Used 1993 Toyota Corolla Consumer Reviews
Used Corolla for sale
Bought new, owned it for 30 years and it outlived
Jack , 03/09/2025
1993 Toyota Corolla 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
After a very extensive research and plenty of haggling, I bought a new Toyota Corolla in June, 1993 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada (automatic, A/C, A.B.S. Brakes & Air Bags) for $16,380 CAN (about $12,700 US) + tax. It was my second vehicle I bought in my life. Basically, the car was extremely reliable. During the period of its warranty I had no issues whatsoever. From the very beginning I had all service performed by the same independent motor vehicle mechanic (who had actually suggested that I purchase the Toyota Corolla). When the 3 year comprehensive warranty was about to expire, I went to the Toyota dealership to have the vehicle checked. The dealership mechanic found a number of issues (major and minor, according to him), like “breaks must be cleaned, tune-up performed, this and that adjusted,” and gave me an estimate for $850 CAN (about $620 US). I was quite surprised and immediately drove to my regular mechanic. He and his assistant checked the Corolla very thoroughly and not only did not they find any issues whatsoever, but also said that only one tire had recently been removed. From then on I never set my foot in the Toyota dealership! In 2002 I bought another vehicle and the Corolla was driven almost exclusively by my mother. It was always kept in a garage and I made sure that it was properly maintained. The only problems commenced to appear approximately 20-22 years after its purchase date. I had to replace some ignition part and a cracked cast-iron casing, which cost me under $500. Later there were some minor problems with wheel alignment. Also, the ABS needed to be fixed for a few hundred of dollars (about half of what the Toyota dealership estimated). Around 2010 the A/C stopped working, but I never had it fixed. The most serious issue occurred in 2022 (when it was 29 years old), when suddenly the power steering failed and had to be fixed. Overall, I spent less than $3,000 CAN (about $2,300 US) on repairs during the 30 year period of ownership. No wonder that my mechanic sometimes half-jokingly said, “because of cars like that, I’ll go out of business.” Well, the Corolla survived two mechanics and sadly, my mother. I sold it in November, 2023, when it was over 30 years old and the odometer hit 200,019 km (or 120,000 miles), to an acquaintance (who needed a ‘temporary’ vehicle) for $2,000 CAN (about $1,500 US). He had to spend $500 CAN (about $370 US) for minor repairs to have it certified (so that he could register it). He loved it—he said that the more he drove it, the better it become! Amazingly, he sold the Corolla 4 months later for $2,500 CAN (about $1,875 US)—yes, more than he paid for it! He said that it needed a minor repair and probably a new set of tires soon. Ironically, when I asked a mechanic in 2018 how much he thought I could sell the Corolla for, he said, “about $500 CAN.” Well, 5 years later I sold it for 4 times as much! Because of this car, as well as my first vehicle (Honda Accord 1983), I trust Japanese cars. Although my current car is a Pontiac Vibe 2003, being a Toyota Matrix twin, de facto it is a Japanese car, as it has the Toyota Corolla’s engine, transmission and many other parts. And my next car will most likely be a Honda, Toyota or a Subaru.
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Great car ! Great gas mileage !
Donnarobinson555, 12/11/2017
1993 Toyota Corolla 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Engine has a lot of pick-up & go (1.6)....handles winter weather. Have had it for over 2 years....only had to put a new starter in ....for $300. (Heard the iginition lock cylinder may go out on this yr model....but hasn't yet)
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- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
My Rolla
accord27, 05/28/2008
1993 Toyota Corolla LE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We have had our 93 Toyota corolla about a month, and it's the best thing I have ever bought! It has 198,000 on it, and we paid $3,000 for it. It is in mint shape. I can only wish it had more power. But everything else is awesome! I was a Honda accord man, but now I like the corollas. In a year or so we will get another corolla (new) The car has never been painted, and it looks like the paint is brand new. I love my Rolla! Clean hot looking car!
Japanese Quality
Mr. Crisp, 08/06/2004
1993 Toyota Corolla DX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I too am the lucky owner of a Corolla DX sedan and I can safely say that it has definitly been one of the best automotive investments that I've ever made. The 1.8L engine is pretty snappy for its size, and the manual transmission is very smooth. No major repairs save an alternator and a starter but that was after I had driven it for over 90K miles! I've owned this car for 11 years and it never ceases to make me proud to own it.
The best I have ever owned.
wg, 10/27/2003
1993 Toyota Corolla LE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This corolla is almost eleven years old and has 185k miles and runs like a top. Only routine maintenance and an alternator for repairs over the time I've own the car. Purchased new, one owner, driven by my wife and myself and still gets 35+ mpg on a weekly basis with and automatic transmission. Glad I bought it but will purchase a larger car next time . . . a camry.