Rental corolla- my thoughts
- Thread starter Nick R
- Start date
- Status
Originally Posted By: MrMeeks
Seems like most things now are not made as well as they used to be. Cars, appliances etc. are assembled with too many outsourced parts and quality has suffered.Go to the synlube site and click on the 'Forever' button and read why cars can't be expected to go for too long without excessive repairs for the purpose of removing older cars from service.
I wouldn't trust anything on the synlube website. If they said that the sky was blue, I would probably start doubting that it really IS blue, just because Miro said it was.
Seems like most things now are not made as well as they used to be. Cars, appliances etc. are assembled with too many outsourced parts and quality has suffered.Go to the synlube site and click on the 'Forever' button and read why cars can't be expected to go for too long without excessive repairs for the purpose of removing older cars from service.
I wouldn't trust anything on the synlube website. If they said that the sky was blue, I would probably start doubting that it really IS blue, just because Miro said it was.
A co-worker of mine has had an '05 and now an '07. He puts a lot of miles on and both cars were dead reliable and good on gas. Neither fun to drive nor awful.
The thing that most stood out to me was how easily they seem to dent. He doesn't seem to care, but both Corollas looked like they had been through the mill by 2 years old. The other cars in his household look much better depite being around longer. It's made me take notice of how many I see around that seem to be dented and banged up.
Are they made out of thinner steel, or do people just start to hate driving the things after a while and just start smacking them around?
The thing that most stood out to me was how easily they seem to dent. He doesn't seem to care, but both Corollas looked like they had been through the mill by 2 years old. The other cars in his household look much better depite being around longer. It's made me take notice of how many I see around that seem to be dented and banged up.
Are they made out of thinner steel, or do people just start to hate driving the things after a while and just start smacking them around?
The Toyota Corolla to me is a boring car.
The one I drove didn't feel loose on center in the steering but the electric power steering was a bit overassisted. Reminded me of early-mid '80s Hondas
Yeah, it's capable in everything it does but it's such a milquetoast car. It's not fun.
By comparison, from the driver's seat of a recent Focus, the only thing that bothered me were the brakes. Pedal effort and travel was good. Braking was good but I seemed to be able to feel every little imperfection in the pavement through the pedal.
The engine may be a bit underpowered on paper but it was eager. a willing engine is more fun. Transmission programming is better than most Fords I've driven although it still had the Park Reverse Neutral and "Don't even think of selecting your own gears" Selector(rental=auto... haven't driven a manual Focus)
The one I drove didn't feel loose on center in the steering but the electric power steering was a bit overassisted. Reminded me of early-mid '80s Hondas
Yeah, it's capable in everything it does but it's such a milquetoast car. It's not fun.
By comparison, from the driver's seat of a recent Focus, the only thing that bothered me were the brakes. Pedal effort and travel was good. Braking was good but I seemed to be able to feel every little imperfection in the pavement through the pedal.
The engine may be a bit underpowered on paper but it was eager. a willing engine is more fun. Transmission programming is better than most Fords I've driven although it still had the Park Reverse Neutral and "Don't even think of selecting your own gears" Selector(rental=auto... haven't driven a manual Focus)
A number of years ago I rented a Corolla and took it on a 500 mile business trip. I usually rented Taurus' or similar, but wanted to try something smaller and more economical.
I was really surprised how darty and unstable the car felt at interstate speeds. I think part of it had to do with the narrow tires made for good economy, and perhaps no rear sway bar. The car was OK around town but for extended highway driving? No way.
Now that I get to drive all these cars daily, the Corolla is better than before but not that great of a car. Considering the ultra stiff competition, the Corolla feels a bit down market and cheap. I agree with the majority sentiment here, both about the Corolla and the Focus.
Both sell well as used cars, though.
I was really surprised how darty and unstable the car felt at interstate speeds. I think part of it had to do with the narrow tires made for good economy, and perhaps no rear sway bar. The car was OK around town but for extended highway driving? No way.
Now that I get to drive all these cars daily, the Corolla is better than before but not that great of a car. Considering the ultra stiff competition, the Corolla feels a bit down market and cheap. I agree with the majority sentiment here, both about the Corolla and the Focus.
Both sell well as used cars, though.
Originally Posted By: bretfraz
A number of years ago I rented a Corolla and took it on a 500 mile business trip. I usually rented Taurus' or similar, but wanted to try something smaller and more economical.
I was really surprised how darty and unstable the car felt at interstate speeds. I think part of it had to do with the narrow tires made for good economy, and perhaps no rear sway bar. The car was OK around town but for extended highway driving? No way.
This sounds very similar to the complaint my father had about an Elantra he rented.
Concerning the Corolla, I've never seen the attraction, but some people love them. It all depends on what you're looking for in a car.
A number of years ago I rented a Corolla and took it on a 500 mile business trip. I usually rented Taurus' or similar, but wanted to try something smaller and more economical.
