Toyota Corolla 9th Generation - What To Check Before You Buy

9th Gen Toyota Corolla What Owners Say

Many consider the ninth-generation Toyota Corolla to be the face of reliability in its segment if it is well-maintained with owners noting repairs to be far fewer even after thousands of miles
When it comes to safety, this Corolla is considered a class leader thanks to its high crash-test scores and a long list of standard features; both ABS and traction control are optional
The XRS deserves praise for offering driving thrills and giving die-hard Toyota fans a break from the automaker's typically staid products

Overall, owners have complained that the ninth-generation Toyota Corolla offers a bland ownership experience as there is little to thrill or excite
Where the Corolla does fail is in its poor comfort levels, both in terms of the driver's awkward seating position and the ride quality, since this model has rear torsion-beam suspension which is just not as composed as the independent systems found in the competition

Ninth Generation Toyota Corolla Facelift

The 9th-gen Corolla was handed a fairly modest facelift with minimal changes made to all aspects of the car. Cosmetic alterations are executed throughout the body and interior, together with a mild set of power revisions for the engine range. With the arrival of the facelift, Toyota also introduced the XRS as a sporty flagship option. Furthermore, electronic throttle bodies and ABS were applied to some models. The manual transmission was also only added to the S and XRS.

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2005-2008 Corolla E130 Facelift Front Changes

As noted, changes to the front of the ninth-generation Toyota Corolla are minor, with the grille getting a trim revision that incorporates a chrome surround with a honeycomb-like pattern for the dividers¹. The badge is also slightly raised towards the hood². The lower part of the bumper has also been redesigned with a larger central air dam and more curvaceous faux-side air inlets³.

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2005-2008 Corolla E130 Facelift Rear Changes

At the rear of the ninth-generation Toyota Corolla, the only noteworthy changes are the clear turn signal lenses¹.

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2005-2008 Corolla E130 Facelift Side Changes

Revisions to the front bumper can be noticed from the side of the Corolla¹, together with the updated wheel covers for the CE and LE trims.

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2005-2008 Corolla E130 Facelift Interior Changes

Changes to the interior include new black and white Optitron gauges for the LE models¹ and a new radio face for all cars². A central headrest is also added to the rear seat.

Engine, Transmission and Drivetrain

The North American-specific 9th-generation Toyota Corolla was available with a 1ZZ-FE 1.8-liter inline four for all trims except the XRS flagship performance derivative, which got the 1.8-liter 2ZZ-GE. The 1ZZ can be equipped with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, while the 2ZZ is available exclusively with a six-speed manual. Both engines are naturally aspirated and drive the front wheels, but some 1ZZ models may feature the supercharger, which was offered as an official part by TRD in 2003 and 2004, giving the car a 40 horsepower and 38 lb-ft of torque bump.

Horsepower

130/126 hp

Torque

125/122 lb-ft

Transmission

Five-speed manual or four-speed automatic

Drivetrain

FWD

Toyota's 1ZZ-FE is a tried and tested unit used in a variety of products. The ninth-generation Toyota Corolla uses an aluminum block and head with dual overhead cams and 16-valves with the brand's VVT-i valve timing technology. Pre-facelifted Corolla E120 models produce 130 hp and 125 lb-ft, but this is reduced to 126 hp and 122 lb-ft for the Corolla E130 2006 and 2007 model years. This reduction is due to the revised engine testing method that was implemented in the country. This engine powers the front wheels via a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Common problems that you can expect to encounter include high oil consumption, timing chain tensioner oil leaks, and problems with the engine control module.

Horsepower

170/164 hp

Torque

127/125 lb-ft

Transmission

Six-speed manual

Drivetrain

FWD

Some may argue that the 2ZZ-GE is one of the best engines to ever be fitted under the hood of a Corolla. The aluminum head and block unit was developed in partnership with Yamaha and uses an effective 16-valve dual overhead cam VVTL-i valve timing system with lift control to give it a modest 170 hp and 127 lb-ft output for the 2005 model year and 164 hp and 125 lb-ft for 2006. This wasn't exactly a reduction in power, but rather the result of dynamometer testing procedures. The 6,700 rpm lift set point and 8,200 rpm redline are what make this unit so special. This drives the front wheels via a Lotus-derived C60 close-ratio six-speed manual transmission. While it is an entertaining engine, the 2ZZ can suffer from valve timing issues, high oil consumption, and oil pump failure.

