Toyota Blade Master: A Corolla with a V6... what's not to love!? | ReDriven used car review

[@ReDriven]

💵 Save $$$ on your next car finance and get a $250 fuel voucher when you do! Use our link - fastnfinance.com.au/redriven/ New/used cars, bikes, boats, caravans, classics, grey imports and more. If it moves...they'll finance it!

[@laureus31]

also be warned, the 2gr vvti oil line recall is NOT applicable to blade master G. So if you decide to buy one, get it fix with the updated metal line asap. It's not difficult and pretty easy to diy

[@Yorkman7]

Love this channel Adam. So much more real than others. Recognising not everyone can afford a new car is overlooked by so many sites.

[@nyc863]

Adam just has to stop saying look. maybe ha can attach an electrode to his nuts. something. anything.

[@ReDriven]

Thanks so much mate. - AK

[@blondeozboy]

Totally agreed, I’m loving the “real” content.

[@Wolfie880]

I owned the 2.4 model and then I upgraded to the 3.5litre .This is a Toyota on steroids it's a naturally asperated car and for something that has no turbo it produces 280 bhp that's insane. I use my blade as a daily work horse and will say that when you on the motorway and you put your foot down hard to the floor the acceleration of this Master Blade will make the inner boy racer come out and even at speeds of 180 kph yes thanks to the lockdown .Fun fact it doesn't have cruise control it has Radar Cruise Control people yhis car will brake and accelerate on its own on the motorways while you enjoy not stressing and the drive home on the motorway while having a refreshing drink

[@PKDionysus]

I like this channel. Guys around my age reviewing cars with parameters and guidelines similar to those I use when looking at cars. Even the gripes these dudes have with cars are similar to mine. These videos feel more like hanging out on a Friday evening, having a discussion about cars than reviews. 👍🏾

[@ReDriven]

Mate this genuinely means the world to us, that's the exact vibe we've been trying to achieve. - AK

[@mohammadsattar5488]

This guy really does bring the best mix of cars from all over. Other channels will just review the normal cars what most others are doing but this guy really has a good mix of.old and new but older cars that we really want to see again.

[@ReDriven]

Thanks so much mate but it's far from just me, the guys behind the scenes deserver the praise. - AK

[@mohammadsattar5488]

@@ReDriven true. Sorry about that. We tend to forget those people because we focus on the presenter but you're bang on mate they too deserve the praise. Actually thinking about it they deserve it more than you 😄

[@overnightpartsfromjapan01]

Good review. Have owned one now for over a year. In the right conditions, like a mountain pass, they are quite quick as you can leave the gearbox in 3rd and the shifting isn"t a huge issue. Not too bad on fuel on a longer trip, gets into the 7s easy.

[@jeddicaweddica]

I’ve got one! I’m in New Zealand. My master g is one of 37 red ones ever made (colour 3PO). I love it. I do agree with the annoying driver position and wish I could sit a bit lower. It’s great in a straight line, with powerful acceleration from that 80-120km/h range…but not particularly amazing in its handling around corners. Without mods it sounds like a vacumn cleaner, and no acceleration doesn’t push you back into your seat. All of those issues can be fixed however, better tyres, lowered suspension, upgraded exhaust system, and a throttle controller 😉 I’ve surprised many at the lights and in passing lanes in my “Corolla”. It’s a Corolla on steroids 😂

[@DV8x]

My wife has a red one! We love it :) Put a custom 3" intake and 2.5" exhaust, sounds really good.

[@jeddicaweddica]

They’re great! Make sure you take care of the paintwork, red is prone to fading. I have mine booked in for a full cut and polish and a ceramic coating.

[@mohammadsattar5488]

So that would be the C-3PO then..beep beep😂

[@aref568]

Adam has to be the most entertaining car reviewer. Please upload more often

[@ReDriven]

Thanks so much mate. We're pretty under the pump withy two videos a week but we'll see what we can do. - AK

[@666Sinn]

I own a 2007 Blade Master G, they're super cool cars, quick and great interior. Two things you missed, the rubber seals around the door windows are notorious for falling to bits and the dash trim around the center console will break 90% of the time trying to install a head unit.

