![]() ![]() It survived driving through winter storms in Virginia, and doing a little light off-roading in Virginia and California. It was awesome in California, zippy enough to handle LA traffic. I upgraded the entertainment system to a bluetooth capable system. The ride on the Texas highways are noisy - really depends on the type of road you're on. The annoyances: 3 plastic handles broke in the Texas heat/cold cycle in 2015/2016, but I was able to replace them on my own with new handles I ordered online at $15 each. Got the routine maintenance done almost on time, but mostly late half the time. I drove it cross country twice-once with a U-Haul headed west bound during which I had to go over the Rockies! The only major item I fixed was the catalytic converter at about 150K miles. My brand new post-college car was bought in Virginia in late 2002 though it is a 2003 model. Slept in it, camped in it, drove 4x4 mountain roads in The Grand Tetons.ģ70,000 miles on car so far. and took it up to 14000 feet on Mt Evans. to Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Wash State, to Wisconsin,ĭrove Glacier Park, Yellowstone, Tetons, Rocky Mt Park. Wisconsin to Niagara Falls via Ontario, to Wisconsin, Tent on its hatch, 9 inch ground clearance. And fast as bejeezus for a little old beer can. Runs great, engine sounds eager and ready and just broken in. This winter it sat outside in -5f for three weeks, started on first turn in 5 seconds. I haved used valvoline full synthetic for 225,000 mi, and it runs like it did 15 years ago. I'll NEVER find one this fast, this economical and this utilitarian, even to the roof rack. Runs like a top.best engine I ever had in a car. Engine starts on first key turn even at -10f. Can put a tent on the back and easily sleep in it. I take it winter camping with its 9 inch ground clearance. Handles excellent, fast, good visibility. I've done NOTHING to it but change the oil, buy two new tires, and replace a headlamp.Big enough for my sons to sit in the back. Reliability has been stellar over the past 20,000 miles. The flat-folding rear seats, the folding passenger seat, plastic decking and adjustable tie-down points have all been used and abused on many occasions. You can stuff practically anything into this little car, or tie it to the roof if it still won't fit. However there is plenty of headroom, even without the moon roof. I'm 6'1", and I find the front seats uncomfortable after about two hours' worth of driving. Speaking of which, tires for this car do NOT come cheap. This probably owes to the car's very large tire footprint courtesy of the 16" rims. That said, visibility is excellent, cornering is tight and adroit, and the suspension is comfortable and refined. I would have expected better than 28 mpg from a Corolla-based platform, but I guess the slushomatic transmission and the added weight of the car's large frame contribute to undermine its fuel economy. At 65 MPH, the car downshifts (sometimes twice) to handle even moderate hills. The base 1.8 liter engine is far from a performer, especially paired with the automatic transmission. Some trim panels on the dashboard are loose or rattling. ![]() Various small indicator lights on the dashboard/console have failed, such as the gear indicator light on the shifter and several lights in the radio. ![]() Will change rear brake shoes soon (at 106,500 miles). I don't trust this car to take me very far, however, as it seems every problem solved clears the way for the next one to appear. The shifter is balky, so that is the best way to ensure a quick getaway, picking a gear and taking off in it. The engine, even with much deferred-maintenance, to judge by the general condition of the car, will still rev into the stratosphere. Fuel economy is decent, at about 8.2L/100km (26 mpg), but costly, as the car likes premium fuel. It handles well, for a fairly tall car, and most parts are fairly reasonably priced. This is a comfortable car in that the seats are cushy, but the concession you make for the sporty model is a harsh ride. Wiper linkage failed (I've never had this happen before).Ĭatalytic converter clogged (expected, but costly, considering it's an economy car. The starter failed (it was original, so not really an issue).Īir conditioner doesn't work (expected at this age). It, like all other Vibes, Matrixes, and Corollas of this generation sold in North America, has frozen at 299999 kilometers. ![]()
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