2003-2008 Toyota Corolla Real MPG

Considering that all three variations of the 9th-generation Toyota Corolla have engines of the same displacement but with different transmissions, the EPA-estimated fuel consumption figures do not significantly vary from one another. The 1ZZ manual is the most frugal of the lot with an estimated city/highway/combined figure of 28/37/31 mpg. The automatic option degrades this a bit with its 26/35/29 mpg estimate. The XRS, while still relatively frugal, is noticeably less economical than its more conservative brethren.

Next to its peers in the segment, the ninth-generation Toyota Corolla is a class leader when looking at the EPA's estimated mpg figures. The 1.8-liter five-speed manual Honda Civic of the same era boasts the most competitive estimate of 26/34/29 mpg, while the 2.0-liter inline-four five-speed manual Mazda3 hatch offers a poorer 24/32/27 mpg estimate. The Nissan Sentra's 2.0-liter option is only available with a CVT and boasts a competitive 25/33/29 mpg estimate which falls just a bit short against the automatic Corolla.

	EPA mpg (city/highway/combined)	Real-world combined mpg*
1.8 inline four five-speed manual	28/37/31	34.5 to 36.4
1.8 inline four four-speed automatic	26/35/29	31.0 to 32.8
1.8 inline four six-speed manual (2005-2006)	22/31/25	28.2 to 29.5

* Real-world mpg and MPGe figures are provided by the EPA. Once a car has been on sale for a significant period of time, the EPA gets real-world figures directly from the customer base. These figures are then provided on the EPA website. Real-world figures are not available for certain models due to a lack of sales, or not enough people partaking in this after-sales survey.

Safety

The ninth-generation Toyota Corolla range was not awarded an overall safety rating from the NHTSA because this was not available for cars of this era, but it does enjoy some impressive crash test results regardless. Both the driver and passenger get five stars for the front crash test. Four stars are awarded to the driver and rear passenger sections in the side crash test, while a four-star rating with a 12.7% rollover risk is awarded to the rollover crash test.

As standard, all Toyota Corolla models are constructed with side-impact door beams, crumble zone body panels at the front, side, and rear, and benefit from the multi-stage front driver and passenger airbags as well as daytime running lights. ABS with electronic brake distribution and brake assist, together with tire pressure monitoring and side impact airbags are available as an option across all trims. Traction and stability control can be added to S trims and higher.

US NHTSA Crash Test Result (2007)

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating (Driver):

(5/5)

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating (Passenger):

(5/5)

Side Crash Rating (Driver):

(4/5)

Side Crash Rating (Passenger):

(4/5)

Rollover Rating:

(4/5)

9th Generation Toyota Corolla Sedan Trims

The ninth-generation Toyota Corolla is available in CE, S, and LE trims. The XLE trim is available via an optional package for the LE on pre-facelift models. All of these models feature the same 1ZZ 1.8-liter inline four powertrains with the choice of a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The sporty XRS is only available in the 2005 and 2006 model years and comes with the 2ZZ with a six-speed manual transmission.

Engine

1.8L Inline-4 Gas

Transmission

Five-speed manual or four-speed automatic

Drivetrain

FWD

The CE is the base trim for the ninth-generation Corolla, but it comes with a fair amount of standard features such as electrically adjustable door mirrors, 15-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers, air conditioning, intermittent windshield wipers, power steering, a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, a dash-mounted quartz clock, four-way adjustable fabric seats, two cup holders at the front and rear, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, two 12-volt auxiliary power outputs, a rear window defogger, and a Deluxe AM/FM radio with CD functionality connected to four speakers. Optional packages for the CE include cruise control, power door locks, the Deluxe audio system with an added cassette player, and the all-weather guard package, which adds windshield molding, anti-chipping tape, and a heavy-duty heater with rear ducts. From 2005, CE models can spec the Convenience package, which adds power door locks and cruise control. For 2006 and onwards, you can select the Upgrade package, which adds power door locks and windows with an auto-up function for the driver's side.

