2003 Corolla CE - Edumicate me!

"Moves-Like-Senna" (moves-like-senna)
12/23/2016 at 12:22 • Filed to: Toyota, Corolla

(CAR NOT PICTURED)

As many of you know I have been on the hunt for a highway warrior. A long wheelbase, decent MPG and comfort in leather wrapped seating. However, in a odd turn of events, my girlfriends parents of offered me their 2003 Corolla CE (Auto, otherwise base model) for FREE!

Yes, you can’t beat free so I said I’d give it a go. I may not fit but free is free and saves me $10K. There are two known issues that need to be resolved:

1) Exhaust replacement
2) Emissions sensor replacement

Quoted cost: 800$ + 200$ to pass safety + emissions

They don’t drive the car much as it has somewhere around 120k miles on it and her mother doesn’t have a cellphone so is concerned about breaking down. There is some rust on the rear quarters.

I’ll be using this car on 700 mile return trips on weekends for the next 6 months. Are there any issues I should know about these and what are Oppo’s thoughts?

I would like to add some sound proofing, aftermarket receiver (AUX) and a subwoofer (cut down on highway noise). + 500$

DISCUSSION (63)

Phyrxes once again has a wagon! > Moves-Like-Senna
12/23/2016 at 12:26

My wife still drives an 07 CE but here is a 5 speed. Sound proofing is a good plan but it is otherwise easy to work on. Hers is over 120k miles with no major issues.

Moves-Like-Senna > Phyrxes once again has a wagon!
12/23/2016 at 12:28

Awesome! Good to hear it’s solid, any suggestions on areas to add sound deadening?

The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock > Moves-Like-Senna
12/23/2016 at 12:28

It stops, turns, & goes forward.

Moves-Like-Senna > The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock
12/23/2016 at 12:30

But does not go backwards!

Phyrxes once again has a wagon! > Moves-Like-Senna
12/23/2016 at 12:31

Check the weatherstripping and I would focus on door panels and under the dash, at highway speed the engine noise is noticable before taking into account exhaust drone.

404 - User No Longer Available > Moves-Like-Senna
12/23/2016 at 12:31

You sure you need a full replacement for the exhaust? When me and my friends got our winter-driven 1990 Miata, the exhaust also failed tailpipe but just a $120 patch job sorted it out and we got it safetied and e-tested.

Spaceball-Two > Moves-Like-Senna
12/23/2016 at 12:33

We had a 2006 S, car was absolutely bullet proof. Rarely had any issues and great mpgs. Hooray for free cars!

Moves-Like-Senna > Phyrxes once again has a wagon!
12/23/2016 at 12:34

Awesome! Thank you! I guess just lay it out under the carpet up on the front seats and under the door panels?

smobgirl > Moves-Like-Senna
12/23/2016 at 12:34

They don’t drive it because of 120k?

My neighbor has a Corolla of that gen, not sure of the year, but it’s the nicest car they own and was their preferred DD until it ended up in some sort of multi-car pileup. He had it towed back and I think plans to fix it himself.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > Moves-Like-Senna
12/23/2016 at 12:35

1ZZs are pretty damn near bulletproof. Not excessively low mileage to the point where I’d be worried about it having been left to sit for a while. Can’t beat free. Take it and run it into the ground.

Moves-Like-Senna > Spaceball-Two
12/23/2016 at 12:35

Great to hear! This would make it so that I’ve still never bought my own car. Though this would be the lowest valued car post 1990 I have ever driven.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > Moves-Like-Senna
12/23/2016 at 12:35

I can see that being a problem. Or not if it’s in Drive.

thebigbossyboss > Moves-Like-Senna
12/23/2016 at 12:35

This is basically the opposite of what you wanted. short wheel base city car.

Then again I did 1400 km return trips for a month and a half in Cavalier, so what do I know.

PartyPooper2012 > Moves-Like-Senna
12/23/2016 at 12:37

im confused by your question for education.

Lesson one - say thanks to your gfs parents

Lesson two - repair known issues

Lesson three - drive till wheels fall off.

Lesson bonus - don’t waste money on improving free things. Save money. buy better stuff later.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Moves-Like-Senna
12/23/2016 at 12:37

We had one for a loaner once, I hated it with a passion. That being said, a free car is a free car and for $1,000 of work you get a very reliable and safe car, I wouldn’t pass that up. Shit paint it with some dragon flames and put Type R stickers all over it and have some fun.

