[tanwaramit]

Dear All.

I am in the process of purchasing Corolla Automatic (pre Altis).

I am aware that there are two models H3 & H4, however I am not sure of the differences between them, have checked through several websites, but the differences are not clear.

Following my test drives of two different cars, I came up with the following points (where H4 has these and H3 doesnt)

1. Leather seat covers
2. Lock/unlock on the key
3. Engine Immobilizer

Is there anything else that I am missing, also how good is the immobilizer from Toyota? Is my car safe from thieves with it ?

Need inputs from fellow BHPians who own these cars as you must have explored other variants too before purchase.

[sgiitk]

The differences are in the trim and not the mechanicals.

[ashthedivx]

Well Amit, to name a few differences :

Automatic Climate Control
Foldable ORVMs
Leather Interiors
Engine Immobilizer
Alloys
Split Seats

[tanwaramit]

Originally Posted by ashthedivx

Well Amit, to name a few differences :

Automatic Climate Control
Foldable ORVMs
Leather Interiors
Engine Immobilizer
Alloys
Split Seats

Thanks Ashish,

However during my search I found Alloys and folding ORVMs on both.

How effective is the engine immobilizer ?

Thanks for sharing rest of the inputs.

sgiitk, thanks for sharing your inputs, well now the question would be, what all on trim levels ?

[vkochar]

Any used car you buy - Leather Interiors will be well worn.So it is not really important for you to go in for a H4. Even a H3 would do which has everything else.

[tanwaramit]

Originally Posted by vkochar

Any used car you buy - Leather Interiors will be well worn.So it is not really important for you to go in for a H4. Even a H3 would do which has everything else.

Yeah, Varun, I am looking forward to some inputs on the immobilizer, which looks like a feature which will be missed.

[sgiitk]

Immobilizer also gets you Rs.500 (I think it is 500) off on your insurance. They are pretty good. Just check that you do not get stuck if you disconnect/change the battery. Some old cars (I do not know how old) will require reprogramming the ECU to match the keys if battery is removed. I know the Civic does not. These things are very reliable so no issues here.

I did not detail differences in rim etc. since these tend to change with time frequently.

[lamborghini]

@tanwaramit: The key differences have been highlighted by you.
I also think that the H4 got a few additional goodies like the rear sun blinds and wooden steering.
The H3 trim is the equivalent of the H2 manual, and is fully loaded. The only useful accessories are the leather seats, and immobilizer. However, the car is fully loaded as it is even in H3.

[ashthedivx]

Originally Posted by tanwaramit

Thanks Ashish,

However during my search I found Alloys and folding ORVMs on both.

How effective is the engine immobilizer ?

Thanks for sharing rest of the inputs.

sgiitk, thanks for sharing your inputs, well now the question would be, what all on trim levels ?

I would rate it as very effective. I use to discover a hidden feature every other day.

[Deeps]

@ASH: Is yours an auto corrola or manual?

[tanwaramit]

Originally Posted by Deeps

@ASH: Is yours an auto corrola or manual?

he has manual corolla.

[FlyingSpur]

Originally Posted by ashthedivx

Well Amit, to name a few differences :

Automatic Climate Control
Foldable ORVMs
Engine Immobilizer
Alloys
Split Seats

All these features were available across the range.

Originally Posted by vkochar

Any used car you buy - Leather Interiors will be well worn.So it is not really important for you to go in for a H4. Even a H3 would do which has everything else.

My friend just bought an '06 Corolla H4 which was in very good condition, and the leather was almost pristine. So it depends purely on the condition of the car and not on age of the car.

From what I know (when I was helping my friend find the car), the differences are as follows :-

Leather upholstery (seats, armrest, doorpads).
Wood finish steering wheel.
Steering mounted audio controls (on the facelifted post-July '05 model).

...and maybe a couple of small things that might hardly be deal-breakers.

[GTO]

Originally Posted by tanwaramit

I am aware that there are two models H3 & H4, however I am not sure of the differences between them, have checked through several websites, but the differences are not clear.

Just a tip : Prioritize the condition of the car over its trim level.

Originally Posted by flyingspur

My friend just bought an '06 Corolla H4 which was in very good condition, and the leather was almost pristine. So it depends purely on the condition of the car and not on age of the car.

Agreed. One of my cars is 5+ years old and has nearly 70,000 kms on the odo. The leather still looks great! If you ask me to put a number on it, I'd say the leather has worn only 20%.