Toyota Corolla 2008 1.4 Diesel

Slipshaney

Hi guys, looking at buying a 1.4 diesel Corolla, 2008.

Was wondering if anyone had any opinions/experience with this car - thinking of going for it really because of fuel economy

Thanks in advance

woody33

Me and the missus had a new hire one for 10 days recently, I was very impressed by the refinement of the engine, in fact I didn't realise it was a diesel on my first drive. Mrs Woody, though still grieving over the loss of her beloved Saab, would have been very happy to keep it.
My thread here (for what it's worth): http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=70950903

Slipshaney

Thanks mate - appreciate the response.

I wonder would a lot have changed between the 2008 and 2011 models

woody33

"Parkers" and "Honest John" have lots of car tests and reviews. Deffo worth a look if you haven't already.

colm_mcm

The current corolla isn't sold in the uk so I doubt therell be any reviews.
They were 5 speed as opposed to 6 speed till recently so were a bit slower.

Personally I'd get a last of the old shape avensis 2.0 as they are way bigger and more comfortable despite being similar in size outside.
You have to go
for the top spec in the corolla to get stuff like aircon.
The packaging in the corolla is bad, big on the outside and small on the inside.

Mechanically the same as the auris, which is way more spacious but has an awful interior.

colm_mcm

Spec wise 08 and 11 corolla is the same apart from remote audio and ipod/usb input, auto fold mirror, new steering wheel and a questionable restyle.
6 speed box too of course.

Slipshaney

Thanks Colm - the model I am looking at is the Luna version, so has a few extras (aircon etc)

I was also looking at the Avensis, but the price would be too much for me to ne honest. I do quite a lot of driving and getting ~35 miles per gallon at the mo, so want to get this up a bit

colm_mcm

The Luna spec on the corolla is 99% identical to the Avensis Strata spec, the corolla gets a leather steering wheel and the Avensis gets VSC.

Make sure you can live with the seats, The angle adjustment on the back isn't infinite like on the last corolla, its one of those levers you pull up and it clicks into a few preset points. There's also no Lumbar support and the seats are small, if you're any way tall your legs won't be supported by the seat as its quite short and not angle adjustable.
Take it for a good long spin first.

The optional ipod interface is well worth the money as are colour coded side rubbing strips for the doors which are quite vulnerable due to their shape. They look cat if they're not painted.

I actually got quite attached to a Luna I got as a company car in 08, specced it up with rubbing strips, bluetooth, and ipod interface.

Slipshaney

That iPod interface sounds interesting...have you a link ?

colm_mcm

http://www.toyota.co.uk/cgi-bin/toyota/bv/frame_start.jsp?id=AU1_ipod_new

Handy as it uses the wheel controls to change album/track.

Didn't work with I phone though.
It's available from toyota dealers but from memory its just rebranded and the identical unit can be got cheaper online.

The toyota bluetooth is a rebranded Motorola and isn't amazing, a parrot or nokia kit with a screen would be better, particularly nokia as you can customize the screen to match the orange display on the dash.

Parrot also do an all in one ipod and Bluetooth unit, doesn't work with the wheel controls though.

Slipshaney

thanks Colm - might take a look at those...if I decide to buy!
!
thanks for the help mate