Corolla best selling car for Q1 2008
3 Apr, 2008
201 Comments 
With official figures released today outlining the performance of the Australian motoring industry for the first quarter of 2008, Australia’s best selling car has beeen announced.
The humble Toyota Corolla is Australia’s best selling model, with 12,002 sold between January 1 and March 31 - 500 more than the next best selling model.
Toyota Australia’s senior executive director sales and marketing David Buttner said this figure is up 900 sales from the same period last year, a growth of 8 percent.
“Market conditions have been especially favorable for four-cylinder cars such as Corolla. Summer holidays in January and the Easter break in March have probably reduced fleet purchases of larger cars.”
Buttner concedes large car sales will accelerate in the coming months with the introduction of the Commodore wagon and new Falcon range, but expects Corolla sales to continue to average at least 4000 a month.
The HiLux (3rd), Camry (5th), Aurion (7th) and Yaris (8th) were also among the top ten best-sellers for Toyota.
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April 3rd, 2008 at 4:22 pm
what was the second best selling so far this year? commodore???
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April 3rd, 2008 at 4:25 pm
Akz, individual vehicle sales figures haven’t been released yet, but it would be safe to assume the Commodore is in second place.
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April 3rd, 2008 at 4:33 pm
Also one of the ugliest selling cars for Q1 20008
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April 3rd, 2008 at 4:57 pm
thanks george. I’ll 2nd that phill!
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April 3rd, 2008 at 4:57 pm
I take my hat off to people who buy cars like the Corrollamrion. They just don’t car what people think, which is extremely admirable in this consumer world.
Like the overweight woman who insists on wearing tight leggings that reveal too much, like the guy with the poorly fitting toupee, or the suburban mum in her kmart tracksuit, the people in this world who say “to hell with regular s3x, French champagne and designer fashion; I want comfort!” certainly deserve some respect. Go Toyota Go!
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April 3rd, 2008 at 5:01 pm
If we could just get the figures for private sales, we could work out what people really wanted to buy rather than just knowing that fleets/rental companies are buying appliances
(we do know from recent price cuts that they are not buying Toyota’s version of exciting, TRD)
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April 3rd, 2008 at 5:10 pm
I agree the best ugliest selling car, toyleta must bet be paying hire and fleet companies a bucket load, just to buy these $*it box’s……
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April 3rd, 2008 at 5:28 pm
I still can not believe that with the choice that there is in the small car market, not to mention the market in total, that the Corolla has been selling as well as it has.
Obviously fleet/government/rental car sales must make up a significant proportion of the total sales but there obviously are a lot of car buyers who are only motorists rather than drivers and don’t really care about the things that drivers/enthusiasts who read this blog or view this website care about.
Just can’t help some people can we.
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April 3rd, 2008 at 5:29 pm
P*ss off its the ugliest car, it looks alrite. Good to see, mind you in the past it was always #1 among private buyers, now its the best among all buyers… Toyota is on top
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April 3rd, 2008 at 5:30 pm
Insider only 60% of Corollas are fleets… compare that to 80% of Commodores and Falcons
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April 3rd, 2008 at 5:35 pm
Its not even that ugly.
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April 3rd, 2008 at 5:36 pm
if you took away fleet sales for toyota/holden/ford
and just had retail figures I think you would find
that mazda and subaru would beat them in a lot of categories ie (SMALL impreza,3) medium (liberty,6) small
suv(forester,cx7) medium suv (new tribeca,cx9) sports
cars(WRX,MX5) BUT THE major brands ie toyota holden rely
on fleet deals to keep there numbers high but profit margins low which obviously hurt the private buyers on resale!!
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April 3rd, 2008 at 5:38 pm
I love our Focus its the best small car out there and I driven most on the market, I found the Corolla very overrated, the ford is a much better package overall, have a test drive and see for yourself……………..
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April 3rd, 2008 at 5:43 pm
Chris Parr I dont think so, although not the current figures historically the Corolla has been number 1 when fleet sales were taken away (See Drive for detail). But yes Mazda and Co were up their while the Commodore which has been #1 overall in the past wasnt even in the top 5 when fleets were taken away.
Cobra obviously not, people test drive themselves, they dont agree with your biased view (Doubt you driven a Corolla)
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April 3rd, 2008 at 5:47 pm
Btw maybe you have forgotten, the Corolla is cheapeast to repair… half the price of second place in a frontal crash (2nd was Focus, costing double to repair)
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April 3rd, 2008 at 6:04 pm
OH my, I hit a nerve, yes I have driven the corolla and it was so bland and boring, built for fleet and hire companies I also could not wait get out of the stupid thing, who said I’m biased only you did, just take one little look at you own bias posts, Toyleta written all over them TP………….
HAVE YOU DRIVEN A FOCUS LATELY, HANG ON BUT IT WOULD NOT MATTER BECAUSE YOU LOVE CARDIGAN WEARING TOYLETS TOO MUCH……..
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April 3rd, 2008 at 6:05 pm
There yah go TP just what you like to hear. Good result for Toyota but they could completely wipe the floor with other if they just bothered to give you southerners a diesel option in the car range.
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April 3rd, 2008 at 6:05 pm
Hey, TP has 4 out of the first 15 posts in a story that says something positive about Toyota (if sales figures for a fridge are necessarily positive). So who’s surprised about that? But what does he have to say about the frontal repair costs of the Yaris in the same survey that was so kind to the Corolla? Let’s hear it TP.
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April 3rd, 2008 at 6:11 pm
Valid point, Captain, but irrelevant.
I will never crash a Yaris or a Corolla, so it wouldn’t matter if they were free to repair :)
I wounder how much a Corolla repair would be if I reversed my Jackaroo into one? The score would be Jackaroo no damage, Corolla writeoff.
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April 3rd, 2008 at 6:24 pm
Personally i don’t think it’s that ugly BUT it is a guzzler…and dumb people buy it because they believe Toyota’s bull shit about how much petrol it sucks up!!!
10 litres per 100k’s in the city for that gutless engine is disgraceful!!!
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April 3rd, 2008 at 6:44 pm
Have a good look at one in real life, get on your knees and see every angle, man this is one ugly mother….
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April 3rd, 2008 at 6:56 pm
The hatch is nicely done imho, but the sedan is whitegoods, particularly when finished in white.
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April 3rd, 2008 at 7:02 pm
love these comments ha ha ha
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April 3rd, 2008 at 7:13 pm
Well, well, well … have alook at this - the same ‘ole freaks and the same ‘ole dribble.
What a month for Toyota … sole effort without including sales from Lexus is approx 21 700 units compared to the pathetic effort of Ford and Holden which equated to 1300 fewer units combined at approx 20 400 …. oooch !!
NOW … THAT HAS GOT TO HURT LIKE A SPEAR TO THE HEART !!
Just to make the situation even better, the humble Camry outsold the Falcon which inturn only marginally out sold the Aurion. Combined, the Camry/Aurion duo were comfortable Australia’s most popular unit/duo outselling the Commodore by nearly 500 units.
That said, the Kluger outsold the Territory for the second consecative month while 6 of the top 10 best sellers were Toyota’s …. ooooch !!
Just to answer some questions … Drive.com published the following facts. 80% of total Commodore and Falcon sales are fleet while 60% of Corolla sales are purchased by private buyers.
TP - open up another cold, chilled beer and enjoy the moment while all these Holden and Ford losers dribble like a bunch of babies.
OH WHAT A FEELING … TOYOTA
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April 3rd, 2008 at 7:21 pm
Corollas are cheapest to repair because most Toyota drivers can’t drive to save themselves.
