomes an extension of ourselves, often even taking on a personality of its own. It must give car designers and engineers much satisfaction in hearing from their customers just how much they love their cars.
I have had several Corollas in my younger years. It just felt so perfect to sit behind the wheel, especially out in the country somewhere on a warm, sunny day. I even became attached to the brown exterior and carpets. It was big enough to feel reliable, but small enough to connect with, like a little brother almost. Clicking through the gears was an experience not unlike turning the pages of a good book, or getting a good backrub. It just felt right.
I think we do look to our cars for something more than transportation. We're on a journey, looking over the horizon, for our Shangri-la. For me, a car can be a vehicle for more than just bodies: it's a vehicle for our dreams.
13th Jan 2006, 20:20
I know how you feel about your old 1986 Corolla. There truly is something special about it, and I'm sorry you had to sell it.
I've had a 1986 Corolla for 3 years, and absolutely love it. For instance I love the gearbox... it's so smooth and gives me just the right revs at the right time. I have to get out of first gear pretty quickly, but often, on city roads, drive in 5th gear. It just quietly purrs along, with no strain on its engine, as long as I'm doing 60km an hour. I have an agreement with the car... I'll look after you and you look after me. I get her serviced regularly and attend to any minor problems immediately, and she lives up to her part of the deal by driving on and on and on nonchalantly. She's quite comfortable, and I think, a nice looking sedan. Living near the sea, I have to attend to any rust 2 or 3 times a year. I do it myself, and it doesn't take too much trouble. It's worth it for the joy of driving this lovely little dream car.
Your one may have been even better... it sounds like it was made in Japan, and mine was Japanese designed of course, but built in Australia.
I drive for a living, and at work they give me a new big 6 cylinder vehicle. I do appreciate the air conditioning in the hot weather, but apart from that, in many ways I prefer the 1986 Corolla... it's done 290000km... almost one third of a million kilometres!! It's using it's second motor, but it will be a very sad day when I take it for its annual registration check, and my mechanic shakes his head. I'll have to buy another Corolla, even if the newer ones lack the older ones' charm. But I've heard rumours that fuel may be unaffordable in only five years time, so let's all enjoy what may be the last phase of the golden age of motoring, whatever car we drive.
24th Feb 2009, 07:30
86 is the BEST year for sure.
Modern Corollas feel like you are driving inside a giant marshmallow with 4 tyres. Eeek, yuck!!
And the crappy recycled grey interiors through and through, sheesh give me a break.
86 Corollas are as you say, they have their own spirit and life, as if they are human at times, and anytime anyone tarnishes it, it's like a scratch on my heart.
Anyway short comment, but I understand your love for the 86 series. If I had three wishes, I would use one to wish for the entire Toyota 1986 series. All factory new with 000,000kms on the clock, and one in each available colour for each series as well. LOL to be a bit greedy.
"LOVE MAY FAIL YOU, BUT AN OLD COROLLA SURE WON'T"
30th Nov 2009, 07:53
1986 Corollas.
Nothing has ever been made as durable easy to maintain and a pleasure to drive.
Nothing will ever be made again like it.
It was made to last, to survive, to be loved.
To find a car like that today would be nirvana.
9th Mar 2001, 10:46
Yes, in Asia its name is EE80 Corolla. It is really a gorgeous looking car (Asian Japanese home version). And Se-Saloon is very rare on this model. And the interior design, color and seats are really attractive.