Moves-Like-Senna > thebigbossyboss
12/23/2016 at 12:38

It really is, but a free car is free and I can’t complain about that. It gives me the means to shove even more money away for a summer car ;) Instead a Camaro SS I should be looking at a used NSX haha

Spaceball-Two > Moves-Like-Senna
12/23/2016 at 12:39

You may throw a CEL now and again related to the fuel system. Check the gas cap. The gaskets wear down and the system thinks there’s a leak. Sometimes the filler neck can get a little bent and dented because of years of gassing up, you can kind of mold it back into place too.

The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock > Moves-Like-Senna
12/23/2016 at 12:40

Thats why you pull the hand brake & turn.

Moves-Like-Senna > PartyPooper2012
12/23/2016 at 12:40

Thank you! That’s the plan, I’m thinking just basic improvements (sub 500$ total - I need my podcasts etc (aux)). But I know nothing about Corollas haha

Moves-Like-Senna > The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock
12/23/2016 at 12:41

Which I wont feel bad about doing in this car! LED Lightbar? YES LED LIGHTBAR!

Phyrxes once again has a wagon! > Moves-Like-Senna
12/23/2016 at 12:42

I did under the carpet in front and back and just made sure the rubber seals on the doors were in good shape.

Moves-Like-Senna > Phyrxes once again has a wagon!
12/23/2016 at 12:43

If they’re bad, i guess I could just order any generic seals and replace! cheap repairs FTW!

Amoore100 > Moves-Like-Senna
12/23/2016 at 12:46

I like this. I have this weird fetish for making the most out of the ordinary so if it presents itself I say 100% go with the Corolla. It’s literally the most reliable thing in the entire world, and I (at least personally) get some satisfaction out of using a car like an appliance since it can get tiring when you drive something aging and European and every day you hear a new sound that probably shouldn’t exist. That said, make sure you’re comfortable in it. I hear that gen Corolla is a bit of a one-size-doesn’t-fit-all kind of car so if you don’t fit it would be best to fix it up and sell it and pick up something reliable (Civic, Mazda 3, Focus, etc.) that you do feel comfortable in. No sense in torturing yourself for 700 miles at a time just because “it’s free”.

Amoore100 > smobgirl
12/23/2016 at 12:46

My dad’s DD is a 213K mile V70 T5. I suppose we like living dangerously.

thebigbossyboss > Moves-Like-Senna
12/23/2016 at 12:49

That I get. I mean, it should be fine, there’s not many options (if I remember the CE is the base model) so there’s not electronic anything. You still driving around rural Quebec? I was commuting between Edmonton AB and Prince George BC. You want lonely roads? Try BC 16 west of McBride late at night in February.

Over 2 hours of driving and I saw 9 other cars lol.

vicali > Moves-Like-Senna
12/23/2016 at 12:53

I grew up in a Corolla house, as in, we had three Corolla wagons 88, 92, 96; They were Dad’s company cars and we drove them until they replaced it with a newer one..

Each one went well over 250K without issue.. the 96 cracked an exhaust manifold but still drove it’s last 50K as is.

I do not remember any of them at any time not starting, or having any kind of problem.. they basically ruined all other cars for my brother and I. Maybe that’s why I want an aircooled vw - complete opposite to a Toyota.

smobgirl > Amoore100
12/23/2016 at 12:56

I don’t think anyone in my family ever owned a car with fewer miles than that until I got my Abarth.

PartyPooper2012 > Moves-Like-Senna
12/23/2016 at 12:56

there is nothing to know. add fuel and oil at proper intervals. Maintain proper thread on tires and brakes. All else is on auto pilot. These things are not called appliances for nothing.

Moves-Like-Senna > Amoore100
12/23/2016 at 12:56

That was my exact thought! I want a 2011 Saab 9-3 Sport Combi but financially, it’s the worst choice I could make haha. Free is free, I’m thinking if I dont fit well, I’d move the seat rails and call it a day haha.

Amoore100 > Moves-Like-Senna
12/23/2016 at 13:00

Well with the savings you could buy something like a Miata as a consolation prize!

RacinBob > Moves-Like-Senna
12/23/2016 at 13:03

For $18o plus shipping, you can get the complete exhaust system from Rockauto. Spend another $30 for a dremel with a cuttoff wheel to get all the rusty bolts off. Do some research to make sure that you are getting the parts you need, the bosel kit may include the resonator while I am thinking the walker does not based on the fasteners they list.

http://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/toyota,2003,corolla,1.8l+l4,1432914,exhaust,exhaust+system+kit,10727

Kinja'd!!!

Moves-Like-Senna > thebigbossyboss
12/23/2016 at 13:05

I’m impressed you remeber! I used to do rural Quebec, I relocated to Toronto earlier this year and am moving back to Montreal, while my girlfriend and most of my stuff will stay here in Toronto. So I need a ways of getting back and forth on the 401!

