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Old 13th September 2016, 19:11   #151
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Re: Why did I buy a 12 Year old Toyota Corolla - My experience

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Originally Posted by suzuki san View Post

Can anyone confirm these prices?

Regards,
SS
Yes, spares and parts are very expensive for the Altis. I already have one at home that my dad uses as his daily driver and mine is the SX4. I have been looking out for another Altis primarily because of automatic but this time I wanted the post 2011 model which had a 7 speed CVT. The previous model has a 4 speed torque converter.

I did manage to find one but it's way out of my budget. Post 2012 models are very difficult to find, hardly anyone sells it and why would anyone considering how reliable the car is! Anyways, so now I have almost given up and the only upgrade that fits my criteria and budget is the Polo GT TSI.

SX4 is quite a capable car and an upgrade from it usually requires some substantial money. Feel free to ask me any questions regarding Altis/SX4.

Last edited by Aston Singh : 13th September 2016 at 19:14.
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Old 13th September 2016, 19:35   #152
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Re: Why did I buy a 12 Year old Toyota Corolla - My experience

Hi Vigsom & Aston,

Thanks for the inputs.

I think the Altis goes on the back burner for the time being.

I will stick with both my SX4's which are in fine fettel - the Zxi has run just 14000 Kms in 5 years and the SX4 auto which is just 30,000 kms old!!

The extra 30 odd BHP of the Altis would have been nice especially on the highway but don't think these prices are justified.
However, if the seller comes down to 6.2L, I may still bite!

Thinking aloud, the Altis used to cost about twice as much as the SX4 so the spares are about double as well but 33K for a clutch overhaul?! That too on an old 2004 model (figure given to me by my neighbour who owns one). 35K for rear windscreen! SX4 costs 10K if I remember right. Ridiculous.


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Old 14th September 2016, 09:30   #153
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Re: Why did I buy a 12 Year old Toyota Corolla - My experience

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Hi Vigsom & Aston,


The extra 30 odd BHP of the Altis would have been nice especially on the highway but don't think these prices are justified.

Regards,
SS
I do a lot of Pune-Mumbai-Pune runs in my SX4 and the same I've done in the Altis as well. I don't think that SX4 makes you feel the lack of those 30 horses. I enjoy driving my manual SX4 over the automatic Altis. SX4 can handle corners far better than the Altis. Straight line is not so different and I have never felt uncomfortable/nervous at unmentionable speeds. Invest in some great tyres (I am running Michelin P3STs) and you will be amazed to see the difference. :

And since your SX4 has just clocked some 15k kms then it's definitely a keeper. The 1.6 engine is dead below 2k RPM but post that it really does get going.

Last edited by Aston Singh : 14th September 2016 at 09:31.
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Old 19th September 2016, 04:16   #154
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Re: Why did I buy a 12 Year old Toyota Corolla - My experience

Hello Everyone,

I am looking for a used Sedan - my options were Verna (Old gen), Fiesta, Honda City, Civic, Corolla Old Gen/Altis and the last option was SX4 (only deciding factor for SX4 was Maruti reliability).

Now after going through this thread narrowed down my options to the following 3 cars :

1st - Corolla Old Gen H5 MT post Aug 2005 manufactured one : What I liked : Affordability, easy on wallet for maintenance. I prefer fabric seat covers because it gives the plush feeling. Does H5 come with one or is it leather only?

What I am worried : Not confidence inspiring on high speeds and cornering, Vehicle age 8-10 years.

2nd - Altis MT Top end variant- 2008-11 with the old 1zzfe engine (as mentioned in this thread) - Top end model. Why I prefer - Better handling & refinement on high speeds than old gen corolla.

What I am worried : Expensive spare parts and maintenance.

3rd - Civic MT top end model - What I like is the looks & high speed stabilit.

What I don't like : 5k km service interval, low GC & expensive spare parts.

So far, I have had 2 offers - CorollaH2 E 2005 Single owner, 95K kms done, asking price is 3 Lakhs (Negotiable).

Civic 2008 Single owner 5.5L negotiable. This was an AT - I declined as I prefer MT.

Please suggest which car would better? What is the advantage of Altis over old gen corolla except age?

And any idea how much does Toyota charge to inspect the vehicle for accidents & malfunctions if any?

Will insurance company divulge if there was major accident if approached?

