What is the best year Toyota Corolla ? & Common Problems

Former Master Mechanic and Toyota Engineer tells you the best years to buy the Toyota Corolla. I'll tell you the best years to get a used Toyota Corolla and exactly why these years are the most dependable.
My video on how to screen a used cars previous owner:
• Master Mechanic shares...
Links I talked about in the video:
Nhtsa.gov link to see if your car was affected by the takata airbag recall
www.nhtsa.gov/equipment/takat...
Corolla special service campaign
www.corollaforum.com/threads/...
Enthusiasts garage
• Toyota's somewhat secr...
Credits:
Driving up mountain clip
Video by Yaroslav Shuraev
Pexels.com
Green Corolla
Photo by Maxim Nevedimov
Pexels.com
Car salesman pic
Photo by Antoni Shkraba
Pexels.com
Lady in rental car pic
Photo by Gustavo Fring
Pexels.com

[@AliceShukalo-my8bx]

I had a 2007 Corolla from 2013 until May 2024, when a driver in incoming traffic decided to make a left turn in front of me, totaling my sweet, faithful car. It was a fantastic car--manual transmission, great gas mileage, never a single engine problem, original transmission. I had planned to keep that car for at least several more years. Now, I'm shopping for a Corolla, looking at 2015-2017 models and finding that dealerships often won't let the customer take the car for a buyer's check. They think that all the customer needs to be concerned with is whether the car passes inspection. For me, that's only the first step. A car can have problems that state inspection does not even address. Get the buyer's check. Thanks for this video. I learned a lot and was pleased to have my faith in older Corollas confirmed.

[@MJ100k]

That’s a shame that someone totaled your Corolla 😭. My first car was a Chevy Celebrity and it’s was totaled by an old lady not paying attention. I’ve found that a way around dealerships not letting you take the car out for inspection… Is to call a mobile mechanic and ask him to go check out the car at the dealership. If the dealership won’t allow this inspection simple don’t buy it from them. They must have something to hide. Also check over the car fax. I have several videos on how to do this (for free) in my Shopping for used cars playlist. 👍

[@maddydog]

I purchased a used 2015 Toyota Corolla S two years ago, i do alot of driving city and highway, i use to be a GM guy but after having many issues with there vehicles and costly me to much money im so glad my brother talked me into purchasing this Toyota best car Ive owned! It now has 195,000 miles and runs like new 😎

[@MJ100k]

Yeah that’s a good Corolla 👍 For me, I try not to be a “guy” for any OEM in particular (even though I route for US OEMs to do well financially). It’s best to look at individual vehicles and powertrains . For example, there are a lot of Toyota “guys” who bought new Tundras that just got recalled for the new turbo engine problems. 👀

[@rjonzun5828]

The 2014 Corolla did have a massive recall in 2020 for airbags failing to deploy. But like you mention in the video, this issue has probably already been addressed on most used 2014 Corollas. Thanks for the transmission information. Very helpful.

[@MJ100k]

No problem 👍

[@MikeHills-ke9zt]

Very detailed very good video❤

[@MJ100k]

Thank you 👍💯

[@ChrisBranleh]

Enjoyed this video. My mom and gf both have 16 (50k mi) and 17 (110k mi) corollas, but because they’re sluggish on the road and the exterior is an eye sore, neither of them like them. But I’m the one who works on maintaining them and they’re really easy to work on. Besides oil changes they haven’t needed much besides new wiper blades. Dash hasn’t cracked with outdoor parking, interior hasn’t faded despite no use of a sunshade. Paint has chipped and peeled really badly on the gf car but she doesn’t care about her car one bit, letting it get tree sap and debris accumulate for weeks at a time. I think had they made the exterior more appealing, neither of them would have an issue with wanting a different car. It’s just an outdated vehicle compared to what’s out now so it’s hard to fault them for wanting more, like apple carplay and better features. My mom has the premium model and that “leather” interior is awful, thin, creased, and cracked despite me using detailing products to try and ameliorate the wear and tear. Gas mileage is also quite nice and is cheap to fill, especially with the increasing prices. Overall it’s an awesome car mechanically for the person who doesn’t care about the look and wants minimal work, but certainly feels dated. Guess that’s part of its charm, although I do hate the way the car looks.