[@junit7590]

Yes and yes 😅😅 replaced one side of weather strips last year, only done 85,000ks gotta do the other side now

[@rsoul7282]

Blade Master G? Isn’t he locked up in an Eastern European prison at the moment?

[@David-lr2vi]

😂

[@danmurphy5889]

That'll be Top G yo! 😎

[@jickjoe4340]

Just got out actually

[@Miketz]

Would I buy one? Yes. Did I buy one? Yes. A couple of notes: Low kilometre imports direct from Japan seem to be pretty good quality, but there are high km units being imported from NZ that probably need more care when purchasing. And the S1 BM-G has adaptive cruise control to add to the safety rap.

[@BigToezCA]

Hey brother, which website did you use to import your car?

[@EthanMPhillips]

My 2008 Blade Master has radar cruise control even, definitely a well kept secret gem of a car

[@timr3168]

Is that a retro-fit item, or factory? Didn't realise ACC dated back that far

[@jeddicaweddica]

@@timr3168 factory

[@shannon6569]

@@timr3168 yeah unfortunately the series one cars seem to have it in a fair few of them, the series two ones it became a payed for option in all cars. I've only seen a few with radar cruise.....

[@bigasfeet]

@@shannon6569 I went to go and see one at a dealership as it was advertised in TradeMe and it had the cruise control and it had sold before it even left the container 😢 so they didn’t actually have it on their site just yet. And that person paid aloooot for it. Originally 12k they paid 16k for it!

[@morganrutnum]

@1:20 just a small correction. You mention there were awd and 2.4 variants available internationally. Just to clarify, there are awd’s internationally but all are 2.4s (I.e no dream spec 3.5v6 awd BMG around)

[@craigsampson3386]

That sucks, wonder if someone has AWD swapped the 3.5? Or 3.5 swapped the AWD? Its possible the 3.5 has too much power and torque for that AWD system without beefing up components. Imagine a 3.5L AWD manual that'd be cheffs kiss 👌

[@numbereightyseven]

Correct

[@stephenmoore1541]

Another awesome car we never get in the states. We didn't get the GR Yaris, and GR Corollas are almost double the MSRP. Getting a Corolla with a 2GR, AWD and a manual transmission would be SO COOL!

[@timwilson5471]

its no AWD. Its FWD only

[@stephenmoore1541]

@@timwilson5471 he said they only got the FWD one in Australia but that they did get AWD in Japan. And that it was auto only, but I mean, Toyota could've made it with a manual. You can, with the right stuff, make it a manual yourself.

[@TwistedDonners]

A Corolla with an Aurion V6 and transmission = an underrated cool hatchback named the Blademaster. Was not the car I was expecting to see today but it was definitely a hell of a pleasant surprise to see it as today's review car. Noticed that the fuel consumption was missing from today's video guys but that's a minor thing really. Honestly guys your doing bloody good work so keep it up and as always have a safe weekend and look forward to next week's videos with gusto 👍.

[@bigasfeet]

I have both the 2.4 and 3.5 version of the Blade (BMG-S1) The 2.4 is amazing fuel economy. The Blade Master 2007 all depends on how much “fun” you want to have last measurement and this is long distance travel, uphill, mixed with getting stuck in traffic, town driving and “fun” you’re looking at 10.9L/100km using 98/100 petrol in I think a 50L fuel tank. So usually between 530-600km of fuel. You look like an ordinary hatch 🐣 which is the fun part.

[@MartinJones123]

Great review... Imagine putting a Supercharger on this engine, like the TRD Aurion! That would fly and I'd like to see somebody do something like this...

[@jeddicaweddica]

I don’t think there would be room in the engine bay…it’s cramped!! There is a guy in NZ who converted his master to manual transmission. Has since sold it

[@Steve211Ucdhihifvshi]

There isnt room, and if you tune it, it breaks everything. This guy hugely understated just how uncomfortable the driving position is for a guy with average aussie legs. On a long drive those bloody wings cut into your legs. Its cool, il grant that, and i bloody wish they did a v6 corolla for australia. Cuz theyd work that out for us. But it reallly doesnt move a whole lot quicker than the 4 cylinder.

