Opinions needed!

[Iceman0860]

Hi there!

I just registered a few minutes ago. I'm not wasting time, I'm starting in medias res. So I'm looking to buy a Corolla T-Sport in the near future (maybe later this year). Here in Hungary there are only a few T-Sport Corollas to choose from. Exactly about 10 or 11. I have read some Hungarian reviews and opinions, but I have to say that only a few people know this model. They don't even heard about it, so I couldn't find a useful review or information. 
So what I could find, there is a pre-facelift model and a facelift model, but I'm confused a bit. I don't know if I can paste links here, but if I'm allowed, I'll show you. Until then I write down my observations. There is a pre-facelift model with a rear wing, and there is a facelift model without rear wing. Was it optional or stock? 
Also I want to know your opinions about the 'standard' 192 hp model and the supercharged 225 hp model. 
I have a MK1 Ford Focus now with a tiny 1.4L engine. I'm a huge car guy, and really looking forward to change this Ford despite I really love it. 
Why a Toyota? We have a T25 Avensis in our family. We didn't have any issues and problems with it. Only 'problems' were the bulbs and the brakes over the years. My father claims that Toyotas are very reliable and I wouldn't regret one. 
After all this, I want your honest opinion about the N/A one, and the Supercharged one. Pros and cons too. Links are coming if allowed and there are some people who wants to help me. :)
I trust you! :)

Thank you,
David

[FROSTYBALLS]

Hello David - welcome to Toyota Owners Club.

Yes - paste links to the cars you're interested in as they will enable members to provide more accurate feedback.

[Iceman0860]

Thank you very much! 
This forum looks like a helpful place! :) 
I hope someone can help me. 

[Mike169]

Hi David.

First of all welcome to this forum, it's the best Toyota site by a long way.

Post away, your input is very welcome.

Mike.

[oldcodger]

Hi,

My concerns about that model is what is the spares situation going to be like for you with so few in  Hungary ?

As a powerful motor and now at least 12 years old they will have been given a very hard life, so finding one with a sound engine and suspension etc is not going to be easy.

Even the UK TS guys in this forum find it hard or very expensive to source the parts only found on these models.

Might be easier to go for a more standard model like the 1.6 petrol or 2.0  diesel and modify them for better performance ?

[Iceman0860]

11 hours ago, oldcodger said:

Hi,

My concerns about that model is what is the spares situation going to be like for you with so few in  Hungary ?

As a powerful motor and now at least 12 years old they will have been given a very hard life, so finding one with a sound engine and suspension etc is not going to be easy.

Even the UK TS guys in this forum find it hard or very expensive to source the parts only found on these models.

Might be easier to go for a more standard model like the 1.6 petrol or 2.0  diesel and modify them for better performance ?

Hi,

Yes, good point. I was a bit afraid of this as well. But I took a look on some Hungarian spare parts dealer and I think this wouldn't be a problem. A bit expensive, but I can deal with it. If I can manage to get a good one, I hope I don't have to buy something every week. To be honest, I thought about the 1.6 petrol, but I want something unique, that will not appear again on the road. I know that this is a bit hard to reach and it has disadvantages. 
That's why I asked for your opinions. I'll link some here, and I want you to take a look at them. It's a Hungarian page, but you can translate it directly on the page. 
What I want to know is your first impression, your thoughts about the whole car, and issues on the exterior and interior as well that I haven't seen.

So this is the 1st one: https://www.hasznaltauto.hu/szemelyauto/toyota/corolla/toyota_corolla_1_8_ts_192le_sport_belso-12891188
Aaaand this is the 2nd one: https://www.hasznaltauto.hu/szemelyauto/toyota/corolla/toyota_corolla_1_8_ts_165_kw_-_225_le_kompresszor-12626761
And maybe this but I'm not sure about this, I want something like the first 2: https://www.hasznaltauto.hu/szemelyauto/toyota/corolla/toyota_corolla_1_8_ts_digitklima_teli-nyari_megkimel-12800688

Thank you!

[oldcodger]

Hi,

Well the red one does look an eye catcher but the silver one looks almost like my little 1.6.

They do seem a bit high price wise - dealer profit ?

As you can see they are going for nearly 40% less here, trouble is we are RH drive.

https://www.motors.co.uk/used-cars/toyota/corolla/engine/1.8/

Think if you can hang on as sure the TS guys will be able to offer better info than I can and what to look out for on a test drive, eg how to check the Lift etc.

Assume you have Searched this forum and looked at the similar TS posts ?

Good luck.

[Iceman0860]

Wow, in this case, we have some pretty high prices. But yes, you were right, it might be the dealer's profit. It won't be a problem, Hungarian used cars are priced like nowhere else.
I'm still exploring this site, have read some TS related posts. 
The first one I linked is the closest to my conceptions. 
I try to find more TS related articles and posts, and see what they say. 
Thank you!

[Mike169]

Hi David.