Engine

1.8L Inline-4 Gas

Transmission

Five-speed manual or four-speed automatic

Drivetrain

FWD

The S is the mid-range trim for the ninth-generation Toyota Corolla and includes everything from the base as well as smoked headlight lenses, fog lights integrated into the bumper, a sporty color-coded body kit, unique covers for the 15-inch steel wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power door locks, chrome accents for the door and shift levers, map lights mounted to the mirror, unique instrumentation, and height adjustment for the driver's seat. Unique options include a 15-inch alloy wheel design with a rear spoiler and a six-speaker audio system.

Engine

1.8L Inline-4 Gas

Transmission

Five-speed manual or four-speed automatic

Drivetrain

FWD

The LE is the flagship of the Toyota Corolla range and adds everything from the CE as well as color-coded body panels, variable intermittent wipers with a mist cycle, special covers for the 15-inch steel wheels, a wood-grain-style finish for the dashboard and interior trims with chrome accents for the door handles and shift lever, power windows and door locks, map lights, remote keyless entry with a panic feature, special instrumentation, and height adjustment for the driver's seat. Pre-facelift models can have this trim upgraded to the XLE, which includes 15-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, a power-adjustable sunroof, and a Deluxe AM/FM radio with cassette and CD functionalities connected to six speakers. You can also specify the Leather Trim package, which adds a Pebble Beige leather upholstery to the seats, door, trim, steering wheel, and other components. Furthermore, this includes an electrochromic rearview mirror with map lights and a compass. With the arrival of the E130 facelift, a new JBL audio system with eight speakers and a six-disc CD changer was introduced as an option.

Engine

1.8L Inline-4 Gas

Transmission

6-Speed Manual

Drivetrain

FWD

Toyota introduced the XRS trim for the Corolla in an attempt to break away from the moniker's conservative reputation. The highlight of this package was the VVTL-i powertrain, but it was also pretty well-specified with it, including everything from the S trim as well as a rear spoiler, specific grille surround, 16-inch alloy wheels, the LE's instrument cluster, cruise control, a leather-wrapped gear shifter with chrome accents, metallic finishes for sections of the interior, and a sports fabric upholstery for the seats. For the sake of superior rigidity, this model also featured sport-tuned struts, springs, and stability bars. This model also came standard with ABS, but it did not have a folding rear seat. Options and packages are the same as the ones found on the S.

Ninth Generation Toyota Corolla Features

	CE	S	LE	XRS
ABS	O	O	O	N/A
Cruise Control	O	O	O	N/A
Front Head Air Bag	O	O	O	O
Front Side Air Bag	O	O	O	O
Keyless Entry	N/A	O	N/A	O
MP3 Player	O	O	O	O
Premium Sound System	N/A	O	O	N/A
Rear Head Air Bag	O	O	O	N/A
Stability Control	N/A	O	O	N/A
Sun/Moonroof	N/A	O	O	O
Tire Pressure Monitor	O	O	O	N/A
Traction Control	N/A	O	O	N/A

Interior, Trim And Practicality

Toyota Corolla Sedan 9th Gen Interior Overview

2005-2008 Corolla E130 Facelift Interior View

The ninth-generation Toyota Corolla sedan offers 39.3-inches of headroom and 41.3-inches of legroom in the front row. The rear benefits from 37.1-inches of headroom and 35.4-inches of legroom. If the optional sunroof is fitted, headroom at the front decreases to 37.8-inches and 37.0-inches at the rear. Both of these compartments may leave those standing taller than six feet a little bit cramped, but there will be enough room. A trunk capacity of 13.6 cubic feet is quite generous as it can accommodate four medium suitcases with a bit of space to spare, making it a suitable vehicle for a small family. Additional storage compartments located in the cabin include two cup holders at the front and rear, a covered center console with a storage compartment, and the 60/40-split folding rear seat. Fabric upholstery shades include Stone, Beige, and Dark Charcoal. Leather is available in black. The interior quality of the ninth-generation Toyota Corolla has proven to be fairly robust if well-looked after, but owners admit that the plastics do have a cheap feel to them and that the cabin experience and aesthetic are on the dull side. The driver's seat has also been criticized for having an awkward position.

