My View On Owning A Corolla Compressor And Toyota

[saltyhair81]

Well, I owned my car for 8-9 months and thought I would post up my view on it.

I was drawn to the compressor as ever since they were released I fell in love with the look of it. The car was rare, a limited edition and the external styling looked amazing.

A dealer up north was selling one at a cracking price so I thought it was worth a punt and went for the plunge.

The car arrived and I was over the moon with how it looked. Better than the pictures and the one I had briefly passed. I checked around the car, took the keys, paid the balance and jumped in the drivers seat!

The car had just completed a 300 mile journey so was ready to be driven, I got onto the main road and planted the accelerator. The first thing I noticed was a massive lack of torque. The car was quick by looking at the speedo shooting up, but it never felt that fast and I believe the lack of torque and what seemed very good build quality detached from the driving experience a tad.

Off the public roads on private land, I had various plays on straights with my friends Megane R26 and they were always about the same speed. Not bad but I can guarentee he was having more fun.

The handling on the car was not as good as people make out. The body roll on the car was bad and it gave me no confidence to push the car through corners.

I can't fault the brakes, they were not sharp but were always up to the job with no brake fade. Again not giving me much confidence but did what they had to.

Interior was bland, some nice touches with climate control and carbon look dash plastic, but no limited edition plaque number and the seats were boring. For a 20k car new, it didn't have that special feel that the Megane R26 has and even to some extent, the Type R. I can see why they struggled to sell them.

The exhaust note on the car however is great. I loved the noise this car made, and I can honestly say that if the exhaust had been supressed I would have got rid of the car much sooner.

Fuel on this car was crap putting it bluntly. I averaged on a motorway 28-30mpg driving at 65 and around town with careful driving, 18mpg - after a service it increased to 21. Not good! This is mainly as the car revs so high and at 70mph it is around 4k.

I enjoyed the first few weeks of the car but then a few things started causing me concern. The exhaust didn't line up at all. In fact, one side actually was actually touching the plastic on my bumper and the other was straight. Secondly every time I touched the accelerator a squeak occured.

The car had 12 months warranty so I took it back. Apparently the downpipe was causing issues with the squeak which is also why the exhaust didn't line up. I was told a new one was on order and booked the car in the following week. I came back in and they ordered the wrong part. The dealer didn't actually have a parts list for the Compressor so an email was sent to Toyota HQ and I would get a phone call. When the call came, the parts were due in 6 weeks as there was no stock. I was not pleased but then this is what happens if you get a car from a limited run.

When the car finally went in to have this part changed, my drivers window regulator packed up. This was also ordered and replaced.

I got the car back and tested the window which was now spot on. The exhausts, although not perfect looked better so on visual inspection it seemed things were ok. I drove the car home but in the 5 mile journey back the squeak re-appeared.

Called Toyota who told me to bring the car back, they inspected it and said the downpipe could be faulty so they ordered another. Just need to point out these downpipes are £1300!!

The new pipe was ordered and when it came back in I got a service completed as well (increased the MPG as said above). I drove the car home and the noise seemed to be sorted.

Two days later....it was back!

Called them again and this time they suggested the nut and bolt squeak that a few people have mentioned on here. In the mean time waiting for this part to arrive my wipers packed up so this was ordered too. I took the car to them and they sorted the wipers and fitted the nuts and bolts.

As soon as I drove out the forecourt I heard the noise so reversed back in and saw the service department.

I had previously suggested the supercharger bearing, in fact I told them this the first time I came in. I suggested this again and they said they needed their head engineer from HQ to come down and assess.

He arrived and agreed with what I said so a call was made to Toyota and a new charger had to be authorised at a cost of £4k or there abouts. They do not sell the bearing seperate.

It was finally changed and solved the problem but after over 10 trips to the main dealer, 7 months of waiting and lots of time off work.

I wrote to Steve Settle who is a director at Toyota and said I would like an extended warranty for another 6 months to make up for the 50 miles to Toyota, 7 months of griefy driving with a squeak (this squeak got so loud people on the pavement turned round) and me basically driving a faulty car. He offered me a free service. Cutting a long story short I said this was not good enough and I had just serviced my car from the main dealer but the MD and Steve Settle both agreed a service was enough and I should be happy with that.

I decided that 7 months to fix a problem plus various other things (I also had a worn aux belt and squeaking clutch pedal), plus Toyotas crap customer service trying to fob me off with a free service was not good enough.

