corolla t-sport.. any experiences?
Discussion
hi, i have been looking at and pondering cars for ages and was wondering if anyone had any experience of these.
i know they never got amazing reviews by the magazines etc but for around £3500 for a 2002 60k miler with 189bhp it seems decent reliable quick if bland to look at motoring for the money. any thoughts? or should i just forget it?
i know they never got amazing reviews by the magazines etc but for around £3500 for a 2002 60k miler with 189bhp it seems decent reliable quick if bland to look at motoring for the money. any thoughts? or should i just forget it?
I have one shortly to be sold in fact. Not a bad car bought mine on a whim at an auction totally unaware of what it was. Very capable car tbh. Good fun over 6k RPM and even funnier when you set the obc to show mpg as you go over 6k with foot flat. Fuel consumption plummets from around 35-40mpg to around 5-10.
Anyway what questions do you have and i shall endevour to answer them for you?
Anyway what questions do you have and i shall endevour to answer them for you?
I've had one nearly three years. What do you want to know?
It generally gets slated in reviews for handling. I don't find it particularly bad (my previous car was a "fantastic handling" 306) but I'm probably not a good enough driver to really test it. It doesn't handle as well as something like a Civic Type R (although performance is very similar in a straight line), but for 99% of the time when you can't exploit it, you'll appreciate having a comfortable ride and lots of equipment.
Haven't really had anything go wrong with mine. Servicing is v. cheap. Spark plugs are only every 60k!
Bad points for me:
The clutch/gearbox aren't very nice - not horrific but nowhere near as good as a CTR.
6th gear is far too short so it's noisy on the motorway.
Overall a decent enough car and very good value at the moment. Will surprise a few people as it looks so bland (especially the pre facelifted ones).
It generally gets slated in reviews for handling. I don't find it particularly bad (my previous car was a "fantastic handling" 306) but I'm probably not a good enough driver to really test it. It doesn't handle as well as something like a Civic Type R (although performance is very similar in a straight line), but for 99% of the time when you can't exploit it, you'll appreciate having a comfortable ride and lots of equipment.
Haven't really had anything go wrong with mine. Servicing is v. cheap. Spark plugs are only every 60k!
Bad points for me:
The clutch/gearbox aren't very nice - not horrific but nowhere near as good as a CTR.
6th gear is far too short so it's noisy on the motorway.
Overall a decent enough car and very good value at the moment. Will surprise a few people as it looks so bland (especially the pre facelifted ones).
My brother had one for a couple of years which I've spent a fair bit of time in both as passenger and driver. It's not bad to drive, nowhere near as bad as the magazines made out although as the first responder said, I'm not a good enough driver to get anywhere near its limits so if you plan to drive it on its door handles you may find it wanting.
Inside it's just a typical Toyota, ie; pretty bland. If you can get past that I'd say it's a great car to own. Nothing ever went wrong with his, and there were only two things that led to him selling. Firstly was the short gearing. He did a lot of motorway miles and it got pretty tedious buzzing along at 4000rpm+.
Secondly, and possibly the thing that would put me off was the lack of overlap between first second and third. You had to go into the red when changing up in order to keep it the revs high enough to stay on cam. If you didn't get your gearchange right then you'd change up and the revs would drop too far and you'd have a second or two of hesistation before it'd pick up again. That, coupled with the fact that redline in second would see you to 70 was enough for me. I didn't enjoy driving B-roads in first and second when in the mood for a spirited drive, and absolutely ragging the nuts off the thing for more than a few minutes at a time just wasn't for me. As a quick blast of acceleration when you wanted it then it was great, drop it to second and pin it, then slot straight into fifth and return to normality, but for everyday hooning it was too knife-edge for me. It could easily have been a failing of mine and more time with the car might have found me driving it better, but I never really clicked with it.
The rest of the time it was a great car though, a touch basic, but for the money they go for now I'd recommend it.
Inside it's just a typical Toyota, ie; pretty bland. If you can get past that I'd say it's a great car to own. Nothing ever went wrong with his, and there were only two things that led to him selling. Firstly was the short gearing. He did a lot of motorway miles and it got pretty tedious buzzing along at 4000rpm+.
Secondly, and possibly the thing that would put me off was the lack of overlap between first second and third. You had to go into the red when changing up in order to keep it the revs high enough to stay on cam. If you didn't get your gearchange right then you'd change up and the revs would drop too far and you'd have a second or two of hesistation before it'd pick up again. That, coupled with the fact that redline in second would see you to 70 was enough for me. I didn't enjoy driving B-roads in first and second when in the mood for a spirited drive, and absolutely ragging the nuts off the thing for more than a few minutes at a time just wasn't for me. As a quick blast of acceleration when you wanted it then it was great, drop it to second and pin it, then slot straight into fifth and return to normality, but for everyday hooning it was too knife-edge for me. It could easily have been a failing of mine and more time with the car might have found me driving it better, but I never really clicked with it.
The rest of the time it was a great car though, a touch basic, but for the money they go for now I'd recommend it.
It's fine if you just want a Toyota Corolla, but if you are actually looking for a hot hatch dont bother.