[@junit7590]

@fhhsvnggbh agree with the leg room situation, I'm 6'3" and have an 07 Master G and sometimes wish I could put the seat back further. However on the issue of speed, I've got 0-100 in just under 6 sec with traction control off. And it's from 80kph upwards that they are really impressive. On the track I was all over a tuned Soarer 1jz until i hit speed cut on the back straight. If you put a good set of tires eg Bridgestone re003s on the front and traction control off (pedal dance, search it) they are proper fast.

[@brainsmatterpodcast]

Haha that 90s hip hop safety features… you guys are entertaining as well as informative 😊

[@paulembleton3565]

Been waiting for a long time for a review of this car. Thanks Redriven.

[@andrewmui5309]

Thanks Adam. Your car reviews are so related and down to earth. Great work!

[@jbm0866]

I was *today* years old when I first found out about this car, now I really really want one!😂😂

[@numbereightyseven]

Bot comment, no doubt. Makes no sense.

[@RichieRouge206]

Lovely car!! Only rivals are really the Golf VR6 or Alfa 147GTA and remotely outside Clio V6. Such a very cool, understated car. I'd have anyday over the obvious Golf/Civic/A3/Focus due to it's rarity and coolness

[@DionTilley-sm2gl]

I have a 2008 Toyota Blade Master, don't think it is a G model, but it has neon blue Blade lights on the foot door runner which light up when the doors open, I brought it for the wife, we both like the car, beautiful to drive. power is good, ride is sweat and engine is very quiet, steering is very good, suspension is good, just a great car all round.

[@dylan4972]

Loved my one when I had it a few years ago, a lot of motor for a hatch. Very comfortable inside as well.

[@kreamypie]

I used to own one. Was a really fun to drive.

[@adelaideautowashes]

I saw one of these on the road one time and thought to myself "the Toyota... Blade? Never heard of that one before." I just assumed it was some special edition Corolla or something (like how the Estima Aeras is a fancy/special edition Tarago.) Blew my mind that Toyota put the freaking V6 from the Aurion into it. Nice one, Toyota.

[@ReDriven]

Well now you know!

[@Tyloxkipper]

Okay nah, I also wanted this car n now I already know the prices r gonna go up 😭😭

[@ultimatedonar]

"...this particular Blade Master G isn't exactly standard.." The Chopped fingers pretty much beat you to the punch there, Adam. 😁✌🏻

[@SultanOfSlam69]

If these came as a manual, I'd be seriously considering one for my next car.

[@kinkdogg]

This shits on another Aussie channels lacklustre review. So unbiased and shows the Blade for what it actually is! New fan.

[@ReDriven]

Thanks so much mate! - AK

[@bigmandarr]

I got the V6 rav, that thing is a monster. I can only imagine what its like in a corolla

[@alstound]

I considered a used RAV4 V6 as well, though having one fewer gear than other Toyotas with the same engine and the fridge style rear door are a bit of a letdown. But being AWD, even just a few performance mods can make it a blast off the line.

[@Klooney9mm]

I'd be tempted to find a wrecked good condition 2008 Corolla Sportivo and swap as many panels/parts onto it as possible basically making a serious Corolla sleeper.

[@leonqt]

Great review. You should also mention about finding an insurer and parts if anything goes wrong.

[@shannon6569]

Everything for these is now available EX Japan via Toyota dealers!

[@damilolaakanni]

The 2GR engine is a popular engine, there shouldn't be problems finding parts for that. It's the body panels and interior bits one should be worried about.

[@Phlegm_Thrower]

Yes!! It is as cool as you think. I lusted after it about a decade ago when it was still one of the monster hatchback. But with petrol price nearly $2 a litre, and expensive grey import insurance, this car is suitable mostly for the young and single car guys who can afford to spend most of their income on their car.

