Toyota Corolla Hatchback (2002 - 2006) 1.6 VVT-i T3 3d (04) (2004/04) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Reliable and normal.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

They like it, didn't have anything bad to say nor anything good either. The've all been in the car when they've been driving around and they found it really smooth but yet slightly quick.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes but I need to choise a better version like, I'd brought a 3dr when I really needed a 5 door. Needed cruise control for more than 1 hrs journeys. and with better fuel ecomony.

What are you likely to buy next?

Diesel, 5doors, cruise control is a must, air con, big boot space for hatchback, better handling around corners. I've already got a Honda Civic 2.2l Diesel.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£2,900

When did you buy the car?

September 2010

Did you get a good deal and why?

Brought from Private ad from gumtree. got a very small discount. car has been serviced previously in short space of time & mileage. Owner took care if it.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Knew that Japanese cars are bomb proof and last ages. Driven a friend's very high mileage (110000miles petrol) Toyota in before, when I'd got out you can feel its going to last alot longer than normal. Needed a car after my Headgasket gave up the ghost on my Rover.

What was the dealer like?

Face to face nice woman to deal with.

What's it like to drive?

Smooth, rolled a little around corners. over pot hole, was fine not noisey. slow pick up. slow accelerating until rev reach 2,000-3,500rpm. gear changing up ok. gear change down from 2nd to 1st had to really come to stationary stop before gear stick will engage 1st gear. Acceleration in traffic in 1st gear can be very jerky with using normal fuel. when using the preimum petrol, less of a problem and engine responds better during gear changing and slow accelerating. Driving Corolla across Europe 32c heat covered 2500miles over 4 days round trip no problems. but did feel lumbar back pain for long journeys (2hrs+) Personally covered 27,000 miles during ownership.

What's it like to park?

No problem to reverse, parallel park. no need for parking sensor. very good visibility around.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Nothing major passed MOT no advice comments for the 2 years i had it. 2 front Tires needed replacing Brakes all around just needed cleaning and greasing - did this myself. Did my own servicing oil change,oil filter,air filter (cabine and induction) No "Special" size tools that other cars need. SO much room to work around the engine. Timebelt had lots of crack on the belt, just got local garage that change it ASAP.

What's most practical about your car?

Boot space and good size back passeneger seating. Good stressfree reliable car to own and drive. Through tough Winter and easy summers, electrics all fine. no llight went out during the 2 years of ownership. deicing the wind screen in frosty days, easy (recirculate air,heating max, AC on when misty).

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

AirCon. ABS fully Adjustable steering column. lots of drivers storage. I didn't have the extras fitted only reserved for the models up but Toyota done a good job making practical use of these missing parts ie.... on Compress there is a traction switch-not present on my T3 so they fitted a coin holder and no multi CD changer, fitted extra storage! I know that other manufactures would of fitted it with blanking covers making you wish you'd brought the ones with options. boot had hooks for cargo netting, brought of eBay and used it alot.