2005 Toyota Corolla Reviews

Graham Smith reviews the 2001-2007 Toyota Corolla as a used buy. The 9th generation Toyota Corolla arrived late in 2001. It was an all-new model, but followed closely in the wheel tracks of its predecessors. A conventional front-wheel drive small car, the Corolla was available as a four door sedan, a five door hatch,

Ewan Kennedy reviews the 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 Toyota Corolla as a used buy.

Well known as a safe buy, Toyota Corolla has been a major player in Australia since the mid 1960s. The Corolla was built in Melbourne until 1999 and fully imported from Japan since then, probably to the regret of the Australian branch of Toyota in recent years. Having been pulled from our market to make place in the factory for the not very successful Toyota Avalon, Corolla has recently become the biggest selling vehicle in Australia. And it's made overseas... Ah, well, hindsight is wonderful!Corollas made in Australia had improvements made by local engineers to suit them to our conditions. To this day Toyota Australia provides feedback and engineering information to Japan and there's little doubt Corollas worldwide are all the better for this.Suspension dynamics used to lean strongly towards comfort rather than sportiness, but that equation has moved more in the direction of satisfying handling. Indeed, the latest Corolla, introduced in November 2012, should be somewhere on the short list of keen drivers.The great majority of Corollas are four-door sedans and five-door hatchbacks. A station wagon was sold until the model change of April 2007. While the wagon is a practical machine and has a good load area it was never particularly popular as buyers preferred larger wagons or SUVs.Toyota Corolla has reasonable rear-seat room and a good-sized boot so is large enough to be considered as a family car if the children haven't reached their mid-teen years.Engines are all four-cylinder units with a capacity of 1.8 litres. Manual gearboxes were five-speed units until the all-new model of 2007 when a six-speed was installed. An exception to this is the Celica-engined Sportivo which has a close-ratio six-speed unit.The automatic transmissions are lagging behind many competitors in still being four-speed units. Performance from an automatic can be marginal in a car of this size so take it for a good test drive to check that it suits your needs.Anxious to get away from the Corolla's reputation for being a sensible but boring car, Toyota has had a stab at a couple of sporting variants. These Sportivo models didn't have a lot of success having rather half-hearted styling-and-suspension jobs without any more engine performance than the standard cars.Spare parts and servicing for these Toyotas are available through one of the biggest, most widely spread dealer networks in the AustraliaThe 2001 Corolla Sport model did have a turbo engine with plenty of grunt, but it was expensive and didn't sell well. This can be an interesting car if you are looking for something out of the ordinary, but talk to your insurance company first as insurers often take a dislike to turbocharged engines.From May 2003 until 2006, Toyota imported the Corolla Sportivo with what was virtually a hot Celica 1.8-litre engine. There's plenty of power high up the scale, up to 141 kW at the peak, but down-low torque is noticeably lacking so driving can be irritating unless you are a full-on sports enthusiast.The Corolla has a simple layout and is easy for the good amateur mechanic to work on. But please stick to non-safety work unless you are a professional. Workshop manuals are readily available at specialist motoring bookshops as well as some general suppliers. We recommend you have one at your side before commencing work.Spare parts and servicing for these Toyotas are available through one of the biggest, most widely spread dealer networks in the Australia. Some outlets in the outback may not stock less common components for the Corolla but can have them shipped in promptly.Insurance premiums are usually low on all but the turbocharged and full-house Sportivo models. If looking at the latter make enquiries in advance, particularly if you are a young and/or inexperienced driver as the premiums can be budget breakers.WHAT TO LOOK FORCheck for signs of panel damage or previous crash repairs. Easiest to spot are ripples in the body, best seen by looking at the car end on in good light; watch for paint colours that don't match correctly; look for tiny spots of paint on areas like glass, badges and rubbing strips that should be paint free.Look carefully at the interior for signs of damage or excessive wear.Drying out and cracking of the dashboard top or rear shelf probably means the car has seldom, or never, been garaged.The engine should start within a couple of seconds and settle into a smooth idle within seconds. Listen for a rattle from it when it does start and check the oil light goes out quickly.Look for smoke from the exhaust pipe when the engine is accelerated hard after having been idling for a minute or so.Make sure the brakes don't pull the car to one side when they are applied hard and that ABS, if fitted, works correctly. A pulsation through the brake pedal under hard braking will tell you all is OK.Rust is not common in later-model Corollas, but can sometimes be found around the fuel filler cap and the hinges of the rear hatch. Check the bottom corners of the doors and mudguards, the door sill panels and in the lower edges of the bootlid or tailgate.CAR BUYING TIPStart shopping around for a used car several weeks before you intend to buy. This gives you a solid feel about the market before stepping into the home territory of used-car sales people.