If it opens ok click the link below as it may be worth you buying an English one and importing it. The site has various filters, just saying this incase there is a LHD option somewhere.

The site itself is very big over here and is often people's first thought if they want to buy a car.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-search?sort=sponsored&radius=1500&postcode=ss75hy&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly New&onesearchad=New&make=TOYOTA&model=COROLLA&price-from=500&fuel-type=Petrol

Mike.

[Iceman0860]

Thank you so much, I'll take a look at it, and I will consider this option too!
Appreciated!

[Mike169]

Hi David, to look at the front page of the site the web address is https://www.autotrader.co.uk but if you open the next link you may find 'Autotrader' you may find a car your side of the water.

https://www.google.co.uk/search?source=hp&ei=tufqWumsI4_X6QSp_YiYBw&q=autotrader&oq=autotrader&gs_l=psy-ab.1.0.0i131k1l4j0l6.2280.5820.0.10269.10.10.0.0.0.0.127.961.7j3.10.0....0...1.1.64.psy-ab..0.10.958....0.X9OGo88A2jI

Mike.

[Iceman0860]

Woohoo, thanks! I'm sure I'll find something cool! :D 

[Iceman0860]

Phew, so I was searching hard...I found almost 15 pages with used cars, and I have to say that T Sports are very very rare. I found some in pretty cool conditions and low mileage but these are expensive, about 7-9000 Euros (or Pounds). Also I checked everything in connection with importing. We Huns are usually import from Germany, but I couldn't find a good one there. UK cars would be good too, but yes, the RHD is a disadvantage for me. Importing is such an expensive thing to Hungary. My friend has imported a BMW from Germany. The car itself was around 800-820 GBP. The importing and the registration was more than the car's price. He finished the whole process with 1900 GBP converted. 
So I think from that money I would spend on a German or UK car, I could buy from here too. 

The one I linked before my first priority option at the moment. 
(https://www.hasznaltauto.hu/szemelyauto/toyota/corolla/toyota_corolla_1_8_ts_192le_sport_belso-12891188) 
This one.

Also explored the whole forum in a search for T Sport guys, but they're quite inactive (if I can trust their profile's information)
Where can I find some TS guys in here? 
Sorry for the bunch of questions 

Thanks again!

[oldcodger]

That dark grey one looks quiet original compared to the red one , though not a Compressor model.

Is it near enough to go for a test drive soon ?

How do your dealers work in your area,  able to get a discount for the right deal ?

Do they offer any warranty as that could be very worthwhile and these higher performance motors.

https://www.parkers.co.uk/toyota/corolla/hatchback-2002/specs/

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/first-drives/revision%2C-not-revolution

http://media.toyota.co.uk/wp-content/files_mf/1432202655Corollagen9UKlaunchpack2002.pdf

[Iceman0860]

I love the dark grey more, it seems like more stock-ish. Anyway, I want to modify it later. Some wheels, interior mods, etc. 
Test drive is a bit strange here. They don't really like if you want to try the car. Don't know why. Even the private sellers say that you can only go for a test drive if you show the money and real purchase intent. Companies maybe a bit more permissive. On the dark grey one's page, it says you can test drive it. Sounds promising! 
I'm planning to take a look at it in this month. I hope we can figure out a good deal with the seller. If I convert the currency to GBP, it's now around 4400. If I'm lucky, maybe it can be around 4000. Plus I want them to count in my Focus, soooo I'm really positive about the price. In my opinion (knowing that they are traders) they would offer max. 800-1000 GBP for the Focus. 
(Obviously if they offer more, I agree )
After all, with the bargain and the count in, the price POSSIBLY and HOPEFULLY can go down to 3000-3200 GBP and that's more friendly 
I don't know if they offer any warranty, but I think not. We'll see. 

Oh and, thanks for the links, they are helpful!
 

[Pioneer UK]

Hello. I'm a T-Sport owner. I have a face lift edition and it's the ~190bhp, naturally aspirated version. I have not driven the supercharged (compressor) version so I cannot offer you an opinion on those.

I have a grey one like the one that you like, but the bodywork is different to the one in the advert. The grey is a nice colour and it is metallic paint too. To answer your question about the spoiler, the one you see is an official spoiler and I believe it was an optional extra. Things like anti-roll bars, mud guards, different trim, CD multi-changers, exhaust pipes and other things should also have been optional extras too.

Testing engine performance on a test drive might be a little bit awkward. The engine does rev very highly so you will probably get a scornful look from the dealer's representative if you don't warn them you're going to test the 'lift' function. For your information 'lift' kicks in at just under 6500rpm, but the engine must be at at least 65 degrees celcius before it works (according to the drivers manual.) In realistic terms, it'll work after the temperature guage goes up around two full lines. Optimum working temperature is just under half way up the scale at around 3.5 lines, so it would be best for the engine if you were to test after it reaches this point. You'll know the function works if you feel a sudden 40bhp boost as you pass 6500rpm. Remember to check before you go for the test that all warning lights work on the display before you turn the ignition key. If the engine light does not come on (likely because someone wanted to hide a problem), or if it comes on and stays on then there is probably an issue with the engine that will prevent you from testing the lift.