I found it to be utterly bland, soft handling with little or no feel through the steering, the gear ratios were all wrong (5th and 6th are near identical).
If you compare it to its obvious rival the Civic Type R its hard to imagine if Toyota could have got the packaging any more wrong if they'd tried.
I found it to be utterly bland, soft handling with little or no feel through the steering, the gear ratios were all wrong (5th and 6th are near identical).
If you compare it to its obvious rival the Civic Type R its hard to imagine if Toyota could have got the packaging any more wrong if they'd tried.
I like them, much better steering than the type r and good electronics package that's not true intrusive.
The Toyota/Yamaha engine has a much nicer sound compared to the vtec unit.
Its something different as well, much more interesting than other hot hatches and also doesn't seems to have been ruined by the chav brigade.
Like the type r, gives a lot of other cars a run for their money.
I don't know why it gets such mediocre reviews, I would buy one over any of the lazy turbo shopping carts except maybe a Mazda 3 mps.
Also very comfortable cruiser, went all the way to Berlin and never got a sore back/arse.
Although the nature of the engine can become tiresome on long journeys, due to the short ratio's.
The Toyota/Yamaha engine has a much nicer sound compared to the vtec unit.
Its something different as well, much more interesting than other hot hatches and also doesn't seems to have been ruined by the chav brigade.
Like the type r, gives a lot of other cars a run for their money.
I don't know why it gets such mediocre reviews, I would buy one over any of the lazy turbo shopping carts except maybe a Mazda 3 mps.
Also very comfortable cruiser, went all the way to Berlin and never got a sore back/arse.
Although the nature of the engine can become tiresome on long journeys, due to the short ratio's.
Edited by Technonotice on Thursday 5th November 15:43
thanks guys, i drove one today and it was ok, quite a bit of roll in the corners and i didnt want to really push it past 6k rpm due to the owner sat next to me and therefore didnt get a chance to feel it on cam but it seemed good value for money, just not sure its what im looking for. hmmmm
rsstman said:
thanks guys, i drove one today and it was ok, quite a bit of roll in the corners and i didnt want to really push it past 6k rpm due to the owner sat next to me and therefore didnt get a chance to feel it on cam but it seemed good value for money, just not sure its what im looking for. hmmmm
my bro has just bought a 2000 plate corolla SR 1.6 and when it is pushing on its a great car for what it is 120bhp, light, handles great ... reminds me of my track VTS just a little bigger..
not my cup of tea but certainly seems a good car
I drove the Celica T-Sport which has the same drivetrain.
What they said about the gearing totally seems to ring true for me. Poorly chosen ratios, and it was difficult to keep it on the boil. Worse still, the gearbox was horribly notchy.
I also agree about it sounding better than the Honda K20 too, it sounded more interesting to my ears, one of the best sounding 4 pots I've heard, and as good sounding as my old ITR.
However, compared with any Honda, the engine lacks torque and thats saying something
What they said about the gearing totally seems to ring true for me. Poorly chosen ratios, and it was difficult to keep it on the boil. Worse still, the gearbox was horribly notchy.
I also agree about it sounding better than the Honda K20 too, it sounded more interesting to my ears, one of the best sounding 4 pots I've heard, and as good sounding as my old ITR.
However, compared with any Honda, the engine lacks torque and thats saying something
Have in years passed had 2 Celicas & a Mk 1 (AW11) MR2 plus briefly a RAV4.
German stock on my drive now - family member has a Yaris T-Sport as first car.
Would love to be able to waffle on re Corrola but would be talking a load of Bull - Big Thumbs up for reliability on the Totota fron though
German stock on my drive now - family member has a Yaris T-Sport as first car.
Would love to be able to waffle on re Corrola but would be talking a load of Bull - Big Thumbs up for reliability on the Totota fron though
rsstman said:
thanks guys, i drove one today and it was ok, quite a bit of roll in the corners and i didnt want to really push it past 6k rpm due to the owner sat next to me and therefore didnt get a chance to feel it on cam but it seemed good value for money, just not sure its what im looking for. hmmmm
rsstman the offers there if you want it and you would be welcome to try it over 6k its what it was made to do after all.rsstman said:
thanks segg, where about are you based as i am in bucks and how much are you after for yours? i noticed some come with leather which i imagine is a desireable option.
They do??? News to me but didnt exactly research the car before buying.May or may not be of interest to you but they also did a compressor version of it with i think something like 220-240bhp.I am in canterbury in kent so i expect its a non starter. Havent really worked out anything re price either yet only just motd taxed and put new tyres on now need to give it a proper wash and take some photos and list it this weekend. If it doesnt sell too fast i may take it on a ph run or meet in bucks area as its def more fun than my diesel audi and will drop you a line beforehand.
Pre facelifts can have full black leather, it's fairly common and nice to have.
Facelift models have leather/alcantara, which is very rare but looks nice.
If you find the handling too rolly you can lower it for fairly cheap - facelift model is 15mm lower as standard and has a front strut brace. I have the facelift springs on mine to make it a tad lower.