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April 3rd, 2008 at 7:28 pm
Dingo Lov’n The Moment: I think you outsell yourself I mean excel with all those figure’s and stat’s what a boring life you have, it’s a amazing what miners can dig up these days……
OH WHAT A FEELING … ORGASM !!!!!!!!
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April 3rd, 2008 at 7:30 pm
would be interesting to see what private car sale figures are? without fleet purchase. i heard it was the Mazda 3.
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April 3rd, 2008 at 7:34 pm
Dingo Lov’n The Moment and TP it doesn’t mater how much you you say toyota rules the truth it a Toyota is alway a Toyota mean bland and they will never be worth over 125,000 dollars
and you call your self Aussie real Aussies drive a ford or a holden.
ps focus will always be better than a coroller just like the escort was always better than the coroller
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April 3rd, 2008 at 8:07 pm
ssshhhh …. be quiet - i am trying to enjoy the moment.
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April 3rd, 2008 at 8:09 pm
Say what ever you want - losers .. changes nothing even if so called ‘Real Aussies’ drive imported Daewoo’s from Holden.
OH WHAT A FEELING … TOYOTA !!
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April 3rd, 2008 at 8:14 pm
TP … lets have another beer while these losers continue to amuse thier simple minds.
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April 3rd, 2008 at 8:16 pm
“Focus is always better than Corolla” Yes and No. The Focus has the best dynamic and drive quality among small cars for that I agree,for reliability and built quality it’s one of the worst,no match for corolla.Check fordfocus forum and you will see, it has countless quality issues like air-con die around 40000km,paint issue,water leaking in boot and headlight,pinging,ignition problem.. you name it.
That’s why they just can’t sell it.The XR5 is an exception because it’s manufactured in Germany. I don’t mind the corolla styling, but went for the i30 due to ESP and TCS factor.I’m not surprised many people buying Corolla since it has cheap service cost ($120 per service),built quality,reliabilty,re-sale value..etc.. I think the Corolla is one of the cheapest to run in small cars category.
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April 3rd, 2008 at 8:25 pm
Perhaps the reason that its no.1 is because it doesn’t do anything badly. Its not the blandest car on the market, nor is it the ugliest. How can it be both? Its not the worst handler, it has a very strong resale, and has had for a LONG time, unlike many others. Generally quality is very good, maintenance costs low, ect ect. and its priced very competitively. Its not outstanding in any one area except value. Maybe thats what most people (fleets and govts included) realise. No car can be all things to all people, otherwise there would be only one car on the market. So maybe all the whingers should go back to their fast fours and rotary magazine and relieve themselves.
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April 3rd, 2008 at 8:32 pm
Thats so embarrasing for Ford and Holden. Sadly for Toyota the 2nd largest car buying sector on the planet yes Europe they don’t get a look in compared to Ford and Vauxhall Opel. The reason Fords Focus doesn’t compete is it too expensive compared to the cheap Toyota alternative, and thats because of a superior Euro design.
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April 3rd, 2008 at 8:53 pm
i thing i’m always happy about my car MK2 Ford Escort is when people ask why i drive and when i tell them they reply “thats a cool car”. i have never heard some say that about a Camry Aurion or a Coroller and most likely never will that doesn’t mean i don’t like Toyota’s i love the mid to late 70’s Celica’s especially there 5 speeds and if you want a cheap everyday runabout thats all i would ever buy a Toyota for apart from the 70’s Celicas love them
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April 3rd, 2008 at 9:26 pm
I noticed the “old” Falcon is still outselling the Aurion. Kluger JUST sold more than Territory …….which shows how good the “old” Territory is.
Didnt Toyota copy the RWD|AWD option from the Territory?
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April 3rd, 2008 at 9:38 pm
I do admire Toyota for selling so many of these things. The sedan is one of the ugliest small cars on the market and the hatch is barely tolerable. There are better small cars around as well.
Toyota fans should enjoy Corolla being No 1 while it lasts - I doubt it will be long past next month, if that.
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April 3rd, 2008 at 9:50 pm
When I drive past Bayswater Hire Cars and see these parked 30 deep in white, I’m not surprised they’re a top seller. Not that I’d be seen dead in one! I’m just saying I’m not surprised.
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April 3rd, 2008 at 9:50 pm
Give me a break guys!!
Focus!! What a heap of crap! One of the highest running costs of any small car. Brake pads and rotors made of cheese and wear out in as litle as 30,000. Servicing cost is horrendous, everything wears out fast.
The Astra is the same, followed by the French, German and other Euro crap.
If you are buying a cheap commuter why buy a Euro car? Makes no sense. It you want a “drivers” car then why are you buying a cheap commuter car? Either way senseless.
For good cheap reliable transport, Corolla, Mazda 3 or Honda Civic or similar.
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April 3rd, 2008 at 10:01 pm
Good on em “La Toyota sux”
Sure is something “La Toyota Paul sux” and “La Dingo sux” are happy about
Now that the “La Toyota Corolla sux” out sells the Commy.. head down to your local “La Toyota dealer sux” to test drive this awesome vehicle.
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April 3rd, 2008 at 10:32 pm
Agree with Dlr1, Toyota targets a segment that caters for all side of things and therefore not going to be the best in each side leaving it as average, you can say focus is better in certain areas but its going to lose out in others, its a give and take, perhaps being average in all areas is the winning formula…
Its typical for car enthusiasts to whinge about the average joe for buying a car that ’seems’ to be inferior to what they should be looking for, but this goes for every other enthusiasts e.g. Jazz lovers complaining why people like Pop, techno, heavy metal when clearly Jazz is more sophisticated, harder to master so it should be more appreciative etc. People have different tastes and feel a connection to different things
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April 3rd, 2008 at 10:43 pm
A sad day indeed that the such an average car could be “top of the pops”
Who is buying this woefull excuse for a small car? Its fatter, slower,thirstier, dumber than just about every other car in the small car class.
Australia wake up start buying the cars that rely on engineering rather than marketing.
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April 3rd, 2008 at 10:46 pm
Many people here, who are likely car enthusiasts (chances are they won’t be visiting this site otherwise) completely miss the point of the Corolla. Is it the most sporty or engaging vehicle in its class? Definitely no, but that’s not where Toyota are aiming it.
They offer a high quality, reliable and middle-of-the-road vehicle with the Corolla.
I also have tested a wide range of small cars, and the Toyota is the most refined of them all. Sure, it’s not the fastest, but without a doubt, I can say it has the quietest engine in the class.
Of course, to a lot of you, this means nothing, but think of what a normal consumer wants, and you can see that Toyota clearly know what they are doing.
You don’t become the best selling nameplate in the world from nothing.
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April 3rd, 2008 at 10:47 pm
Samr Says:
April 3rd, 2008 at 9:50 pm
Give me a break guys!!
Focus!! What a heap of crap! One of the highest running costs of any small car. Brake pads and rotors made of cheese and wear out in as litle as 30,000. Servicing cost is horrendous, everything wears out fast.
Corolla is a heap of crap compared to the Focus ours have done over 30000kms not one problem, the pads and rotors are perfect, servicing running costs is the same as the Corolla dimwit, Corolla is bland and boring, everything wears out fast………
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April 3rd, 2008 at 10:57 pm
The Focus is European (at least in design, if not origin) and would most likely have higher running costs than the Japanese Toyota. Particularly for things such as brake pads.
Also, Toyota has a non-compulsory service plan for the Corolla at a fixed $120 per service over the warranty period, which would reduce the running and servicing costs.
Bear in mind that the Corolla has also been shown by the NRMA as the cheapest car to own on a per week basis in the segment, and research has shown it is the cheapest to fix after an accident as well.