	CE	S	LE	XRS
Cloth Seats	N/A	N/A	O	N/A
Leather Seats	N/A	N/A	O	N/A
Leather Steering Wheel	N/A	N/A	O	N/A
Premium Synthetic Seats	N/A	N/A	O	N/A
Vinyl Seats	N/A	N/A	O	N/A
FABRIC SEAT TRIM	S	S	S	N/A
Fabric Seat Trim	S	S	S	S
Leather Seat Trim	N/A	N/A	S	N/A

2003-2008 Toyota Corolla Maintenance and Cost

Maintaining the Toyota Corolla's 1ZZ and 2ZZ powertrains is an easy and uncomplicated procedure thanks to their relative simplicity. An engine oil and filter change should be conducted every 5,000 miles. Every 15,000 miles, you should tighten the drive shaft bolt. 20,000-mile intervals require you to replace the cabin air filter, while the engine air filter ($19) should be changed every 30,000 miles. Engine coolant should be changed every 100,000 miles. New spark plugs ($45) are needed every 120,000 miles. Toyota says that the automatic transmission fluid should be inspected at every service but doesn't prescribe an oil change interval. We strongly suggest that you change the fluid every 60,000 miles. A 60,000-mile service for the 1ZZ and 2ZZ should cost $1,040 at a private workshop, while the dealer may charge around $1,450.

9th Gen Toyota Corolla Basic Service

A standard lubrication service for the 1ZZ and 2ZZ powertrains is likely to cost $167 at an independent workshop and $332 at a dealership. If you wish to do your oil change at home, you will need to spend $64 for 4.9 quarts of 5W-30 oil type and a filter.

9th Generation Toyota Corolla Sedan Tires

CE

Tire Size:: P185/65R15
Wheel Size:: 15" x 6.0"
Spare Tire:: Compact

S

Tire Size:: P195/65R15
Wheel Size:: 15" x 6.0"
Spare Tire:: Compact

LE

Tire Size:: P195/65R15
Wheel Size:: 15" x 6.0"
Spare Tire:: Compact

XRS

Tire Size:: P195/55R16
Wheel Size:: 16" x 6.0"
Spare Tire:: Compact

Check Before You Buy

The ninth-generation Toyota Corolla is not a car plagued with a multitude of problems as one would expect but it is prone to brake master cylinder failure, premature starter failure, evaporative emission control (EVAP) system leaks, and cloudy headlight lenses. The engines can also suffer from high oil consumption and valve timing-related problems.

2003 to 2008 Toyota Corolla recalls include the following:

The entire Toyota Corolla range was subject to a couple of airbag-related recalls due to the Takata scandal. These consist of the following:

All ninth-generation Toyota Corollas had to be recalled for a bad front airbag inflator that may explode upon impact.
2003 to 2008 Toyota Corolla models were recalled for a front passenger airbag inflator that may not function in the event of a collision.
2003 to 2005 Toyota Corolla units were recalled for a frontal passenger airbag inflator that may explode in a crash.
2003 to 2007 Toyota Corolla models were recalled for passenger-side front airbag inflators that could rupture in the event of a crash.
2003 and 2004 model year Toyota Corollas were recalled for an inadvertent airbag deployment problem.

2003 and 2004 Toyota Corollas were recalled for a power window regulator bolt problem that could cause the pane to separate from the door and shatter.
8,483 units of the 2003 Toyota Corolla model year were recalled for a rear axle hub assembly bolt that could separate the rear brake from the hub assembly.
2005 to 2008 Toyota Corolla models were recalled for an engine stalling problem due to improperly manufactured engines.

