Toyota Corolla Years to Avoid – If you’re in the market for a used Toyota Corolla, it’s important to know which years to avoid. While the Toyota Corolla is known for its reliability, certain model years have had problems that can be costly to fix.
In this guide, we’ll go over the Toyota Corolla generations, the specific years to avoid, common problems, and tips for avoiding purchasing a problematic Toyota Corolla.
The Toyota Corolla has been a popular choice for drivers for decades, known for its reliability and efficiency.
The compact car has been in production since 1966 and has gone through many changes and redesigns over the years.
Not every model year has been a success, and some have had problems that can be costly to fix.
In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the Toyota Corolla generations and the years you should avoid if you’re considering buying a used car.
Toyota Corolla Generations
The Toyota Corolla has gone through many generations since it was first introduced. Each generation has had different design elements, features, and changes to the car’s mechanics.
Here’s a brief overview of the different Toyota Corolla generations:
1. First generation (1966-1970): The first generation Toyota Corolla was a subcompact car that was only available as a two-door sedan or two-door wagon. It had a simple, boxy design and came with a 1.1-liter engine.
2. Second generation (1970-1974): The second generation Toyota Corolla was slightly larger than the first and was available in a wider range of body styles, including a four-door sedan and a two-door coupe.
It had a 1.2-liter engine and improved fuel economy.
3. Third generation (1974-1979): The third generation Toyota Corolla was larger than the previous two generations and had a more aerodynamic design. It was available in several different body styles, including a four-door sedan, two-door coupe, and five-door wagon.
4. Fourth generation (1979-1983): The fourth generation Toyota Corolla had a more modern design and was available in several different body styles, including a four-door sedan, two-door coupe, and five-door hatchback.
It had a 1.6-liter engine and improved fuel economy.
5. Fifth generation (1983-1987): The fifth generation Toyota Corolla was a redesign of the previous model and had a sleeker, more aerodynamic design. It was available in several different body styles, including a four-door sedan, two-door coupe, and five-door hatchback.
6. Sixth generation (1987-1991): The sixth generation Toyota Corolla was a redesign of the previous model and had a more angular design. It was available in several different body styles, including a four-door sedan, two-door coupe, and five-door hatchback.
7. Seventh generation (1991-1995): The seventh generation Toyota Corolla was a redesign of the previous model and had a more rounded, curvy design.
It was available in several different body styles, including a four-door sedan, two-door coupe, and five-door hatchback.
8. Eighth generation (1995-2000): The eighth generation Toyota Corolla had a more modern design and was available in several different body styles, including a four-door sedan, two-door coupe, and five-door wagon. It had a 1.8-liter engine and improved fuel economy.
9. Ninth generation (2000-2006): The ninth generation Toyota Corolla had a more modern design and was available in several different body styles, including a four-door sedan, two-door coupe, and five-door hatchback.
It had a 1.8-liter engine and improved safety features.
10. Tenth generation (2006-2013): The tenth generation Toyota Corolla had a more modern design and was available in several different body styles, including a four-door sedan, two-door coupe, and five-door hatchback. It had a 1.8-liter engine and improved fuel economy.
11. Eleventh generation (2013-2019): The eleventh generation Toyota Corolla had a more stylish design and was available in several different body styles, including a four-door sedan, two-door coupe, and five-door hatchback.
It had a 1.8-liter engine and improved safety features.
12. Twelfth generation (2019-present): The twelfth generation Toyota Corolla has a sleek, modern design and is available in several different body styles, including a four-door sedan, two-door coupe, and five-door hatchback. It has a 1.8-liter engine and improved safety and technology features.
List of Toyota Corolla Years to Avoid
While the Toyota Corolla is known for its reliability, there are some model years that you should avoid if you’re considering buying a used car. Here are the years you should steer clear of:
2002 Toyota Corolla
The 2002 Toyota Corolla had issues with its automatic transmission, which could fail prematurely and cost thousands of dollars to repair.
2003 Toyota Corolla
The 2003 Toyota Corolla had issues with its engine, which could burn oil excessively and lead to engine failure.
2006 Toyota Corolla
The 2006 Toyota Corolla had issues with its steering, which could lead to a loss of control while driving.
2007 Toyota Corolla
The 2007 Toyota Corolla had issues with its engine, which could consume oil at a high rate and lead to engine failure.
