2002 Model Toyota Corolla

[R.M]

I have a new model 5 door hatch ordered & was wondering has anyone any experience with these cars. I owned a 99 corolla in the past and had no problems with it.

Any comments?

Thanks,
R.M

[WhipLash]

Hi RM, nice to see you back!

I don’t actually own a Corolla myself, but my wife does own a Toyota (Yaris). Going by their fantastic track record for reliability (personal experience and that of others), I’m sure there will be very little that will give you any trouble. The interior appears to be made of much better quality materials, a queue taken from the Golf supposedly. And of course those VVTi engines are very sweet too….

In the resent New Polo problems (http://forums.eforecourt.com/showthread.php?threadid=1193) thread there’s mention of the new Corolla.

Considering that you have already had the experience of being a Corolla owner and went on to purchase another, I take it that you have enjoyed relatively trouble free motoring with your last model?

[R.M]

Thanks for your comments whiplash. My wife also owns a Yaris which has been hassle free over the last 2 years. I agree the interior is a vast improvement over the last 2 models. I am getting alloys with the car, but reckon the 15" wheel is too small. 16" wheels may be better. Also disappointed that there isn't remote central locking.
But all in all, looking forward to getting my hands on it.

R.M

[WhipLash]

Nice one RM!

What colour did you go for? And what engine size - 1.4, 1.6 1.8, D4D?? The base 1.4 engine is a good bet IMHO.

Not having remote central locking might be a pain all right. The Yaris has CL, but not remote. I find that it can be a little annoying at times, especially when you have your hands full. I suppose you could always get it alarmed, which would then provide the remote aspect.

[R.M]

Whiplash,

I'm going for the 1.4 Terra in silver. I had a black corolla before & swore never again to get that colour. Black is a fantastic colour if you can wash & was every day, but not suitable for this country.
I'm trading in the 2000 Yaris with full Toyota kit & 18k on the clock.
Will have to back the Corolla 8-9k. Will probable add the rear spoiler & front fogs to give it a little extra look. The 1.4 gives out 97bhp which is decent compared to the 75bhp from the 1.4 Golf.
The car also has all round disc breaks which can't be a bad thing along with ABS.

R.M

[WhipLash]

Yeah, I know how you feel about black. I had a Pug 106 in black, and after that experience swore never to own a black car again. Its fine when the car is just new, apart from keeping it clean that is. Then just wait for the scrapes, scratches etc to start showing and that really breaks your heart. :(

I’m sure that silver will be a far cry from that experience though.