The 2009 Toyota Corolla is among the best in its class thanks to a well-built interior and efficient commuting capabilities. Some reviewers, meanwhile, felt that it lacked the panache and vivacious performance of class leaders.
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The 2009 Toyota Corolla has what issues?
The 2009 Toyota Corolla has more difficulties than any previous year, and many of them are major mechanical ones. The 2011 model receives significant upgrades, making the $1,800 price difference worthwhile.
Owners start mentioning engine issues, such as excessive oil use and noise from the engine, at about 100,000 miles. Toyota engines typically use more oil than those in other vehicles, but the 2009 Corolla has an issue with the piston rings, which exacerbates the issue. Regular oil checks are crucial since low oil levels can lead to engine breakdowns, which can cost over $4,000 to repair.
The 2009 model experiences frequent water pump breakdowns at about 60,000 miles. There is a risk of overheating when the water pump, which circulates coolant through the engine, fails. Depending on local labor costs, replacing the water pump will cost roughly $850.
Another frequent problem is paint flaws, which usually manifest after five years. When the curing process is unsuccessful or the paint is overexposed to sunshine, problems frequently arise. The only option, which will cost more than $800 per panel, is to repaint the damaged panels.
Compared to other compact automobiles from the same year, there are 13 recalls. The items being recalled are air bags, power window switches, load-carrying labels, brake vacuum ports, and seat heater wiring. The most dangerous pedal issues are those that could result in unexpected acceleration.
Is the Toyota Corolla from 2009 an automatic?
The new Corolla from Toyota is comparable to the menu item labeled “healthy cuisine” at a restaurant. Although it should appeal to many left-brained purchasers on paper, like the overdone tilapia you’re usually forced to eat, it lacks something in terms of overall attractiveness. This Corolla could have gotten to the top if compact sedans solely appealed to sensible sensibilities, and with rising petrol prices, it still might. However, Toyota’s most recent offering falls short given that the greatest tiny automobiles of today engage both cerebral hemispheres.
The Corolla XRS has a 2.4-liter four-cylinder as its engine. Here is a comparison of the two engines:
I have driven that engine in the new Matrix, even though I didn’t drive the Corolla XRS, and it is an incredibly adaptable powertrain. However, its mileage charge is substantial: With a stick or an automatic transmission, the Corolla gets 22/29 mpg (city/highway), compared to 27/35 mpg with a 1.8-liter engine and either transmission. The base engine’s mileage numbers are quite impressive:
Although all trims other than the XRS have basic drum brakes in the back, antilock brakes are standard. The brake pedal in my test vehicle felt a little mushy, especially when compared to cars with four-wheel disc brakes like the Hyundai Elantra or higher-end Civics. Senior editor Joe Wiesenfelder drove the Corolla in the rain and discovered that the ABS occasionally engaged too early, causing an unnerving lateral lurch when the vehicle came to a halt.
In comparison to rivals with four-wheel independent suspensions, the suspension hardware contains an independent front and a semi-independent, torsion beam rear. (While the Corolla XRS continues to use the torsion beam suspension, some Matrix models feature independent rear suspension; a Toyota official claimed that this is because the Matrix is a naturally sportier vehicle.) Although there isn’t much wind or road noise on the highway, the Corolla nonetheless gives off a shoddy driving impression. The wheels shake sideways a lot when you round an offramp and you hit an expansion joint. Although the steering wheel feels comfortable when centered, it turns with a cold, distant feeling, and sharp turns cause a lot of body roll.
In all three areas, the Civic and Lancer, both of which have four-wheel independent suspensions, appear more precise. If you’re seeking for improved handling, the Corolla XRS is perhaps worth looking into since it has a quicker steering ratio and a suspension-stiffening strut-tower brace. Be aware that other trims turn in 35.6 feet as opposed to the disappointing 36.3 feet of the XRS. Although it falls short against the Elantra (33.9 feet) and Lancer, the latter number is competitive with the Civic and Sentra (32.8).
