11th Apr 2007, 08:53
Really? Just take a gander at the repair bills for domestic vehicles on this site alone. Pretty steep prices for cars that drop like a rock in resale values.
And funny you haven't had a problem with domestics, but the MAJORITY of people who own them have. Domestics continue to dominate the "used cars to avoid" sections of every ratings agency from Consumer Reports to JD Power.
7th Jan 2008, 02:30
Just wanted to add my 2 cents about catalytic converters. All you need is good muffler shop, and aftermarket cat for 90$ or less. Even if it is odd shaped small cat, muffler shop still can make it fit, and it will pass on emissions test with flying colors. I am doing this myself once a week in shop where I work (Vancouver, Canada). Sometimes we deal with rare or "grey" import cars like Jaguar built in Australia for Europe. There is no chance you can find some parts for such exotic cars even at the dealership, so we just make them up.
All I can say - NEVER GIVE UP. do not part with your hard earned money so easy.
Find some immigrant mechanic without straight forward tonnel vision parts replacing, and he will find the way to save you money.
23rd Jun 2008, 14:33
This is a good example how Toyota rips off it's customers. A catalytic converter is 125 dollars at an aftermarket shop, but it should have been covered by the warranty.
5th Mar 2010, 13:35
Resale value? Hmmm... because the Japanese are overrated, that's why.
I have a 2002 Corolla, first and last, only 100k, engine like a sewing machine, ticking, plus burning oil.
Had a '99 Intrepid, 200k running smooth, original everything, how about that?
Love real cars, American, not Japanese scooters.
6th Mar 2010, 08:55
My worse resale ever was my 2002 Honda Acura TL Type S. Got 10K on a 34K car because of trans issues. Sold at 41000 miles mint condition and garaged. Carfax repair report tells it all.
6th Mar 2010, 12:48
The good resale value Japanese vehicles get is not because they are overrated. It's because they were proven reliable and well-built by many different product review companies, and by many happy customers.
It's unfortunate your Toyota was having issues at 100,000 miles, but no car manufacturer is immune to building the occasional lemon. As for me, I've never owned a domestic that lasted as long as your troubled Toyota did.
12th Nov 2010, 00:49
We own a 2003 Toyota Corolla CE. It has 203,000 miles + on it.
We use Mobil1 oil and Bosch Fusion spark plugs.
It has had a starter replaced at 126,000 miles.
It had the catalytic converter replaced under warranty, as it is covered for 8 years I believe.
Replaced the m/g clt relay at 202,000 miles, and that remedied the A/C intermittently working.
It has been a good car and no problems, aside from basic maintenance of headlight bulbs or tail light bulbs, which go out on any car from time to time.
I would recommend it as a very reliable automobile overall.
Thank you.
21st Jul 2011, 20:59
I think that we have had the same issues. Converter replaced, starter, clutch relay (twice), brakes were just changed for the first time at 200,000. My car runs great, looks great in and out, and I am torn as to how long do I want to keep her. Great economical ride. Around 40 MPG. She is black in color with alloy wheels from factory. Do I keep her or sell her? This one is better than my 2007 Toyota.
10th Apr 2007, 19:42
This is a GREAT example of how Toyota rips off its customers. A catalytic converter for my DOMESTIC costs $150, NOT $1300. It is also AUTOMATICALLY warranted for 100,000 miles. Of course, never having had a problem with a domestic in a mere 100,000 miles I've gotten a bit spoiled. I understand even the ENGINES in many Corollas can't make it to 100,000 miles.