Watch This BEFORE You Buy A Corolla XRS!

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Galaxy Studios \ WWLL MGMT \ Will Chang 2022

[@PlayinWithMahWii]

Hey Will, just wanted to let you know about why the 2ZZ oil pan has no baffling while the 1ZZ does. Since the 2ZZ revs so high, it's imperative to get oil back to the crankcase as soon as possible so it can get cycled through the oil pump again. Because of this, there is a windage tray mounted to the bottom of the block on the 2ZZ, rather than a baffle in the pan. Toyota stated in promotional materials that the oil system in the 2ZZ could withstand 1.0 lateral G of cornering force without losing pressure. The people with 2ZZs that have oil pump failure mostly belong in one of two groups. 1) Lotus/MR2/MR-S owner on track or 2) street vehicle ran low on oil. If you are really worried about the oil system, avoid high RPM (8000+) while in tightly sweeping right hand turns and make sure it isn't low and you'll be perfectly fine. No reason to run the Moroso pan unless you're going turbo and need the oil return fitting IMO.

[@WillChang]

Much appreciate the detailed information! I knew I was forgetting something, I was going to mention in the video that below 1g would be okay but seems that I didn’t add it into the script. Thank you for taking the time to write this out!

[@BluestreakCorollaXRS]

And if you insist on holding high G right handers, well let's just say I've gone through two camshafts already, both of them at Portland International Raceway, and even with the Moroso oil pan! Now that you say it's a long right handers, it makes sense why that track is the one that keeps taking motors from me! Even on street tires like RE71-Rs you can maintain about 1.2 gs for quite a while around turns 4 and 5 at PIR.

[@PlayinWithMahWii]

@@BluestreakCorollaXRS That's interesting on high G corners taking camshafts, thanks for the info! One thing I would say is if you have the Moroso pan, it's likely not because of oil starvation, even at 1.2g+ (incredible for a street tire, wow!) I wonder if the same effect may be found on left handers, if it is due to the high G-force moving the oil spray from the valve cover away from the camshaft. That would likely be my first thought

[@cxbra]

Thanks so much for the info. I didnt realize the 2ZZ oil system can handle 1.0g without losing pressure, thats good to know! If I ever tracked my XRS, I would do Moroso oil pan, and oil cooler. That way I could run like 6-7 quarts of oil. And a big radiator..

[@DimoS...]

So true mate!👍

[@BluestreakCorollaXRS]

The 05-06 XRS also had upgraded suspension. Additional weaknesses against (severe) abuse include: Tight OEM valve clearances, valve cover oil sprinkler aim, and dimpling around the moon roof caused by body flex. And let's not forget the bottom drawer on the console that pops open whenever you floor it!

[@WillChang]

All great info! I can’t believe I didn’t mention the broken hinges in the center, my broken drawer door was staring me in the face the whole time I was recording!

[@BluestreakCorollaXRS]

@@WillChang 😂 I fixed mine with little bits of iridium magnet

[@WillChang]

That's awesome! My bottom drawer door can keep itself closed well enough so I'll leave it alone for now. My top door is totally gone though, I might pick up one of the dorman repair kits and throw a new door on there

[@armandovaldes7502]

No wonder my bottom drawer broke off

[@chromeplatedcowboy1303]

​@@WillChangI have had 4 2005-2008 Corollas in the last few years and not one had the top door😂

[@yengyang5870]

My 05 xrs ran for 11 years of abuse. My 6th gear went out after 9 years without Transmission fluids changed because i didnt know about it. I got it when I was 25 and that's back in 2005. But it is a strong ass car. It's a great car. Just take care of it. I wished that I knew just a bit more about cars before I buy it.

[@Noahinthe802]

Great video as usual Will. On my 07 CE, one thing I’ve noticed is serp tensioner let alone the t chain tensioner issues. Then went online and realized I wasn’t the only one with this experience and was a somewhat common issue. Both aftermarket ones I installed ended up being poop each within a yr or less. Went with a clean lo mi used oem one and all issues went away with leaks or chatter noises. Someone in a forum mentioned that although the oem bando belts are noisy in comparison to others they last much longer, that has been my exp too. Instead of doing it thrice over, I should’ve just gone OE to begin with so that’s been a learning process.

[@WillChang]

Ah yep I’ve heard about the tensioner issue, luckily mine hasn’t had a problem yet. Not sure if it’s also an issue with the 2zz but it wouldn’t surprise me if it was. OEM is definitely the way to go for parts like that!