How it Appears The most recent Corolla design, which Toyota claims it created with the aid of Italian design teams, appears more aggressive than the Corolla sold in the Japanese market. It resembles the larger Camry thanks to its triangular headlights and grille’s depression for the Toyota emblem, and the outgoing Corolla’s tail is reminiscent of it. It’s a conservative, ordered aesthetic that I doubt will win over many supporters or opponents.
The diameter of wheels ranges from 15 to 17 inches. The Corolla S and XRS raise the style bar to somewhere near that of the body-kitted Camry SE by adding fog lights, bumper extensions, and a rear spoiler. You are free to decide if that is advantageous.
The Interior The Corolla’s cabin appears to be generally affably clean. The quality of the two-tone dash in my test vehicle was consistent, if not exceptional, and everything from the center controls to the gauges appeared to be made with simple usability in mind. Although most plastics are rough to the touch, the turn signals and window switches operate with perfectly matched movements, and overall fit and finish is reasonable. There are numerous storage spaces, including a large center console, two stacked glove boxes, and even little pockets on either side of the center controls.
However, I’m not sure that mere neatness will do. The Civic’s interior raises the bar for control accuracy to new heights. In contrast, the Corolla’s air conditioning controls feel awkward, while the Elantra offers soft-touch materials and luxury features. The interior appearance of the Lancer and Focus is aggressive. The Corolla appears unremarkable and even dumped-down when caught in the crossfire, and Toyota may not be able to afford to remain there.
The rear legroom would become impossible if the front seats were moved even further back, so maybe that’s for the best. Currently, there is barely enough headroom and legroom for adults in the rear. A fifth passenger could actually be able to withstand a little ride in the center seat there because Toyota managed to maintain the floor between the rear seats hump-free.
12.3 cubic feet is the overall trunk volume, which is at the bottom end of this market. Comparing inner volume is as follows:
Versions for sedans Source: 2008 model year automaker data (except 2009 Corolla). specifications for vehicles without moonroofs.
Safety The 2009 Corolla received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s top rating, Good, in frontal crash tests. The automobile has not yet undergone a side-impact evaluation by IIHS. Side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags for both rows are included in the Corolla’s six standard airbags. Antilock brakes and active front head restraints are also standard; ABS is an option on some rival vehicles.
On all trims save the XRS, traction control and an electronic stability system are available as a $250 option. Given that many rivals only offer stability control on higher trim levels or not at all, the feature is definitely worth the cost. The feature in the outgoing Corolla cost $650. It may be difficult to find a 2009 Corolla with it because, according to Toyota, only 14% of all of them have it.
Features and Cost The Corolla starts at $15,250 before destination fees. Power mirrors, air conditioning, and a CD player with an auxiliary jack are all included as standard equipment. Note that Scion, Toyota’s sibling moniker, does not offer an iPod-specific connector.
Power windows and locks are added to the Corolla LE, while the XLE adds faux wood trim, backlit gauges, and keyless entry, which is an unnecessary $245 option on the LE. An automatic transmission is standard on both the LE and XLE. Along with firmer seats and a steering wheel with audio controls wrapped in leather, the S and XRS have a variety of cosmetic upgrades. Despite being particularly frustrating for the XRS, which costs more than the better-equipped XLE, both versions resort to manual door locks and windows. Optional features include heated leather seats, a sunroof, and a navigation system.
When an XRS is fully loaded, the sticker price is little under $25,000. Overall, the Corolla doesn’t offer quite the same level of value for the money as some of its rivals. See how a model that is well-equipped stacks up:
The cost of adding an automatic transmission, standard power accessories, curtain airbags, keyless entry, air conditioning, a CD player, and cruise control.
The least expensive Toyota Corolla is how much?
Honda Civic L For a starting price of $20,075, the base model Corolla L sedan includes a 7-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth, two USB ports, a Wi-Fi hotspot, satellite radio, and a six-speaker audio as standard equipment.