“Everything wears out fast.” This contradicts with the reputation the Corolla has gained as a very reliable and consistent vehicle over the years.
I don’t know what you’re going on about, but the Corolla is probably the cheapest car in the segment to own and run and probably one of the cars that wear out the slowest.
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April 3rd, 2008 at 11:15 pm
jw i agree with you but the corolla is like every other Toyota today it bland and boring it type of car that you walk out the door in the morning and think god it looks so average there know imagination to the design
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April 3rd, 2008 at 11:23 pm
Corolla or Focus?
The market here has spoken, You can buy a Ford Focus for $18,000 Drive Away or Less and still “no-one” buys them. The word is out, they are unreliable crap. A base Corolla costs at least $6,000 more, with a discount.
Why the Ford Focus is popular in Europe is beyond me, I hear parts there are much cheaper, if so good! you need them.
The Ford Focus and Toyota Corolla are in the economy car class, there is no room there for a car that is expensive to run in my opinion. If you want a drivers car buy a more expensive second hand car.
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April 3rd, 2008 at 11:34 pm
Many manufacturers offer service packs. BMW do for the mini pay £500 for andd they’ll service your car as required for the warranty period. I believe Ford do a siilar thing in the UK as well.
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April 3rd, 2008 at 11:38 pm
I can attest that even though yes, there are a lot of Fleet sales…
I predict there is still a high amount of private sales.
For one… the monthly fleet cost/lease for the basic Corolla is $400 AUD.
As opposed to buying it outright which will reduce that to about 320~350. Obviously, benefits of leases, but in the long run, as in about a year term, buying them outright is cheaper.
And fleet sales would probably mean Novated leases as opposed to outright leases, again, $400+ for a basic Corolla to lease a month is high.
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April 3rd, 2008 at 11:50 pm
Samr - what are you on. If the Focus is cheaper by $6000 than the Corolla but is mildy cheaper run maintain. Then it will be the Focus overall thats cheaper considering the depreciation. Depreciation is always the highest running cost. I’m not sure on residuals in Australia but say losing 55% of the value in 3yrs the Corolla loses $13200 and the Ford $9900 (based on your figures). Think about it.
In Euroland the Ford is way ahead of the Corolla in handling terms and is frequently commended for its frankly brilliant ride and poise. Go away and search the UK magazine websites (What Car, Car Magazine, Auto Express, Autocar) you will find i’m correct all the way.
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April 3rd, 2008 at 11:54 pm
The Mazda 3 is the best value dollar for dollar and its a nice car,
But the corolla is also nice.
I have friends who work for GM, Ford and myself as a Toyota employee, we all drove/drive lease cars, especially the hatches. And to tell you the truth theres not much difference, corolla is good, but if you buy the extras that come standard in a Mazda, it becomes a tiny bit expensive. But still, its not “sh1t” as some totally clueless and biased people here claim.
What you basing the performance on? A turbo hatch? a performance coupe???
Its a economy hatch to be driven everyday… priced like one… designed like one…. in terms of fuel consumption, I notice someone complaining about it. I use to drive 120km a day to work and back on a corolla (company car) and my petrol consumption varied greatly enough depending on how I drove it. If I drive it hard like what i usually do with a performance vehicle, the fuel consumption is obviously going to be higher, but when driven sensibly, I got good mileage… not the best, but good.
And to be honest, I know, beauty is in the eye of the beholder…
But people saying its ugly… I dunno… The hatch is not ugly at all, the sedan.. well, depends on color choice. But the hatch looks nice…
the biggest thing here, is some haters simply hate on the car because of the badge on it.. some here obviously like cars for cars… but some are just totally biased towards a certain manufacturer… in this case Ford with COBRA… and I can bet you my twin turbo supra that if there was a Ford badge on this corolla… you’d be all over it.
The focus is a good car, the previous model was actually pretty good too… But to make extreme judgements and statements without reasonable logic and explanations.. well you’re just here to get on people’s nerves…. but hey its the internet… freedom of expression… just hope not everyone is dumb enough to listen to most of the crap.
Again, the corolla is a good car for what its supposed to do. But yes, other cars, the mazda 3 comes to mind… for the buck and the extras you get for standards… its the best for value… but there are advantages for corollas too, parts are easier to obtain (more common car), it is engineered well. Just dont expect it to be a performance hatch…. and as long as you drive it sensibly… all daily drive hatches consume high petrol when you drive it hard.
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April 3rd, 2008 at 11:59 pm
Well said Jamison, bout time we got a bit of fresh content in here compared to the usual ‘omg I hate xxx brand, die die ‘
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April 4th, 2008 at 12:48 am
I quite agree with Jamison as well. I personally don’t have a problem with Toyotas, They like a lot of Japanese cars are known for their reliabililty.
I even agree with TP regading his comment about FWD cars. They are safer more predictable than RWD. Take last weekends British Touring Cars 1st season race. A RWD BMW 3series was leading all the way until it started to rain when the FWD Vectra got by held the lead for the rest of the race.
Given that they sell more cars and are a profitable company then there is no reason why they shouldn’t be considered the leaders, however their cars are never considered anything but average, which is something I do agree with.
Yes they might do the Hybrid Prius, They are without doubt the leaders in 4WD along side Land Rover. But there are areas where they do not compete at all. Sports cars, Wagons, Diesels. Given that I actually fail to see why they are so popular.
Oh by the way I personally have no manufacturer allegiances. I have a GM (Vauxhall) Car at the moment but I’ve had Audi’s, Fords, Nissans, Peugeots and Vauxhalls. I buy what suits my needs.
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April 4th, 2008 at 3:59 am
Just thought I’d put in my two cents worth. On Holidays in NSW and pre-booked a Corolla Sedan as a rent-a-car to see why they were so popular. Unfortunately, when we went to collect scored an Epica instead. Surprisingly quiet and comfortable but a bit bland.
Daily drives at home are and 2008 i30 SLX diesel and 2007 Nissan Tiida. Have found recent Hyundais and most Nissans over the last 20 or so years to be good reliable, likeabe easy to drive vehicles.
Find it sad that local car manufacturing is slowly going down the gurgler and can’t really see why Toyota is having such runaway sales success. Don’t find their cars particularly ugly but find most of their models far from exciting.
Personally not a huge fan of Fords (had some past quality issues with them) but don’t see the need for some contributors to berate each other and each others brands so vermontly!
Cheers,
Dazz
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April 4th, 2008 at 6:20 am
The market has spoken….AGAIN!
Simple, i am conected with the trade, the Corolla is the best OVERALL smaller car on our market.
CANNOT go wrong with a Corolla
Its what my wife will be driving next
[5-SPEED=AUTO & ESP would be nice]
Cheers
F-0
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April 4th, 2008 at 6:24 am
COROLLA -MADE IN JAPAN
FOCUS -MADE IN SOUTH AFRICA
GAME OVER FOCUS!
CHEERS
F-0
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April 4th, 2008 at 8:24 am
There is a marketing term called “double jeapedy”.
Essentially is means Toyota can serve up any old slop and people will lap it up.
They are no more or less reliable than any other car. Servicing costs & particularly parts are on the high side of average.
What your getting with a corolla is reheated late 80’s chassis technology.
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April 4th, 2008 at 8:26 am
Yes Frugal, it really is that simple a well, the Focus is a nice car but the build quality is ordinary, and reliability well game over :( Is a shame, it is a nice car
handling wise. Dont laugh this result off guys. And dont fall for toyota’s ” aww shucks Martha, fleets have been quite, holden wagon to come routine..” they would be over the moon with this result. It probbly wont be the No 1 selling car, not this year at least, but its getting there.