[@RussianzFight]

Im an owner of a 2005 toyota matrix XRS. But... as far as oil and VVTI lift, be sure to clean out you OCV Screen filter (located on the RH side of the block when looking at the motor) this screen filter, if clogged will cause your VVTI Lift to not kick in or lag out.. holds on like 5 10mm bolts (in a aluminum housing) this screen filter allows oil to pass through when lift gets engaged. as it is driven by oil pressure rather than electronic valve time like Hondas

[@WillChang]

Ah shoot, I totally missed the OCV screen for this video, I think it would've been worth talking about. I'm definitely interested in making a video about how to clean/replace both the VVT and VVL OCV filters!

[@chingcc7246]

Great video big bro, really helped me make my decision.

[@zarbaldes4656]

Great informative video .. Bought my neighbors 05’ Xrs since he’s tired and old shifting. One owner CA, Super Clean inside&out..Red paint is flawless, all original with brand new tires.. 3k..

[@ALEXJRZ]

Is it boring?

[@Liazon098]

Cool video! I had a supercharged 1zz in nor cal. Liked and subbed man!

[@WillChang]

Appreciate your support! I'd love to try out a supercharged 1zz one day!

[@WillChang]

Hi everyone, hope you found this video useful! This format of video is still a bit experimental for me, so any feedback both positive and critical would be greatly appreciated! Also feel free to comment your thoughts and info that may be useful to others. Thanks!

[@Zachrzan]

great video!

[@mariosanchez70]

Dude you are the best thanks!!!!!

[@WillChang]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@sylviost-pierre6167]

Very interesting and help full tank you very much 😊

[@CorvetteStingray75]

Just bought a 05 matrix Xrs and definitely a helpful guide into what to upgrade or look out for in the future. Definitely got lucky on the year from what I see 😂

[@WillChang]

Congrats on the purchase, you'll definitely have a blast owning it! Glad you found my video helpful!

[@AnimeDreamingEcchi]

Wait so the 05 matrix xrs is good?

[@chrisholyer2102]

Literally just got a 05 xrs few days ago and has 203k and was all highway miles from an kid who’s dad worked at Toyota and serviced everything one time clutch was replaced along with the timing chain gasket when the engine was out in 2019 great car when we’ll taken care of

[@WillChang]

That's awesome, congrats on the purchase! It'll definitely last you many trouble free miles given how well taken care of it is, you'll have a lot of fun owning it!

[@josecaldera7342]

218000 miles in my Corolla and never had an issue with the oil pan. Don't worry about changing oil pan.

[@antbankzbruh]

Great vid most applies to matrix xrs

[@WillChang]

Thank you! Nice to hear that this is relevant to the Matrix as well!

[@ZachD]

I've had mine for 2 years with no problems. All I did was the pan swap. I drive it really hard and it has not given me any issues. Can't fine 'em anymore though..

[@WillChang]

Good stuff! These cars are definitely reliable, just some things to consider for people who are interested in finding one. How's your Moroso pan holding up? I'm about to get mine installed next weekend

[@ZachD]

@@WillChang Its holding up great w/ no leaks. good luck with the install.

[@WillChang]

Awesome to hear, and thank you!

[@03focussvt943]

Soooo keep my Honda VTEC? Got it. Good vid, btw.

[@ianneil9512]

input shaft bearings on the 5 speed manual will give up at around at160 miles or 200kms

[@WillChang]

Interesting to know! I wonder if the 6 speed has a similar issue or if it’s only the 5 speed

[@tf7274]

I bought mine from the dealer with 80,000km...from a Granny...except granny had burnt the clutch...I didn't make it up a hill on the ride home. My theory was that the sales guys went for lunch and cooked it. They paid for a new one and the clutch shop accepted another $1000 for an ACT stage 2. This was an awesome choice and only my wife didn't like it the first few drives.

[@WillChang]

That's awesome! Your XRS has a long life ahead of it with how low the mileage is!

[@penguinpie5056]

seconded on the ACT clutch. On my 9th year with an ACT street clutch. And I beat on it hard in the first 6 months it was installed. far better than the exedy

[@mikeschuster984]

I like the music you used in this video is the same outro music TimTheTatman uses in his KZbin videos. Hopefully it’s not a copyright issue. Insightful video though 👍🏻

[@WillChang]

I'm glad you liked the music choice! Copyright won't be an issue, I license my music from epidemic so I won't have issues!