No recalls were issued for the Toyota Corolla's catalytic converter, ECM, paint, or transmission.

OBD-II codes that you may encounter during your ninth-generation Toyota Corolla ownership experience include the following:

Mass airflow sensor problems in the Toyota Corolla are indicated by the P0101 and P0171 fault codes.
A random misfiring engine in the Toyota Corolla will be identified by the P0300 or P0301 code if it is on the first bank.
A faulty catalytic converter will be revealed by the P0420 fault code.
P1205 means that there may be an issue with the manifold absolute pressure or barometric pressure circuit.
P1300 and P1315 mean there is a problem with the igniter circuit.
P1650 will indicate a problem with the engine control module.

Toyota Corolla Sedan 9th Generation Common Problems

The 1ZZ-FE uses an aluminum block and head with fracture-split forged powder metal connecting rods and one-piece cast dual overhead camshafts featuring the VVT-i valve timing system. Fuel is delivered via a multipoint injection system. While this is known to be a trustworthy engine, the 1ZZ-FE can struggle with high oil consumption and timing chain tensioner oil leaks.

The 1ZZ develops oil consumption problems due to the design of the small pistons, which are compensated for with larger rings. As the ring wears down, the oil will start to pass by and make its way into the combustion chamber. You are likely to experience this more prevalently on pre-facelift models as Toyota implemented improved pistons in the 2005 model year. Once your rings start to wear, you will notice that the powertrain will consume one quart of oil every 1,000 miles. There will also be smoke from the exhaust, a loss of power, and poor overall engine performance. Unfortunately, the only way to correct this is by having the rings replaced, which can be a costly job.

The timing chain tensioner's o-ring is also likely to wear out and leak oil with age. Once the o-ring has reached the end of its lifespan, you'll notice oil leaks on the floor of the car and in sections of the engine bay. While the engine is warm, you will also be able to notice burning oil smells and smoke from the engine bay. Thankfully this is a quick, easy, and affordable part to replace.

Other than this, there are no serious concerns relating to the 1ZZ so long as you ensure that maintenance is routinely conducted. This is a powertrain that should run well past 200,000 with proper care.

Mileage: Piston rings will start to corrode after 120,000 miles. The timing chain tensioner o-ring usually lasts up to 100,000 miles.

Cost: A new piston ring kit for the 1ZZ costs about $1,000, but the labor to install will be another $1,500 as it requires you to remove the engine. New o-rings for the timing chain tensioner cost about $15, with a fitment labor charge of around $150.

How to spot: Worn piston rings will translate to an oil consumption of about one quart for every 1,000 miles. In severe cases, you'll notice smoke from the exhaust and a loss of power. Worn timing chain tensioner o-rings will translate to oil leaks on the floor of the car and in sections of the engine bay, as well as burning oil smells and smoke from the engine bay.

The 2ZZ-GE is formed with an aluminum block and head with forged steel connecting rods, multipoint fuel injection, and dual overhead cams managing 16-valves with a VVTL-i valve-timing and -lift technology. Problems that you may encounter with this engine include VVTL-i locking pin issues, rough idling, increased oil consumption, and oil-pump failure.

The valve timing system's locking pin works on oil pressure to lock the cam profile under the valve-lift condition. If this fails, it will not be able to select the proper position of the valve lift in relation to the engine speed. This pin will fail with time, but the more you access the valve-lift zone, the faster it'll give in. This will wear out the cams over time until they start to fail. To resolve this problem, you will need to have your entire valve-timing system replaced, which can be a costly job. If you pick the problem up early, you'll only need to replace the locking pin. To defer this problem as much as possible, it is recommended that the VVTL-i system is serviced at 30,000-mile intervals. If you have any issues with your VVTL-i system, you will be confronted by the P1346 or P1349 fault codes. Camshaft-related faults are also covered by the P0012 and P0016 codes.