As an aside, for those who keep calling it a fridge, well fair enough, partic the sedan, but perhaps you should consider this, you are now outside the norm, not those people buying the corola..
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April 4th, 2008 at 8:38 am
Hey guy’s found this article on another website and thought it might interest some???
A debate on the future of electric-hybrid cars like the Toyota Prius is raging after US researchers claimed that their green credentials may not add up.
Gas-guzzling cars such as the Hummer may actually be more environmentally-friendly than the Prius, the surprising research claimed.
The debate was sparked by researchers for CNW Marketing in the USA, who said Hummers, the big military-style cars beloved of rappers, scored better than the Prius in terms of carbon cost.
Prius owners include politicians eager to show their green credentials, but when factors other than fuel consumption and emissions were also taken into account, CNW said the car scored poorly.
The researchers have pointed out that the nickel used in the Prius battery has to be shipped half-way around the world to Swansea and back again to be refined.
They also suggested the Prius only does an average of up to a third of the mileage throughout its life, than could be expected from its less fuel-efficient competitor.
Julian Rosser, director of Friends of the Earth Cymru, said, “The most important thing for people to consider when choosing a new car is to get one as efficient as possible.
“We’re putting a huge amount of CO2 in the air and car transport is an increasing part of that picture.”
Researchers counted the nickel content of the battery as one of the Prius’s biggest concerns. Mined in Canada, where local environmentalists are concerned about the process’s ecological impact, the 1,000 tones a year of smelted metal is then taken on a 10,000-mile journey by tanker and diesel train.
First it arrives in Wales to be refined, then it is shipped to China where it is turned into “nickel foam”, and from there it is sent to Japan where the batteries are made, before being shipped back in cars to the UK, the US or any of the car’s other markets.
The study suggested such a factor was part of a wider environmental footprint that showed the Hummer coming out better than the Prius.
According to their figures, the Hummer H3 is expected to do an average 300,000 miles through its driving life, while the Prius is expected to last just 100,000 miles.
In the States, the “per lifetime mile” calculation used by researchers gave a running cost of $2.07 for the Hummer H3 against the Prius’ $2.87.
Dr Nieuwenhuis, an expert in cars and the environment, stressed hybrid cars were an important step towards fully-electrical cars.
They largely rely on petrol power up in built-up areas, and then shows its fuel efficiency by using battery power at higher speeds or on the open road.
A spokesman for Toyota said the results of the study “ran contrary to all other research in the area”.
“This study makes some surprising and uncorroborated claims about the total environmental impact of vehicles over the complete lifecycle,” he said.”The conclusions appear to be very different from the results of several other rigorous, scientifically-reviewed studies of the life-cycle impact of vehicles.”
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April 4th, 2008 at 8:42 am
^^^^^i know this was not a Prius story BUT because this blog usually gets off subject very often i thought it might interest the Toyota fans!!^^^^^
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April 4th, 2008 at 8:54 am
please toyota bring the V6 blade over here that looks cool
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April 4th, 2008 at 9:00 am
Shame on you the Australian motoring public for making number 1 in 2008 a car that has no esp available. & runs what is, essentially a big paper clip for its rear suspension. People & fleets are mistakenly buying the 1.8 Corolla on the assumption that its more economical than the competing 2.0 cars. Its a false economy, the fatter,slower corolla is thirstier.
For years Holdens and fords were lampooned for running old world technology chassis & engine tech. Now that mantle rests with Toyota.
What this risks is that other manufacturers wont bother engineering and designing excellent cars and follow toyota’s lead. A sad day.
And get it out of your thick heads that Toyota’s are any more reliable than its competitors. You’ve just surcomed to a carefully fettled long standing marketing campaign.
Lemmings!
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April 4th, 2008 at 9:04 am
While i agree the Corolla sedan looks bland, the hatch howver is a funky design and looks good in it’s own way.
After reading many comparisons, the Corolla has received strong reviews and the only true critism that has been aimed towards the car is it’s lack of ESP.
However, most articles have stated the quality of the interior trim to be best in class as with general ergonomics and drivetrain refinement. Handling has been phrased as a vast improvement over previuos models and not far of the mark of the ‘3′ although the Mazda does have a notably noiser cabin in comparison.
Over the years the Corolla has earned itself a reputation as a steadfast, reliable, dependable and fuss free motor vehicle that has provided it’s owners with virtual trouble free motoring while later models are proving no different.
All-in-all, i believe the Corolla is the most balanced small car on the market that has proven to be a reliable, fuss free and safe (5 star crash rating)option for buyers and when ESP is reportedly to be available as of August ‘08 it will further enhance what is already a very fine motor vehicle.
Drive.com last year published fleet percentages of some vehicles and while total sales of the Commodore and Falcon are approx 80% fleet purchased, the Corolla enjoyed a 60% private market hence 40% fleetd.
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April 4th, 2008 at 9:16 am
Trackdaze - check out all 4 customer satisfaction surveys conducted in Australia last year alone and then tell me that Toyota disn’t rank in the top 3 of each and every report while Holden and Ford were - quite frankly … slammed !!!
Ooooch …!!
OH WHAT A FEELING …. TOYOTA
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April 4th, 2008 at 9:42 am
“For years Holdens and fords were lampooned for running old world technology chassis & engine tech. Now that mantle rests with Toyota.”
You mean like the 4 speed box in the Omega, the volume seller of the VE range.
Lets not forget, Baraina, Viva & Epica either Trakdaze.
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April 4th, 2008 at 9:56 am
FFS a lengthy post of mine is awaiting moderation…. THIS REALLY ANNOYS ME.
Who said that Silky?
““For years Holdens and fords were lampooned for running old world technology chassis & engine tech. Now that mantle rests with Toyota.”
What kind of an ignorant comment is that… the Aurion brought a 6 speed trans to the market, a 200kw Lexus engine and a standard kit including curtains, side and front airbags…ACROSS THE ENTIRE RANGE. As Silky correctly points out, the Omega is currently offered in a disgraceful 4 speed tranny with a 180kw unrefined engine. Even the Falcon was offered with a 4 speed still. Holden and Ford have been in the past… and continue to be known for… being behind the rest.
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April 4th, 2008 at 10:04 am
Have to agree with you Frugal One! If I were given an option of eiter focus or corolla, I will pick corolla… Obviosly Honda or Mazda will be a better choice that the previous two :)
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April 4th, 2008 at 10:08 am
mate COROLLAS SUCK!! they are cheap and nasty white goods
cars bland to look at and boring to drive!! not to mention
behind the times on SAFETY,, no ESP even as an option and
a 4 star crash rating with the safety pack opf extra a bags..I agree they are cheap to run and service which is fine for someone who wants a boring a to b car with no character!! go the IMPREZA vdc,awd 8 abags 5 star safety all STANDARD,, and with the character of a BOXER engine and fun handling of AWD for not much more money and built in japan quality,….
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April 4th, 2008 at 10:12 am
Chriss Parr -
You forgot to add its huge strength in resale
They are also the cheapest vehicle to fix in 25?kmh front end accident [most popular type lol :-)]
subaru LOL, THE ugliest brand on the market..E-O-S!
Cheers
F-0
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April 4th, 2008 at 10:14 am
Corollas bland styling???
What then can be said about focus’ ULTRA conservative styling?
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April 4th, 2008 at 10:57 am
Corolla is also the best selling car in the world for 2007 and probably for 2008 when the figures are eventually tabled.
Reason: It is a reliable car and at a reasonable price.
Not a car for me though, as I can afford luxury cars.