[@Pallidus_Rider]

One thing to note about 2003-2008 Toyota Corolla is the odometer, which maxes out at 299,999. Don't take my word for it,.just Google 299,999. Mine maxed out in 2018.

[@WillChang]

Yep I’ve heard of the 299999 maximum, do you just count mileage with the trip odometer now?

[@Pallidus_Rider]

@@WillChang Trip odometer is what I use now for maintenance. However, since my vehicle has such high mileage, possibly near 400k now, I do oil change at 3k instead of 5k. Then every other oil change rotate tires.

[@WillChang]

Makes sense, and wow that's a lot of mileage! These things really do last forever!

[@ianneil9512]

mine too

[@penguinpie5056]

I maxed out last year in km.

[@static_Tricolor_camry]

I wanna get a 9th Generation Corolla XRS 05-06, before they get rare to find. If I manage to finally get one, I'm thinking about doing an engine swap for a faster and more reliable engine with a few bolt on's. I don't wanna make it a race car, rather a car to drive around town and enjoy.

[@TheOfficialCaseMade]

Just drive it with the engine that's already in it. Almost guaranteed to be more reliable than something that has been swapped around.

[@Alwaysgotthemunchies]

So I just wrote off my is350. There is a 2005 Corolla and matrix xrs for sale in my area. The matrix is private and asking $9000 CAD. New alternator, starter, tires 4ASs, battery and recharged AC. BUT the best repairs are the valve cover gasket and shifter bushings! Does anyone know the differences in performance between these two cars? Only thing off the top of my head I can think is maybe the matrix doesn’t have the brace behind the rear seats? So not as good handling? The Corolla has only 163,000kms VS 180,000kms on the matrix. So both decently low. It’s 11,800 at a dealer. This dealer has had it for at least three months that I know of. I found this car earlier this year on auto trader because I always looking to see what’s for sale. Thanks for making this video. It’s super helpful.

[@WillChang]

Glad you found the video helpful! The Matrix also doesn't have a front strut bar stock either, but adding one aftermarket is very easy. The Matrix has 10 more horsepower than the Corolla due to a different exhaust manifold (Corolla has less clearance) and the VVTLI engagement is lower on the Matrix but I think they still accelerate very similarly. I think it really just comes down to preference whether you want a sedan or a hatchback. There are less Corolla XRS than Matrix XRS though so if you want the less common car then the Corolla is the one to pick. Overall, you can't go wrong with either choice! They're more or less the same mechanically so it really just comes down to body style and price preference. Sorry to hear about your IS350 as well.

[@JosephShmo3125]

Anyone know if the secondary air injection pump valve is supposed to be whistling loudly after a cold start? Mine does on my XRS and after about a minute, it pretty much stops, but it still whistles the whole time your drive it, just much softer. Is that normal or do I have a bad valve or leaking hose or something? I don’t know that it’s the check valve itself that’s whistling or if it’s the hoses. I just know the sound is coming from very close to that valve. I haven’t seen any check engine light yet.

[@amarkhan3795]

Hi Will. Thanks for such informative video. I am looking to buy 2011-12 whatever is the last XRS. Do you have any info if its good or have many problems. Thanks.

[@TheOfficialCaseMade]

Those have the oil burning, low revving, less powerful 2.4. Not one of Toyota's best engines.

[@gray25xt]

Dear Will, Thank you for an excellent video. I need some therapy. I've been on the hunt for a Matrix or Corolla XRS in the southeast US. I've looked at 4 of them. All are beat to complete hell and range from $4k-$6k. I don't mind paying a fair price for a nice one that someone is ready to pass on to an enthusiast. But the pickings are slim. Please give me some advice, or link me to someone you know who might be selling one. Thank you sir.

[@WillChang]

The best advice I can give is to have patience! I was pretty close to buying another Corolla XRS back in 2020 that was much higher mileage (around 250k), pretty beat up exterior, and had rusted quarter and rocker panels and was listed for $2k. Had I bought that one, I wouldn't have ended up with the red one I have now which is significantly cleaner. I don't know anyone selling theirs at the moment, but if I see someone put theirs up for sale I'll try remembering to share it!

[@gray25xt]

@@WillChang Thanks. That's good advice. I'm looking at another one a few hours ago possibly tomorrow but I might cancel. It only has about 100,000 miles but it's beat bad...cigarette burns in the seats, sunroof is caulked shut, lots of dents and paint issues, pretty ragged overall, and they want $5800. I'm gonna be patient. Much appreciated.