Thank you all in advance.
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Old 20th September 2016, 01:09   #155
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Re: Why did I buy a 12 Year old Toyota Corolla - My experience

Hi Arun,

I was quoted Rs. 1200.00 by Wasan Toyota in Bombay to do a complete check and get a written report on the vehicle.
Suggest you check at your nearest dealer.

Regards,
SS
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Old 2nd October 2016, 08:41   #156
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Re: Why did I buy a 12 Year old Toyota Corolla - My experience

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everything seemed SILENT and the rev and power was adequate. it was not like Civic, but I somehow felt more at ease, probably due to larger steering wheel, comfortably higher driving position, I was feeling at home and never felt like I am driving a totally new car. The interiors were very nice and the seats were good and firm. The AUTO A/C was a chiller ! The positiveness started settling in.

The previous owner had changed the Battery recently to a new one.

Other observations :

The left headlight had condensation and Lanson cleaned it using air and they said, it will again come up. They further said, there is no way you can avoid as there is something wrong and I need to replace it. I checked through the Internet God - Google/YouTube for any remedies. There were few to identify the cracks etc., Last week, I removed the bumper with a help of my friend, removed the head light, removed all the bulbs, poured water - NO LEAKS ! So, what is causing the condensation ? no answer. While doing that, I noticed that there were 3 ventilation plugs for each of those barrels. Without even knowing what was it, I just removed the plugs and something like a dirty tablet came out of all three - Mud and dirt. I cleaned them up and put everything back together logically thinking that this blockage in the ventilator is probably causing the problem i.e., there is no escape path for the condensation or moisture. Praying, I put everything back, drove for few kms from then on, and NO CONDENSATION !! gone. Not sure, why I could not find this Ventilator clean up tip anywhere in the internet. If someone had mentioned this, I would have first tested it by just removing it without going through the pain of removing the bumper, headlight, pouring water etc., anyway, i hope it stays like this

The interiors are extremely clean and the seats are very supportive. Only thing, it does not have driver seat adjustment, but only a lumbar adjustment.
The Air Conditioner is extremely good and works beautifully on AUTO mode
The gear shifts are nice and smooth and only the reverse is somewhat harder compared to the other shifts
The head lights are adequate, but I would prefer more power and I will start looking for an upgrade in the bulbs.
The Music system - pretty old stuff, 6 CD changer, a Cassette deck and Radio. It works pretty well though. I bought a Cassette adapter from internet for Rs.500 and connected by Ipod and it works fine. The overall sound quality seems to be pretty descent. I do not have any intentions of changing the HU for now as I feel this is enough for me.
It has dual airbags
It does not drag to one side or the other. It is quite good

DIY planned :

Buffing and Polishing
Alloy wheels, clean up, Sanding and repainting (as it is chipped at some points)

Swami

I must start by saying that I have become a proud owner (actually my brother) of a Blue Toyota Corolla H2. A dejavu experience while reading your post. I too went through test driving a lot of honda citys. Type 1 OHC, type 2 Vtec and almost ended up buying a type 1 for 1L. I'm glad in a way I didn't. I would say the Honda and toyota are in a different league. The OHC felt so low when in drivers seat but the higher stance of corolla felt better I must say. The only additions I would make apart from the ones already mentioned :

Issues that need attention:
1. Right wheel has knocking noise. (probably the ball joint/lowerarm/suspension/bushings)
2. Rear left wheel has a sound as if some sort of metal plate is loose and it has no pattern but just appears at random. Needs more inspection.
3. Front bumper on the right needs a re-fit as there is a considerable gap between it and the headlight.
4. Rear tyres need replacement not immediate but going by the looks there is still about 8-10k kms life left on it.