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April 4th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Chris Parr - the Corolla has a crash rating of 5 stars not 4 as incorrectly stated by yourself. I agree no ESP is a mistake but come August this year, ESP will be added to the Corolla range. The Corolla is a good car for good reasons and deserves it’s Q1 standing.
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April 4th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Turn it up Lozza
The corolla is a below average car built well. It’s a 4 star car until it gets ESP. When It finally gets ESP (think that’s 09, Australians arent exactly giving Toyota any reason to bring it to market before are they!?)
The question is does Toyota have the expertise to calibrate the ESP given their track record with the KLUGER flipping during wheels car of the year!
Make no mistake this is a VHS - BETA moment. Should we really be rewarding Mediocrity?
Me I ask for more in a car.
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April 4th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
Tarckdaze - you do not understand your cars to well. The Corolla is a 5 star crash rated motorvehicle and if you care to take time, research the European and Australian NCAP’s scores. It’s all in Black and White.
ESP wil be added to the Corolla August this year (2008 not 2009) as officially commented by Toyota and recently confirmed by Wheels.
As for biuld quality, you really don’t know your cars at all. The Corolla is infact one of the highest quality and most reliable, dependable are durable everyday small cars on the market. Most reviews i have read about the car have stated the same with only true critism aimed at it’s lack of ESP but otherwise a very good car.
Deserves it’s standing.
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April 4th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
No trackdaze, it’s a 5 star car, the ESP rule is not in yet.
To that uninformed person, the Mazda 3 gets 4 stars.
Also, many reviewers were pleasantly surprised that the Toyota has become more dynamic, although it of course isn’t the most sporting vehicle out there.
Those that complain about the torsion beam rear suspension, think of whether the target market really requires it. It’s mainly an issue of handling with torsion beam, and there is an advantage in terms of space saving for the suspension layout, a reason why the Corolla sedan has a sizeable boot.
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April 4th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
Lozza dont worry, the idiot thinks ESP will effec the ANCAP… ESP is about preventative measures, ANCAP test what happens once the crash has happened. Trackbrace I suggest you jump back in your courtesy car and go to Ford dealership and try to get your unreliable Focus back or Korean Barina.
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April 4th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
PS I want to gobbie your kids.
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April 4th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
Corolla build quality better than Focus is a rubbish assumption. Focus build is excellent as far as I can tell and the Focus is a more refined drive in every respect with better performance(have driven both)and more agreeable euro styling and far better interior trim.
Once again the assumption that the Corolla is more reliable than everything else is just that an assumption. The Corolla isn’t a bad car but cars like the Focus just do things better with more style and finesse.
Civic is a superior buy to a Corolla as well.The halo effect of the Toyota badge is now foremost in buyers minds which is obvious(just look at some statements on this blog) even if other makers build cars of similar or better quality i.e Mazda and Honda.
Nobody can argue that both the Civic and 3 don’t have better fit and finish compared to Corolla and Focus.
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April 4th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
also Lancer for same money leaves Corolla for dead.
Jap built also if reliability is main concern.
I think most blogers are placing too much emphasis on “Jap Built” as the others are doing it just as good if better these days. Living in the past as Japan manufactured isn’t what it use to be either unfortunately.
Also a bit irritated how everybody dumps on the Epica.
Does nothing better or worst than a Corolla and a class size up with more standard kit cheaper.
The COROLLA just looks cheap and nasty for the ask.
How anybody could pay 25k or more for a Corolla will remain one of life’s great mysteries.
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April 4th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
I agree Realcars.. If I was in the market for a small car I would be leaning more towards the Lancer or the Focus.
Even though Corolla may be the most popular selling car ATM. Toyota have sat on their laurels for too long and they are now coming under threat from the likes of the Mazda 3 [MPS]; the Focus [XR5]; Golf as well as the Lancer.. all of which handle and perform better than the corolla; offer greater levels of features / specifications / options etc. not to mention look better
Then there’s the possibility of Holden bringing back the Opel Corsa/Barina.
If you want to go up a class Toyota is also under threat from the Mondeo; and Mazda 6;
Reliability is one thing Valu for money is another
However; it seems
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April 4th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
Wheelnut,
i prob will be in the maeket for a small car to replace the Mrs’s car some time this year.
the main ones that register with me are the Focus, Mazda3, Lancer.
if i was purely after the value for money car than its easily the i30
firstly i want something that looks half decent. the main thing about the Focus that appeals to me is that they havent resorted to what i term as “cute looks”.
it is a bold and solid looking vehicle with a touch of sport andclass wrapped into it.
the other thing that grabs me is interior.
then its handling etc.
basiclly what im trying to say is a look for a vehicle that is good to drive and dare i say it something that might be enjoyable (for those that dont know what thats about ill explain at a later point)
interiors are actually a real biggy for me.
i have to sit in the damn thing every time i go somewhere.
thats prob why i dip for the fords aswell.
IMO holden hasnt been able to design a nice interior up until recently.
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April 4th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
TP…dont think Toyota are free from reliability problems……..my wifes friend has had three engines in her Camry in 45000 k’s. Or was it an Aurion? Oh well they look the same ……..pretty boring Japanese styling that looks very similar each model. Toyotas reliability ratings are dropping all over the world.
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April 4th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
ESP will affect ANCAP ratings from…when? 2009? Read it somewhere. Maximum 4 stars with no ESP. Remember when the previous model Merc C-class scraped through to 5 stars from 4 just from the added inclusion of an audio-visual seat-belt warning, TP? No? Don’t suppose you do……..
Rick harris, have I got an experience to share with you about delicate POS Camrys! WELL!
Third gear synchro and head gasket both cacticus dickticus screwedicus by 45,000 kms. They became renowned for it in a company that ran about 30 of them back around 91/92.
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April 4th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
So now golfschwein youre going to dig up problems from 16-17 years ago to back up your argument. Thats opening up a can of worms that even VW wouldn’t want opened. Yeah we all know most cars quality has improved since the early nineties. Just as well because quite a few brands that seem to be held in high esteem now were woeful back then.
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April 4th, 2008 at 9:10 pm
Rick Harris - fairdinkum dude, forget the bullsh*t hoo-haa stories will ya. Proves how desperate you are … period.
Realcars - supporting Lozza, the Corolla has infact been commented on having the best quality interior, ergonomics and drivetrain refinement while handling of the new model has been reported as negligable against the Mazda3.
Fact is freak - The humble Corolla has establsihed itself as the most steadfast, reliable, dependable and durable little car not just in Australia but throught the entire world and reputations like that just do not happen by muistake and that is a FACT … PURE AND SIMPLE !!
And regarding your Focus - take yet another visit to Drive.com click onto FEATURES and open up the Leaked Australian Quality Report.
In the small car segment - take the time and observe how the Focus compared against the Corolla regarding Quality and Customer Satisfaction… basically - dismally !
You speak from nothing more then unsupportive crap as you are nothing more then a ’straw clutcher’ while i have just provided you FACTUAL EVIDANCE written in Black and white that was compiled by non-other then the manufactuers themselves for the manufacters.
Read the results and weep …. CLOWN !!
Oh yeah - and it’s true, the only critisms that have been passed at the new Corolla is it’s lack of ESP (bad call from Toyota Australia) and it’s true that ESP will be made available on the range as of August this year as reported by Toyota.
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April 4th, 2008 at 9:32 pm
Alborz/ACA - don’t you even think about deleting my above comment. It is non abusive and factual therefore completely justified.
Golf - took Holden 15 dreadfully long years to fix the Rear Main Seal issue on the Commodore inwhich literally thousands of owners were short changed in fixing the problem regardless of Holdens complete understanding about the common issue … PATHETIC
Suggests little of Holden which i regard little of Holden anyway.
