Toyota Corolla 2008 Problems

I'm afraid the Corolla and Aurion are actually two separate models, but you'll find price and spec details on the 2008 Aurion here, and the 2008 Corolla here.

If you want a workshop manual I would suggest you google Toyota workshop manuals, or go to ebay.

The corolla is typical of more recent small cars by being very frugal and displaying very little fuel consumption difference between the two transmission choices offered; a six-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. In fact the manual's combined official figure of 7.3 litres per 100km is only a fraction better than the automatic's 7.4 litres per 100km over the same test.

Other than the actual numbers, perhaps the most important thing to know in these days of sky-high fuel prices, is that the Corolla can run on standard 91RON unleaded petrol and doesn't require the more expensive 95 or 98RON stuff.

The 2008 Corolla also scores points for being able to use fuel with anything up to 10 per cent ethanol (e10 fuel) potentially saving you even more at the pump.

As with any vehicle, though, by far the biggest factor in fuel economy will be where and how you drive. Highway running will give you the best results, while urban driving uses more fuel. Similarly, drive with a heavy right foot and you will definitely use more fuel than a driver with a more delicate touch on the throttle.

While the sedan sold alongside the hatchback version of the Corolla in Australia, the hatchback easily outsold the sedan. And that’s pretty much the reason you still see a lot of hatchbacks getting around, but sedans are thin on the ground. They just didn’t sell in the same numbers back in the day. Fundamentally, buyers were much more likely to go for the extra practicality of the hatchback layout.

Of course, that’s in Australia. In some other markets (China, for example) the sedan version of a particular make and model is often more popular than the hatchback variant. It’s a cultural thing, in essence.

It’s the clear coat peeling away from the base colour coat and it’s quite common with the more environmentally friendly water-borne paints the industry has been using for a number of years now. Other than repainting affected panels there is nothing much you can do about it. You could talk to a local panel beater or spray painter for advice.

Do not buy a Cruze, or buy a European brand. They will prove costly. It's best to go for the cars that are well proven over many years. The Lancer is a good one, but so too is the Toyota Yaris or Corolla, Suzuki Swift, Mazda2 or 3, or Mitsubishi Colt.