The Goodies (Features that I've not been accustomed to simple and subtle for many but a 5 Star for me) :
The AC is truly a chiller and auto mode works impeccably. I thought figo had the best in class AC and i'm sure this is at par with the Ford. I wasn't aware that the mirrors were motorized. I only realized it the next morning when I inserted the key and then the sweet sound of the mirrors unfolding. Wow. Goosebumps! The engine is so refined but not as silent as the Marutis yet, coming from a Diesel Ikon 1.8D you can imagine the grin on my face driving about in the 'silent mode'. The armrest had two storage compartments. TWO! The parcel tray on the front passenger area unfolds in a controlled manner and not like a freefall in the Ikon. Even the spare wheel is an alloy. The interiors are just superb with the fabric type that I always wanted in a car. Feeling cocooned in luxury. Brakes being all 4 discs are sharp and with potential to stop on a dime. With the fog lamps on it looks sweeter at night. I had my brother drive it while I just watched for a couple of laps as he drove around the block. (Secretly still have a soft corner for the Civic's design and a City Vtec Type 2). I must thank my family for putting up with me asking their feedback on a shortlist (actually a longlist) of vehicles for the last three months. Even went to the extent of checking for options in Delhi and Mumbai looking at an Camry/Cedia. Everything on the inside of the car works. The first owner has maintained it very well. There are a few scratches on the bumper and cosmetic issues are to be sorted next year. The alloys show their age and have an orangish tinge but i can live with the mild sport color.

Thank you swami69 for sharing the fix for condensing on the headlamps. I was thinking it was more related to rubber seals that go around the headlamp assembly. I'll be checking for it later today and will post an update. I also wanted to check with you, how easy is it to remove the bumper and fix it. Do you have any pics/tips n tricks before I try to fix the bumper myself.
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Old 3rd October 2016, 10:17   #157
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Re: Why did I buy a 12 Year old Toyota Corolla - My experience

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Originally Posted by lancersfx View Post

Thank you swami69 for sharing the fix for condensing on the headlamps. I was thinking it was more related to rubber seals that go around the headlamp assembly. I'll be checking for it later today and will post an update. I also wanted to check with you, how easy is it to remove the bumper and fix it. Do you have any pics/tips n tricks before I try to fix the bumper myself.
Hi, it was great to read your post. Yes, it is a great car and value for money in current circumstances, subject to the used vehicle being good as the Toyota reliability gives a lots of assurance.

The fogging on the headlamps was due to clogging in the ventilator plugs and once i had them removed, fogging never re-occurred .But, eventually after floods, I changed both the head lamps to DEPO/Thailand make for Rs. 5000 for the pair. They are great.

Removing the bumper - You have to dirty yourself as you may have to lie down and remove 6 plastic clips. Then you have to take some off from the sides of the fender and then on the top near the grill. Then it comes out. It is not tough, but some work is needed. Good luck.

Swami
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Old 13th October 2016, 16:57   #158
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Re: Why did I buy a 12 Year old Toyota Corolla - My experience

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Yes, @Vigsom you are right, i got my key shell and cover on the weekend. Unfortunately what i wanted to do did not happen so the initial idea has flopped. The replacement key shell rubber pad button size is different from the original so i can just put the replacement rubber pad in original remote key. Saw couple of videos on you tube post which, i have removed the transmitter from the old keys and put them in the new keys. Also i have put a spare key along with it to start the car for now. Next i would probably get to go to a key maker and get the new key prepared as per the original.

Any good key makers recommended in areas around HSR, Kormanagala, Sarjapur. As i do not want to take a risk of giving to someone who is not well versed with these jobs.
Hi Dushie,

Hope you and your Corolla are doing great. Just wanted to check with you on how did you replace the key shell. Planning to get a key shell for my keys.

KK
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Old 24th October 2016, 15:41   #159
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Re: Why did I buy a 12 Year old Toyota Corolla - My experience

I want some ECM advise from experts

As I have detailed in this thread, the story of bringing back my Corolla to life after those Chennai floods has yielded great results and my car is absolutely fine EXCEPT one part which is something to do with the ECU.

During the flood repairs, we were forced to replace the ECU and an ECU specialist re-calibrated an ECU from another Corolla and replaced the same in mine. Only after that the car started and all goodies were completed. But, when he did that, he replaced it with a higher model ECU and that car was supposed to have 2 x O2 sensors i.e., one immediately next to the exhaust manifold and one after the Catcon. But, my car has only one O2 sensor which is after the Catcon. This theory was repeatedly confirmed by TOYOTA service center.

Due to this, the ECU looks for the missing O2 error code P135 and sensing that it is not functional/not there it also mis-calculates the next O2 which is P141 error code. Now, i have fluctuating low RPMs and it is irritating. The car has not dropped in fuel efficiency, but in slow speeds and stoppages, it fluctuates and consumes a little more fuel as I can smell it. The service center has clearly told me that this will only resolve if I change it to a new ECU.

