The Good: Reliability, roomy
The Bad: Bland and boring
The Say: Your savings would be happy, but not your emotions.
Go For: 1.6 G
Avoid: 1.8 V
Price Range: P325,000-P650,000
Our Rating: ***
Full Review: Used Car Review - Toyota Corolla Altis (2008-2013)
Latest vehicle profile: Toyota Corolla Altis
See the different versions of this vehicle:
2008-2010
2010-2013
Vehicle Overview
The tenth generation model of the Corolla line first debuted in 2006 with ASEAN introduction commencing two years later. Models sold in Japan are smaller in dimensions compared to their counterparts worldwide.
If you want something exciting to drive, this isn't the car for you especially that steering is feather light (good thing if you mostly drive inside the city more often) and a soft tuned suspension system although NVH levels are excellent. All three engines which became an option for this vehicle - including the carryover 1.6 and 1.8 from the previous model and a first 2.0 - are powerful enough on low rpms but becomes noisy when driven hard. The top end engine, which is the 2.0, had two transmission types available with the 4-speed automatic has uneven forward gears while choosing the CVT gets you a more behaved composure. On the other hand, models from August 2010 get a six-speed manual transmission as opposed to the earlier one's five-speed.
Interior space is still excellent and on par with rivals of the same time and folding seats became standard on all except the E variant. To distinguish low end models from the upper ones, fancy interior trims coupled with faux wood are standard for higher end ones while lower models make do with a plain interior.
What Should I Get
This generation ditched the J as the base model and now started with the E. Going for the E gives you a 108hp 1.6 engine (upgraded to 120hp in a facelift in August 2010) plus all power amenities, driver airbag, ABS brakes, and CD player with MP3. Next in line is the G which adds goodies like fog lamps, folding rear seat, multi-information display, automatic climate control, alarm, and keyless entry with later models gaining steering wheel controls for audio and an auxiliary jack. The V with a 1.6 engine adds front and rear proximity sensors, passenger side airbag, side skirts, and rear sun shade with facelift models adding push button start. The top end V models that gain a 1.8 (only offered from 2008 to 2009) and a 2.0 (2009 onward) engine have leather seats, HID headlamps, rain sensing wipers, power driver seat, power folding mirrors, and paddle shift with the main differentiating factor between the two is the 2.0 wears a mesh grille. In July 2013, TRD body kits became optional for the G AT. Our choice would be the G since it has everything that you need and if you're at it, get the facelifted model; there's no need to go beyond the 1.8 or 2.0 V unless you crave for more power.
How Much Would It Cost Me
One advantage of buying this vehicle are low maintenance costs associated with the brand, with spare parts on the cheaper side. Those models with a six-speed manual have a slight fuel economy advantage over their five-speed ones. This vehicle became a subject of recall in October 2012 for its faulty power window master switch that may have a tendency to get stuck during operation. One thing to check out is the suspension, which may wear out.
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