This was one of the best cars I've ever owned. My wife and I owned a 1996 Corolla for several years and sold it about 2 years ago w/ 180k miles on it. In that time, the only non-maintenance issue we had was the contacts for the starter failed (a common occurrence w/ the car from what I understand). Cost to repair: $17.

This car was very cheap to operate: 30+mpg, timing belt changes averaged $150 (at the dealer no less), and it was very easy to do your own maintenance (didn't even need ramps to change the oil). Plus, the build quality was Lexus-like. We owned a US-built car and some people argue the Japanese built cars are more reliable but that certainly was not the case w/ our car.

However, it was a love/hate relationship with the car. It was as boring as it was reliable. My major point of contention was the seats - basically a torture device in my opinion. Several times I considered replacing them w/ Sparcos or the like. Outside of that, it was a great car. We simply got bored with it after the seven years or so that we owned it.

If you are looking for a cheap, reliable commuter I HIGHLY recommend the Corolla. I have also heard the Mazda3 is a great car as well. I understand the Mazda is very fun to drive - something the I don't think has EVER been said about a Corolla. I think the Mazda is a slightly newer platform than the Corolla and the Honda Civic being newer still. Not sure if that matters but you may get a bit more safety or technological advantages with them over the Corolla.

Again, this car served it's purpose well; got us though college and then some. Sure it's boring but it was incredibly economical and reliable.

Hope this helps!

posted by 24.2.93...

• OT...Thoughts on Toyota Corollas.., AzureBlue, Thu, 2 Mar 2006 22:27:52
  • My experience w/ the Corolla..., CWilson, Sun, 5 Mar 2006 14:30:45 <-- Viewing This Message
    • Pretty close to my experience with my wife's '98, NateinAA, Sun, 5 Mar 2006 15:16:07
  • Pretty hard to go wrong..., Noel, Fri, 3 Mar 2006 07:16:20
  • Looks like a Jetta lately.......nm, Mike Lynch , Thu, 2 Mar 2006 22:28:01
  • Great car but I'd look at the new Civic too., No Snaab, Thu, 2 Mar 2006 22:28:00
    • Re: Great car but I'd look at the new Civic too., kansas, Fri, 3 Mar 2006 12:14:01
  • Coworker has one, solid, reliable, well made car..., AlexA, Thu, 2 Mar 2006 22:27:59
  • There's always the Matrix..., Jesse and his Champ, Thu, 2 Mar 2006 22:27:57
    • Re: There's always the Matrix...or the Pontiac Vibe, Bill Homer , Fri, 3 Mar 2006 07:49:12
      • Matrix/Vibe designed in California, JohnA , Wed, 22 Mar 2006 21:11:53
      • I like Matrix, 2garfields, Fri, 3 Mar 2006 18:49:24
  • Re: OT...Thoughts on Toyota Corollas.., SPGEMT, Thu, 2 Mar 2006 22:27:56
  • Re: OT...Thoughts on Toyota Corollas.., Gebster, Thu, 2 Mar 2006 22:27:55
  • Re: OT...Thoughts on Toyota Corollas.., Chris M, Thu, 2 Mar 2006 22:27:53
    • I can't get over the looks of the Corolla, what about >, elGT, Thu, 2 Mar 2006 22:27:54
      • I 2nd the Civic, Joe D., Thu, 2 Mar 2006 22:27:58

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