It really is electronic nothing. The only option added was an auto transmission. I think the most expensive upgrade will be a new headunit haha

Wow, that’s pretty damn calm! that’s like rural Quebec.. I had to wait an hour to siphon regular gas into my friend’s Jag XKRS. 16 West is a nice drive though (I grew up in BC ;) )

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > Moves-Like-Senna
12/23/2016 at 13:06

I got a 2006 Corolla LE for free from one of my parents college friends. Worst car I have ever owned. Boring as all hell and massively uncomfortable. The footwells are super short and you are basically sitting on top of the pedals and the steering column is way to short. I’m about 6ft and I had do drive it with my knees rammed into the dash and my arms fully outstretched, it’s a car for people with short legs. It makes an awful buzzing noise at anything above 1.5k rpm and it drones constantly. I once did 2 hours on the highway in mine and had a raging headache by the end of that trip. It was a total shit bucket and you could tell Toyota put a ton of effort into making it as boring as possible.

Moves-Like-Senna > Amoore100
12/23/2016 at 13:06

Exactly! I’m thinking I’ll add that money towards the Camaro SS I was planning on buying or help bump that up to an NSX? hahaha

Moves-Like-Senna > PartyPooper2012
12/23/2016 at 13:07

True, I didn’t realize by appliance they were this dumb and easy sort of car. I’ve always had more specialized vehicles haha.

Moves-Like-Senna > RacinBob
12/23/2016 at 13:08

oh hot damn! this may be the way to do it! Thanks!

BJ > Moves-Like-Senna
12/23/2016 at 13:10

It’s a good deal. Get it fixed and keep it serviced, it’ll go a long way. Spend a few dollars on top-notch touring tires for summer.

Captain of the Enterprise > Moves-Like-Senna
12/23/2016 at 13:11

I have an 05 le and like it a lot if you have any questions I’d be happy to answer

PartyPooper2012 > Moves-Like-Senna
12/23/2016 at 13:11

yeah.... appliances. Beige and boring as the internets dubbed them.

Now, mind you, some of them come with an owners manual where it clearly states that after certain miles, you should check oil level. They may need adding. Don’t burn up your engine.

I had 2005 Corola S type that previous owner fucked up... drove it without oil basically. burned up all sorts of things and it burned oil.

My toyota truck says after 600 miles you should check oil levels.

thebigbossyboss > Moves-Like-Senna
12/23/2016 at 13:13

16 between McBride and PG is trees, trees, and even more trees. There’s an an abandoned truck stop about mid way and a highway maintenance station. That’s about it.

I only miss the speeding on the 401, I don’t miss the boringness of it. LOL. Canada’s most boring straightest drive.

Amoore100 > Moves-Like-Senna
12/23/2016 at 13:13

Or a Beetle!

Kinja'd!!!

Moves-Like-Senna > BJ
12/23/2016 at 13:18

Fantastic!

Moves-Like-Senna > Captain of the Enterprise
12/23/2016 at 13:19

Thanks! How tight is the cockpit? I’m 6ft 3 .. about 6ft 5-6 with shoes/hair

Moves-Like-Senna > PartyPooper2012
12/23/2016 at 13:19

oh damn! I’ll be sure to check that! Thanks :D

Moves-Like-Senna > thebigbossyboss
12/23/2016 at 13:21

The trees are far more exciting than farmlands of the 401 hahaha. Honestly, it’s one of the most boring highways I’ve ever seen period. Speeding is normal on it lol, I find average traffic speed is over 120kph hahaha which I would be scared to go over in that corolla lol

Moves-Like-Senna > Amoore100
12/23/2016 at 13:21

mmmmmmmmm YES!

Captain of the Enterprise > Moves-Like-Senna
12/23/2016 at 13:22

If I’m honest it could use a little more room. I’m 6'3" and I’m pretty comfortable but a portion of my thigh hangs off the front of the seat. I found it to be pretty comfortable when I drove it 5 hours to Indianapolis from the Detroit area. You could sit in it to get a feel for how comfortable you would be in it. I’ve got a pretty tall torso and the headroom is fine for me.

thebigbossyboss > Moves-Like-Senna
12/23/2016 at 13:26

Yup. When I moved here to AB I kept that same mentality. 27 over in a 100 zone, no big deal I thought, in Ontario I was doing 125 and got passed by cops doing 145 in the bus lane outside of ottawa.

In Alberta it’s a bit different. 125 was enough to get pulled over. The only place on the 401 where that seems to be the case is in Kingston.

