Toyota Problems

They can last forever or a day, depending on how they're looked after. Generally Corollas will last for hundreds of thousands of kms and many years of reliable motoring so long as you service them when they're due and make sure to keep the car clean.

All diesel engines today have turbochargers, and believe me you wouldn’t want to drive a non-turbo diesel. Of those you mention I would go for a Mitsubishi ASX, or consider a Kia Sorento.

It depends on its condition. If it’s in top shape it would be worth advertising it through one of the enthusiast type classified magazines, or even a classic car auction. If it’s not up to scratch trade it in, put a ‘For Sale’ sign on it and park it in prominent places. You could also advertise it on sites like Carsguide.

The Prado’s GVM is 2850 kg, and it will tow 2500 kg, the maximum GCM is 5350 kg. You could load your caravan up to 2500 kg.

Toyota Corollas can be fitted with a tow bar and used to pull trailers, but they are not designed to cope with much weight and should not be used for towing even medium-sized box trailers. For example, a current Corolla has a manufacturer tow capacity of just 450kg (unbraked) which includes the weight of the trailer in that figure! Toyota claims the Corolla can tow up to 1300kg if the trailer has brakes, but that again includes the weight of the trailer.

Unfortunately you’ve kept the Corolla too long, and have had to spend money to keep it going. Keep that in mind for the next one you buy.

You’re constrained by your $20,000 budget, but I would suggest you look at a Kia Rio, Mazda2, Mitsubishi Lancer, or Suzuki Swift. All should fall within your budget and all will give you a good run. If you were prepared to buy a used car that is one or two years old, you could consider a Toyota Corolla, or a Mazda3.

I would want to check the diff locks to make sure they fully unlocked after you checked them, so I would take it to the dealer. They would also be able to check the wheel alignment for you. You can get the car serviced anywhere you like, you can do it yourselves if you are qualified mechanics without affecting the new car warranty, but you would have to take it to a Toyota dealer to take advantage of the capped-price deal.

Toyota's 2018 Corolla comes in two lengths, depending on whether you look at the sedan or the hatchback. The 2018 Corolla sedan measures in at 4620mm while the hatch is only 4275mm.