After around 100,000 miles, you may notice that the 2ZZ will start consuming oil at an accelerated rate. This is due to the same problem as the 1ZZ's piston and ring design, although it is not as severe. This will lead to smoke from the exhaust, a loss of power, and poor overall engine performance. The only way to resolve this is by having the rings replaced.

Rough idling may also become apparent after some use. This is more likely to occur if you drive in dusty parts of the country. If this is the case, you must clean out the throttle body and idle air control valve. Fault code P1400 will point to such a flaw. For good measure, you should do this together with the VVTL-i service. Oil-pump failure occurs mostly on modified cars on which the rev limiter is increased to beyond the standard 8,200 rpm redline. If you exceed this mark, catastrophic oil-pump failure becomes more likely, leading to oil starvation and terminal engine damage. The oil pump should remain reliable on standard cars, but it's a potential weak spot on hard-driven cars. Because of the laser-clad valve seats and the block's cylinder sleeves with their specialized wear layer, these engines cannot be machined or rebuilt, so the entire unit will have to be replaced if oil starvation damages it, which will be at a prohibitive cost.

Mileage: Valve-timing locking-pin wear depends on how frequently you access the higher rev ranges. Oil consumption increases will start at around 100,000 miles. Rough idling is dependent on your driving environment.

Cost: Having the VVTL-i system serviced will cost $260. A new locking pin is only $2 because it is a simple part, but the fitment cost may be close to $200. A set of new piston rings will only cost $15, but you'll have to pay close to $600 to have them fitted. Having the throttle body cleaned should only cost $100. A new oil pump and fitment will cost $900. Having a new engine fitted may cost you up to $3,000.

How to spot: A worn locking pin will result in improper valve timing characteristics in relation to the engine speed. After time, this can cause cam failure. Worn piston rings will result in an increase in oil consumption together with a smoking exhaust and burning oil smell. A dirty throttle body will result in rough or high engine idle and acceleration problems for the Toyota Corolla.

Ninth-generation Toyota Corolla starters are known to fail at around 100,000 miles due to excessive wear. Your Toyota Corolla might suffer from starter relay/starting problems or its starter solenoid might just have given in. If it is the Bendix drive belt, then there will be a whining noise after the engine starts. Ideally, you should have a new starter and solenoid fitted once this happens.

Mileage: Toyota Corolla starters can start to fade after 100,000 miles.

Cost: Replacing the starter and solenoid will cost in the region of $400.

How to spot: If your car fails to start when you turn the key, your starter has likely failed. A bad Bendix drive belt will result in a whining noise after the car has started.

The 9th-generation Corolla sedan can suffer from an ABS and brake problem relating to the brake master cylinder failure after around 125,000 miles. Once this starts to take place you will notice a low or spongy brake pedal or a lack of responsiveness from the system when you apply the brakes. Once the parts within the master cylinder start to wear, they can fragment and clog the fluid flow and reduce the braking pressure. Also, be mindful of the pushrod located between the master cylinder and brake booster. This needs to be adjusted when the new part is fitted otherwise, the braking system will not function properly.

Mileage: You can expect brake master cylinder failure to occur after around 125,000 miles.

Cost: A new master cylinder will cost $560 for parts and labor.

How to spot: A weak braking system or a low or spongy pedal means that your master cylinder is starting to fail.

The ninth-generation Toyota Corolla's EVAP system may start to leak after 100,000 miles due to general wear. If this has gone bad, you may notice an illuminated Check Engine light or a faint smell of fuel. The issue with this system could be related to a worn gas cap or faulty charcoal canister. If either of them is showing issues, you will have to have them replaced. EVAP-related faults in the 2003 to 2008 Toyota Corolla may be signified by the P0441, P0442, P0446, P0455, or P0456 codes.

Mileage: EVAP system leaks can start to present themselves after 100,000 miles.

Cost: Having the charcoal canister replaced will cost $450 for parts and labor. The gas cap should only cost $50 and can be fitted yourself.

How to spot: A leaking EVAP system will result in an illuminated Check Engine light and a faint fuel smell.