I want to ask the experts on the above to see whether i can go for any aftermarket piggy back performance chips which will override the existing ECU so that i get rid off this problem as well have increase in performance ? I am a non technical person and hence you guidance will be very helpful to see whether there is any short cuts to over come this problem. Other ideas are also very welcome.

Please advise.

Swami
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Old 24th October 2016, 16:54   #160
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Re: Why did I buy a 12 Year old Toyota Corolla - My experience

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I want to ask the experts on the above to see whether i can go for any aftermarket piggy back performance chips which will override the existing ECU so that i get rid off this problem as well have increase in performance ?
Not an expert, but you can check with the person who flashed the ECU itself, if he has a work around. Either to disable the reading for the missing O2 in the ECU or use the single O2 reading for both the sensor reading in the ECU.
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Old 24th October 2016, 17:00   #161
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Re: Why did I buy a 12 Year old Toyota Corolla - My experience

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I want some ECM advise from experts

As I have detailed in this thread, the story of bringing back my Corolla to life after those Chennai floods has yielded great results and my car is absolutely fine EXCEPT one part which is something to do with the ECU.

During the flood repairs, we were forced to replace the ECU and an ECU specialist re-calibrated an ECU from another Corolla and replaced the same in mine. Only after that the car started and all goodies were completed. But, when he did that, he replaced it with a higher model ECU and that car was supposed to have 2 x O2 sensors i.e., one immediately next to the exhaust manifold and one after the Catcon. But, my car has only one O2 sensor which is after the Catcon. This theory was repeatedly confirmed by TOYOTA service center.

Due to this, the ECU looks for the missing O2 error code P135 and sensing that it is not functional/not there it also mis-calculates the next O2 which is P141 error code. Now, i have fluctuating low RPMs and it is irritating. The car has not dropped in fuel efficiency, but in slow speeds and stoppages, it fluctuates and consumes a little more fuel as I can smell it. The service center has clearly told me that this will only resolve if I change it to a new ECU.

I want to ask the experts on the above to see whether i can go for any aftermarket piggy back performance chips which will override the existing ECU so that i get rid off this problem as well have increase in performance ? I am a non technical person and hence you guidance will be very helpful to see whether there is any short cuts to over come this problem. Other ideas are also very welcome.

Please advise.

Swami
Get the ECU recalibrated once again with a same model year corolla. Since the guy has done it before he can do it again provided either of you can get hold of a similar year corolla.
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Old 24th October 2016, 17:05   #162
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Re: Why did I buy a 12 Year old Toyota Corolla - My experience

Thanks Jaggu, Thanks Sankar,

I tried enough with him, but he is acting as if he is the only person in this world to be too busy Seriously, after a long struggle, i took the car getting directions to his place till the last mile and to find he was not there and he was asking his staff to check the outputs etc.

When i spoke to him, he says, we have to open it up and check for many things and this got me worried and came out without doing anything. If he has tp just connect the OBD and do some calibration,i can give it to him, but he was talking about removing stuff as I am not sure of his mechanical credentials. That is where i stopped.

Swami
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Old 8th November 2016, 12:12   #163
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Re: Why did I buy a 12 Year old Toyota Corolla - My experience

Hi Swami,

Could you please share your email ID - I'm not able to send PM due to permission issues.

My ID: udtsureshATgmailDOTcom
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Old 8th November 2016, 14:29   #164
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Re: Why did I buy a 12 Year old Toyota Corolla - My experience

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I want to ask the experts on the above to see whether i can go for any aftermarket piggy back performance chips which will override the existing ECU so that i get rid off this problem as well have increase in performance ?
Adding tuning box will not solve problem related to missing O2 sensor.

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If he has to just connect the OBD and do some calibration,i can give it to him, but he was talking about removing stuff as I am not sure of his mechanical credentials.
He must be referring to removing ECU & open it to access internal electronics and not open anything related to engine mechanics.
If he has equipment for re-calibration of ECU, he should have equipment to access ECU internals for disabling additional O2 sensor.
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Old 9th November 2016, 14:41   #165
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Re: Why did I buy a 12 Year old Toyota Corolla - My experience

thanks. I think i may have to try with him again to re-calibrate the ECU to remove the additional O2 sensor.

Swami
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