Other Toyota Corolla (2002 - 2009) models:

Toyota Corolla Hatchback (2002 - 2006) 1.4 VVT-i T3 5d (02) Owner Review

1.4 VVT-i T3 5d (02)
Toyota Corolla Hatchback 2002-

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In their own words

Good bits: I love the sound of the 1.4 VVT-i (4ZZ-FE) engine - sounds like turbo charged. Great power for high speed overtaking - although it struggles a bit in lower gears but it eventually catches up without too much delay so not too bad really, considering I drive this car everywhere around UK on long trips. The electric power steering makes this car so fun to drive - it's so accurate handling wise. The suspension setup makes the car comfortable along with the comfortable seats for long journeys. Bad bits: Inlet manifold baffles noise can get annoying so much (not great engineering in this department and it's not cheap fix if you don't know how to do so). Also the design of the lower part of the dashboard can rattle after the car has covered several thousand miles as the the dashboard consists of two sections (top is leather and bottom is normal plastic but then I solved this issue with some anti-noise padding and some new washers for the screws holding the dashboard and it's accessories. Also sometimes checking and retightening the screws holding the dashboard and it's surrounding components helps a bit before taking the decision to replace the dashboard altogether. I can go on and on regarding the likes and dislikes of this but let be this be enough information for everyone.

How reliable do you find the car?

Inlet manifold baffle noise so had Inlet manifold replaced twice (now it's fixed), Also some bodywork paint damage (all sorted now). Best of all it doesn't burn oil and coolant unlike my past two Corollas (one was 2003 03 Corolla 2.0 D4D and the other one 2002 02 1.4 VVT-i T3). Radiator coolant was wrong type and the radiator under tray was missing so got both fixed now. Other then this, just done normal servicing and repairs like brake pads and gearbox oil change and engine is now million times smoother. Car drives like new now and so quiet.

Does the car do everything you expected it to do?

I love the on/off boot light, cup holders location, large boot, spacious interior, heater itself (so warm on cold mornings), alloys, sound system, electric power steering (my favourite - so accurate and predictable handling.
  • How they rated it

  • Reliability: 4 out of 5 4.0
  • Meets Expectations: 5 out of 5 5.0
  • Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 5.0
  • Umer Khalid recommends this car

About their car

  • Fuel type Petrol
  • When purchased August 2016
  • Condition when bought Used
  • Current Mileage 117,000 miles
  • Average MPG 45 mpg