Which Corolla should I buy?

D

Dede

New Member
#1
#1
Hi Everyone,

I need advice on purchasing a new Corolla. I am unconcerned with the trim level or transmission type on the car. All The new 2014 and 2015 Corollas seem to be equipped with everything I need.

I am looking at Toyota Corolla’s in Massachusetts. I found 2 or 3 “New” 2014 S Plus Corolla’s, in my area. Prices vary among the few dealers who have 2014’s “S Plus” on their lots. One local dealer has an online special for $19,999.00, other dealers are using the 2014 MSRP, somewhere in the mid twenties. Are these prices high for a 2 year old car, even if it’s new?

Like everyone I want to pay the lowest price I can for a Corolla. But, living in Massachusetts I must take into consideration our state’s, Sales Tax, yearly Excise Taxes, and Insurance rates (a 2014 would be lower). Additionally it’s my understanding that the new 2014’s are ineligible for new car rebates or incentives They also have a higher interest rates.

There are so many variables, I’m pulling my hair out. I’ve read and read on the internet, I’ve called my friends, spoke with my mechanic. I’ve used AAA, and BJ’s Club, I almost gave up, until the last article I read today. It said to go to a Corolla Forum and post there. You guys know the car the best, what a great idea. I hope you’ll offer some advice.

I’m sorry it’s so long…. I do tend to be long winded...LOL

Thank you in advance.
 
C

Curious63

Corolla User
#3
#3
Hi, you are right in wondering what your best option is, as it seems that you have several choices. Where I live I only had two options and the price difference was about Usd 4,000.00 which is the S trim in a simple version.

The one I got is a rare LE version, as it has the 16 inch alloy wheels, front and back brake discs and CVT, other that that only two front airbags, regular radio and no parking alarm. Regular cloth seats.

I don't know about your personal height and weight, nor health. Even though I really like my Corolla in most aspects, I found this car has the most punishing seats and the stiffest suspension there is. I have had it for 9 months already and I have gotten really bad lower back pains and muscle spams due to the bad ergonomics of the seat. I'm 5.8 and weight 160 pounds, this situation is getting unbearable to me and I have not been able to find someone who would be able to modify the drivers seat..

Today I went to a place where they sell all kinds of things for people who have handicaps, I found a gel cushion that is for persons who use wheelchairs, expensive item, just to realize that it is not the best solution, I am afraid.

As said before, I really like the car, if it were not for this seat situation. I have read that most people find the seats comfy enough, unfortunately it has not been my case, but I'm working in finding a solution.

On the other hand this Forum is wonderful, people here are fantastic and we are very lucky to have it!
 
L

le+14

New Member
#4
#4
I purchased the LE Plus a year ago and have since made trips from Texas to California last year and to Florida this year.

Have found it to be one of the best road cars I have ever owned. Also seems very quiet and smooth cruising the Interstates at 65 to 70 MPH. Gas mileage checks out fairly constant at 40 MPG. (The dash computer is a about 5% to 10% higher than the actual miles between fill ups divided by the gallons on the gas pump by the old hand computer method ..LOL)

I don't have the back problems but I have found the seating on long drives such as this to also be one of the most comfortable and best support . I'm 5.8 and 180 pounds (maybe a little overweight. LOL)

Incidentally I think the L Models are the only ones that don't have the CVT.

I have been much impressed so far even compared to full size and mid size cars previously owned. Surprisingly seems to have more leg room inside - especially rear seat passengers - and luggage room doesn't seem to have suffered. All in all seems to drive, look and feel like a larger car from the inside "at the wheel position." Every thing seems to be a bit more upscale and more finely detailed, too.
 
perrijman89

perrijman89

New Member
#5
#5
I paid 19,000.00 flat with title fees and taxes in Sept. 2013 for a Brand New 2014 with 8miles on it on the lot. There is room to move on price. Don't let the dealer up sell you.
 
CorollaKid

CorollaKid

New Member
#7
#7
I am leasing a 2015 LE Eco base. In my humble opinion, this is the perfect vehicle. I've had it for almost 5 weeks, and I have driven over 2,300 miles already! Averaging just a click over 43mpg so far!

As for fit, I am 6' tall and weigh 190lbs. I fit in the car very comfortably.

I gave the dealer my 11 year old Volvo with 112,000 miles on it and drove out with the Corolla Eco with nothing out of my pocket. Lease payment is $138 per month for 36 months. Buyout at lease end is $11,916.

I feel like I got a good deal.

Love the Eco base as ot gets great mileage.... the 15" tires will cost a lot less to replace than the 16" or 17" on the other Corolla models.
 
T

Tow-Tow Until You Bow

Banned
#9
#9
Dede said:
Hi Everyone,
le+14 said:
I purchased the LE Plus a year ago and have since made trips from Texas to California last year and to Florida this year.