As for regular, every day driving you should average around 35mpg and you will get ~250 miles out of the tank before the fuel light comes on, but it does come on at just under quarter left (quite early). My last car was a 1999 generation 6 Toyota Celica SR which had a 1.8l engine with ~116bhp, and it averaged roughly the same mpg (probably nearer 37mpg actually) which I'm very happy with considering I have ~30bhp more to play with under normal circumstances. The torque is a little bit underwhelming, but isn't anything to worry about. If you drive it normally you'll find it's slightly better than a normal, equivalently sized car. The reason for the lower torque was probably because Toyota were selling the engine to Lotus for their Exige which had a kerb weight of less than a ton, thus it didn't need the torque.

The drive quality is good. I did notice a slight downgrade in handling since the change from the Celica, but it wasn't bad at all.

Boot space is alright. It's a hatchback after all. The spare wheel is under the carpet, and it is a full alloy wheel just like the ones already on the car. There should be a small emergency kit including a jack, but parts do go missing over time if they get used.

Personally I'm very happy I got the T-Sport. It's got a lot of character. Great under normal usage, and because of the understated looks it can actually turn heads at a set of traffic lights..... not that I'm saying you should do it all the time! Just when you feel like shocking that nice looking BMW in the next lane.

Look after her, and she will look after you!

[Iceman0860]

First of all BIG BIG thanks to you! That was what I was looking for. An in-depth owner review and some tips. 
I have read a lot about these models and the optional accessories as well as the engines including the lift, torque, check engine lights, etc. so it's good to be confirmed by an actual owner! 
I've searched a bit on Hungarian websites looking for optional accessories. I managed to find a rear wing, and it's quite cheap, so it wouldn't be a problem to get one. 

I'm a bit afraid of the test drive, I'm not sure if the dealer will allow me to push it hard but I'll try my best. Have watched a ton of YT videos about the whole car, about the lift, so basically everything. I didn't know that the engine has to be at least 65 degrees, that was a new information, good to know! So that must be the reason why the VVT-i didn't kick in in the Avensis 
I'll pay attention to this. Also I'll try to bring an OBD scanner and check for fault codes but I'm still not sure what will be allowed.

To be honest, I don't really care about the torque since I have a MK1 Ford Focus. The Toyota will be the new supercar for me! 
Boot space...hah..yes. Also the Focus has only a tiny space, but I don't use it for transporting long and heavy things so I can deal with that for sure.

Oh and the consumption. You mentioned 35 mpg. That's a lot!!! In the Focus I get only 21-25 mpg. The engine has 230.000+ miles so I'm happy it still works.

I noted the informations, I will check everything if I get to see the car.

And again, I'm sure that I won't regret getting one of these T-Sports. Normal usage is my first priority, but as every man, I'm a racing driver inside  I love to compete even with my 1.4 hypercar  I want to see people's reactions when I leave them at the light in their nice looking BMW.

Thanks again, and have a nice weekend! 

[Mike169]

Hi David.

It's so nice when someone, like you have, puts a 'thank you for all your effort' post.

This is a very helpful site and several people have taken the time to research or simply to help you out.

It's shows appreciation which of course is very welcomed from happy members.

Do, when you get your car post a photo or two on here as it would be great to see what you finally buy.

All the best, Mike. 

[Iceman0860]

Of course, that would be my first thing to do. Shot some photos and show you what you got me with your help!
I hope that will happen soon! I have to do some things before I go and see it. You know, some financial and other things.

I know that these answers didn't take only 1 or 2 minutes to even write it, but the research and the links were also helpful. Can't thank you guys enough!
Now I think I have everything in order to make a perfect car purchase. 

Have a great day everyone! :)

[Pioneer UK]

I'm sure taking in an OBD scanner will not be a problem. I'm not sure where the connection point will be on a left hand drive, so that's something you will need to find out first. On the right hand drive it's under the steering wheel, near the door.

The good thing about the car is the similarity to any other Corolla of the same sort of age. You might find that body parts from a T2 or T3 (for example) will also fit your car. This means that scrap yards will be your friend if something goes wrong or you need to make improvements.

The mpg will vary depending on conditions and how you drive. You probably found that to get any performance out of the Focus that you had to drive hard? Also, it was a 230000 mile engine. One thing I'm looking into at the minute is sending my car to a TerraClean station to properly clean out the engine and gain back lost performance. It's something you might want to research to see if anything similar is available in Hungary? At high mileage there were likely carbon deposits in the engine which could have caused your low mpg, and at just over a decade old the Corolla might also need something like this to help.

I'm hoping that other T-Sport owners might offer help too. I've only owned mine since October and I'm lucky enough to have had no problems with mine that £10 at a scrap yard couldn't help fix.