1989 Toyota Corolla Reviews, Pricing & Specs
What owners say
"Overall, drivers love the 1989 Toyota Corolla for its reliability, fuel economy, and fun driving experience. They appreciate how well it handles, especially in winter conditions, and many mention its impressive longevity and low maintenance costs. However, some drivers do note that it lacks power and acceleration, making it less suitable for quick maneuvers on the road."
I bought my beaten up 1989 Corolla, a 5spd LE model sedan with a carbeurated 4-AF engine, for $300. The previous owner seemed to think it was on its last legs, and gave it until maybe the end of the summer. It had cooked front brakes, an exhaust leak, and would surge unexpectedly. I figured for $300, it would be the perfect summer car. I took it home and started throwing parts at it. I got new brake pads for $35, changed the oil, and changed the fuel filter. I then realized that the surging was due to poor contact on the plug wires, so I installed new plugs ($20) and a new distributor cap & wire assembly ($110). A couple months later, I had the exhaust leak patched up at an exhaust shop for $80. My total cost at this point, including purchasing the vehicle, is about $550, which I figured would be acceptable for a car that was only to last the summer. That was in May. It is now December, and that Corolla simply won't die. I have taken it with me up to northern BC, and when the weather started turning I installed a cheap battery heater and coolant heater. If it's been plugged in, it starts first crank in 30 below (although I left it unplugged for a week once and the battery froze - oops). After throwing a set of snow tires under it, it handles like a dream even in the rough unplowed roads here. Thursday, I'll be driving it back down to Vancouver. This thing is a testament to the indestructability Toyota is known for.
December 18, 2012I love the HIGH reving 4age engine, the sleek body lines, its pretty quick, but lacks top end performance. It rarely ever needs fixing, but when stuff does break, its really easy and cheap to fix, for the most part. Exterior styling is awesome, the "body kit" trim the GTS model has really ties the body to gether, the interior is eh, the driver seat is awesome, fully adjustable. The shifter is vary easy to shift with, and the e-brake is easy to grab hold of. It also lacks in how well it is for gas mileage, its actually terrible, but that could be my heavy driving?... haha And the fun factor of this thing is a 15/10 star, its small, has a 5spd. and a decent engine.
July 30, 2010A great car, 4 out of 5 only because of the boxy exterior and power. I bought this used in 1999 and drove it until 2006, now I'm giving it to my son who will soon have his license. Everything about the car is still perfect, just needs some exhaust system work (rust and corrosion), a new battery and starter. The interior is roomy and comfortable, plus icy A/C and pretty good speakers. I get high mileage, around 30 mpg city, which is incredible considering the year of the car. A bit of rust on the outside, not very noticeable. Automatic trans., has a bit of trouble going up big hills but that isnt much of a problem where I live. A perfect car for someone who just needs to get around town and take a long trip every now and then. Handles very well, easy driving but fun.
November 8, 2009What owners say
I bought my beaten up 1989 Corolla, a 5spd LE model sedan with a carbeurated 4-AF engine, for $300. The previous owner seemed to think it was on its last legs, and gave it until maybe the end of the summer. It had cooked front brakes, an exhaust leak, and would surge unexpectedly. I figured for $300, it would be the perfect summer car. I took it home and started throwing parts at it. I got new brake pads for $35, changed the oil, and changed the fuel filter. I then realized that the surging was due to poor contact on the plug wires, so I installed new plugs ($20) and a new distributor cap & wire assembly ($110). A couple months later, I had the exhaust leak patched up at an exhaust shop for $80. My total cost at this point, including purchasing the vehicle, is about $550, which I figured would be acceptable for a car that was only to last the summer. That was in May. It is now December, and that Corolla simply won't die. I have taken it with me up to northern BC, and when the weather started turning I installed a cheap battery heater and coolant heater. If it's been plugged in, it starts first crank in 30 below (although I left it unplugged for a week once and the battery froze - oops). After throwing a set of snow tires under it, it handles like a dream even in the rough unplowed roads here. Thursday, I'll be driving it back down to Vancouver. This thing is a testament to the indestructability Toyota is known for.
December 18, 2012I love the HIGH reving 4age engine, the sleek body lines, its pretty quick, but lacks top end performance. It rarely ever needs fixing, but when stuff does break, its really easy and cheap to fix, for the most part. Exterior styling is awesome, the "body kit" trim the GTS model has really ties the body to gether, the interior is eh, the driver seat is awesome, fully adjustable. The shifter is vary easy to shift with, and the e-brake is easy to grab hold of. It also lacks in how well it is for gas mileage, its actually terrible, but that could be my heavy driving?... haha And the fun factor of this thing is a 15/10 star, its small, has a 5spd. and a decent engine.
July 30, 2010A great car, 4 out of 5 only because of the boxy exterior and power. I bought this used in 1999 and drove it until 2006, now I'm giving it to my son who will soon have his license. Everything about the car is still perfect, just needs some exhaust system work (rust and corrosion), a new battery and starter. The interior is roomy and comfortable, plus icy A/C and pretty good speakers. I get high mileage, around 30 mpg city, which is incredible considering the year of the car. A bit of rust on the outside, not very noticeable. Automatic trans., has a bit of trouble going up big hills but that isnt much of a problem where I live. A perfect car for someone who just needs to get around town and take a long trip every now and then. Handles very well, easy driving but fun.
November 8, 2009I purchased this car from a family member for $100. It had 144,219 miles on it, and the usual things (shocks, tires, brakes, belts, exhaust) were worn out. So I fixed those and replaced the audio system/speakers, and transformed it into a great little car. I had some parts fail in the differential portion of the transmission (FWD), so had the whole thing overhauled. Also replaced the a leaky distributor. It has been very reliable and smooth running. I put serious money in it, but I got it cheap. It's at 180K+ miles now, and I expect it to run well for many more years. It's also great for a young driver.
May 3, 2007I owned my first 89 GTS for 6 years, now 10 years later I have another 89 GTS. Love them, great performance and fun to drive. Not had to have many repairs. Great on gas for the perfomance you get.
May 9, 2010this car had the best air conditioning in the entire world! probably because it used the dangerous freon :)
February 25, 2008It's a lot of fun to drive. You don't see them like this anymore. The engine loves to rev and I love to rev it. It's not a rocketship by any means, but it sure is a fun little car.
January 18, 2011I have owned this Car for 8 years...bought it from a trader for €350. It has not cost be a cent apart from oil changes (Synthetic) and general service items..brakes...discs etc. I also own a 3 yr old 523i BMW which is more work based..but my trusty old Corolla Diesel Estate 1989 will never be sold..in actual fact I am going to give it a face lift in 2008...total respray..new wheels..and a few more little mods..you cant beat 55mpg with fuel prices hitting €1.25/ltr on the pumps...
December 1, 2007Handling was great, but the clutch kept going out. I think I replaced the clutch 4 times in less than 3 years, while owning my other car for 5 years, never touching the clutch in that car. Was sleek looking and clean, but ...THAT DARN CLUTCH!!!!
January 9, 2008I love this car so much, that after getting rid of the first one. I hunted for 10 years before finding another one. They are the best cars that i have ever owned. Trust me when I say this I started driving at the age of 18 and now 39, I have owned over 30 cars.
December 11, 2012
