3rd Mar 2004, 10:41
I have a 1989 Corolla SR5, its white, with sunroof and everything. The only thing I have had to do is the thermostat since I bought it. The last owner replaced the timing belt. It has only 97,000 miles, and I like driving this car better than my 1996 Buick. It's a great car.
4th Mar 2006, 17:51
I just bought a 1989 Toyota Corolla SR5 with 170,000 miles. It runs well except it wants to continue running after I turn the key off. Has anyone experienced this same problem?
5th Mar 2006, 10:15
Your run-on problem is not altogether uncommon in many cars. I have an old Dodge truck that does the same thing when I try to use 87 octane gas. It never does it when I use 93 octane. Probably over the years carbon has built up in the cylinders, increasing the compression ratio. The "run-on" problem is also called "dieseling" because even after you shut off the ignition, the gasoline continues to detonate in the cylinders without spark, but only because the air/fuel mixture is compressed, so it explodes spontaneously. You could try using higher octane gas. I don't know if fuel additives will help clean out the carbon, because it will be baked onto the cylinders like rock, and the best way to remove it would be chip it out with a chisel and stiff wire brush on a drill head. Better gas is the easier solution.
26th Jul 2007, 22:35
I have a white '89 sr5 with 209,000 miles and still running strong. I bought it from my brother and still runs great and looks great. I also installed a set of 15x7 Kosei Senecas with Falkens size 195/50 15s. It runs great, but once in awhile it starts idling really rough like it wants to die out. Also right now I can't pass the state inspection beacause my running lights won't work up front. I'm missing the light bulb holder and can't seem to find a place that might have them. Have any ideas as to where I can get it from?
31st Jul 2007, 21:10
22:35 I know it sounds kind of hillbilly, but go to a big junkyard, bring the tools you need to get the part you want, and most often they'll have a wrecked car somewhere that'll have the part you need. Just be careful what they try and charge you for it.
2nd Aug 2007, 01:11
I'm buying a Corolla SR5 tomorrow. It's got 232,000 kms, and it runs good EXCEPT it has a little engine noise when you gas it from a stop. I have had this problem in many of my 80's Toyotas. It's not really loud enough to be a knock, but more like a "rattle" Anyone know what this may be? (I know it's nothing major right away as they do keep running for a while after this problem starts) I'd guess it's from not maintaining it like it should be?
31st Oct 2007, 02:01
Well I have one! sr5 88, well I wanna tuning my car, any comments for it?? I wanna change my engine to a 4age!! hehehe.
13th Apr 2008, 22:01
I Paid $1500 for a 89 Corolla SR5 with 280 000 km on it. Its in really nice shape. Cars cost more in Canada...
31st Aug 2008, 21:05
We have an 89 SR5 and were wondering how big the tank is, how many kms it will go on a full tank?? Any response?? Thanks.
9th Oct 2008, 18:17
I have a 1989 Toyota Corolla with 435000 miles, and everything is original except the exhaust and the carburetor.
18th Nov 2008, 17:05
I have a 1989 Corolla SR5. It has 268,000 miles (sorry I am American), and it runs good and looks good.
30th Dec 2009, 18:38
I have a 1989 Corolla SR5 Coupe and I love it. You could not ask for a better car, mine has 207,000 miles on it and it runs like new. The A/C, sunroof and all accessories work very well. The car drives great, and with the 5 speed it is really fun to drive. Most people cannot believe it is a 1989 because it is in such good condition. I have to admit, I owned 6 Honda's and an Acura before and never considered a Toyota, but I really do love it. It was being sluggish starting up, but my friend, a mechanic, suggested that I pour a bottle of rubbing alcohol in the gas tank with a full tank of gas. It worked. The car starts and runs wonderfully. It is quiet and idles smoothly.
10th Jan 2010, 11:53
My 1989 SR5 has 189,000 on the original engine and still runs like new. It gets incredible gas mileage. It has new factory correct paint and new factory correct interior, sun roof, 5sp. manual. A fun car. A/C. will run you out of the car! Mine has the fancy honeycomb wheels, I'm not sure if that was standard or not? The only thing that is not in original working order is the cruise control. I am looking for that now. I own BMW Z-3, and Porsche Boxster. I live in Kansas and would prefer to drive the SR5 on a long trip over either of these.
13th Sep 2010, 11:30
Our 1989 Toyota Corolla SR-5 2 door Coupe runs great! We have over 260,000 miles and have only had one repair: the steering column joint cracked and NHTSA refused to do a recall!
Sure we have done all the maintenance you normally expect, but that is it. Starts on first try every time. Great gas mileage around 33 MPG and runs smooth. Not as quiet as when new, I think, but still pretty quiet.
It has the original bay blue paint job which is faded. We have yet to see another model like ours on the road in over 5 years. Will never ever sell this car.
Murfreesboro, TN.
7th Sep 2012, 00:00
I have 1989 Corolla SR5 with approximately 180,000 miles.
To have it pass the CA smog test, I installed all new cylinder valve seals, and renewed all the carb gasket and the cat converter.
I also convert the A/C to R132a by buying and installing a new receiver/drier, then cleaning thru and thru the condenser fins.
Now the engine starts right away, the A/C blows cool, and there's no engine overheating. Most importantly is it passes the smog test.
The mileage for this old car is remarkable at 32 MPG. With only a 90hp engine, it crawls uphill, but runs great on an even road.
20th Jan 2003, 01:15
I have a 1989 SR-5. it is red. the paint has started to fade on the back. I have a pioneer cd player with 3 10inch subs powered by a 1500 watt amp. 18inch rims, ram air on the hood, neons inside and out strobe. and an exhaust system. good car and pretty fast for an 89'