What to look out for when purchasing 2006/07 Toyota Corolla D-4D 2.0?

[Ed666]

Hi there,
I am looking to purchase a second-hand (2006 or 2007) Toyota Corolla D-4D 2.0 Colour Collection 5dr for between £2,000 and £3,000.

Could anyone shed some light on potential issues/problems with this car that I should be aware of?

In particular, I am looking for advice on what to look out for when going to view these cars?

Would anyone happen to be aware of a buyer’s guide for this specific car?

Any other advice or guidance you might be able to provide would be most appreciated.
Many thanks,
Ed

[FROSTYBALLS]

Could have a look at the Honest John review - https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/toyota/corolla-2002/

Also websites such as www.parkers.co.uk

[Ed666]

Thank you.

Have had a look at those websites, however, it seems to be quite general. If you happen to know of any specific faults or issues to look out for that would be great.

[nicebutdim]

Ed,

Not sure to what to advise on but I bought my 07 plate D-4D (also Colour Collection) in late 2014 for £3,850. Took it from 69,000 to almost 150,000 miles in that time.

Apart from routine servicing, the only failed items were alternator @ 130k. I have had ongoing handbrake problems but that is unique to mine and the clutch/dmf is showing signs of failure, very heavy clutch and slight judder. Boot a bit on the small side for my needs now but will live with that. Aside from that its happy in all driving, still gives enough shove for my needs and is a cheap car to run.

I think known issues are steering shaft splines deforming, airbag recall (mine done), usual diesel egr, turbo soot clogging issues

 

As with most cars at that age they will be rotten underneath, mine no too bad apart from the recent thread on the heat shield.

I wouldn't pay more than 2k for an 11 year old car, get it checked over. The right one will give 40mpg town driving and 50mpg on the m'way.

From my experience also, make sure if you only get a single black key - get a second cut and programmed as I believe you cant duplicate a grey key (others may advise).

Love mine. Did have thoughts on replacing it but held off, for now, will sort the clutch and give it a bit of love and aim for 200k and then consider a change.

[oldcodger]

Hi,

Any reason for a diesel vs petrol ? are you doing  high mileage ?

As said, 2-3k does sound rather a high price , would think 2k about tops as most will be high milers.

All Corollas generally,  apart from some pre 2005 model suffering oil burning issues  not aware of any major problems other than typical wear and tear, but at 11/12 years old and probably 100k + miles you will likely find some problems, so check things like the Mot certificates/Advisory sheet/Mileage record and Log book etc and give it a good test drive.

[Ed666]

Hello there,

Thank you so much for all your advice, very grateful.

What do you think of the following two cars:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201803295059368?maximum-mileage=90000&minimum-badge-engine-size=2.0&year-from=2006&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&make=TOYOTA&maximum-badge-engine-size=2.0&sort=datedesc&radius=1500&advertising-location=at_cars&postcode=cb39eu&model=COROLLA&page=1

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201804306068898?sort=sponsored&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&make=TOYOTA&advertising-location=at_cars&postcode=cb39eu&minimum-badge-engine-size=2.0&year-from=2005&model=COROLLA&maximum-mileage=90000&radius=1500&maximum-badge-engine-size=2.0&page=1

Many thanks,

[oldcodger]

Wish my 56 plate looked as good as that one, its been very well cleaned and detailed, though don't let the glossy look fool you.

Think I would go for the 56 plate, full dealer service history.

All depends what it drives like, any exhaust smoking,  and if the mechanics seem good.

The 2ltr diesel has a Timing Belt that should be changed a 60k miles or 6 years, so at 12 years old its due a new belt this summer, not a cheap job.

You need to try an establish when it was last changed, but if dealer serviced it should have been done at 6 years.

Also what are the sellers like ?  any warranty, though at that price you cannot expect  much other than a full refund.

Don't seem too keen at the dealers, should be able to haggle it down to around  £2k  .... never pay list.

 

[nicebutdim]

The 56 plater looks good on the pictures, nice colour and like the wheels more than my colour collection ones. Can't add more than that old codger said, haggle and keep £500 spare for cambelt if not done and any minor faults. Stash £50-75 away monthly for a maintenance fund. 5 years motoring there if you're lucky.