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April 4th, 2008 at 9:41 pm
Realcars - you say that no one can argue that Honda and Mazda have better fit n finish then the Corolla.
Really … then explain to the rest of us bloggers why just about every comparison i have read to date have rated the interior quality of the Corolla as best in class.
You argue crap that you don’t even know what you are talking about.
Just face it, the Corolla is a highly regarded small car not just in Australia but through-out the entire world and reputations like that just happen by the off-chance … do they - NO !! … they are established for very good reasons and probably why the Corolla remains the worlds single biggest sold automotive namepla.te
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April 4th, 2008 at 10:15 pm
HEY DINGO AND TP A LITTLE REMINDER, YOU KEEP KNOCKING FORD AND HOLDEN, BUT WHERE IS TOYOTA INCLUSION IN THE WCOTY AWARDS, LET ME SPELL OUT THAT ABBREVIATION: WORLD - CAR - OF - THE - YEAR - AWARDS….
Ford/Mazda2 = 1st
Ford Mondeo = 2nd
Ford S-Max = 6th
Ford/Volvo C30 = 9th out of WCOTY top ten..
Now where was Toymota, well not available because they are wrapped up in cardigan wool,
This is what the judges thought of Toyleta vehicles, look below….
NO STYLE, NO POWER, NO MERIT, NO SIGNIFICANCE, NO EMOTIONAL APPEAL, NO ENVIRONMENT, NO VALUE…..
How do you feel when Toylets is not even recognised by anyone except you and ya blind mates….
I know its hard to swallow Ford and their partners world recognition with dominating vehicle’s across the board…
Best selling mean nothing, Corolla’s are not more refined or reliable than anything else on the market, it’s the media flooded with stupid lying Toyleta ads to get sales, also paying hire companys to buy their bland boring vehicles……
IF COROLLA IS THE BEST SELLING, SHOULD THERE BE SOMES AWARDS AND CHAMPAGNE… OK MAYBE ONLY DINGO CAN GIVE HIMSELF ONE… HAHAHAHAHAHA :-)
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April 4th, 2008 at 10:29 pm
Cobra,
you have just continued with a point i was making elsewhere earlier. here it is again……..
toyota has been marketed to a point where it has become the default choice for a vehicle.
if they are the best available hence why they are selling in big numbers, then tell us how come the 2 biggest toyota sellers in the corolla and Hilux dont win a desk full of awards?
the BT50/ranger beat the hilux in the reviews (navara beat it too)
and count the line up for the many smalll cars that rate over the corolla in the reviews
their 2 biggest sellers arent the class leaders in terms of the vehicles offerengs FACT!!!!
they only lead the class in sales
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April 4th, 2008 at 10:42 pm
Andrew M,
If the Ford Mondeo was the best selling on the planet, I would not come on this site bragging about Fords sales success, I buy cars that have emotional appeal, sorry Toyota, but not one vehicle from your stable has the kudos, the only kudos you gain are from media and buying power, I would not be suprised if Toyota buy their small awards, honestly only hype fuels Toyota’s desire……
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April 4th, 2008 at 10:47 pm
TP - Just a point about boxers (not your undergarments), Subaru’s new diesel boxer, their first attempt at producing one is considered now to be one of the best on the planet. Smooth, Refined, Economical, Good performace and Quiet. So quiet in fact the ambient cabin noise in the Legacy is actually quieter than a Rolls Royce.
Thier other boxers are considered great performers as well.
I’m not having a go just stating facts I’ve read in numerous magazines available here. See Yah Dude ;)
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April 4th, 2008 at 11:08 pm
Just because it sells, doesn’t mean that it is any good.
So many dumbos out there who buy anything salesman suggest.
Corolla - the boring choice.
And with no ESP so it shouldn’t be on the shopping list for anyone who cares about their family…
If you pretend to know anything about cars like F-O that is !
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April 4th, 2008 at 11:25 pm
People who care about their family will see that it gets 5 star safety rating and think that it is fine. Furthermore, the car is hardly in need of ESP anyway, with its level of overall performance and such, as just a basic commuter car and such.
Regardless of how you guys put it, at the end of the day, it is the sales leader, not only in Australia but over the rest of the world as well overall, although of course it isn’t leader in certain markets. Put it this way, if you think that the best selling car in the world is a completely inferior product and you cannot see why anyone would want to buy one, maybe you’re the one with the wrong thinking…
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April 4th, 2008 at 11:46 pm
“Yes, Alborz, that’s right! If you delete my comments, I’ll…I’ll…yes, I know…I’ll become jolly baitey and abusive and threatening and I’ll…I’ll be weally, weally unpleasant to people and I’ll bully them howwibly and call them freaks and…and…anyway, just you don’t do it, is all I say…blow it, um, golly, where did my fluffy purple hanky go?” - (Dingo)
Grow up.
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April 4th, 2008 at 11:59 pm
JW, bragging about bland boring Toyleta sales again, “WHO CARES”
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April 5th, 2008 at 12:02 am
DLr1, Toyota’s “reputation” was well and truly forged by 1991, as now, so it’s perfectly valid to bring up. Especially when you have two people swearing black and blue that the cars never go wrong. On balance, if it pleases you, two other brnad new Toyotas I have run around the same period were faultless.
But don’t fret. On further balance a VS Commodore was the worst new car I’ve ever had. Rear main seal, haemmoraging power steering pump, faulty bonnet catch, a ghastly engine resonance that was never fixed, and more. At least it waited until 95,000 kms for its tranny to go awol.
I’m well aware that VW has its history of dramas, as have most brands.
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April 5th, 2008 at 12:18 am
Did you mean ‘Fweaks’ Golfie. Yur a funny bugger mate LOL :)
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April 5th, 2008 at 12:23 am
Yes, FWEAKS I tell you! PEWIOD!!!
:)
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April 5th, 2008 at 12:45 am
written by TRACKDAZE
“Shame on you the Australian motoring public for making number 1 in 2008 a car that has no esp available. & runs what is, essentially a big paper clip for its rear suspension. People & fleets are mistakenly buying the 1.8 Corolla on the assumption that its more economical than the competing 2.0 cars. Its a false economy, the fatter,slower corolla is thirstier.
For years Holdens and fords were lampooned for running old world technology chassis & engine tech. Now that mantle rests with Toyota.
What this risks is that other manufacturers wont bother engineering and designing excellent cars and follow toyota’s lead. A sad day.
And get it out of your thick heads that Toyota’s are any more reliable than its competitors. You’ve just surcomed to a carefully fettled long standing marketing campaign.
Lemmings!”
No… you dont quiet get how the engineering side of things work.
Engineering for ALL…. Manufacturers isnt about giving the customer the most advanced suspension systems, not about giving them the best technological features for the sake of it…
You think… manufacturer’s main aim is to provide the market with great performance with a sub 25K price range???
You are dellusional… very.
Its a Corolla… a daily driver.. people buy it not caring if it goes 0-100 in 5 seconds, or if the rear suspension is based on torsional beams…
These cars are regulated under rules… so those “paper clips” you claim to be as suspensions.. are not just that. If anyone can actually produce a decent suspension system, simple and effective, safe and meets regulation and best yet, very easy to replace or manufacture… You’ve hit a gold mine. Its a simple setup… it meets safety… it meets its performance target.. and its cheap to produce.. from the engineers who designed that… BIG tap on the back from the big boss. Thats how it works.
If you want to drive a vehicle with advance drivetrains, suspension setups, 4WS etc… buy a 80K+ sports car…
guess what? I AM a HUGE fan of GTRs… seen plenty of R32s having their HICAS 4WS system go bonkers today and people have to spend thousands to get them fixed or get them taken off… that system was one of the most advanced back in the days… and it was well used for the GTR… but again… parts replacement and availability is an issue since it was such an advance system.