I was really surprised how darty and unstable the car felt at interstate speeds. I think part of it had to do with the narrow tires made for good economy, and perhaps no rear sway bar. The car was OK around town but for extended highway driving? No way.
This sounds very similar to the complaint my father had about an Elantra he rented.
Concerning the Corolla, I've never seen the attraction, but some people love them. It all depends on what you're looking for in a car.
I love the comments on how the Corolla will be "way more reliable", what does it even mean? My Mazda is at 65k miles and had no problems, so how is Corolla even better, and there are thousands of other people that had no issues with their cars with different brands, so how is that "way better"?
I had a rental 06 Corolla when my old Accord was totaled and I was shopping for a new car. Aside from this supposed reliability, I did not see any redeeming aspects in that car that would make me buy it, nothing at all and after test driving Mazda 3, even my wife said a definite NO to Corolla, and she couldn't care less about cars.
This reliability thing is getting mindlessly repeated over and over, there are other brands that are equally reliable to Corolla, but unlike Corolla offer some "character" and some people want that too.
I had a rental 06 Corolla when my old Accord was totaled and I was shopping for a new car. Aside from this supposed reliability, I did not see any redeeming aspects in that car that would make me buy it, nothing at all and after test driving Mazda 3, even my wife said a definite NO to Corolla, and she couldn't care less about cars.
This reliability thing is getting mindlessly repeated over and over, there are other brands that are equally reliable to Corolla, but unlike Corolla offer some "character" and some people want that too.
Originally Posted By: KrisZ
I love the comments on how the Corolla will be "way more reliable", what does it even mean? My Mazda is at 65k miles and had no problems, so how is Corolla even better, and there are thousands of other people that had no issues with their cars with different brands, so how is that "way better"?
I had a rental 06 Corolla when my old Accord was totaled and I was shopping for a new car. Aside from this supposed reliability, I did not see any redeeming aspects in that car that would make me buy it, nothing at all and after test driving Mazda 3, even my wife said a definite NO to Corolla, and she couldn't care less about cars.
This reliability thing is getting mindlessly repeated over and over, there are other brands that are equally reliable to Corolla, but unlike Corolla offer some "character" and some people want that too.
Well, if my car has xx k miles on it and has had 0 problems, but if you take a car that's "way more reliable" it will have had 10x fewer problems, which, if my math is right, is 0/10, or 0... or in this case a starter motor and cv-joint.
I love the comments on how the Corolla will be "way more reliable", what does it even mean? My Mazda is at 65k miles and had no problems, so how is Corolla even better, and there are thousands of other people that had no issues with their cars with different brands, so how is that "way better"?
I had a rental 06 Corolla when my old Accord was totaled and I was shopping for a new car. Aside from this supposed reliability, I did not see any redeeming aspects in that car that would make me buy it, nothing at all and after test driving Mazda 3, even my wife said a definite NO to Corolla, and she couldn't care less about cars.
This reliability thing is getting mindlessly repeated over and over, there are other brands that are equally reliable to Corolla, but unlike Corolla offer some "character" and some people want that too.
Well, if my car has xx k miles on it and has had 0 problems, but if you take a car that's "way more reliable" it will have had 10x fewer problems, which, if my math is right, is 0/10, or 0... or in this case a starter motor and cv-joint.
Quote:
Well, if my car has xx k miles on it and has had 0 problems, but if you take a car that's "way more reliable" it will have had 10x fewer problems, which, if my math is right, is 0/10, or 0... or in this case a starter motor and cv-joint.
Your math is absolutely brilliant
and explains why Toyota scores so highly (well, it used to) in all these reliability ratings. This starter and CV-joint is still a 0, while everybody else will take a major ding for a broken gas cap or squealing belt.
Well, if my car has xx k miles on it and has had 0 problems, but if you take a car that's "way more reliable" it will have had 10x fewer problems, which, if my math is right, is 0/10, or 0... or in this case a starter motor and cv-joint.
Your math is absolutely brilliant
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: pottymouth
or do people just start to hate driving the things after a while and just start smacking them around?
I think the other drivers on the road just start to hate having to drive around the things and start smacking them around.
or do people just start to hate driving the things after a while and just start smacking them around?
I think the other drivers on the road just start to hate having to drive around the things and start smacking them around.
The Corolla didn't feel unstable to me...I guess it depends on what you're used to.
It just seems like Toyota was trying to make the most innocuous car possible. A car that would do well enough in every category. I think in that they succeeded. But to do that, they ended up with a car that has no character. (....well, at least until it's doing it's Christine impersonation and running off at an unintentional WOT)
If you took the words, "economic and dependable" out, you could still describe the Mazda3, Civic, and Impreza with other positive adjectives. But none really apply to the Toyota. It doen't excite or provoke strong emotion. It just is. Some might say that is the essence of Tao. That it's more "philisophically Asian" than the other cars.
To me, it's just an appliance. A dependable but characterless toaster.