[@bubblehead4270]

I have a 2010 XRS with 135k on it. I don’t think mine is beat to hell thankfully. Aesthetically it is showing its age and has a lot of dog hair. I do think I may have a head unit issue and possibly an ECU tuning issue (last person before me put a Borla exhaust on it but I don’t think the ECU was ever tuned). Dont have much data on these things so it’s hard to say.

[@Ryabuscus]

I have a impulse red pearl, hopefully my paint stays together 😂. Also any good ways to check service or accident history I didn’t get any of that when I bought my car.

[@WillChang]

Regular waxing and detailing will go a long way to helping your paint stay nice! Ceramic coat is amazing too if that's what you want. Best way to check accident history is probably carfax, that's how I saw that mine was in 1 moderate and 1 minor collision

[@lilmoris1]

Do these things affect newer ones? Say 2011-2013?

[@ianneil9512]

2003-2008 control arm bushings wear out (wheel hop!!!!!!) easier to replace the whole arm itself with new bushings already installed

[@WillChang]

Definitely agree, removing bolts and replacing the entire control arm is significantly easier than pressing bushings especially if you don’t own a press

[@darrendent8288]

Hands down my favorite car Ive ever owned.

[@WillChang]

Awesome! Seems like the vast majority of XRS owners have been saying this

[@cameronstidman6493]

Sammeee still have my "06

[@Ristogod]

all true, the lift bolts on mine broke and my transmission died also

[@liferx4343]

Buying a used XRS is mainly an issue because people use and abuse these cars. Chances that you'll find a unabused XRS is next to none. I learned this when I purchased my 2000 SI, I went through 5 Civic SI's, all of the motors the compression rings were shot and oil rings gone. The sport model in any car, plan on replacing the motor & or tranny if you're buying used. Most people just don't drive responsibly.

[@bubblehead4270]

What constitutes abuse? I’ve had my XRS for almost 9 years and I love it. Dont know a whole lot about cars outside standard maintenance. I think my XRS is in good shape but there are some things that definitely can use some TLC and thankfully shouldn’t be too expensive to correct.

[@ianneil9512]

1zz timing chain tensioner o-ring (2 bolts and 10$ to fix)

[@WillChang]

Fantastic info!

[@GabylannPR]

I was thinking on buying a 2005 xrs for a daily fun car but mehhh I think I'll pass thanks for your warnings lol

[@ayubjama9536]

I know you mentioned that not all of these are applicable to the 2010 xrs. But is there anything I should be worried about? Just bought one with 189000kms on it.

[@bubblehead4270]

My 2010 XRS has 135k miles on it. So I have about 20k more miles than you do. I’ve driven it all over the country. I’ve only noticed a few issues but so far nothing major and hasn’t given me a headache at all. First one is a real simple and common one, the fuel door spring. If it doesn’t break off, you can readjust it if it isn’t opening the fuel door properly. If not, auto stores sell them for a few dollars. Easy replacement. Second one may be due to the aftermarket exhaust that was installed by the previous owner. ECU may not be properly tuned so sometimes my car hiccups when I’m accelerating too quickly from a stopped position. I drive my vehicle like it’s delicate but sometimes to beat oncoming traffic during a turn, I have to drive quickly lol. This hiccup doesn’t always happen and got better when I replace my engine control module, but the mechanic thinks the ECU needs to be retuned. Lastly, my head unit may be bad. My first indication was when my aux port when bad. I replaced it and it went bad again. I haven’t replaced this yet since it’s hardly given me an issue, but I intend to do further troubleshooting at some point before replacing it. Other than that, I haven’t had an issues yet.

[@puregsr]

Yup, sounds like my Matrix XRS

[@WillChang]

👍🏼

[@jordysrevenge]

i found 3 XRS’s in my area (60mi radius) and all 3 of them have blown engines… (i heard that apparently at around 8100 - limiter the oil pump sucks in air and 2zz goes yeet) ⬅️ i don’t really know how true that is

[@WillChang]

Stock limiter is 8200 and I haven't really heard many people have problems with it there, I've brought mine to 8200 more than once and have been okay but I don't do it on a daily basis. These engines don't take kindly to being overrevved though so accidentally downshifting when you meant to upshift is usually a death sentence, lots of 2zzs have died from that

[@Joseph-Lopez]

selling mine in LA. 06 corolla xrs with 193k miles how much would I sell it for?

[@WillChang]

I'd say somewhere in the range of $4k-$7k but take these numbers with a grain of salt though as I'm no expert in selling cars. Cheers!

