My turn... '09 Corolla XRS

[TheFreeman2005]

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.

[TheFreeman2005]

Also, my reasons for going with the '09 model is I like the syling much more. I could have really gotten away for MUCH less if I would have gotten an '08, but IMO they're bland in compairson. The new Corolla has better lines IMO and a sportier look to it. Like I said though... IMO.

[PapaPS]

Niceeeeeee.......we have the 1.8 in our 07, it has been flawless so far,,,,,,,did you drive both the 1.8 and the 2.4? differences in your opinion?? Is it white or is that shale/?

[TheFreeman2005]

Originally Posted by PapaPS

Niceeeeeee.......we have the 1.8 in our 08, it has been flawless so far,,,,,,,did you drive both the 1.8 and the 2.4? differences in your opinion?? Is it white or is that shale/?

No, I didnt bother with the 1.8L. I wanted something that had some zest to it. The 2.4L in my mom's Camry has treated us pretty good so far, so I cant complain. I'm not sure if you can get a 1.8L in the XRS.

The color is silver (or wahtever Toyota might call it).

[LifeTech]

Classic silver met is what it is called.

Smart that yu didn't mess with the Hybrids.

Waiting for an Corolla XLE/Traction/Stability Control in Classic Siv. Loaded. Being built in Canada. another 6 weeks wait. Special ordered with all option codes. Got for $500 over invoice.

Corolla is larger, although on the same wheelbase as the 08's.

All have the EPS(electric steering). XRS only available with 2.4...not 1.8.

Did yu opt for the Toyota SES(remote engine start)?

[TheFreeman2005]

Originally Posted by LifeTech

Classic silver met is what it is called.

Smart that yu didn't mess with the Hybrids.

Waiting for an Corolla XLE/Traction/Stability Control in Classic Siv. Loaded. Being built in Canada. another 6 weeks wait. Special ordered with all option codes. Got for $500 over invoice.

Corolla is larger, although on the same wheelbase as the 08's.

All have the EPS(electric steering). XRS only available with 2.4...not 1.8.

Did yu opt for the Toyota SES(remote engine start)?

Nah... I havent heard good things about it. Mostly about poor range and such. I figured if I wanted something I could get an aftermarket.

[TheFreeman2005]

OK, so I still havent gotten good pictures of the 'rolla yet. Maybe tomorrow after I wash it.

So far everything seems to be holding up well. I havent found anything out of place or anything needing fixing.

I must say that my particular car's transmission is odd... well different from any other stick I've ever driven. No matter what I do, when I open the clutch to shift to the next gear, the RPMs jump up a little and settle back down. Maybe I've just never noticed it in other vehicles...

I filled up tonight also. 278.5 miles and 8.99gal of gas... 30.9MPG! Very nice. It was a little less than $30 to fill up. MUCH better than $40 for half a tank in the Tundra. About 80 of those miles were interstate while the rest were country mile roads. It did a lot better than I was expecting... and I havent really been driving it too easy either.

On another note, I think I'll be adding a sub in the trunk. The stock 8 speaker JBL system has good over all quality of sound, but lacks a little in bass.

The thing also warms up pretty quick in 35 degree weather. It hasnt been too crazy cold though, so that also might be why.

A/C is good on the car... but then again, its not too hot out either. lol

[Only Toyota for me]

31 mpg is not bad at all for the 2.4L.

We just got back from a long road trip to St. louis in our 08 corolla CE w/ the 5 speed.

The first 2 tanks going 75 mph we got 40 mpg. Wish it would have stayed that good, but once we got ahold of that $hitty gas in Nebraska it dropped like a rock. But we also zipped thru that state at about 90 mph to though.

Made some good time on the way home, and we saved $800 over buying airline tickets.

[TheFreeman2005]

Here are a few more pictures I snapped today.

[PapaPS]

Very nice, I do like the lines of it...........the looks are improved over our 07

[TheFreeman2005]

Originally Posted by PapaPS

Very nice, I do like the lines of it...........the looks are improved over our 08

Thanks, I do like it better than the previous generations.

It aint no Tundra though... I miss my truck like crazy. I almost wish I would have kept it and just lived with the gas prices...

[PapaPS]

Well we were lucky, we still have the 03 sr5...and now the 07 corrolla........the truck does sit more now

[07_Tundra]

Very nice. I had a 05 xrs and lift was mean sounding with the injen intake. To bad they got rid of the lift though. The new ones look really nice.

[PapaPS]

What is this "lift " I have been hearing about......a short explanation please........thank you

[TheFreeman2005]

Originally Posted by PapaPS

What is this "lift " I have been hearing about......a short explanation please........thank you

I thought you lifted trucks, not Corollas?