It just seems like Toyota was trying to make the most innocuous car possible. A car that would do well enough in every category. I think in that they succeeded. But to do that, they ended up with a car that has no character. (....well, at least until it's doing it's Christine impersonation and running off at an unintentional WOT)
If you took the words, "economic and dependable" out, you could still describe the Mazda3, Civic, and Impreza with other positive adjectives. But none really apply to the Toyota. It doen't excite or provoke strong emotion. It just is. Some might say that is the essence of Tao. That it's more "philisophically Asian" than the other cars.
To me, it's just an appliance. A dependable but characterless toaster.
The post 2008 Corolla is a different car than it's predecessor (in a bad way).
The post 2005 Focus is a different car than it's predecessor (in a good way).
In other words, I'd take a new Focus ahead of a new Corolla (and I own a 2008 Corolla).
The post 2005 Focus is a different car than it's predecessor (in a good way).
In other words, I'd take a new Focus ahead of a new Corolla (and I own a 2008 Corolla).
Not getting defensive. That is exactly what my mom did when our bank lost a $2000 check after it was cashed, but the people who were supposed to receive it, didn't get it. Took her 2 months, and she finally got it fixed by sending a very well written to the CEO of Navy Federal Credit Union, and a copy to the BBB. He personally called my mom up and said "we WILL fix this", handed the letter to his secretary and said "FIX THIS."
Lets stay on subject please.
Thread is about Nicks opinion of Corolla's and what others have experienced.
Bill
Thread is about Nicks opinion of Corolla's and what others have experienced.
Bill
The corolla, like many toyotas, is a perfect utilitarian vehicle. It is not sold to the same audience as a focus or fusion.
They are extremely reliable, if boring. But if you drive one with 200k, they still feel exactly the same - perfect and boring.
My sister in law has one with about 150k. She just drives it and gets the oil changed when the dash light comes on. She was upset when it needed brake pads at 80k and then she was upset when the dealer suggested a timing belt and plug change at 105k. She didn't do it because she heard that toyotas don't need expensive maintenance and it was a scam. So she just keeps driving it. It still drives just as it did the day she picked it up.
I would never buy one - I prefer a car with character, but for basic, smooth, reliable transportation they are an excellent choice.
They are extremely reliable, if boring. But if you drive one with 200k, they still feel exactly the same - perfect and boring.
My sister in law has one with about 150k. She just drives it and gets the oil changed when the dash light comes on. She was upset when it needed brake pads at 80k and then she was upset when the dealer suggested a timing belt and plug change at 105k. She didn't do it because she heard that toyotas don't need expensive maintenance and it was a scam. So she just keeps driving it. It still drives just as it did the day she picked it up.
I would never buy one - I prefer a car with character, but for basic, smooth, reliable transportation they are an excellent choice.
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: CBR.worm
The corolla, like many toyotas, is a perfect utilitarian vehicle. It is not sold to the same audience as a focus or fusion.
They are extremely reliable, if boring. But if you drive one with 200k, they still feel exactly the same - perfect and boring.
My sister in law has one with about 150k. She just drives it and gets the oil changed when the dash light comes on. She was upset when it needed brake pads at 80k and then she was upset when the dealer suggested a timing belt and plug change at 105k. She didn't do it because she heard that toyotas don't need expensive maintenance and it was a scam. So she just keeps driving it. It still drives just as it did the day she picked it up.
I would never buy one - I prefer a car with character, but for basic, smooth, reliable transportation they are an excellent choice.
No offense, but that is the kind of thing that annoys me about toyota owners. "It's a toyota, so it never needs fixed or maintenance", or "It's Japanese, it will never break" Her timing belt is going to let go, and destroy her engine and she'll be SOL because she refused to believe that a Toyta ever needs anything done, and be responsible.
The corolla, like many toyotas, is a perfect utilitarian vehicle. It is not sold to the same audience as a focus or fusion.
They are extremely reliable, if boring. But if you drive one with 200k, they still feel exactly the same - perfect and boring.
My sister in law has one with about 150k. She just drives it and gets the oil changed when the dash light comes on. She was upset when it needed brake pads at 80k and then she was upset when the dealer suggested a timing belt and plug change at 105k. She didn't do it because she heard that toyotas don't need expensive maintenance and it was a scam. So she just keeps driving it. It still drives just as it did the day she picked it up.
I would never buy one - I prefer a car with character, but for basic, smooth, reliable transportation they are an excellent choice.
No offense, but that is the kind of thing that annoys me about toyota owners. "It's a toyota, so it never needs fixed or maintenance", or "It's Japanese, it will never break" Her timing belt is going to let go, and destroy her engine and she'll be SOL because she refused to believe that a Toyta ever needs anything done, and be responsible.
Originally Posted By: odie
I believe the COROLLA has a timing chain . So ,no need to worry . Long as you change the oil .
It has since 2000.
I believe the COROLLA has a timing chain . So ,no need to worry . Long as you change the oil .
It has since 2000.
- Status
