'94 Corolla - replace with what?

GustyGardenGalaxy

I know that the old Toyota Corolla has been replaced with the Auris, but I'm thinking of buying a second hand Corolla seeing as I've been driving the model for many years and have always liked them.

Trouble is, which Corolla is the 'best' one?

My main bugbear with the models since about 2000 is that they mainly look pretty ugly - perhaps a rather 'shallow' way to choose a car but it IS one of my considerations (although above that i would put engine power (am aiming for a 1.4 to a 1.6), fuel economy, reliability, comfort, and not-too-expensive service costs). It must also have air conditioning and 4 or 5 doors.

Any thoughts please?

rodenal

You're looking at the wrong car if you're interested in power unless you can find one of the 2003ish shape with the supercharged engine. That shape is my favourite actually, boring but very reliable just avoid the 1.8 vvti unless its newer than 2005 *edit, the 190 version is less prone to failure but it still happens*

The ugliest one going (99ish) is typically the best built so if that's all that matters then go for it, I agree they are bloody ugly though

Weird_Nev

Does it have to be a Toyota?
And what were you thinking of spending?

GustyGardenGalaxy

Thanks for the words of advice. Given that my current Corolla is a 1.3 I've always felt it lacked somewhat in the 'grunt' stakes, hence I'd like to go up a bit in terms of CC.

Alexis27

If you like Japanese, have a look at the 2004 Mazda 3. A 1.6 should suit.

Horizon81

The 2001-on corolla was facelifted around the 04/54 plate where they look better cosmetically, e.g. redesigned bumpers, tear drop headlights. The 1.4 and 1.6 are both VVTi units so they should have a better pull than your old 1.3 but these cars will no doubt be a bit heavier, so with that in mind I'd go for the 1.6 if I were you. It should tick all your boxes.

If you want to keep it Toyota but don't mind losing some boot space then how about a 5 door Yaris T-sport? Again, this range was facelifted in 03, prior to that this model didn't come in a 5 door. It ticks all your boxes apart from comfort, as the suspension is a little harsh, but it'll give you 40mpg, 0-60 in under 9 seconds and is no more expensive to service than any other Yaris.

Edit. If you want something newer there's also the mark 2 1.8 Yaris SR which came in a 5 door from 2007 onwards . Looks nice and sporty, but isn't really, in fact performance is around the same as the mark 1 T-sport. Nevertheless both will feel sprightly and shouldn't cost too much in petrol, servicing etc.

gilbert_and_sullivan

OP knows why it has to be a Toyota....note the lack of forum threads anywhere listing Toyota dealers ripping people off or the car being a heap of useless junk and the maker washing its hands...!

My suggestion try Corolla 2.0 Diesel T3 spec, everything you could want, don't be tempted by the 1.4 Diesel it might be OK in a Yaris but frustrating like all these little puny engines are in a normal weight bodyshell.
Could try a Corolla Verso for the extra room and you might try a 2.2 Diesel in that, T Spirit spec gets more goodies.

Go for 1.6 if you want to stick with petrol, the supercharged 1.8 is an underrated pocket rocket but insurance VED and fuel penalties apply to spoil the fun.

EDIT, one other suggestion and about the Corolla's only real competitor in terms of reliability, quality, durability and dealer quality...Honda Civic 01 to 05, best model IMO is 2.0S type VTEC comes in normal 5 door hatch model, or 1.7 diese, or 1.6 VTEC petrol..

GustyGardenGalaxy

Some great suggestions, many thanks folks.