Check the MOT history online using the gov site for past issues and usage, gives a clue of its past life.

TIP - Did you know there is a 12v socket in the boot under the carpet?

[oldcodger]

25 minutes ago, nicebutdim said:

 

TIP - Did you know there is a 12v socket in the boot under the carpet?

Errm.. No ...?  where about is it located  ?

Could do with one there to add a rear view camera, but have had the carpet etc up in the boot and never seen any such port, though if the wiring was there that would be easy enough to add the socket.

[nicebutdim]

Left hand side passenger side, in the plastic housing. Look for a circle

[nicebutdim]

Will take a picture

 

[Ed666]

This is so helpful - thank you.

As you will have noticed, I don't purchase cars very often. You both mention that I should haggle on the purchase price. Could you confirm when this should be done? Should I email seller offering a knock-down price? Or would you go and see the car and then haggle? 

Also, for a car that is currently priced at circa £2,100, what would you go in with as your opening offer?

As always, any help or advice will be greatly appreciated. 

[nicebutdim]

Look at the online history, take someone who can check it over in situ, brakes, exhaust, underneath. Ask for evidence of cambelt of not use that as a bargaining point. Plenty of other cars if you don't like the deal. Aim for £100-200, there will have to be a profit in it for the trader.

[nicebutdim]

[nicebutdim]

Sorry for poor quality, it's ran into a ring 2 way splitter. One to the car for USB charging in the car and the other for the air compressor.

[Ed666]

If I don't know someone who can check it over. Would you recommend either the AA or RAC who I believe offer this kind of service? Or do you not rate this kind of service? Likewise, is it possible to take the car for a test drive and take it to a local Toyota garage to complete a quick once over?

[nicebutdim]

Just looked up AA car inspection and it's £128 for members, more than I thought.

[Ed666]

RAC is a bit cheaper

https://www.rac.co.uk/buying-a-car/vehicle-inspections

[oldcodger]

Hi,

Some folk do phone up asking for a lower price, ( when I sell my own car privately) but I just ignore them, they have not even bothered to view the car.

Go and see the car, drive it and see if you like it, if its all ok and what you want, Then come back with the lower offer, eg, saying you  have spotted something that needs doing like new tyres or the cambelt etc or just that you have see another similar but was a bit cheaper.

Think £1900 - 2000 would be a fair offer, but don't cut off your nose to spite your face for the sake of £100 if you really like the car.

Dealers expect to haggle but you cannot expect much off a car of that value.

23 minutes ago, nicebutdim said:

Left hand side passenger side, in the plastic housing. Look for a circle

 

 

[Ed666]

Okay great - thanks "oldcodger".

Have you any thoughts on AA/RAC inspection? Or going to local toyota garage? 

[oldcodger]

27 minutes ago, nicebutdim said:

Left hand side passenger side, in the plastic housing. Look for a circle

Hi,

Thanks for the pics.

I have that plastic tray, but no signs on any socket or marking for a hole etc.

The fact its so out of the way under the carpet /sound barrier  makes me think someone has retro fitted yours  ?

Could probably do the same taking power from the boot light switch  up on the side wall.

[Ed666]

I had a quick chat with the owner over the phone. He couldn't confirm the timing belt change as it is not itemised in the service book. However, he mentioned that it is not expensive to change.

Is there any other way I can check the timing belt? Also, can you confirm roughly how much it would cost to change this part of the engine?

[nicebutdim]

Without dismantling the engine to the point of where you would be fitting a new belt anyway, no you can't visually check a timing belt in situ.

 

I have mine done at 120k miles, second change and it cost £300 excluding water pump. I would advise to get a water pump done extra £50, as mine leaked when the new belt was fitted although a Barr's leak type additive stopped it. Will change water pump at 180k when due change if I still have the car.

 

Understand the importance of the timing belt, the role it plays and if it goes it's £2k (car value) down the drain. Don't ignore, you have a valid reason to expect £200 off the car. Offer £1750.

[Ed666]

Thank you for all the help.

So you think I can knock £200 off the price of the car because owner/dealer is unable to provide evidence of when timing belt has been changed? Have I understood that correctly?

[nicebutdim]

I'm just saying I would if I was in your position assuming the car checked out otherwise ok.