[@MJ100k]

Awesome- glad you liked the video. Yeah, I guess almost everything starts to look dated at some point. 🤷‍♂️ But I still love the fact that they are reliable and easy to work on 🛠️👍

[@MetalTeamster]

A lot of people, myself included are renting cars for long trips to save miles on their personal vehicles. I agree 100 percent with you on OEM parts. I use nothing but. Great vid, well spoken

[@MJ100k]

Thank you 👍💯

[@Bravadodriver540]

Had it for 5 days now love it gas mileage and power are niiiiiice,bought used at 73,000

[@MJ100k]

Nice 👍

[@alhassanzayyanu5712]

Toyota Corolla is the best selling car because it is cheap abd easy to maintain not becoz it is thr best car.for me the 2003- 2008 is the best corolla ever built

[@MJ100k]

Even if a car is cheap and easy to maintain… that won’t make it reliable as well.

[@alhassanzayyanu5712]

@@MJ100k yeah that's true.the Toyota Corolla is super reliable,my kid brother has a 2010 model.. My brother in-law has a 2015 model as well..both are good dependable cars.

[@MJ100k]

Nice. For new vehicles - I think the Rav4 is the best and most practical. Especially the hybrid versions.

[@alhassanzayyanu5712]

@@MJ100k RAV4 is good. Yestarday my inlaw talked about trading his 2015 Corolla for a 2017 Rav4..the price scared him out of the deal.. We are both in Nigeria not USA😊

[@alhassanzayyanu5712]

I must tell you the economy is not good people can't buy newer cars now.. A RAV4 2017 cost about 15 to 17 million naira,not thousand friend but million

[@Robert-yk3ey]

Keep making videos. Perhaps some pick up truck info?

[@MJ100k]

I’m making one for the best year Dodge Charger right now. It’s gonna be really good. I’ll make a pick up truck video in a month or so. How much do you have to spend on one? Do you wanna tow with it or you want a v6 with good gas mileage just to drive? I’ll pick you a good one

[@user-ft5cf1ke1u]

Weldone work, what about 2008 Toyota Corolla ce?

[@MJ100k]

Thank you. The 2008 Corolla is a really great car. However, for any used car you must investigate to make sure the specific car you’re buying is good. That’s going to be dependent on the previous owner(s) You also want a car with a good title (ie not rebuilt, not salvage, not transferred from Canada) … I made a video on how to screen the previous owner here: Master Mechanic shares 3 NEW secrets for picking a GREAT used car ! kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3Kne2CcaJ6jrKc Also, get any vehicle inspected before you buy it. You’re not looking for perfection. So if they find a couple things wrong ie needs tie rods, has a small leaks from the valve cover or power steering lines, needs a motor mount, needs front brakes… These are not big deals. You can fix these things. What is a big deal is … severe rust, evidence of severe body damage, incorrect and unprofessional repairs. Avoid any car with big deal problems. Anyways, good luck with finding a great used car. Let me know if you have any questions. 👍

[@seyitozanguney844]

🎉

[@MJ100k]

👍🛠️

[@reymarquez4179]

I have 2014 Corolla le? How would I know if I have cvt? Thankyou for your videos

[@MJ100k]

You’re welcome 👍 In the inside of your driver door there should be a black sticker with white letters in it: That’s the vehicle configuration label On the bottom it will say A/TM - __ _____ If you have a regular fwd transmission (like the 4 speed) you will see the letter U___ in the code. For example mine is U241E If you have a CVT you will see the letter K___ for example K114 Here’s a video that will show you which sticker I’m talking about. Hope that helps 👍 kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3fLg6JtdpJkgMUsi=YO5BNid6fPK1Vzd8 en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Toyota_transmissions

[@bella3008]

MJ100k, please share your thoughts on one owner 2004 Camry V6 with 65k miles for 8k.

[@MJ100k]

Who is selling it? Is it a private owner with tons of receipts or is it a car dealership?