How durable is the 2009 Corolla?
How long do Toyota Corollas last? may be on your mind if you’re thinking about buying one. The Toyota Corolla has a life expectancy of up to 10 years or 300,000 miles with routine maintenance and service. You might own your new Corolla for well over a decade if you take good care of it.
The Corolla’s strength in 2009?
All 2009 Toyota Corollas, with the exception of the XRS, are powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with 132 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque. A four-speed automatic transmission is an option in addition to the conventional five-speed manual transmission that drives the front wheels.
The 2009 Toyota Corolla won’t ever be confused with a sports sedan, and to get more exciting performance from the XRS, you have to sacrifice significant fuel economy numbers.
The Toyota Corolla has two engine options and a variety of transmissions for 2009 that provide passable driving performance and good fuel economy.
The 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine from Toyota powers all models of the 2009 Toyota Corolla, with the exception of the XRS. According to Car and Driver, this engine “has 132 horsepower, up from 126” on the Corolla from the previous year. This powertrain, according to Edmunds, “delivers respectable acceleration in typical traffic settings.” All four of the Corolla Toyota’s entry-level models are available with either one of the two gearboxes listed by Motor Trend as either a “four-speed automatic” or a “five-speed manual.”
According to Edmunds, regardless of the transmission, the 1.8-liter engine in the 2009 Toyota Corolla is expected to achieve “27 mpg city and 35 mpg highway” in terms of fuel economy. The efficiency of the 2.4-liter engine declines, registering EPA figures of 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.
The Toyota Corolla’s driving impressions varied based on the sort of driving engaged. With its “comfortable, controlled ride,” the Toyota Corolla “excels as a commuting car,” according to Edmunds. The XRS is unlikely to “excite enthusiast drivers,” according to ConsumerGuide, while “other versions suffer profuse noseplow in fast corners and react sluggishly to rapid rotations of the wheel.” More aggressive driving produces dismal results. Although handling is “not up to some of the best of the competition,” Kelley Blue Book praises the Toyota Corolla’s brakes for being “strong and fade-free.”
Which Corolla model year is the most dependable?
Every used Toyota Corolla produced between 2014 and 2019 comes highly recommended by Consumer Reports. With the exception of the 2019 Toyota Corolla models, which nonetheless achieved a high score of 4/5, all obtained reliability ratings of 5/5. The overall owner satisfaction score was 3/5.
The Corolla underwent yet another redesign in 2014, which was a significant year for the vehicle. Additionally, it achieved 32 mpg overall with the aid of the continuously variable transmission (CVT).
There are simple controls inside, and some models come with a touchscreen infotainment system. The LE and higher models come standard with automatic temperature control. Automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning were included as standard safety features in 2017 vehicles.
Do Toyota Corollas have issues with their engines?
Excessive oil consumption in the engine has been one of the Toyota Corolla’s most frequently encountered issues over its lifetime. Although it did occur in other years like 2014, these model years saw a higher prevalence of it: 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2009. The 2003 and 2009 models, however, were plagued by transmission issues. Particularly in 2009, cooling issues as a result of water pump failure were frequently reported. These model years had more minor difficulties than others, like body/paint and interior accent problems.
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Timing belt on 2009 Corolla?
The Corolla is renowned for its dependable, fuel-efficient 1.8L engine, straightforward, spacious cabin, and comfortable ride. Overall, it’s a reliable little “workhorse” that is comfy. Compact cars with front-wheel drive include the Corolla (20092013).
Despite the Toyota Matrix being a remarkably comparable hatchback, it’s only offered as a 4-door sedan in the United States and Canada.
The 2009 Corolla was available in the base, S, well-liked LE, expensive XLE, and sporty XRS grades in the United States. For 2011, the XLE and XRS were dropped, and for 2012, the L trim replaced the entry-level model. Although the Corolla has generally been dependable, there are several issues that used car purchasers should be aware of.