[@AmirChemE]

I have never seen this car in my entire life. What a rare gem.

[@wesleyrichards8027]

Most used cars in New Zealand are imports. My parents past 4 cars have been Japanese imports. Blades are common but in the 2.4L petrol. There are even blades with woodgrain interiors (Not the nicest looking interior). I would love to have a v6 blade, just wish they made a manual.

[@pierreinthavong181]

Impressive channel so far & ❤️ your work, Adam!👍👍

[@numbereightyseven]

You've described their characteristics perfectly. I own 2 of these.

[@R3AL-AIM]

As an American, I see a Camry powered Vibe/Matrix... These things are nuts. I'd love one.

[@l2icksta]

Blade Master G would indeed be a great rapper name 😂😂

[@samartz]

my friday evening joy!! watching redriven new videos 😅

[@pcoppleman]

If your going for grey imports now, get a nissan crossover 370gt. J50 RWD NJ50 AWD with 6 spd auto 3.7 litre V6 and 245kw 0-100klm under 6 sec. Basically a 4 door wagon version of a s 370z or infiniti

[@santouchesantouche2873]

very interesting... good car?

[@pcoppleman]

@@santouchesantouche2873 had it for 2 & 1/2 years never missed a beat. Wife loves it as its a sleeper new cars & ford holden guys cant understand when they cant get past it.

[@Cust0mBuilder]

Thanks heaps for focusing on sleeper hot hatches like this and the Pro ceed GT 😊

[@noorcabir]

i own the Blade 2AZ-FE 2.4 7 Speed CVT Auto 167hp

[@stopspin]

I have a jdm grey import, Toyota Estima 3.5 v6, parts are lil expensive but not by much. Toyota Australia can order the parts for you as I ordered parts through Toyota already. My parts arrived within 2 weeks including labour in the price quoted prior to purchase they were very helpful at my local branch. Any jdm Toyota or grey import can be serviced by Toyota. The service you will recieve will depend on the people working at your local Toyota dealership.

[@fuzzjunky]

90's hip hop was surprisingly good. was about to fast forward.

[@buzzliteyear11]

Great review of a good little sleeper, keep up the great work fellas

[@jesterokjones4954]

Man, that thing should be able to pull 0-60 in about 5 seconds flat, good GOD I need one!

[@numbereightyseven]

It's 6.0 to 6.5 seconds. The gearing isn't ideal.

[@DionTilley-sm2gl]

standard is 4.6 seconds 0-100kph

[@jesterokjones4954]

@@DionTilley-sm2gl I was somewhat correct, at least .

[@lesklower7281]

I have never herd of this Toyota Blade but now l have as far as Toyotas reliability in this package with a V6 engine and as Jim said maybe the best V6 ever made well been from Toyota it should be but the lack of a manual transmission l think thats its only small problem

[@IanMarshall-j9d]

when you put this motor in the SW20 Mr2 you use the turbo Mr2 E153 gearbox. Its a manual and even better than any Corolla in any sense except for rear tyre wear.

[@rasherbasher8203]

What a great car... never got that version in the uk.

[@mikerobinson7988]

Yes...! Easily as cool as you think it is. I think they are brilliant little things that seem a rurally a smart long term purchase.

[@worldhello1234]

It is not a Corolla, Aussie bloke. It is a Toyota Auris but a JDM exclusive Auris, the Master G. 🤗 @8:25 Dear Aussie bloke, when it comes to horsepower torque is always part of the equation. 😊😘

[@LUKKYDUCKY01]

You've got to review a Caldina GT4. I love mine because it's so underrated and understated. It's everything a turbo Celica is but in wagon form

[@ReDriven]

We would love to but we need to find one in Sydney or Newcastle with an owner willing to lend it to us. - AK

[@LUKKYDUCKY01]

@@ReDriven I am more than happy to lend mine next time you guys come down to Syd :)

[@laureus31]

FYI, in theory the engine bay of E15 and E18 corollas should be the same. So if you are crazy enough you can do a 2gr swap with minimum fabrications😅

[@lukemothug3744]

And then you will have handling issues because of the weight of the engine.