[@MikeHills-ke9zt]

Hello Could you Makena video about Rav4. What year and what model (engine size) is most reliable ? Thanks

[@MJ100k]

I’m making a video on the Honda CRV right now. But I’ll do the Rav 4 after that just for you lol Give me a couple weeks

[@MikeHills-ke9zt]

@@MJ100k This Toyota mechanic says 11 Gen Corolla has problems. Dome of them expensive to fix kzbin.info/www/bejne/n2mpgIFpYreModUsi=wiN_vMcVq9rq7M2v

[@MikeHills-ke9zt]

@@MJ100k kzbin.info/www/bejne/n2mpgIFpYreModUsi=wiN_vMcVq9rq7M2v

[@MikeHills-ke9zt]

@MJ100k Thank you for the Rav 4 . I have not heard anything bad about Highlanders, 4Runners, land cruiser, Tundra and Tacoma. (But 2024 Tundra has turbos☺️) We ll see

[@MJ100k]

@@MikeHills-ke9zt Yeah that new Tundra has had a couple issues out the gate. Turbo issue and an issue with the fuel lines. I’m sure they’ll work it out though. New models with new engines generally have a couple issues with the first year or two… that get fixed down the line. This is true for any OEM.

[@joshuarecarte6567]

I got a question how you know you have a cvt or the 4 speed auto cause my 2016 have paddle shifters and has Manual

[@MJ100k]

In the inside of your driver door there should be a black sticker with white letters in it: That’s the vehicle configuration label On the bottom it will say A/TM - __ _____ If you have a regular fwd transmission (like the 4 speed) you will see the letter U___ in the code. For example mine is U241E If you have a CVT you will see the letter K___ for example K114 Here’s a video that will show you which sticker I’m talking about. Hope that helps 👍 kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3fLg6JtdpJkgMUsi=YO5BNid6fPK1Vzd8 en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Toyota_transmissions

[@Robert-yk3ey]

My family is huge let’s talk about some crew cabs or SUV

[@Ecchier]

Nah y’all need to lose some weight.

[@user-jv5mv9le1m]

Didn’t the 11th generation go all the way up to 2018? Still 1.8 or did I misunderstand? Thx

[@MJ100k]

My understanding is that you can a 1.8 liter or 2 liter until 2022 in the US. For the generations .. That may vary slightly according to what country you’re in … But for the US … It looks like I should have put 2014-2019 as the 11th generation. Sorry 🤷‍♂️😁

[@cerinawoehrley4199]

My 19 corolla has around 90 000 miles an 2.0 motor. No big problem yet just tire brakes and a oxygen sensor mass

[@MJ100k]

Nice 👍 90k in four years, you must drive alot lol

[@cerinawoehrley4199]

Left car

[@cerinawoehrley4199]

What you think about 21 civic 2.0 motor 45 k on it

[@MJ100k]

@@cerinawoehrley4199 It’s fine. But for any used car- you don’t just shop the car, you must screen the previous owner and get it inspected by a mechanic before you buy it. I give some inside tips on how to screen the previous owner in this video: Master Mechanic shares 3 NEW secrets for picking a GREAT used car ! kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3Kne2CcaJ6jrKc I give some maintenance tips on how to take care of any next generation Honda engine ie direct injected or turbocharged in this video: The tips are toward the end of the video, the rest is about the Honda CRV. What is the best year Honda CRV ? And Common Problems kzbin.info/www/bejne/eH6sl6Opi5Znm9E

[@24hrstolive27]

Any issues with 2013 Toyota Corolla? With major stuff?

[@MJ100k]

It’s my understanding that the 2013 is the 10th generation and it has the 4 speed automatic transmission (which I prefer to the cvt). If you can drive a manual that will be a good choice too. I’m not seeing any major problems. There are lots of high mileage examples for sale online. It’s high mileage capable. However; get this or any used car checked out by a mechanic before you buy it. You’re not looking for perfection, just looking to avoid major issues with that specific car. It’s over 10 years old at this point. Also try and screen the previous owner and check the carfax. I made a couple videos detailing how to do this, if you wanna check them out. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJClkmCFqbJ9ppYsi=sf5lq7-AJf9S741f kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWXMfmSGbt2Blacsi=SeiPfX4lITXSKIaM kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3Kne2CcaJ6jrKcsi=HVlNACWlLAaN9nEH

[@ltzmartinez5927]

Any feedback on the 2010 Corolla with the 2.4 engine, 163,000 miles on it? One available in my area at a great deal. Thanks!