The table has turned. Now it's not your masculinity under question for owning a large car, but your sanity. Simply, small cars work. They are quick, comfortable, well equipped, economical on fuel and ownership costs plus fit into small parking bays or tuck neatly into peak-hour traffic queues.They are also relatively inexpensive - the cheapest is a Chery J1 at $9990 drive away - and there's about 30 different car models and 280 distinct versions to choose from. More importantly, budget motoring means there are thousands of near-new used small cars on the market.Pick your next pre-owned car carefully and it's likely you'd find one that retains a portion of the new-car warranty. I realise that many small-car buyers may look at features and paint colour before safety ratings and reliability.But even if the buyer has few aspirations to venture outside the city perimeter, it's important to keep safety, reliability, comfort and durability as part of the purchase criteria. Consider also factory-fit Bluetooth and audio streaming.Hands-free telephone calls and portable and interactive music are pivotal to young car owners and increasingly to the people who end up buying your car.Final tips: Ensure the car has been serviced to the manufacturer's requirements (it's stamped in the service book that should be in the glovebox - if it's not there, neither should you. - Bent or buckled number plates indicate a prang. - Tyre tread worn on the edge or in the centre indicates the car needs a wheel alignment (or may have been in an accident). - Always get the car checked out.THE CARS: We've selected three small cars that come up trumps as used cars after starting life as sensible new car choices. Note that these are examples and variations will occur given the car's location, service and driving condition, distance travelled and general body and mechanical condition.1. 2010 Toyota Corolla AscentPrice: $16,990Odometer: 35,266Engine: 1.8L 4-cylinder petrolTransmission: 4-speed automaticThirst: 7.7L/100Carsguide says, “second series of the Z-code Corolla that started in 2000 just improves year after year. It's solid, dependable (no camshaft belt to break), inexpensive to own and fuel, roomy and holds its value. Capped service can save money but Corolla still has a twice-yearly maintenance schedule. In a five and six-speed auto world, the Corolla's four-speed auto is ordinary. But it's strong and reliable. This car is in line with average annual driving distances.” 2.  2010 Mazda3 MaxxPrice: $16,990Odometer: 107,445Engine: 2L 4-cylinder petrolTransmission: 5-speed automaticThirst: 8.2L/100Carsguide says, “well equipped version of Australia's most popular car appears to have covered a big distance given its age. That may be due to use as a country car and hence has resulted in a small price concession over a similar model with a lower mileage. Mazda's 3 is a very good all-round car with excellent safety standards and generally a nice ride, though cabin noise is more intrusive than most rival cars. Twice yearly servicing needed and no capped service program means it may be a bit more expensive to maintain that, say, a Corolla.” 3.  2010 Hyundai i30 SLXPrice: $14,990Odometer: 87,412|Engine: 2L 4-cylinder petrolTransmission: 4-speed automaticThirst: 7.6L/100Carsguide says, “the one that won Carsguide's Car of the Year for 2010 is a smart buy, even two years down the track. It retains about three years of its five-year warranty. As a driving machine, the i30 is simple, secure and fuss-free. It's relatively economical but not as sprightly as the Mazda3 that has a similar engine. Mileage is a bit high and car may be due for a new camshaft belt. But it looks good with 16-inch alloy wheels, has a high five-star safety rating and a comfortable cabin.” 

Well into its fourth decade in Australia the Toyota Corolla has consistently been a big player in our new and used-car scene.