I PX my car after failing to sell it with a Renault and await my Twingo RS which I can honestly say is more fun from the test drive, as well equiped, better customer service and may well be more reliable (my old Clio 172 was). We shall see.

So to sum all this up: -

I was well aware when owning my compressor it was a bolt on kit.

The looks are great, build quality is questionable, performance is average and my dealings with Toyota were poor. It was worth owning to say I had but I wouldn't again!!

I hope some of you find this helpful.

[Ckman85]

It seems like many people hav had problems with their compressors but their r also people who had no problems with them, it just seems like the build quality is a bit inconsistent, maybe different people building different batches. I really hope ur Renault turns out more reliable :-)

[KPARRIS-JONES]

There are no squeaks or knocks anywhere on the CTS, I am really really pleased with the build quality, but I'm easy to please atm because all the cars around me are pre 2000

[mcchunkers]

i've owned a compressor for a year now - and i've had a few niggles, but no major problems. i have had the car back to toyota once for repair, and it was minimal - the exhaust gasket had to be replaced. my father (who is a mechanic) helped me replace the supercharger oil, and he sorted my creaky clutch pedal. other than that, there's no problems...

...as for saltyhair81's disappontment in the performance - i'd say it's down to personal preference. i personally enjoy the power delivery of the compressor a lot more than i do on any of the other hot hatches i've driven, maybe it's the lack of turbo-lag coupled with the great sound of the exhaust. the lack of torque isn't an issue for me, although it could do with a touch more, the car feels a lot more 'racy' in my opinion...

the chassis might not be the stiffest, but i find i have the confidence to push through the corners no problem, more so than when in my mate's astra vxr.

the interior isn't the most amazing to look at, but at least it is very very comfortable...

the gearchange is notchy but tight, and the fact that you have to work it hard into the higher end of the revs does not bother me in the slightest - i rather enjoy switching cams!

but the main thing i absolutely adore about owning this car is the fact that no-one knows what it is, and what it's capabilities are - most people think it's a normal corolla that's had a few badges and a large exhaust thrown onto it - if you're driving a renault r26, or an astra vxr, or any other hot hatch, when people pull up beside you at the lights, more often than not, you're gonna get challenged - and, seeing as i'm not 17 years old any more, that suits me fine. i relax in the knowledge that my car is fast, and i don't have to prove it to every wee richard-head who wants to have a go. in my opinion, it's the perfect 'sleeper' car.

i'm sorry for the lengthy response, but it sounds like you got one of the 'friday afternoon' cars, and i agree, toyota treated you appallingly, lets hope renault don't follow suit!

so, the anyone out there reading this thread who is thinking of buying a compressor, don't be put off - yes, the car can provide a lot of frustration with a constant conveyor belt of niggles, but if you can get past these, the smile on your face when you're devouring the tarmac will be unremovable! and yes - the mpg is just plain bad, but you don't buy a hot hatch if that's the type of thing you're gonna be worrying about...

and no - i don't work for toyota!!!

[tccom]

sorry to hear about the probs with your compressor,mine is running absolutly fantastic at the mo and has been for over 12 months,had it checked at toyota who found the supercharger dry so was replaced just before warranty expired,only other prob was a leaking rear shocker 16 months ago,also repaired under warranty,i feel you have been VERY unlucky as with performance mine flys out of the blocks and keeps going,fuel wise i can get the upper 30's to a gallon at 60-65 mph easily so something wrong there mate, at only gettin 30/around town see's 23-25mpg!but is regularly oil changed every 3,000 mls

[illgryphon]

fair review. I had mine few weeks now, and already got random warning lights on dash. Thing is tho, i have had a few cars now, and experienced multiple problems with every single one. The fiesta being those worst by far. I now accept that all car will eventually have something go wrong with them, as they are bound to simply by use. More so the more soprty, or demanding the vehicle.

I got my tte simply because i didnt want to be like everyone else and do the whole vw golf, or type r thing etc. Its something different. But hourses fo courses i guess, goodluck with twingo.

[tccom]

fair review. I had mine few weeks now, and already got random warning lights on dash. Thing is tho, i have had a few cars now, and experienced multiple problems with every single one. The fiesta being those worst by far. I now accept that all car will eventually have something go wrong with them, as they are bound to simply by use. More so the more soprty, or demanding the vehicle.

I got my tte simply because i didnt want to be like everyone else and do the whole vw golf, or type r thing etc. Its something different. But hourses fo courses i guess, goodluck with twingo.

what warning lights you got on?