After being exposed to the sun for an extended period, the ninth-generation Toyota Corolla's headlight lenses will turn cloudy, which can impair their effectiveness. While this is an annoying occurrence that takes place due to plastic degradation, it is thankfully simple to resolve with a good and thorough cleaning and proper buffing with a headlight-polishing kit. If you don't feel like putting in this effort, you can have the lenses replaced. If your Toyota Corolla 9th-gen still has clear lenses, we'd advise that you take precautionary measures to ensure that it is not exposed to the sun for extended periods. This includes parking it in a garage or under cover but if you don't have access to these, consider investing in a high-quality, weather-resistant car cover. This is the only problem of note with the 2003-2008 Toyota Corolla's headlights, and its daytime running lights usually don't cause any problems at all.

Mileage: There is no specified mileage for when headlights can start to go cloudy as it is dependent on the environment.

Cost: Having the lenses cleaned should cost about $40. New lens covers are priced at $130 for each side.

How to spot: Cloudy headlights are easy to spot as they become opaque and yellowed. You may also notice impaired lighting.

Less Common Problems And Problem-Free Areas

Issues that are less likely to occur but still do on the 2003 to 2008 Toyota Corolla include a dirty mass airflow (MAF) sensor and failing passenger-side engine mounts. You may also come across problems with the Toyota Corolla's automatic transmission. Torque-converter automatic transmission problems will be indicated by the P0741, P0770, P0974, P1760, or P1780 fault codes.

The following problems are unlikely to occur:

You should not encounter problems with the 2005, 2006, or 2008, Toyota Corolla's speed sensor, or steering.
You should not expect to experience many HVAC - heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning - problems with the 2003-2008 Toyota Corolla's air-conditioner/AC or heater.
Toyota Corolla electrical problems relating to the alternator, battery, clock, computer, cruise control, electric/power door locks, radio, or security system are unlikely to occur.
You shouldn't have any problems with the 2003 to 2008 Toyota Corolla's manual transmission, drivetrain, clutch, gear shift, or reverse-gear selection, but if the latter is a bit recalcitrant, let out the clutch slightly and reverse will engage.
Engine problems relating to the ECM, fuel injector, fuel pressure, fuel pump, head gasket, ignition coil, or crank bearing should not be apparent on the Toyota Corolla.
Toyota Corolla front suspension control-arm and sway-bar link problems are unlikely to present themselves.
You should not expect the Toyota Corolla to struggle with catalytic converter, muffler, or oxygen-sensor problems.
In terms of the body, the 2005 and 2007 Toyota Corolla's paint and manual door locks are not problematic.

Which One To Avoid

Ideally, you should steer clear of the pre-facelifted E120 Toyota Corolla 9th-generation sedan because of the piston-ring design problem, but other than this there isn't a particular model year that is considered to be problematic. We'd recommend staying away from cars that have not been fitted with the optional ABS for the sake of safety as this is a crucial feature for everyday driving. As is the case with any car, only consider examples that have minimal to no interior or exterior cosmetic damage and have been routinely maintained. XRS models that have been modified should also be avoided.

Which One To Buy

The enthusiast in us says that the XRS is the one to have but if you are looking for comfort over driving fun, any facelifted ninth-generation Toyota Corolla model fitted with the optional ABS package should suffice. If you can narrow your search down to cars that also have traction and stability control, that would add value and safety to the package as these features go a long way to provide peace of mind when it comes to daily commuting. S and LE trims will be the most appreciated because they are better equipped, but we have to admit that the base CE is surprisingly comprehensive when it comes to standard safety and convenience features.

9th Gen Toyota Corolla (E120/E130) Verdict

The ninth-generation Toyota Corolla range continues the nameplate's reputation for comfort, dependability, and low-cost motoring. It may not be the most thrilling automotive experience of its era, but there is much to be appreciated in how it tackles the job of being a daily commuter without much drama. The list of standard features throughout the range will likely meet your needs at this budget. We also have to show appreciation for the XRS of this generation as it provides affordable naturally aspirated performance thrills.