The corolla is designed to be a daily driver.. for people who wants to get from point A to B…. if it breaks, they want to be able to order parts very fast and cheaply.
The sales trends in Australia has basically showed to everyone that MOST new car buyers simply want a cheap car to run… they have other problems such as mortgages, health etc to worry about.
And if you are a car enthusiasts whining about a Corolla.. or a sub 20k Hatch…. whining about how “weak” it is… or how cheap the engineering is… etc…. you dont get it..
Why you even care??? your a car enthusiasts shouldnt you be whining about the cars you cant afford??? or if you can afford it… then you’ll probably understand why its priced that way…
again, I’ve stated, the corolla is a good car, thats no lie, not biased either. Its not my first choice, but its up there if I was to purchase a cheap hatch. everyday driver.
btw, I know I’ve mentioned that the mazda 3 is still best for money, but its far from perfect.
Again, you have to look at how it is built.. and most consumers cannot see the “engineering” side of it…
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April 5th, 2008 at 12:58 am
Car Buyer says:
“Corolla is also the best selling car in the world for 2007 and probably for 2008 when the figures are eventually tabled.
Reason: It is a reliable car and at a reasonable price.
Not a car for me though, as I can afford luxury cars.”
Thats the logic here.
Corolla is for the people who are looking for a daily driver, it has to be affordable, has decent features, very functional and less worrisome.
People complaining about lack of 30 air bags and 10-star safety crash ratings…. Those ratings are not the definitive of it all. Want the safest car?… Buy a TANK.
No such thing as a car invulnerable from danger of hurting the passengers… the key is to minimize the damage.
Also, just to throw in there… Toyota is developing many features for future vehicles that basically “prevents” crashes to happen in the first place…
And its SO SO SO SO Ironic… that people bag Toyota for being “boring” and concervative… then the next time, they bag Toyota for lacking sports cars…. then the next time… bagging Toyota for being for people who cannot drive due to all the safety research and driver assistance they fund…
haha… its funny.. because thats how people are…. You cannot please everyone and Toyota has proven that the best way to make money is not to listen to all the critics but to listen to the market’s requirements…. a good reliable daily driver..
again, sorry to keep plugging it.. but As someone mentioned… Honda Civic and Mazda 3… well yes these 2 are probably more feature friendly than the Corolla for the price…. but the difference between them isnt that much… Civic has more models up here in the states, and in Oz the real top of the range ones are around 35K….
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April 5th, 2008 at 1:02 am
Hey COBRA, how did the exhaust tip fit?
Did you wear protection?… I heard Ford’s exhaust tip can get rusty 5mm in, on the inner side of the exhaust.
Just warning ya.
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April 5th, 2008 at 8:06 am
The greatest test of all - Test Of Time - has proven that the Toyota Hilux is the most reliable, dependable and durable work hack in it’s class which is why it is purchased in greater numbers by Farmers, Tradies, Industries and Mines who are the ‘Real Judges In The Real World’.
Besides, The Nissan Navara has recently been slammed for it’s very poor showing in European NCAP tests which originally only scored 2 stars and after some airbag imflation improvements managed to score a marginal 3 while it was stated that seriuos injury potential remains regardless. That said, the Ford Ranger/BT50 are also only 3 star crash rated while the Hilux tops the segment with 4… reputation, test of time, real world, sales and crash rating says it all really !!
Something Toyota has been able to achieve that Ford or Holden have not and that is establish a consistant and stable fleet right across it’s entire range which coincidentally is Australia’s most diverse at that.
Wether being a light, small, medium or large car or a SUV, commercial or 4×4 - all of Toyota’s vehicles are infact rated amoung the most competitive in each and every category hence establishing a consistant and stable fleet regardless of it’s diversity and that automotive achievement alone suggest alot for the Japanese manufactuer. That said, it’s representation doesn’t stop there as Lexus has finally matured as one of the greatest brands in the world while the formation of TRD Oz will do wonders filling the gap between mainstream Toyota and it’s luxury brand - Lexus.
Name me another automotive manufactuer selling in Australia that even comes close to representing the enourmous diversity of the market it does and with consistanly competitive cars right across the board … let me help … there isn’t another !!
Last month alone Toyota managed to outsell the combined efforts of Holden and Ford by an additional 1300 units … ooouch - that has gotta hurt !!
Toyota … 21 700
Holden … 11 200
Ford … 9 200
So if that is not presenting the market instead of just myself and TP then any comment otherwise would only come from a wacked out weed freak !!
Better still - 6 of the top 10 best sellers alone were representated by Toyota and just to add more insult, the Camry/Aurion duo was easily Australia’s biggest selling unit eclipsing the Commodore by 500 units.
The Commodore has been toppled by the Corolla in Q1 while sales of the ‘dore is down by more then 3000 units at this time last year.
The Camry outsold the Falocn … ooouch, which inturn only marginally outsold the Aurion while the Kluger toppled the Territory - ‘again’
FACTS IS … automotive achievements like that just do not happen by mistake. Toyota obviuosly has striked the balance well providing well sorted, all-rounded packages that cater for more buyers then any other brand no matter the quality of marketing - if pruducts don’t hold substance or value then they will simply not sell in the numbers they do. It’s not about marketing - it’s about quality and assurance of the product you sell.
OH WHAT A FEELING …TOYOTA
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April 5th, 2008 at 8:21 am
Corola having a 5 star crash rating and a proven steadfast, reliable, dependable and durable motoring nature means it is on the list of many buyers.
ESP will become available in August ‘08 not to mention that handling is vastly improved and now negliable to that of the Mazda3 while the interior quality, ergonomics and drivetrain have actually been rated as best in class by many motoring jornos during comparsion tests. As i stated earlier, the only true critism that has been aimed at the car is it’s lack of ESP but that issue will be sorted within the next few months.
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April 5th, 2008 at 8:41 am
I dont mind Toyotas. I owned a 93 Corolla AWD Wagon = Great Car. Bit thirsty on oil though.
Well done Toyota for pipping Commodore. Toyota must be doing a lot of advertising in “Fleet Car Weekly” and “Lawn Bowler Motoring Tips” because it is a horendously boring looking car(like all ‘yotas). Repair costs are cheap, but Id rather have a Focus and not crash it, as I may be tempted to in a Corolla just for some excitement!
Before TP gets on his high horse, Toyota sells a thousands of cars, but how many different models do they sell.
Yaris, Corolla, Camry, Aurion, Prius, Avensis, Tarago, RAV4, Kluger, Prado, Landcruiser(and its variants), Hiace and Hilux.
With 13 models, plus all the different variants(swb,lwb,2wd,4wd etc..) and diff spec levels, theyd want to be selling thousands……!
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April 5th, 2008 at 8:58 am
i use to manage a supermarket.
i dont claim to be a marketing genious but there is one thing i was told and found it to be true very quickly.
“Stock Sells Stock”
for eg. if you take a pallet of margarine and plop it on the floor where people walk past it, it will absolutely run out the door.
It doesnt even have to be on special nor does it have to be the low Cholesterol or salt reduced stuff that is good for you.
toyota is striving to lead sales for the same reason, becasue they know “Stock sells stock”.
why else do you think manufacturers have a big battle to lead the sales race or why they place such an importance on being sales leader even if it means they have to sell them at reduced prices?
toyota and holden have been guilty in the past or pre registering vehicles inorder to boost their sales figures in years where they were tight.
toyota know that if they can show impressive sales figures then they will be seen as the ultimate choice and become the default recognition of a motor vehicle.
and what sort of member of the public really cares what the sales figures are? im beginning to think some on here are being shouted holidays or incentives when toyota meets its targets. because honestly thats the only kind of people that should be getting so excited about it.
even if ford only sold 1 falcon ute a month, i wouldnt give 2 hoots as long as there was one for me
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April 5th, 2008 at 9:17 am
For those who are interested - the first round of the Australian Rally Championships started yesterday in Busselton as south of Perth WA.