[illgryphon]

fair review. I had mine few weeks now, and already got random warning lights on dash. Thing is tho, i have had a few cars now, and experienced multiple problems with every single one. The fiesta being those worst by far. I now accept that all car will eventually have something go wrong with them, as they are bound to simply by use. More so the more soprty, or demanding the vehicle.

I got my tte simply because i didnt want to be like everyone else and do the whole vw golf, or type r thing etc. Its something different. But hourses fo courses i guess, goodluck with twingo.

what warning lights you got on?

its all in my rant post m8. vsc/trc/ an engine (i think it was anyway)

[tccom]

fair review. I had mine few weeks now, and already got random warning lights on dash. Thing is tho, i have had a few cars now, and experienced multiple problems with every single one. The fiesta being those worst by far. I now accept that all car will eventually have something go wrong with them, as they are bound to simply by use. More so the more soprty, or demanding the vehicle.

I got my tte simply because i didnt want to be like everyone else and do the whole vw golf, or type r thing etc. Its something different. But hourses fo courses i guess, goodluck with twingo.

what warning lights you got on?

its all in my rant post m8. vsc/trc/ an engine (i think it was anyway)

just seen it,if it comes back on its a warranty job if you got any with the car,if not get the fault codes read.how you findin the compressor?

[saltyhair81]

This was all just my personal view of course and everyones experiences vary.

This thread is not to put off any potential buyers it's just my view and as mentioned, i'm sure it was just a Friday afternoon car!

Two things I forgot to mention but this is for all corollas, the awful 1st and reverse gear and how easy it is to stick into the wrong one. Toyota's lame attempt at sorting it with the beep noise when in reverse. Secondly was the awful paint and how soft/thin it was. I was a detailer and was shocked how soft it was and how easy the paint chips when driving on motorways.

I really wish I could have loved this car :(

Also to point out, I have owned many cars including 300bhp S14a's, Clio 172's, Punto GT's, HGT's, Jetta TDI's, Prelude VTI's most things to be honest so it's not from someone who has owned just one make or a few cars. ;)

Good luck to all you guys with compressors, and I really hope none of you have some of the problems or treatment that I got :)

[tccom]

This was all just my personal view of course and everyones experiences vary.

This thread is not to put off any potential buyers it's just my view and as mentioned, i'm sure it was just a Friday afternoon car!

Two things I forgot to mention but this is for all corollas, the awful 1st and reverse gear and how easy it is to stick into the wrong one. Toyota's lame attempt at sorting it with the beep noise when in reverse. Secondly was the awful paint and how soft/thin it was. I was a detailer and was shocked how soft it was and how easy the paint chips when driving on motorways.

I really wish I could have loved this car :(

Also to point out, I have owned many cars including 300bhp S14a's, Clio 172's, Punto GT's, HGT's, Jetta TDI's, Prelude VTI's most things to be honest so it's not from someone who has owned just one make or a few cars. ;)

Good luck to all you guys with compressors, and I really hope none of you have some of the problems or treatment that I got :)

the paint is'nt the best when i bought mine it had stone chips but got them done 12 months ago when i got the tte bumper and it has not got a mark on it,the worst car i had was the corsa vxr if you looked at it the wrong way it chipped!

[farhanali89]

I think the performance from standard is slightly poor. Its hardly a step up from the standard 190.

In the real world a standard compressor falls quite behind in comparison to the hatchbacks it was brought out with. We had the ST, Edition 30 GTI, S3

The problem with the build quality is where they were assembled. Most of the problems on the compressors come with limited parts they have on them.

IE, Exhaust, Supercharger, Suspension.

Because the engine and gearbox and most sensors are the same its fine but nearly all compressor problems are the three above which are all different to the standard t-sport.

Blown shockabsorbers, Cracking knocking on the exhausts, Until now i havent heard of anything bad supercharger related, I remember kangzy had a bit of a scare when he thought his one on its way out.

The perfect compressor for me is Kangzys or CKMans.......the compressor should have left the factory like williams or shauns cars.......They are a major step up. The perfect power and torque.

I remember shauns car as standard, With just an exhaust and filter.......There was barely a difference in power between us before the upgrade. He had more torque when pulling in the lower RPMS but in the end we were always side by side and him having a slight edge. I put myself next to him with the SP upgrade and it was a seriously different car.

[tccom]

I think the performance from standard is slightly poor. Its hardly a step up from the standard 190.

In the real world a standard compressor falls quite behind in comparison to the hatchbacks it was brought out with. We had the ST, Edition 30 GTI, S3

The problem with the build quality is where they were assembled. Most of the problems on the compressors come with limited parts they have on them.