[@MJ100k]

2009-2011 Corolla May be affected by an oil consumption issue - here’s a copy of the warranty extension static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2017/MC-10146510-9999.pdf Not all Corollas from those years were affected… also … the specific Corolla you’re looking at may have already been repaired under warranty many years ago. You’ll have to call a Toyota dealership with the vin number. Ask them to see if your Corolla is affected by the oil consumption issue and if it was … was it repaired? Once you do that - if things check out ok.. make sure to check out the cars carfax report and have a mechanic look at it before you buy it. It doesn’t have to be perfect …. But you also don’t want a car that’s been in a wreck or other major problems either. I made a video on car shopping and how to check the car fax report… I’ll link it in the next comment

[@MJ100k]

How to buy the BEST used Ford Edge. Shop Smart ! Save Time and MONEY kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4C4lHewgs2foc0

[@ltzmartinez5927]

@@MJ100k greatly appreciated!! Thanks for the feedback!

[@MJ100k]

@@ltzmartinez5927 You’re welcome

[@ajinkya1111]

Have just moved to USA a few months back , nd currently market is quite crazy and I somehow need a car on urgent basis. The car u r talking about I.e. 4 speed automatic is quite rare to find. Can u help me finding this car for a fee ? Please do let me know. I trust you 👍👍

[@MJ100k]

Thanks bro… I won’t charge you. What is your zip code and how much do you have to spend ? I’ll check online to see what’s near you. You will still need to pay a mechanic to go check it out for you in person. See if you can find a mobile mechanic near you. Sometimes they advertise on Craigslist.

[@ajinkya1111]

@@MJ100k thanks a lot for replying ! 😊😊 ! My zip is 60061, I have a budget of 10k-12k, can spend 1500 on mechanic and repair, please share your email I’d if possible. How can I chat with you ?

[@MJ100k]

Here this one looks good. 2014 Corolla - 11,000$ has the 4 speed 141,000 miles. It says it has two accidents but when I read the car fax it looks like they were both minor and the airbags didn’t deploy. Just have a mechanic check it out to be sure it’s ok. Should be fine. Car fax says it had two owners and they both got a lot of maintenance done. www.cargurus.com/Cars/inventorylisting/viewDetailsFilterViewInventoryListing.action?sourceContext=carGurusHomePageModel&entitySelectingHelper.selectedEntity=d295&zip=60061#listing=356826124/FEATURED/DEFAULT

[@MJ100k]

Carfax www.carfax.com/VehicleHistory/p/Report.cfx?partner=aan_0&vin=2t1burhe6ec022986

[@MJ100k]

If you go to car gurus.com - it will usually tell you if it’s a 4 speed or a cvt. To find the car fax for most cars ..From car gurus site -> go to the dealerships website and then search for the car there… then they usually have the car fax on their website. You can ask questions on here-- it helps YT promote the video more anyway lol

[@jaynorthrop8384]

Buying used Corolla or Honda Fit?

[@MJ100k]

Corolla. I owned a 2008 Honda Fit. It’s a great car… but new cars on the road are getting so much bigger and heavier… that small cars like the Fit would get annihilated in an accident. The Corolla is alittle bigger than the Fit at least. So I’d go with the Corolla if I had the choice.

[@24hrstolive27]

Is there a year that is most reliable?

[@MJ100k]

Not that I can see. I would focus more on getting the 4 speed transmission or manual transmission than a specific year. Also, focus on having the car you want inspected b4 you buy it…. and screening the previous owner. This will be much more effective than just looking for a specific year. I made videos on how to do this, if you’d like to check them out. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3Kne2CcaJ6jrKcsi=DP59bitb6ArnPb0d kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJClkmCFqbJ9ppYsi=TXssQTv5gizizwFG kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWXMfmSGbt2Blacsi=5yzYjc0N-LwGY0Hv

[@24hrstolive27]

@@MJ100k does that engine burn oil? Or doesn’t have that history or problem?

[@MJ100k]

I haven’t heard of the 1.8 liter having an inherent propensity for burning oil. You might be thinking of the 2.4 liter that goes in some years the Camry/Rav4. Even then, only some years of 2.4 liter engines have that issue.

[@24hrstolive27]

@@MJ100k sorry last question a 2007 Camry xle v6 any issues? 81k miles on it. Do those engines and transmission run forever? Sorry again last question so I don’t bother you

[@MJ100k]

It’s cool - Comments help the channel 👍 but I may fall asleep at some point soon lol 1- Nothing last forever. Even if a car gets to a million miles. That’s not forever I’m not a big fan of the 2007 Camry. That’s the first year of that generation. There’s a software update for the transmission- some people say it works and some say it doesn’t. If you want a Camry I’d get the Generation before that. I have a 2004 4 cylinder. I made a video on it. - What is the best year Toyota Camry