2009-2010 Toyota Corolla
The 2009-2010 Toyota Corolla had issues with its electronic control module, which could fail and cause the car to stall while driving.
2014 Toyota Corolla
The 2014 Toyota Corolla had issues with its suspension, which could cause a rough ride and poor handling.
2015 Toyota Corolla
The 2015 Toyota Corolla had issues with its transmission, which could slip or shift harshly.
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Common Toyota Corolla Problems
While these specific years are the ones to avoid, there are also some common problems that Toyota Corolla owners have reported over the years. Here are a few of the most common issues:
1. Oil consumption: Some Toyota Corolla models have been known to consume oil at a high rate, which can lead to engine failure if not addressed.
2. Transmission issues: Some Toyota Corolla models have had issues with their transmissions, including slipping or shifting harshly.
3. Suspension problems: Some Toyota Corolla models have had issues with their suspension, which can cause a rough ride and poor handling.
4. Electrical issues: Some Toyota Corolla models have had issues with their electrical systems, including the electronic control module failing.
How to Avoid Buying A Problematic Toyota Corolla
If you’re in the market for a used Toyota Corolla, there are a few things you can do to avoid purchasing a problematic car:
1. Do your research: Before you buy a Toyota Corolla, research the specific model year to see if there have been any common problems or recalls.
2. Get a pre-purchase inspection: Have a trusted mechanic inspect the car before you buy it to check for any issues that might not be visible to the naked eye.
3. Check the car’s history: Use a service like Carfax to check the car’s history for any accidents or major repairs.
4. Take a test drive: Test drive the car to see how it performs and feels on the road. Pay attention to any unusual sounds, vibrations, or handling issues.
5. Look for signs of neglect: Check for signs of neglect, such as dirty oil or a dirty air filter, which could indicate that the previous owner did not take good care of the car.
6. Consider a certified pre-owned model: If you’re not comfortable buying a used Toyota Corolla, consider a certified pre-owned model, which has been thoroughly inspected and comes with a warranty.
What’s the worst year for Toyota Corolla?
The worst year for Toyota Corolla is subjective and can vary based on the specific model year and any known issues. Some commonly reported problematic model years include the 2002, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009-2010, and 2014-2015 Toyota Corollas.
Which Toyota car is most reliable?
According to Consumer Reports, the Toyota Prius is currently the most reliable Toyota car. Other reliable Toyota models include the Corolla, Camry, and RAV4.
How many miles does a Toyota Corolla last in a lifetime?
A Toyota Corolla can last up to 300,000 miles with proper maintenance and care. The actual lifespan can vary based on driving habits, maintenance, and other factors.
What’s better a Camry or Corolla?
Whether a Camry or Corolla is better depends on the individual’s needs and preferences. The Camry is a larger car with more features and a higher price tag, while the Corolla is a smaller and more affordable option with good fuel efficiency.
Are older Toyota Corollas good cars?
Yes, older Toyota Corollas can still be good cars, especially if they have been well-maintained and cared for. Many older Corollas are known for their reliability and longevity.
Why Corolla is the most reliable car?
The Toyota Corolla is considered the most reliable car due to its consistent track record of durability, safety, and efficiency. It is also known for its low maintenance costs and high resale value.
Which is better Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla?
Both the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla are popular and reliable compact cars. The Civic offers a sportier driving experience and more advanced features, while the Corolla offers good fuel efficiency and lower maintenance costs.
What is the cheapest Toyota Corolla?
The cheapest Toyota Corolla is the base model L trim, which has a starting MSRP of around $20,000.
Which is better Corolla L or LE?
The LE trim of the Toyota Corolla offers more features than the base L trim, including a larger infotainment screen, automatic climate control, and a rearview camera. The L trim may be a better option for those on a tighter budget.
Note: These answers are based on general information and opinions and may not be applicable to every individual’s situation.
Conclusion
While the Toyota Corolla is generally a reliable car, there are some model years to avoid if you’re considering buying a used car.
By doing your research, getting a pre-purchase inspection, checking the car’s history, and taking a test drive, you can avoid purchasing a problematic Toyota Corolla.
And if you’re not comfortable buying a used car, consider a certified pre-owned model, which offers peace of mind and a warranty.
With the right approach, you can find a Toyota Corolla that will provide reliable transportation for years to come.