Have found it to be one of the best road cars I have ever owned. Also seems very quiet and smooth cruising the Interstates at 65 to 70 MPH. Gas mileage checks out fairly constant at 40 MPG. (The dash computer is a about 5% to 10% higher than the actual miles between fill ups divided by the gallons on the gas pump by the old hand computer method ..LOL)

I don't have the back problems but I have found the seating on long drives such as this to also be one of the most comfortable and best support . I'm 5.8 and 180 pounds (maybe a little overweight. LOL)

Incidentally I think the L Models are the only ones that don't have the CVT.

I have been much impressed so far even compared to full size and mid size cars previously owned. Surprisingly seems to have more leg room inside - especially rear seat passengers - and luggage room doesn't seem to have suffered. All in all seems to drive, look and feel like a larger car from the inside "at the wheel position." Every thing seems to be a bit more upscale and more finely detailed, too.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
HanSolo

HanSolo

New Member
#11
#11
The only Corollas I have seen sell for $23k are the S premiums that have a lot of dealer add ons. With the market for these cars, you should never pay more than dealer invoice.
 
T

Tow-Tow Until You Bow

Banned
#13
#13
Dede said:
Hi Everyone,

I need advice on purchasing a new Corolla. I am unconcerned with the trim level or transmission type on the car. All The new 2014 and 2015 Corollas seem to be equipped with everything I need.

I'ma go with the 2015 special edition. My cousin's girlfriend has one, and it's a beauty. I've been behind its wheel a couple of times (they actually gave it to me on their vacation), and my "vibe" with it is awesome. Found this review in the web - http://italkaboutcars.com/toyota-corolla-2015-special-edition - check it out, they say you can go as low as 21K. I know, that's not 19, but you'll get A LOT of amazing stuff with the special edition. I've got about 25K right now, and am seriously considering buying it.

To Hansolo:
What do you think about that special edition? You think I should go with it? As I said, got about 25
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HanSolo

HanSolo

New Member
#14
#14
If you have $25k to spend, it depends on whether you want a driving experience, or an appliance. The Corolla is one damn good appliance, but it leaves the enthusiast side wanting at times. If you want a historically damn solid car, this is it. If you want something that begs to be driven and feels more upscale, take a look at the Ford Focus Titanium. For $25k, you can get a fully loaded Titanium which has a very powerful engine for it's class and is sporty with a premium European feel. For $25k, you can even get one that parallel parks for you.
 
I

idimsum

New Member
#15
#15
Hi, I'm new here.. I just purchased my 2015 Toyota Corolla S plus for $17,600 Out Door but I get the .9% interest and it turns out to be $18,400 out door with .9% interest
 
T

Tow-Tow Until You Bow

Banned
#16
#16
HanSolo said:
If you have $25k to spend, it depends on whether you want a driving experience, or an appliance. The Corolla is one damn good appliance, but it leaves the enthusiast side wanting at times. If you want a historically damn solid car, this is it. If you want something that begs to be driven and feels more upscale, take a look at the Ford Focus Titanium. For $25k, you can get a fully loaded Titanium which has a very powerful engine for it's class and is sporty with a premium European feel. For $25k, you can even get one that parallel parks for you.
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I'lll check that Ford Focus out, thanks for mentioning it!
 
J

jolly

New Member
#17
#17
To me the Corolla is the best economy car (equipment, comfort, mpg, value) in middle trim level (around 20,000$) where it is unbeatable. At 25,000$, there are better options (Focus, Mazda 3 or even the Camry). Personally, I'd rather do something else with the 5,000$ difference !
 
J

jolly

New Member
#19
#19
Tow-Tow Until You Bow said:
So, you don't think I shoud go with the Corolla special edition? What would you pick with 25K? The Focus?
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What you want is entirely up to you, your priorities and the importance of not having buyer remorse ! To me those "special editions" are really a marketing thing (blogs and publications talk about them, right ?) : you pay a slight premium for black wheels and red stitching, that's about it ! Actually I wouldn't pick anything for 25,000$ (I'm cheap) so I'm no reference ! You have to consider the + and - for you ! One would say Mazda3 drive better, to me it was cramped and noisy. One would say Focus has elegant european flair, to me DCT was jerky. Corolla "S" is a gem, but I didn't care for paddle shifters and stiffer (sportier...) ride, and premium in price !
 
T

Tow-Tow Until You Bow

Banned
#20
#20
jolly said:
What you want is entirely up to you, your priorities and the importance of not having buyer remorse ! To me those "special editions" are really a marketing thing (blogs and publications talk about them, right ?) : you pay a slight premium for black wheels and red stitching, that's about it ! Actually I wouldn't pick anything for 25,000$ (I'm cheap) so I'm no reference ! You have to consider the + and - for you ! One would say Mazda3 drive better, to me it was cramped and noisy. One would say Focus has elegant european flair, to me DCT was jerky. Corolla "S" is a gem, but I didn't care for paddle shifters and stiffer (sportier...) ride, and premium in price !
Click to expand...
Thanks for the honest perspective, I appreciate that! I guess one just gotta go with the heart, right, and hope it's not too expensive :)
 
M

Matthew

New Member
#23
#23
I've got a 2015 LE Eco Premium down to $20,600, but I'm having a hard time getting the price under 20k. Either way you look at it, still a pretty good deal, but I would love to have it around $19,000 before TTL.
 
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