[@laureus31]

@@lukemothug3744 They market it as 'up market' corolla not a sports car. The main reason for a v6 is smoothness, not power figure. I saw someone said online it provides the feelings of a Crown but smaller in size

[@goprob1]

Geez you guys do a terrific presentation! Can you please tell me your making money from this?? You deserve it all!

[@ReDriven]

Not yet mate but we're getting there, on the hunt for longterm partnerships to help pay the bills. - AK

[@simmos]

Great review, although kinda sad to let the world know of us blade owners secret :)

[@PedroSantos_83]

Great review and presentation! 😎

[@junit7590]

I notice the series 2 as featured here no longer has the alcantara trim on the doors and dashboard, that's a shame it truly makes them feel like a Lexus GT hatchback.

[@VolvoV8seriously]

Very cool, I would be so keen to own one

[@Bucket_Boy101]

I'd love for you to compare this with a Mk5 golf R32.

[@BFMR1062]

Converting it to all wheel drive and manual would be really great 🙂, but a great car for somthing different but usable for most people 🙂

[@shaggy_e210]

I don't have a reason but I LOVE quirky corollas

[@mclouj]

Maybe it's time for a ReDriven Grey Import buyers guide?

[@ReDriven]

Already working on it mate. - AK

[@mclouj]

@@ReDriven Legends!

[@evanlaw3596]

Dude! I watched your Video and bought one of these. Black colour. Parts are not an issue nor is the build quality. But the engine is so big for its engine bay that everything is cramped into a tight space. The consequence is that every time anything needs to be repaired or replace, half of the stuff in the engine bay needs to be taken out. Think of the labor cost. This is like a bimmer 3 series in that sense. Changing front light bulbs means taking out the entire front bumper. Geez

[@katzicael]

There is loads of these in New Zealand now, they're awesome.

[@daveyboy6985]

I'll have to keep a lookout for one. Never knew they existed. ( fellow kiwi here)

[@jenilpatel7048]

Hey Redriven Stumbled upon your channel and I'm loving it. I'm curious why I can't find any videos for convertible cars?

[@ShubhoBose]

So it's basically a GR Corolla before the GR Corolla!

[@luklopskywalk]

gr corolla is wayyyy better

[@jeddicaweddica]

@@luklopskywalk well….it is a far newer car 😂 2007 vs 2023. The market for these 2 cars is also completely different, like comparing apples to oranges. I hope some crazy Toyota engineer had an idea to make the GR blade master. Just imagine! Funnily enough the master g still has more torque than the GR rolla. The rollas are sick though! I’m yet to see one in person, will wait for that day 😊

[@APlusBOP]

Bought a Toyota Blade this week but just the 2.4G but the specs are amazing for the price

[@vialli45]

The only thing I don't get with this generation corolla is the high mount transmission shifter, the only thing that put me off from generation's of corollas.

[@milsons68]

Watched this, got enthused, then thought it was an full on April fools joke as I'd never heard of it. But its real.......

[@nhojadnab383]

Been waiting for this

[@swagmuffins2996]

I have a master G myself. Does anyone know how to lower the seating position?

[@jeddicaweddica]

New seats 😂

[@ToadRoach]

The idea of a V6 Corolla sounds like an instant recipe for a fun little road racer. But then they call it the Blade Master and I am left wondering; Is the deck rotary or roller and does it auto rise for speed humps?

[@-kyoto]

Great video. Let me know when you'd like to review the /other/ car. P.S. the kerb weight on your cheat sheet might need an adjustment! (:

[@shaneshane3872]

My Mistress was playing candy crush whilst I was watching and saw you sitting in the boot and asked "Why does this guy always sit in the boot does he think he is a suitcase?"

[@ReDriven]

Shane, let her know that yes, yes I do. I'm a suitcase and proud of it. - AK

[@samawol4161]

2018 - current Suzuki Swift Sport? Great review

[@iquiax]

There are people out there using the blade master to tow way over the weight limit. The engine is fine handling the extra weight but it will f... Over the suspension and brakes.

