Which model year Corolla is best?

Hey guys,

My mom is looking at getting a used Corolla for a DD and she wanted my help in knowing what to look for, but I don't know a ton about Corollas.

Is any model year or generation better than others? I've always heard the 9th gen, (03-06) were pretty damn good.

Just looking for something reliable that she doesn't have to worry about.

Thanks!

 

The ones from 91 to 02 were the best. Solid little beaters that could be fixed better than factory with duct tape and a soldering iron.

I miss my 91.

 

we have a 2004, so far it has been solid.

 

x2 those are pretty much bulletproof. but then again, pretty much all corolla's are.

9th gens are solid.

 

i have a 9th gen (2008) as a daily driver... as far as a daily driver is concerned i love it. it was affordable, its reliable, and its great on gas. i vote 9th gen

 

I had a '91 sedan and a '92 wagon for 4yrs each during and after college. They were both awesome reliable lil cars!! They were really easy to fix/maintain, fairly comfy, and great on gas!!! Both went for over 250k miles. The new ones look really nice too

I still miss the 5speed wagon.. but I guess my new ride will do

 

I once froze my engine solid on my 91. There was a brick of snow all in the interior of it, and the battery refused to accept a charge. It was left for 3 weeks at -30ºC being the average temperature.

Thing still started up from a boost first try and drove me home 300miles no issues.

Except that the heat didn't work real good till the next day when the engine had time to thaw out.

Only the starter, radiator, muffler and CV boot were replaced on it. Total for the 12 years and over 300,000 kms it was with us...$500 give or take.

 

2004-2005 models are the best year for the corolla. change the oil and those suckers will last forever.

 

my mom still has hers. it’s a '87 with over 300’000k on it and she has only put one timing belt on it. i leaks a little bit of oil but does not burn like any at all. she don’t drive it as much as she use to. AC is out tho.

here it is. it has sat for 2 months before and not moved and started 1st try.