The first lesson for first-car buyers is to forget power and performance - go for safety, reliability and low running costs. Today's car choices are far wider and considerably less basic that Peter Brock's first car, a stripped-down 750cc Austin Seven. But the exercise of buying your car demands patience and - if possible - expert consideration.Compared with buying new, you will save money purchasing a used car. But be aware that a used car may require expensive repair costs, may be less fuel efficient and that its safety standards are likely to be lower than a new car. The basic safety gear you want are two airbags and ABS brakes.Every car is different because each has been treated differently during its life. Be cognisant that cheap new cars are bought on a budget and the penny-pinching owners may skimp on regular servicing and repairs. Steer away from hotted-up cars - you want reliable, easy-to-fix transport here, not a temperamental, ground-hugging runt that sounds like it's lost its exhaust pipe.There are a few quality used car models that have lasted the distance. These have retained a solid reputation for quality and reliability, have a strong spare parts back-up, simple service schedule and are renown for just being easy to live with.The only downside is they won't be the newest car on your block and they're unlikely to be the most rewarding ride of your life. But you have to start somewhere. Just like Peter Brock.CHOICESThese are some used cars, not in any particular order, that should be reliable first-time cars. But each car is different. Ensure your car is professionally checked before buying and that all the car's service papers are accurate, regular and preferably stamped by a competent service centre.NISSAN TIIDAThis model is the evolution of the Pulsar and, I admit, isn't the prettiest car on the road. Fellas, perhaps stay away from this one. But the model is enduring because of its simplicity and low running costs. It has a decent amount of metal around the passenger cell to minimise intrusion in case of a collision, a neat and functional interior with comfortable seats, big boot in the sedan model (and more than adequate in the hatchback version), and four doors so your friends won't have to squeeze past you on the way to access the rear seat.2006 TIIDA TI SEDANCost: $9200 with 79,000kmEngine: 93kW/174Nm 1.8-litre autoFuel economy: 7.8 L/100kmSafety features: ABS brakes, 4 airbags, brake assist Crash rating: 4-starMAZDA3Two of my daughters drive these and love them for their comfort and features. Later models are preferable because of the electronic stability control, but earlier versions had at least four airbags and ABS brakes plus a four-star crash rating. Because everyone loves these, they're going to cost a bit more than some rival cars. But Mazda's quality name should extend to the day you sell it allowing it to retain a high resale value.2006 MAZDA3 MAXXCost: $11,500 with 75,000kmEngine: 108kW/182Nm 2.0-litre autoFuel economy: 8.2 L/100kmSafety features: ABS brakes, 6 airbags, brake assistCrash rating: 4-star.MITSUBISHI LANCERThese have been made for decades yet nearly all carry a name for reliability. One model, bought with 247,000km on the clock, stayed trouble-free in my household for four years before finding yet another owner. That's not uncommon with Lancers. They're very simple cars but early models fall down badly in safety equipment, so look at 2003 and younger if possible. The 2007-plus models have a five-star crash rating. It doesn't really matter which model you buy but you may have better resale in the future with an automatic with four or five doors that will appeal to a wider audience.2006 LANCER LS SEDANCost: $10,000 with 70,000kmEngine: 115kW/220Nm 2.4-litre autoFuel economy: 8.5 L/100kmSafety features: ABS brakes, 2 airbagsCrash rating: 3-star.TOYOTA COROLLAThis is a stablemate of suburban living with the distinction of being a member of practically every Australian household since the 1970s. It's always been a simple and reliable car without any major hiccups, though the Toyota badge means there's a premium - justified or otherwise - on the price. Paying the extra on the Corolla name alone may not be worth it - look closely at each car before purchase. Toyota was one of the last major carmakers to introduce extra features - such as additional airbags and stability control - on base versions. Better models started from 2000 and the more upmarket versions (Levin and Ultima, for example) are preferred.2006 COROLLA CONQUEST SEDANCost: $10,500 with 75,000kmEngine: 93kW/161Nm 1.8-litre autoFuel economy: 7.4 L/100kmSafety features: ABS brakes, 2 airbagsCrash rating: 4-star.MITSUBISHI MAGNAThis is something a bit bigger and yet is generally priced about the same as the smaller cars. Mitsubishi made these in Australia and progressive years honed the product to excellent reliability while ho-hum styling and performance slashed resale. That makes this big family car good buying today. Magnas ended their run in 2005 and today these are the pick of the bunch, even though the powerplant was a 3.5-litre V6 with a four-speed auto. These cars were common in government and rental fleets but don't be put off - that means they've been regularly se rviced and repaired.2005 MAGNA ES SEDANCost: $5000 with 120,000kmEngine: 155kW/316Nm 3.5-litre V6 autoFuel economy: 11.5 L/100kmSafety features: ABS brakes, 4 airbags, traction controlCrash rating: 3-star.SUBARU LIBERTYAnother biggish car that offered high safety standards for its era. The later Libertys are also attractive, well equipped - in their day they weren't a cheap car - and roomy. The downside may be lacklustre performance, so-so fuel economy and some high-priced spare parts but we're primarily chasing a reliable and safe car choice here. The Libertys are all-wheel drive sedans and wagons which aids safety on wet roads rather than giving them any off-road ability (for that, look at the Subaru Outback).2006 LIBERTY 2.5i SEDANCost: $11,500 with 75,000kmEngine: 121kW/226Nm 2.5-litre autoFuel economy: 9.5 L/100kmSafety features: ABS brakes, 6 airbags, traction controlCrash rating: 5-star.