There is also a little trick to take some of the notchiness out of the gearbox by adding a washer to the linkage connection on the 'box. Costs about a quid and takes 5 mins.
You HAVE to take one above 6.2k though to try the lift because:
You need to make sure it works.
It's good.
Facelift models have leather/alcantara, which is very rare but looks nice.
If you find the handling too rolly you can lower it for fairly cheap - facelift model is 15mm lower as standard and has a front strut brace. I have the facelift springs on mine to make it a tad lower.
There is also a little trick to take some of the notchiness out of the gearbox by adding a washer to the linkage connection on the 'box. Costs about a quid and takes 5 mins.
You HAVE to take one above 6.2k though to try the lift because:
You need to make sure it works.
It's good.
blank said:
Pre facelifts can have full black leather, it's fairly common and nice to have.
Facelift models have leather/alcantara, which is very rare but looks nice.
If you find the handling too rolly you can lower it for fairly cheap - facelift model is 15mm lower as standard and has a front strut brace. I have the facelift springs on mine to make it a tad lower.
There is also a little trick to take some of the notchiness out of the gearbox by adding a washer to the linkage connection on the 'box. Costs about a quid and takes 5 mins.
You HAVE to take one above 6.2k though to try the lift because:
You need to make sure it works.
It's good.
Thats the problem with mine really it turns me into a total and utter hooligan once i hit 6k and i drive for a living and cant really risk points.Facelift models have leather/alcantara, which is very rare but looks nice.
If you find the handling too rolly you can lower it for fairly cheap - facelift model is 15mm lower as standard and has a front strut brace. I have the facelift springs on mine to make it a tad lower.
There is also a little trick to take some of the notchiness out of the gearbox by adding a washer to the linkage connection on the 'box. Costs about a quid and takes 5 mins.
You HAVE to take one above 6.2k though to try the lift because:
You need to make sure it works.
It's good.
The gearbox fix sounds good wanna give me a tip what who where and how??
Also facelift?? when was that what are the telltales?
The catch with it is that i prefer its interior to the hondas which in typical honda style its all big tonka toy style switchgear and plastics where at least in the toyota its a very clean and smooth design.
Facelift was mid 2004 I think.
Teardrop headlights, bodykit, car just looks a lot sportier. Some minor interior changes too.
Gearbox mod:
First step is to get hold of a spring washer from Toyota, part number is 12157-10010 and costs £1-£2. I'm sure any other similar washer would do fine aswell.
Then you need a 24mm socket and a couple of extensions. Looking down from the left hand side (as you stand in front of the car and look at it) of the airbox, there is a 24mm nut/bung on top of the gearbox.
Undo this, take it off, and put it back on with the new washer.
Torque up to 29.6Nm.
This takes a bit of pressure off the gear linkage and frees the gearshift up a bit.
It made quite a nice improvement on my car, and for the cost (couple of quid) and time (a few mins) is well worth it.
Teardrop headlights, bodykit, car just looks a lot sportier. Some minor interior changes too.
Gearbox mod:
First step is to get hold of a spring washer from Toyota, part number is 12157-10010 and costs £1-£2. I'm sure any other similar washer would do fine aswell.
Then you need a 24mm socket and a couple of extensions. Looking down from the left hand side (as you stand in front of the car and look at it) of the airbox, there is a 24mm nut/bung on top of the gearbox.
Undo this, take it off, and put it back on with the new washer.
Torque up to 29.6Nm.
This takes a bit of pressure off the gear linkage and frees the gearshift up a bit.
It made quite a nice improvement on my car, and for the cost (couple of quid) and time (a few mins) is well worth it.
blank said:
Facelift was mid 2004 I think.
Teardrop headlights, bodykit, car just looks a lot sportier. Some minor interior changes too.
Gearbox mod:
First step is to get hold of a spring washer from Toyota, part number is 12157-10010 and costs £1-£2. I'm sure any other similar washer would do fine aswell.
Then you need a 24mm socket and a couple of extensions. Looking down from the left hand side (as you stand in front of the car and look at it) of the airbox, there is a 24mm nut/bung on top of the gearbox.
Undo this, take it off, and put it back on with the new washer.
Torque up to 29.6Nm.
This takes a bit of pressure off the gear linkage and frees the gearshift up a bit.
It made quite a nice improvement on my car, and for the cost (couple of quid) and time (a few mins) is well worth it.
That part number is for a gasket?Teardrop headlights, bodykit, car just looks a lot sportier. Some minor interior changes too.
Gearbox mod:
First step is to get hold of a spring washer from Toyota, part number is 12157-10010 and costs £1-£2. I'm sure any other similar washer would do fine aswell.
Then you need a 24mm socket and a couple of extensions. Looking down from the left hand side (as you stand in front of the car and look at it) of the airbox, there is a 24mm nut/bung on top of the gearbox.
Undo this, take it off, and put it back on with the new washer.
Torque up to 29.6Nm.
This takes a bit of pressure off the gear linkage and frees the gearshift up a bit.
It made quite a nice improvement on my car, and for the cost (couple of quid) and time (a few mins) is well worth it.
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