Toyota Corolla Hatchback (2002 - 2006) 1.8 VVTL-i T Sport 3d (02) (2003/03) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

A wolf in sheep's clothing. It looks like a granny's runabout but will beat all ordinary stuff off the lights and leave them for dead. It doesn't compete with the likes of the Type R etc. but then I didn't pay anything like as much either.

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

The ride is very, very noisy at speed and every passenger I have had has commented on it.

Would you buy this car again and why?

I have enjoyed my (almost) 4 years with this car as driving it is a lot of fun, but next time I'd like something with the same performance but which is quieter in the cabin and where bits of trim don't fall off inside. Also, it has attracted an enormous amount of dents - the panels must be made of cheese.

What are you likely to buy next?

Not a T Sport Corrolla, unfortunately.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£0

When did you buy the car?

September 2005

Did you get a good deal and why?

Yes, deal was good.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

What was the dealer like?

Not pushy as I made it clear that I'd done my research and was choosing between three different makes of car. He had to do all the legwork to get me to choose his car!

What's it like to drive?

It handles well and the extra boost at 6.5k is a lot of fun. It's gearing is well thought out - no short gearing at all. Engine breaking is quite fierce so throttle is more like an on-off switch but this doesn't take long to get used to.

What's it like to park?

Easy.

Have you had any problems with the car?

The flap on one of the cubby holes in the centre of the dash has broken on one side and not with heavy use, either.

What's most practical about your car?

For the size of the car it has good boot and rear legroom.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?