Toyota Corolla

[Teebs]

Any thoughts on the new shape version
Looking to replace a 10 year old Focus that has been brilliant but starting to show it's age

Plus points for the Corolla

Hybrid tech & bulletproof according to research
Good level of equipment & tech
Looks ok
Toyota warranty if serviced at a Toyota dealership up until 12 years' old (big + point)

Seen some 19/69 plates for around £17k and fairly low mileage.
Will look to keep the car for 10 years or so, 5k PA.

Any thoughts or alternatives?

[Jamescrs]

I've been in a few as they seem to be massively popular with Uber drivers which probably say's a lot about their reliability.

They are functional cars, seem well screwed together and will no doubt be reliable.

Their hybrid systems should be well tested by now as Toyota have been running them longer than most manufacturers with the Prius

That's about as much as I can say for them really.

[Teebs]

Jamescrs said:

I've been in a few as they seem to be massively popular with Uber drivers which probably say's a lot about their reliability.

They are functional cars, seem well screwed together and will no doubt be reliable.

Their hybrid systems should be well tested by now as Toyota have been running them longer than most manufacturers with the Prius

That's about as much as I can say for them really.

Cheers, functional is what we're after for this car. Agree about the drivetrain, should be pretty reliable now...!

[BlueJ]

Wife's had 2 Toyotas across 12 years, I've had a Hilux and 2 Lexus'.

You can expect a Corolla to be mechanically bulletproof, Toyota dealers a friendly helpful bunch (really good customer service). Servicing will be yearly despite your low mileage (a good point for longevity) and is cheap.

Only downside (for me) is the CVT gearbox. If you've no issue with that, you can't go wrong.

[BlueJ]

BlueJ said:

Wife's had 2 Toyotas across 12 years, I've had a Hilux and 2 Lexus'.

You can expect a Corolla to be mechanically bulletproof, Toyota dealers a friendly helpful bunch (really good customer service). Servicing will be yearly despite your low mileage (a good point for longevity) and is cheap.

Only downside (for me) is the CVT gearbox. If you've no issue with that, you can't go wrong.

Sorry to clarify, there is no issue with reliability or performance of the CVT, I was referring to the driving experience - I just prefer stepped gears and a fixed link between engine revs and speed in any given gear.

[Teebs]

BlueJ said:

Sorry to clarify, there is no issue with reliability or performance of the CVT, I was referring to the driving experience - I just prefer stepped gears and a fixed link between engine revs and speed in any given gear.

Cool, i know what you meant, thanks! My Wife hates my DSG gearbox and knowing her driving style, CVT will work well.

[biggbn]

Dad's wife has had an Auris Hybrid for years . Clockwork reliable, 54mpg lifetime average, she will never part with it!!

[ZX10R NIN]

Another option is the Kia XCeed:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107205...

[Whataguy]

The new Corollas are great cars mechanically - I've spent several days driving them as service loan cars when I had an Auris hybrid.

The gen 4 prius engine in them works well, great mpg, and the new gen chassis is good too.

The only issue with them is if you live or travel to a crime area - the catalytic converter sticks out the bottom and is easy to steal.

I had a tilt alarm and a catlock shield on my Auris, but they are of limited use as any decent thief will be long gone before the police can respond even if someone happens to call them the second they start work.

Have a read of the comments on this official Toyota blog about the issue from some of the victims:

https://mag.toyota.co.uk/catalytic-converter-theft...

[Trevor555]

Teebs said:

Will look to keep the car for 10 years or so, 5k PA.

Some new Yaris owners have reported their cars looking rusty underneath in a short amount of time, very short amount of time.

Not the body, the subframes, suspension bits.

Hopefully the Corollas are built with a bit more care, but I'd advise you to have a look under there, and get some waxoiling done if you're keeping for 10 years.

[Teebs]

ZX10R NIN said:

Another option is the Kia XCeed:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107205...

Will pass it on to the wife, cheers

[Teebs]

Whataguy said:

The new Corollas are great cars mechanically - I've spent several days driving them as service loan cars when I had an Auris hybrid.

The gen 4 prius engine in them works well, great mpg, and the new gen chassis is good too.

The only issue with them is if you live or travel to a crime area - the catalytic converter sticks out the bottom and is easy to steal.

I had a tilt alarm and a catlock shield on my Auris, but they are of limited use as any decent thief will be long gone before the police can respond even if someone happens to call them the second they start work.

Have a read of the comments on this official Toyota blog about the issue from some of the victims:

https://mag.toyota.co.uk/catalytic-converter-theft...

Cheers, good to know. We're in rural North Yorkshire so crime is relatively low (depending on whether in-breeding is counted).

[Teebs]

Trevor555 said:

Some new Yaris owners have reported their cars looking rusty underneath in a short amount of time, very short amount of time.

Not the body, the subframes, suspension bits.

Hopefully the Corollas are built with a bit more care, but I'd advise you to have a look under there, and get some waxoiling done if you're keeping for 10 years.

Thanks, we get a fair bit of salt on the roads in winter so I'll keep it in mind.

[lord trumpton]

Ive just ordered and take a sept delivery of a new Corolla 2.0 GR Sport estate in Manhattan grey (primer gray basically)

Ive liked the look of them since they came out and after a test drive of the 1.8 I was impressed, the 2.0 though is considerably quicker and more flexible a powerplant

[Teebs]

lord trumpton said:

Ive just ordered and take a sept delivery of a new Corolla 2.0 GR Sport estate in Manhattan grey (primer gray basically)

Ive liked the look of them since they came out and after a test drive of the 1.8 I was impressed, the 2.0 though is considerably quicker and more flexible a powerplant

Nice.

[georgeyboy12345]

I think these look great, and as you say should be reliable and cheap to run

Do these have the problem with scrotes pinching the cats or are they not affected?

[Teebs]

Thanks all, pretty resounding.

Just need to wait for the right one to come along as the majority for sale atm are entry level spec.

Thanks again

[ZX10R NIN]

Take a good look at the XCeed it's a well sorted package & in First Edition form come highly spec'd.

[Teebs]

ZX10R NIN said:

Take a good look at the XCeed it's a well sorted package & in First Edition form come highly spec'd.

Apologies, should've said, budget to around £18k. XCeed looks a nice car but prefer the Toyota.

[RenPug]

lord trumpton said:

Ive just ordered and take a sept delivery of a new Corolla 2.0 GR Sport estate in Manhattan grey (primer gray basically)

Ive liked the look of them since they came out and after a test drive of the 1.8 I was impressed, the 2.0 though is considerably quicker and more flexible a powerplant

Don't hold your breath for September. I've ordered a 1.8 Sport Tourer Excel in April, advised due beginning of July. Still not here and no known ETA.