Tell me about the 2004 Toyota Corolla.
Tell me about the 2004 Toyota Corolla.
Jason O'ConnellFeb 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Jason,
A really good car, that 2002-2007 Corolla. 'Quiet' looking inside and out it may be but the strength of the engineering underneath is palpable. The sheer quality of the cabin was vastly ahead of any other contemporary rival (even the supposedly tank-like Volkswagen Golf Mk IV) and the primary engine, a 1.4 petrol VVT-i unit, out punched most rivals by about 15- to 20hp while also being more economical.
It's also surprisingly good to drive. It'll never set your shoes on fire, so to speak, but in a former life I thrashed one around Mondello Park and it showed a depth of competence in the chassis that would surprise most Corolla drivers.
On the reliability front, there's little or nothing to worry about. The only recurring complaints seem to be rear lights that allow condensation to build up inside and annoyingly squeaky brakes.
Can I retro-fit air conditioning to my Toyota Corolla?
I would like fit air conditioning to a 2007 Toyota Corolla Terra. Is it possible?
Geo Jose (Dublin)Feb 2014 Filed under: aftermarket
Expert answer
Hi Geo,
What car should I go for with a €3,000 budget?
My €3,000 budget would be best spent on a 04/05/06 (1.4-litre/five-door) Toyota Corolla, Opel Astra, Mazda3 or what other model?
P Dempsey (Dublin)Feb 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi there,
Both Corolla and Mazda3 would be good choices, but it's worth having a good look for a Honda Civic too. Best to max out the reliability factor when buying on a budget...
How much is the Corolla Verso 2.2 to tax?
How much is road tax for Toyota Corolla Verso 2.2 diesel?
Mag Lenihan (Limerick)Feb 2014 Filed under: road tax
Expert answer
Hi Mag,
If it's newer than 2008 then that car's tax is based on its emissions. It's it Band C, at €390 per year. If it's older than that and based on engine size then the annual tax is €951.
What hatchback should I buy and should I stick with a petrol car?
Looking to upgrade my trusty 2000 petrol Toyota Corolla Liftback. I am considering the new model Toyota Auris or Hyundai i30 or a similar hatchback. My annual mileage is 10,000 miles with mostly short runs ranging in distances of between less than 10 miles and 2 miles urban and town driving with longer spins at the weekend. Which engine type should I go for? Also considering that at weekends I will be carrying two adults and two teenagers.
Dan Lyons (Cork)Feb 2014 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Dan,
Hmmm. Generally for your mileage I would recommend a petrol car, but the bad news is that in your size bracket, petrol engines are a little thin on the ground. You could go for either a straight replacement for your Corolla by getting a Toyota Auris 1.4 D-4D, which is a very fine car, or you could, as you suggest, branch out and snap up a Hyundai i30 1.6 diesel - again a very fine car and with that five-year warranty, a very tempting buy.
But, with your mileage profile, I would suggest taking a good long look at petrol alternatives. The Ford Focus 1.0 EcoBoost is a terrific car with a great engine and well worth a look. That said it's a little tight in the back seats for two teenagers so I'd say the best all round bet is a Skoda Octavia 1.2 TSI. It's more affordable than the diesel version, damn near as economical and has a big boot and lots of space in the back seats for those teenager-filled weekend runs. Great quality and reliability too.
What automatic car would you recommend for my budget?
Hi, with a budget of €1,500 I'm looking for a reliable automatic car keeping in the low tax bracket of 1,400cc- to 1,500cc. I'm thinking about a Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla. Can you recommend another possible candidate?
Thanks
Aidan Molloy (Dublin)Feb 2014 Filed under: automatic
Expert answer
Hi Aidan,
To be honest, the hard part is going to be finding an automatic car that's within your budget. I'd say hold out for a Honda, purely on reliability, but any of the usual Focus-Golf-Astra-Corolla types should be fine as long as you get something with decent history.
Hope that helps
When do I change my Corolla's timing chain?
I have a 2007 Toyota Corolla. Need to know when to replace the timing chain - it has 98,000km on it.
Jose A (Dublin)Feb 2014 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Jose,
Most timing chains don't have a fixed service life, but if it starts rattling or making any other untoward noises best to have it changed.
Hope that helps
What will I upgrade my Toyota Auris to?
I am looking to upgrade my car. I currently have a 2007 Toyota Auris Terra. I am looking for a car with the same style but bigger boot, any suggestions?
Nicola Dunne (Dublin)Jan 2014 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Nicola,
Probably the best bet for you is to simply cross the Toyota showroom and get yourself into a Corolla. It and the Auris are pretty much mechanically identical, but the Corolla has a much bigger boot, albeit it's not a hatchback, so perhaps not quite so versatile as the Auris. Or, if you're considering buying new (or at least nearly new), why not check out the Auris Sport Tourer estate? Nice car, big boot, reliable, can't go wrong.
Let us know which way you go in the comments below
How economical is the latest Toyota Corolla?
What mpg is the new Toyota Corolla doing?
William Fallon (Mayo)Expert answer
Hi William,
There are three engines available in the latest Corolla, and though we assume you mean the 1.4-litre diesel, here are all the official figures for completion:
1.33-litre petrol model: 50.4mpg (5.6 litres/100km)
1.4-litre diesel model in Terra grade: 74.3mpg (3.8 litres/100km)
1.4-litre diesel model in Aura or Luna grade: 72.4mpg (3.9 litres/100km)
1.6-litre petrol with automatic gearbox: 50.4mpg (5.6 litres/100km)
Note that these figures are all official 'combined cycle' results and don't usually reflect what drivers achieve themselves.
Passat or Skoda Superb to replace my Corolla?
Hi, I need a replacement car for my ageing Toyota Corolla. I'm six-foot-four and need room front and back for passengers. I travel three hours a day to work and need comfort and reliability. I like the 2011/12 Volkswagen Passat or Skoda Superb, but which is best? Has the Superb electrical issues?
Thanks
Ian Purcell (Birr)Jan 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Ian,
If it's space you're looking for, go for the Superb, as it's massive inside. No reported electrical problems, but watch for high front tyre wear, paint peeling away from bumpers and flimsy fuel filler caps. There are some reports knocking around of clutches and flywheels failing, but these seem to be very isolated and not a recurrent problem. The Superb's a great car though - smooth and comfy, very spacious and one of the best cars on the market. Go for the Combi estate for even more boot space and nicer exterior styling (in our opinions!).