OK, so gas prices have forced me to do this. I let go of my 2005 Toyota Tundra DC X-SP for a 2009 Corolla XRS.
Paid a little under $21k OTD after taxes, tax, etc. MSRP was almost $22k.
This is the best picture I've got right now. Just something I snapped as I was walking into work this morning. Hopefully the weather will hold off and I can get a few more pictures in of it today.
I guess it is a base XRS
without sunroof, push button start, auto climate controls, leather, and I guess a few odds and ends.
It does have the JBL in dash 6 CD changer, 2.4L I4, Bluetooth, redundant steering wheel controls, 17" alloy rims, 5 speed MT, fog lights, rear deck spoiler.
The MT is pretty smooth rowing through gears. My biggest complaint is that the clutch release seems to be at the bottom near the floor. So there is a lot of travel to get to it.
It handles well with a firm but not harsh ride. Steering is responsive (to me anyways). I dont think the XRS has that electronic steering or not, but it still seems fairly firm.
Ride noise isnt too bad. If you've ever driving a Camary with the 2.4L, the engine noise is exactly the same. Pretty loud, but nothing that the JBL speakers cant cover up.
The JBL sound package is pretty nice. I tend to listen to mostly rock of all types. It could use a little more bass, but overall it has nice crisp sound. My package has 8 speakers in 6 locations. I have yet to use the AUX port for my Zune MP3 player, but I hope to mess with that later.
The Bluetooth package is very neat. I havent messed with it much as of yet, but I have set my phone up with it. The voice recognition works pretty well 'right-out-of-the-box'. I did not have to bother training the system or anything.
Seats feel good. I dont tend to shift/slide/move around in them too much. I havent had any extended driving input on it just yet, but short trips are no problem. A nice new feature is the telescoping steering wheel wich goes a long way to helping you find a good relaxing driving position.
I have yet to get gas for it so far, but the MPG that the car reads out is in the 24mpg ball park. If it really is getting that I'll be real happy.
Interior quality is good by me. The dash has a good overall "flow" and everything matches well. Material quality is what I would call better than other cars in its class IMO. The center console is a bit small to me, but I'm coming out of a Tundra...
The trunk has a good ammount of space, and you can still fold down the rear seats, which has always been a great feature. Its still a 60/40 split when you fold them down.
Overall I am content with my purchase right now. I miss my Tundra like crazy, but when I passed the gas station earlier this morning and gas had shot back up to $3.25, I felt great about it.
I'll try and post up a few more pictures and keep you up to date on the MPGs and any other related issues.