Overview of the Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is one of the most famous nameplates in the world, and among the most popular. It's consistently one of the best-selling cars in Australia. The Japanese small car is now in its 11th generation, having debuted in 1966.
It was even built in Australia for three decades until 1999. The Corolla is available in hatchback or sedan body styles. Most models are powered by a 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, though there is a petrol-electric hybrid variant (since mid 2016) that provides lower fuel consumption.
TOYOTA COROLLA GENERATIONS (SINCE 2000)
2000-2007
2006-2012
2012-present
RUNNING COSTS
Fuel Consumption (2012 models onwards)
1.8L petrol: 6.1-6.8 litres per 100km
Hybrid: 4.1 litres per 100km
= Highly economical.
= Good economy.
= Average fuel use.
= Heavy consumption.
Servicing
Every 10,000km or 6 months, whichever comes sooner. Each service currently costs $140. Toyota Corolla parts and accessories can be found on Gumtree.
SIMILAR MODELS TO TOYOTA COROLLA
Ford Focus
Holden Astra
Hyundai i30
Volkswagen Golf
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR: TOYOTA COROLLA (2012 ONWARDS)
The Toyota Corolla didn't gain its impeccable reputation for reliability by accident. These really are durable, dependable cars - and they remain one of the smarter second-hand buys for that reason.
When inspecting any Corolla for sale, try to pair your phone with the Bluetooth (where fitted) and then try to make a call. It's a fair bet the reception will be sketchy; for some reason, Toyota struggled with its Bluetooth installations.
The current Corolla was recalled once to check that a small plate that helps make up the fuel-tank system hadn't cracked, allowing a leak to occur. A Toyota dealer will be able to identify affected cars and whether yours has been fixed or not.
The Corolla we'd avoid is an ex car-share car. Car-sharing companies loved the Corolla for its reliability, but the end users often abused the vehicles.