On a tight budget, you had four options: unsafe cars, unreliable cars, really boring cars or cars that combined all three characteristics.  In the past decade, though, it's become easier to find a tidy, safe, cheap used car, for several reasons.Firstly, used cars don't hold their value like they once did. New cars have become cheaper in real terms, and sales have boomed, so there's a lot more used cars on the market.Cars are also much safer than they used to be. Government legislation and independent crash test programmes like NCAP, (which publicises the results of its tests, much to the annoyance of the industry) have forced car makers to improve safety. A 2005 car, no matter what make it is, will be safer than a 1995 car. At the minimum, you want two front airbags and anti-lock (ABS) brakes.Unless it's French or Italian, in which case a weekly dummy spit is part of the "ownership experience," most cars from the last 10 years will be pretty reliable, as long as servicing has been done by the book.We are talking about ordinary, everyday cars here, that haven't been thrashed. If you're looking at some dude's slammed, chipped Subaru WRX and the price seems too good to be true, chances are it will self-destruct before you make it home. You pay your money and you take your chances.Immaculate, low kilometre cars owned by little old ladies do exist, and they are gold. So is a complete service record, especially if it's from the dealer who sold the car new.  Let's see if we can find a few to recommend. Bottom dollar in our search is $5000.There's not much joy at this money, but the last of the Mitsubishi Magnas, from 2004-2005, are great value and reasonably plentiful. Many will be ex-renters. That's not necessarily a bad thing, because serving will have been done to schedule. The 3.5-litre V6-four speed auto ES has four airbags and ABS.Another Mitsubishi, the Lancer, is the best small car we can find at this price. Toyota Corollas are fine too, though they're more expensive.  The Lancer's as sexy as a can of baked beans and completely bulletproof. Pay about $7000-$8000 or so for a 2005 model. Find one with optional ABS and six airbags.If you've got around $10,000 to spend, you have much more choice.  In 2004, Mazda made six airbags and ABS available across its entire range, as options or standard, so any Mazda2 or Mazda3 from 2004 on will be worth checking out. Mazda does blue chip quality, and if you find a good one, with a service book, buy it. You'll pick up a 2 for less than $10,000; a 3 will be $10,000-$12,000.If you need something bigger, this sort of money will also get you into a 2004-2005 Subaru Liberty, another top car from Japan's A league. All wheel drive, excellent handling and Subaru's class leading NCAP scores are pluses. The 2.0-litre four won't rip your arms off, but it will do the job. Wagons cost a little more.You might prefer a small SUV wagon instead, so look for a 2004-2005 Subaru Forester, or Toyota RAV4, at $12,000-$15,000.  If you need a big car for a big country, the Aussie six is hard to go past.You'll pay $10,000-$13,000 for the first of the VE Commodores from 2006. The 3.6-litre V6 sounds like 1000 leaf blowers on maximum thrust, however it's durable enough. Holden got serious about safety with VE, so you get stability control as standard.  It might take a while to find the right car, but in the end, it pays to be fussy. Second hand doesn't have to mean second best.WHERE TO BUY?DealerPros: On cars under 10 years old, most states require a warranty, typically 3 months or 5000 kilometres. You also get guaranteed title. Franchised dealers (ie those who also sell new cars) usually have the best selection of used cars; the trade-ins they don't want are unloaded to non franchised dealers or auctions.Cons: Can be more expensive than a similar car bought privately. Beware of non-franchised dealers selling flood damaged or rebirthed (ie cars written off by insurance companies but then repaired) from Queensland.PrivatePros: The best way to find a bargain.Cons: You have to do plenty of legwork, and finding the right car, in a place that's close to where you live, can be a time consuming process. There's no guarantee of title or provenance, and no comebacks if it drops its guts on the way home. Buyer beware.AuctionsPros: Ex-government or fleet cars, usually properly serviced, with low kilometres. Guaranteed title. Many dealers buy cars at auction, take them to their car yard, and jack the price up by thousands of dollars. Buy it yourself, and pocket the difference.Cons: You can't test drive the car before you bid. It's also easy for an amateur to pay too much, so go to a couple before you buy to get an idea of prices and how it all works.