Toyota Corolla, good and bad?

My Ford Contour's transmission died so I'm in the market for another fuel sipper, but one that's actually reliable. I've narrowed it down to a mid 00's Corolla. Manual transmission is highly desired, as the past two economy cars I've had both died from automatic trans failures, plus it's way more fun to drive a small compact car with a stick anyway and you can maximize the power out of the little engines easier.

So I need to know the pros and cons of the car, what engine is best and what all to look for on a potential buy. Also if you're a current owner, what type of gas mileage can I expect? How well do the cars handle on winter roads? I have a 60 mile daily commute and my 14mpg Tacoma isn't exactly practical for that. Is the car comfortable for a taller guy? I'm right at 6'. Any other tips or suggestions are welcome!

 

This is what I'm looking at, a 2005-2008. Before anyone jumps my boat, I am not getting rid of the Taco! I just need something more economical for commuting as the truck is anything but economical.

 

All Corollas suffer from headgaskest sooner or later the 1.8 (1zz) in those years were known for it. They usually have a decent leak forming on the back of the engine, or an all out blown leak.

I usually only change the 1zz motors due to oil leaks and owners not topping off fluid. The oil pressure switch is another culprit that leaks with the headgasket.

I've never seen an Auto fail on a Corolla of that gen, they are solid.

The sport XRS is absolute shit, they are the 1.8 celica GTS motor (2zz) and should be avoided. They only come in 6 speed manual and have body skirt kits too, just stay away. They blow motors constantly.

The Corollas were affected by numerous recalls, Takata airbags for the passenger inflator, the ECU itself due to the manufacturer, airbag inflator modules due to moisture, window regulator bolts that loosen off, gas pedal programming/cutting recalls.

So in short, CE, LE, or S models ok. XRS bad. Check for oil leaks and fix them. It will run forever.

 

I put 218k on a 99 with the 5 spd before I sold it with the original clutch. Should have kept it till it died. 1 tie rod and a set of shocks were it other than regular maintenance. 37-39 highway, 30-32 around town from the day I got it till the day I sold it.

Have 163k on my 08 auto currently. No problems with the auto at all, but I've flushed it twice already and have been running Amsoil since 40k. Pretty much same mileage as the 99, but big hills make me miss the 5spd. The auto you just have to lean on the skinny pedal it a little more, it will go.

I've had no oil leaks and no head gaskets problems with either of them so far. I've never heard of either being an issue with them to be honest, maybe I'm just lucky. I always flush the coolant around 75k and make sure my grounds are good so I don't get electrolysis going on so maybe that's the trick. Supposedly a common problem is a leaky intake gasket that causes rough idle. The upgraded gaskets are literally $10 at the dealer so that's an easy fix if you can turn a wrench.

They go pretty good in the snow with good tires until it gets deeper than about 4" in my experience. Lived above the snow line the entire time I had the 99. My buddy in the Bitterroot ran studs on his 06 in the winter, he drove it all winter long.

I've got a few inches on you and I've never had a problem with leg room, behind the drivers seat is another story though.

 

Thanks for the informative posts fellas!

 

What mileage numbers are you seeing on the 08? Hopefully they're comparable to your 99 because those are real good!

 

Yep, pretty much the same mpg between the 2. These things are incredibly cheap to operate.

 

That's what I'm looking for! Have to make a trip from MT to AZ in May so hopefully I have a nice Corolla by then for that. Be nice to not have to spend a small fortune on gas to get there.