[@shujayethossain6554]

Hi Is the 2010 Corolla XRS 5-speed manual a good car to buy? I found one with 200k miles, one owner, $4600. Thank you!

[@WillChang]

Should be a good car, but I don’t know as much about them as they use totally different engines to the previous gen xrs. Watch out for oil consumption though, I know it’s an issue with the 2.4

[@catjesus4319]

Have an 06 XRS that has a gasket leak. Dealer quoted $3,500.

[@ALEXJRZ]

Wtf

[@dustinminnick5458]

Too much. Thousand bucks at least..

[@lyndellblount1066]

How fast can 2005 xrs go?

[@WillChang]

I’ve brought mine to 130mph but it definitely isn’t built as a top speed car, you need quite a long stretch of road to reach that. I believe the stock speed limiter is at 135mph

[@santitopr51]

5:56 you let a bit of trauma there bro, are you okay?

[@ZFnr4y058mr]

Great car. Too bad it costs like $6,000 nowadays

[@WillChang]

True, seems like the prices of these are starting to go up more consistently

[@Toyota4Life]

Bean that it’s a limited production faster more performance orientant model it has all the right recipes as any other enthusiast car to go up in price

[@Christopher_R]

I think it’s worth noting that most of this doesn’t apply to the 2009-2010 XRS.

[@WillChang]

Definitely! 09-10 XRS is totally different to these

[@shameerawais]

In Other words.... No offense but i think Honda definitely beat Toyota in building reliable performance 4 cylinder engines. Not to forget Vtec is way more reliable technology than lift. Just a personal opinion.✌️

[@sofasniperman]

Hey! First comment 😁

[@WillChang]

Awesome!

[@sofasniperman]

@@WillChang hey, your videos have really been inspirimg me to fix up my 2004 corolla ce. I've had it for a few years now, and I've always wanted to put a sport style spoiler on it, and so i finally did it. And it looks great. I've also done the full led swap (with the help of your tutorial, thanks!) including the cigarette lighter led. And I installed an aftermarket cruise control motor, remote start, interior foot leds, and a custom horn under the hood with three led horn buttons! I just got that done tonight haha. And I'm gonna get the windows tinted soon too. I love my car now. Thanks for all the videos you've done man.

[@sofasniperman]

@@WillChang oh and I plastidipped the chrome logos on the back too. My car is the beige color so it used to look like a grandma car until now 😄

[@WillChang]

Super cool that my videos could help you out, and provide you with inspiration for your build! Can't wait to see how it progresses, keep me updated!

[@sofasniperman]

@@WillChang will do

[@josuesanchez2742]

Dont know y im watching this 🤦 i own chevy

[@WillChang]

I dunno 🤷🏻‍♂️ the Corolla takes up about 90% of the thumbnail

[@fel1xxfel1xx60]

Yeah watch this video full of fkn adds & fully of bs info before you buy😂😂

[@digitizedzazita]

how is it bs?

[@MrVllnt]

Don’t go there with the stepdad abusing of the kids. I’m the stepdad that takes good care of them. Please don’t do that again. Nine years with them and have 2 and 4 of mine

[@WillChang]

My apologies if it was offensive, I have no doubts that you along with many other stepfathers are amazing parents!

[@ianneil9512]

my step dad was abusive so it made sense to me your an oddball stepdad dont be so easily offended its America we can say whatever we want Victor ! just so you know most stepdads are abusive in one form or another

[@Toyota4Life]

Imagine coming to KZbin and being sensitive

[@johnconnor2402]

This might surprise you, but not everyone is a good person. So you have good step dads and bad step dads out there. Crazy right??????

[@odnamorvr3053]

Toyota is trash

[@WillChang]

You opinion, fair enough. i cannot for the life of me though understand why you would bother clicking on this video clearly dedicated to a Toyota vehicle, let alone leaving a meaningless comment. Pathetic.

[@elifreedman3569]

Just out of curiosity what car brand do you find good I think every car brand has its Bad things about them and good things about them it’s totally just personal opinion and I find it funny you need to force it on to other people

[@WillChang]

I should get lost? You're on *my* video, uploaded to *my* channel. The only person who should get lost is you.

[@elifreedman3569]

Listen here you little shit why spend your time on a video that you don’t even like waste your time and energy watching it just a comment some stupid shit get out of the fucking comment section you fucking 12 years old I highly doubt you even own a car you just wanna fucking talk shit