Moves-Like-Senna > Captain of the Enterprise
12/23/2016 at 13:28

Glad to hear it’s not too bad haha. For the thigh overhang, would adding a pillow (memory foam) or something along those lines in front be a horrible idea? I find that’s a common issue for myself (I’m longer in the legs)

Captain of the Enterprise > Moves-Like-Senna
12/23/2016 at 13:29

I could try that, I could see that helping

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Moves-Like-Senna
12/23/2016 at 13:35

Good, basic reliable cars...they’ll run for years as long as you properly maintain them! Parts are cheap...even getting the rear wheel well rust fixed shouldn’t cost that much.

New exhaust would probably be only like $200 new from a number of places. I wouldn’t worry about the soundproofing as a lot of that comes down to what tires you have. Get a good set and the noise isn’t bad! O2 sensors are cheap and if you can get under the car, usually pretty easy to replace yourself.

If anything goes wrong, there are probably billions of parts at your local Pick and Pull scrapyard as they are cheap and plentiful........or there could be no parts at your local Pick and Pull because they run forever....LOL! :P

If there is a local used auto parts / Pick and Pull yard near you, check with them for a stereo....if you don’t care about new, they often have older ones that still work OK taken from scrap cars with an Aux input for cheap! I’ve seen decent brand head units advertised at the local used parts yard for $25!

RacinBob > Moves-Like-Senna
12/23/2016 at 14:15

I looked again at the listing and if you click on the picture to the right, it shows all the parts. It includes the resonator. I would get the walker kit for the $3 more. It’s shown as a favorite. http://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/toyota,2003,corolla,1.8l+l4,1432914,exhaust,exhaust+system+kit,10727

Take some of the savings and buy this Dremel kit as you will probably use the cutoff wheel to get the bolts off. You will find it to be one of the handiest tools you have. Ps Be careful with it, safety glasses, ear protection and be very careful not to cut yourself. https://www.amazon.com/Dremel-4000-2-30-120-Volt-Variable/dp/B002L3RUVG

Kinja'd!!!

Moves-Like-Senna > thebigbossyboss
12/23/2016 at 14:29

I find eastcoasters drive based on conditions. I was doing 140 in a few flurries passing cops and nothing. In BC it’s the worst, it makes Alberta look loose... there’s like a cop at every exit and every block in the Greater Lower Mainland :(

Moves-Like-Senna > Captain of the Enterprise
12/23/2016 at 14:29

I was thinking maybe like a cheap rock hard memory pillow and strap it to the bottom with a tie down strap!

Captain of the Enterprise > Moves-Like-Senna
12/23/2016 at 14:31

Now we’re talking!

Moves-Like-Senna > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
12/23/2016 at 14:32

Thanks for all the info! I hope they took care of it but I’m not sure how well they did haha!

Yea it doesn’t seem too bad, I’m thinking I might just get it done so it’s quicker (in case I run into any issues as I need the car next week). True, about pick and pull too, I’ll dig through and see what I can find!

Phyrxes once again has a wagon! > Moves-Like-Senna
12/23/2016 at 15:05

It’s rubber seal on the frame, it’s not bad to do. I watched a YouTube video before I tried, I have done both back doors so far.

Svart Smart, traded in his Smart > Moves-Like-Senna
12/23/2016 at 15:15

Some Corollas of this generation have faulty odometers that stop at 299,999 and never go up from there.

Moves-Like-Senna > Svart Smart, traded in his Smart
12/23/2016 at 17:06

If it does that, does it make it a unicorn?

Moves-Like-Senna > Captain of the Enterprise
01/03/2017 at 17:04

Hey! So I figured out what you meant... my leg went fully dead on the freeway and I had no idea. I had to lift it and left foot it for a while.

Have you tried adding anything? I’m on the hunt for a solution haha.

Captain of the Enterprise > Moves-Like-Senna
01/03/2017 at 19:57

I haven’t my commute is typically around an hour and it usually doesn’t happen to me, you might have longer legs than me though.

Moves-Like-Senna > Captain of the Enterprise
01/04/2017 at 08:34

Ah okay, I only noticed it after 3 hours (already driving a couple 2 hour intervals) but it’s times like this I wish we had cruise control haha. I’ll post if I find a solution but this is to so far:

1) styrofoam core a bit higher than the seat and 2 inches out from the seat

2) Wrap the foam with an inch of memory foam (very dense)

3) Sew a cover for the whole thing or shove it in a cloth bag and tie it.

4) strap it on the lower base of the seat with a tie down strap.

Captain of the Enterprise > Moves-Like-Senna
01/04/2017 at 08:41

That sounds like a great idea! Please do keep me posted