[@neelon2007]

Some models can self park using the infotainment as seen in old Japanese videos

[@zaamuro8408]

That colour! wow. I wonder how much modern tyres basically gets rid of the torque steer. Don't think these came with a proper tyre under them (and most owners will have put crappy replacements on)

[@shannon6569]

Yes, space saver but who cares really, The torque steer is mitigated via torque management in the lower gears. I have one and let me tell you once you get past third the horizon is coming at you!

[@zaamuro8408]

​@@shannon6569 wasn't talking about the spare but the tyres on all four corners. Lucky you! Definite sleeper and on my wish list. Hows the fuel consumption?

[@shannon6569]

@zaamuro About 550ks around town peak hour and small amounts of highway from a full tank, 50L tank. You can definitely empty it a lot quicker if you try.....

[@shannon6569]

@zaamuro oh also it still wants to spin the AD08's on it too...traction control does a good job but can be turned off if you want to do dance.

[@zaamuro8408]

@@shannon6569 Descent then

[@DiscoFang]

Haha These sell for $5k-12K here in NZ. What is up with car prices in Oz?

[@monstamowing3395]

I haven't seen these in ages!!!!!!!

[@supaflask1275]

Do these still exist on the market?

[@shannon6569]

No, they stopped production in 2012 I believe.

[@beardyface7850]

They were only made from 2007 to 2012. 2880 cars in total.

[@hunterinternational4123]

Love it! Great stuff.

[@mroyen3358]

fantastic review i´d say unabashedly, but does it have a 3-door and left hand drive version

[@Asymmetry0]

Great review! Was curious about this rare oddity. Looks great, is that green paint factory colour?

[@beardyface7850]

Yes, factory colour. 1 of 18 built in that colour

[@bigasfeet]

Us Blade owners are like 😮!!

[@luked237]

Always wanted one of these

[@geesh8709]

Blade Master-G? That is hilarious. Throw some cardboard on the sidewalk, grab your boombox and let's get this party started!

[@Crazyforkoiandgoldfish]

It will be great if you do the review Of the Toyota caldina gt4 last generation 😎👌

[@shirtz69r]

Is this the same engine in the v6 rav4? Have liked these for a while. Good job

[@lukemothug3744]

Yes.

[@jessewynne8193]

It’s a Toyota matrix (Corolla wagon)

[@ehudk215]

Very cool! Never heard of it before

[@YourImag1nat1on]

Anyone else notice the LS460 brake calipers?

[@Jalopymedia]

I want to v6 swap my pontiac Vibe. With a 3.5 - 4.0L toyota engine

[@uptownsamcv]

Toyota hasn't offered a manual on any FWD V6 since the mid 90's SMH.

[@phatlaz1974]

Never new it existed

[@ascorbic123]

It's a cool car, but I wonder about the handling. I owned an auris for 3 years and the front end turn in response was that of a long wheel base van. I dread to think how much worse it is with a v6 up front.

[@junit7590]

They beefed up the suspension and the electric power steer actually does a really good job. Def much better than you'd expect, front tire quality makes a huge difference.

[@bitemyshinnymetalass1569]

Makes me wonder if I can fit a 3.5 V6 into a second Gen Toyota Matrix.

[@DiscoFang]

These are most defnitely NOT available as a 4WD/AWD. You're getting confused between the Blade and the Blade Master. The Blade is the 2.4L 4 cyl.

[@tomy8339]

I love how you rummage through the sunglass holder in all your car reviews and have a look at what sunglass brand the owner has. 😎 Disrespectful and funny at the same time. 😂 But I have a question. This car weighs almost a whopping 1500 kgs. What makes this car weigh so much? It can't be just that V6 engine, after all it's still a small car.

[@ReDriven]

I'm waiting for someone to set a mouse trap in the sunglasses holder on a car we borrow! The extra weight is due to my hair product. - AK

[@junit7590]

The 6 speed trans, uprated brakes and suspension, the different sheetmetal, electric driver and passenger seats in mine, and it has 10 airbags.