What Should I Look Out For When Buying 2nd Hand 02 Corolla

[pugleonvvti]

Hi all

New to this forum and new to corolla's so hoping you can help. I'm looking at an 02 corolla tomorrow. standard 1.4l petrol model, the one thats 2002-2006 or a little later then that. Just wondering if theres any bits to look for specifically in terms of big failures and dont buy it if's. Im very familiar with other saloons but not this type and cant find anything searching this site or google. Any help would be brilliant. Cheers lads!

Barry

[pugleonvvti]

Should note its a standard terra saloon with 70k miles on the clock

[Toyota Red]

Should note its a standard terra saloon with 70k miles on the clock

Nothing much highlighted on honestjohn.co.uk to watch out for. Some VVT-i engines apparently consume a fair amount of oil, perhaps worth asking about that, although it's mentioned more as a problem with the larger 1.6.

If a 'facelift' model (2004 onwards)

'On facelift models, cloth of cloth seats can react with its fire retardent leaving water stains. Toyota will usually re-cover the seats if the owner complains. Facelift 1.4s have an electronic throttle which can play up a bit making the car difficult to drive smoothly in traffic'

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/index.htm?md=527

I dont have one of these myself, but it seems they are pretty solid. You should be a little wary of 1.6 litres though, as some consume 1 litre of oil/1000 miles! Toyota considers that 'normal', not sure whoe else does. Bore liner problem apparently,

[pugleonvvti]

Should note its a standard terra saloon with 70k miles on the clock

Nothing much highlighted on honestjohn.co.uk to watch out for. Some VVT-i engines apparently consume a fair amount of oil, perhaps worth asking about that, although it's mentioned more as a problem with the larger 1.6.

I dont have one of these myself, but it seems they are pretty solid. You should be a little wary of 1.6 litres though, as some consume 1 litre of oil/1000 miles! Toyota considers that 'normal', not sure whoe else does. Bore liner problem apparently,

Cheers mate

It was an newer looking 02 (square headlights not frog eyes) vvti. 75k and just serviced. Having drivien my old mans 04 vvti I knew the engine sounded spot on. Clutch pedals a little stiffer but passes all the clutch tests i did, high revs on hills, up to high revs in second and release the clutch with handbrake on it cuts out n gos into gear just fine.

Sadly he wouldnt know much about how much oil consuption is involved but that seemed to only be mentioned for newer facelift models so heres hoping!

Bought it off a guy whos done all my services for the last 8 odd years and is a decent chap. He stands by it and gave a warrenty so should be grand hopefully. Only two things I could find on corollas of that year were the oil as you said. And also to lock the steering wheel both directions and try turning slowly listening out for knocking sounds which could indicate a few quid to be spent. Hope that helps someone else looking to buy