Toyota Corolla for sale

The best Toyota Corolla years depend on your needs: 2003-2008 offer peak value/reliability (9th Gen), 2011-2013 balance features & price (10th Gen), while 2014-2019 (11th Gen) and 2020-present (12th Gen) provide more tech, safety, and modern designs, with 2020-2022 models highlighted for excellent reliability and early hybrid options.

When buying a used Toyota Corolla, you should be cautious with models from the early 2000s and especially the 2009-2010 years, which saw significant issues like excessive oil consumption, transmission problems, and airbag failures, though the 2003 and 2014 models also had reported transmission issues. Years like 2002, 2009, and 2014 are often cited for engine/oil consumption, while the 2009 model is notorious for steering and water pump failures.

Yes, the Toyota Corolla is widely considered a good car, praised for its exceptional reliability, excellent fuel economy (especially hybrid models), comfortable ride, and strong value, making it a top choice for sensible buyers, but some find the interior design dated and rear space limited, while the hybrid’s CVT can drone under hard acceleration. It’s a dependable, efficient, no-nonsense vehicle, though not the most exciting to drive.

The most reliable Toyota models in the UK consistently include the Yaris, RAV4, and Aygo X, with studies like What Car? and Warrantywise often placing them at the top for both new and used cars, thanks to robust engineering, hybrid tech, and low repair costs. The Aygo X and GR Yaris score exceptionally well, while the RAV4 is a standout SUV, and older models like the Auris and Hilux also have strong reputations.

The most common Toyota Corolla problems vary by year but often include check engine lights from EVAP system issues (like a bad gas cap or charcoal canister), water pump leaks, and Air Conditioning (A/C) compressor failures, especially in older models. More recent models face issues with 12-volt batteries, infotainment glitches, and minor electrical faults, while soy-coated wiring attracting rodents is a concern across some generations. Regular maintenance through [official Toyota servicing details](https://www.toyota.co.uk/owners/servicing-and-aftercare) can help prevent many of these issues from developing.

Toyota models consistently rank high for reliability, with the Corolla, Camry, and RAV4 frequently cited as having the fewest problems, especially their hybrid versions, though the tiny Aygo X and performance-oriented GR Yaris also score exceptionally well in recent surveys. Models like the GR Yaris and RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid have achieved near-perfect reliability scores in owner surveys, while the dependable Corolla often leads in low fault rates for family cars.

Looking at certain Toyota Corolla models, some years stand out for the wrong reasons. The years 2002, 2009, and 2010 have had many complaints. These issues range from oil use to problems with the transmission. On the other hand, the 2007 to 2008 and 2011 to 2013 models have had fewer issues and recalls. Buyers can check for any outstanding recalls using the [Toyota recall checker](https://www.toyota.co.uk/owners/vehicle-information/recall-checker) before purchasing.