IE, Exhaust, Supercharger, Suspension.

Because the engine and gearbox and most sensors are the same its fine but nearly all compressor problems are the three above which are all different to the standard t-sport.

Blown shockabsorbers, Cracking knocking on the exhausts, Until now i havent heard of anything bad supercharger related, I remember kangzy had a bit of a scare when he thought his one on its way out.

The perfect compressor for me is Kangzys or CKMans.......the compressor should have left the factory like williams or shauns cars.......They are a major step up. The perfect power and torque.

I remember shauns car as standard, With just an exhaust and filter.......There was barely a difference in power between us before the upgrade. He had more torque when pulling in the lower RPMS but in the end we were always side by side and him having a slight edge. I put myself next to him with the SP upgrade and it was a seriously different car.

as luck would have it i have had the probs done under warranty,the custom exhaust has been a big step up from standard on mine combined with a panel filter.thats it would'nt spend thousands on sp conversion in my opinion .

[mcchunkers]

does a custom stainless steel exhaust make a good amount of difference? i mean, i know it'll cost around £600, but i'll have to convince the wife that it'll be worth it if i do go ahead with it. and also, who do you recommend for the job?

[Ckman85]

does a custom stainless steel exhaust make a good amount of difference? i mean, i know it'll cost around £600, but i'll have to convince the wife that it'll be worth it if i do go ahead with it. and also, who do you recommend for the job?

Depends on ur budget tbh, if its my choice, i wud ALWAYS go to Hayward and Scott for custom exhaust, they make top quality systems but they r expensive, if i remember getting a catback with dual exhaust costs £800 from them. But ur quite far away form them, but ill b happy to take my car down for them to measure things up if ur interested

[nrgizerbunny]

I can only agree with what Farhan has said.

There have been a lot of people on this forum site who have had problems with their compressors. However very few people have had problems with standard T sports. I think its due to the way the compressors were made. They took a ready built up t sport, removed some bits and then added bits. If you ask me they should have built it as a compressor from the factory but thats just my 2p worth.

Also all of the faults seem to be associated with the parts that were added and not original t sport bits. You don't really hear of people having problems with the brakes for example as this was an original t sport part.

[cabcurtains]

There cant have been a lot of R & D on such a small production run, it’s quite surprising that Japan signed the car off really. The niggles on the non T-Sport parts isn’t that surprising for this reason, it also goes someway to explaining the inconsistency per car. I wonder how many of the same issues Lotus owners have experienced.

As it was done at the end of the Corolla's production life each unit will have been quite profitable, don’t think for a moment Mr T pays £1600 for an exhaust manifold. Having worked for a car manufacturer i know the margin on parts in massive, the dealer then gets them without a lot of room for profit.

I'd still give one a go though :)

[blackcts]

Disappointing to read this about the compressor, a mate had one and had to get rid because of it's many problems. Shame though my old 190 was very reliable in the 3yrs I owned it. Some wear and tear items needed to be replaced towards the end, but it fairness it was 8yr old and I'm nearly certain that there is a YouTube video of it doing 140mph by the previous owner, so it had it's fair share of abuse lol. Passed 3 mots that I had it first time without needing any work, definately a good quality car.

[ballist1x]

thing is if i got a TTE compressor knowing of the exhaust manifold issue - id just have bought a PPE header for superchargers and stainless cat back to go with. sure cost a grand or so but worth quite a bit of power (probably what, 10-15bhp?)

but ultimately the corolla chassis is NOT the panancea of fun and great handling. no matter how you dress it up, i.e springs, shockers or even coil overs its just not that great, it may be compared to an averaged econo-box but its not a 182, or megane, or civic...the rear suspension is set up all wrong. and the chassis has too much flex and twist to be a true 'handler'

[tccom]

thing is if i got a TTE compressor knowing of the exhaust manifold issue - id just have bought a PPE header for superchargers and stainless cat back to go with. sure cost a grand or so but worth quite a bit of power (probably what, 10-15bhp?)

but ultimately the corolla chassis is NOT the panancea of fun and great handling. no matter how you dress it up, i.e springs, shockers or even coil overs its just not that great, it may be compared to an averaged econo-box but its not a 182, or megane, or civic...the rear suspension is set up all wrong. and the chassis has too much flex and twist to be a true 'handler'

it's not the manifold it's the front pipe theres a splitter/pipe inside that breaks and rattles apparantly tte forgot to remove these as they are only anygood for the standard t sport,mines ok touch wood.