The price of a new water pump ranges from $250 to $550. It seems sense to replace the driving belt while changing a water pump. Pinkish coolant drips around the water pump and a whining or buzzing noise originating from the water pump region are signs of a failed water pump. When looking at the engine from the front of the car, the water pump is on the left side. For further details, see these videos.
Several owners have noticed oil leakage from the timing chain cover. Check out these YouTube videos that describe the fix.
The car may not start if the starter motor fails. The starter will typically generate a single click but fail to turn the engine over even with a fully charged battery. A starting motor replacement will set you back $250$420. See additional information on the starter motor.
The 2ZR engine makes a transient banging or rattling noise when it is cold, according to the 2009 Corolla / Matrix service advisory T-SB-0087-09, and this is due to a broken camshaft timing gear assembly (VVT gear). To solve the issue, the gear must be changed. The notice estimates that the repair work will take 1.5 hours. Online retailers charge little over $200 for the component (gear assembly). The repair could cost between $380 and $590 if it is not covered by a warranty.
Many owners recounted spending $400680 to replace an alternator that had failed. Replacement parts are less expensive.
It’s also not unusual to hear rattling heat shields and exhaust leaks. A loose heat shield could be the source of an underbody metal rattle that becomes more audible at specific engine speeds. Repairs don’t cost a lot of money.
The engine may misfire if one of the ignition coils fails. Replaceing the ignition coil is simple. If the spark plugs are outdated, it is advisable to replace them completely while changing an ignition coil. Online, an OEM ignition coil costs between $86 and $139. Replacement parts are less expensive.
When traveling at highway speeds, a damaged wheel bearing might produce a buzzing noise that is more audible. A new wheel bearing might cost anywhere between $260 and $370.
Higher mileage can cause front struts to leak. With an alignment, replacing both front struts can be up to $780.
For some models with the 2AZ engine, Toyota launched the Warranty Enhancement Program ZE7 to address excessive oil consumption. You must take the car to a Toyota dealer to find out if it qualifies. The oil consumption test will be the first thing they do. There is information on this forum. Numerous concerns have been made about the 2AZ 2.4L engine’s stripped head bolts. The cost of the fix is high.
Engines: The 2ZR-base FE’s engine is a 1.8L 4-cylinder DOHC with 132 horsepower. It is an established basic and dependable motor. It can survive well over 200K miles with proper upkeep. The Camry and RAV4 share a 2.4L 4-cylinder 2AZ-FE engine that produces 158 horsepower with the Corolla XRS.
Timing belt vs. chain: There is no timing belt; the 1.8L and 2.4L engines both have a timing chain. If the timing chain is functioning properly, there is no need to replace it.
The 1.8L Corolla auto gets 26/34 mpg (9.0/6.9 L/100 km) according to the EPA, which translates to 380 miles (612 km) of highway driving on a 13.2-gallon (50.0L) tank.
EPA Fuel Economy for a Toyota Corolla:
Yearly variations: For 2011, the Toyota Corolla underwent a mild makeover with new head- and taillights, redesigned bumpers, and a new trunk lid.
A few feature improvements were made to the Corolla for 2012, including a new standard audio system with a USB connector, Bluetooth, and steering audio controls for the LE trim in North America.
Power windows, power door locks, and remote keyless entry were added to the Corolla L in the US.
Mechanically, although previous Corolla models have rear drum brakes that are renowned to survive a long time, the XRS has disc brakes on all four wheels. It uses electricity to power the steering.
Antilock brakes are a must. Early models of vehicle stability control come with an option; starting in 2010, all U.S. cars come standard. 2011 brought standard Vehicle Stability Control to the Corolla in Canada.
The Corolla is simple to drive and has a smooth ride. The suspension does a good job of absorbing road imperfections and bumps, making for a smooth and quiet ride. The 1.8L engine offers ample power for both lengthy road trips and regular commuting. When driving on the interstate, the electrical steering is a little hazy around the center position but is light and feels fine in the city.