3 legs will be ran with the first two completed which was the tarmac stage. Neil Bates in his new S2000 TRD Corolla leads the event so far followed by Eli Evans in his Subaru and then Simon Evans (brother of Eli) running third in the second of the S2000 TRD Corolla’s.
The 3rd and final stage progresses to the forest today which will prove the most challenging but so far so good for the TRD Corolla’s although Eli is certainly giving them a ‘run for thier money’ in his Subaru.
If you want to stay up to date with the event visit the Australian Rally Championship (ARC) web site !!
cheers
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April 5th, 2008 at 9:18 am
BossCR fair enough… but they do top many of their segments, its not like they make these sales purely based on numbers, they are doing something right. You can even break down some segments and see where they lead, such as; Kluger, Corolla, Camry + Aurion etc
AndrewM a $2 margareine is alittle different to a $40k Aurion. People make a more educated decision, the simple fact is they do research, they do see the Toyota as a better option after looking at competition.
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April 5th, 2008 at 9:18 am
Andrew - you are a freak of nature !!
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April 5th, 2008 at 9:26 am
Boss - as published by DRIVE.com … APPROX 80% of total Falcon and Commodore sales are fleet purchased while the Corolla enjoys 60% private sales.
Not only does Toyota provide Australian motorist with the most diverse range of vehicles but each of them are amoung the best sellers in each respective segment … FACT !!
so yes - they do enjoy strong sales.
OH WHAT A FEELING … TOYOTA !!
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April 5th, 2008 at 9:30 am
Dingo,
i reckon silverchair is great too.
and their album containing the song “Freak (of nature)” certainly did help to propel them to the levels that they are at today
but keep it on topic please
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April 5th, 2008 at 9:36 am
Andrew - indeed, keep it on topic … what has butter got to do with automotive vehicles.
You are a freak of nature !!
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April 5th, 2008 at 9:55 am
Dingo,
there you go again, quoting me wrong,
i said margarine not butter ha ha ha ha ha
yep i know im not bad, but a freak of nature? wow thanks mate thats a great compliment!!!!
i know Ian Thorpe was labelled a freak of nature by many comentators but i still dont think i am quite in his league, but thanks for the compliment none the less
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April 5th, 2008 at 11:13 am
It’s not my style to quote figures, but 65% of VE Commodores go to fleets and 74% of Aurions do the same.
The breakdown for Falcon and other cars wasn’t available. Only the above 2 were mentioned.
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April 5th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
I’m not bragging about the sales figures, I’m saying if it sells in such large quantities, then SURELY 100% there has to be something about it that attracts the buyer. Maybe a portion of the buyers are uniformed or such, as you people like to often complain about, but the fact remains that in order to get to the sales it has, it MUST ABSOLUTELY have some sort of credit to it.
It’s not like Toyota can sell a complete turd on wheels and it would still sell, otherwise the Avalon (which actually wasn’t that bad, but definitely wasn’t great) wouldn’t have sold as poorly as it did.
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April 5th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
Market sales tell everything……….if Australian are really that in love with only Ford and Holden, why don’t they buy more focus and Astra 4 cylinder ?
BTW, I admit that focus is a better car to drive, but as toyota’s reputation of being trouble free, average family will prefer toyota….
jesus C……..when will ford and GM learn that what majority wants is a tool that consist of 30% of excitement + 70% reliability …
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April 5th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
You couldnt kill a corolla with an axe. Its what people want, get over it. Andrew if your marg example is indicative of how to increase sales, perhaps you should email Holden and Ford, they need all the fkan help they can get mate. You know its pretty bloody simple, provide cars people WANT to buy and they will sell, THATS why toyota outsold Holden and ford combined for the March quarter.
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April 5th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
The bad news, Toyota is getting away with murder, the corolla should have had ESP at least as an option, its a porker as well. The Camry is coma inducing, and is lacking in safety features at the bottom end (read airbags), these should not be an option, but its a fleet car right, let the buyers tick the box, after all, its only us bloody aussies that drive it. Before the toyo lovers jump in about the corolla and ESP, bugga off, how many have been sold already. Know what really annoys me about Holden and Ford, they are so inept from a marketing perspective it helps Toyota get away with this sort of crap, read barina epica and viva, then read just what the world needs, 2125kgs of 270kw territory, or Hw427 or whatever the hell that piece of wannabee junk is, yer ford and holden, you guys know what you are doing thats for sure.
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April 5th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
Whats even scarier while Im here is some of you people posting stuff like wow its hot, and what a car(vroooom) with regard the w427 and territory turbo, even though, even though NONE of you will buy one of these vehicles, seriously are you guys actually running Holden and Ford??
Thats it, I have figured it out!
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April 5th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Did anyone had a chance to read up on the latest JDPowers Aust Car survey (Customer satisfaction), Feb this year?? Particularly manufacturers building for the masses?
Jamison, I don’t think you can crack into the minds of some people they just seem to not get the clue, they tend to think that everyone is like them. They think its all about performance and engineering that gets the sales. But dont realise people want cars they feel comfortable to have and connect to. e.g. like the car enthusiast (not brand biased ones), its the performance and engineering that connects us to each vehicle and thats why theres so much flaming against average joe mobil, corolla, being most of the people here are car enthusiasts.
Don’t want to discriminate tho, but even people weight/bodyshape dictates the car they buy, racial background, age, level of testosterone even.
To be bland…
Toyota = corporation to make MONEY
MONEY = build a car that attracts the majority of buyers (being average in all aspects)
attraction to majority = more sales possibility.
Just remember who these high end decision makers in corporations report to and what they want, most likely is MONEY MONEY MONEY, you cant help an organisation has to go in this direction because those people who makes the decisions in the company have their career on the firing line if they don’t acheive the targets.
Heck if I was a CEO of a car company and proven to the public ive made the most reliable car, best performing and winning heck alot of awards, I can still be dropped when people realise its all on the expense of profit. From a general shareholders point of view, I don’t care who you are but as long you make my shares go up even if you sacrifice tradition, heritage. People who invest into corporates are there to make money enough said.
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April 5th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Toyota Australia has admitted they made a mistake with not including ESP on the Corolla but as stated, it has been reported Toyota will rectify the issue in August 2008 but that to the side, the car has still proven it’s safety credentials by achieveing a 5 star crash rating in Europe and Australia.
Toyota is amoung the leaders when it comes to safety as the Yaris has been awarded 5 stars while the Camry and Aurion are both 4 stars and ESP as standard. Now that i think of it, the Aurion toppled the Commodore in the offical NCAP tests last year and in the recent WHEELS Active Safety Programme while the Prado, RAV4, Kluger, Hilux and Cruiser are all well rated.
While Ford has good-strong safety rating aswell, that is alot more then i can say about Holden who sells one of the unsafest cars in Australia which is the concerning 2 star rated Barina. While Toyota has acknowledge thier mistake with not including ESP on the Corolla, Holden on the otherhand is doing nothing to rectify the unsafe nature of the Daewoo Barina.
Also worth noting is the recent poor showing in the European crash testing of the Navara which also scored a low 2 star rating and then later a marginal 3 after software adjustments were completed to improve the inflation time of it’s airbags but regardless - it was stated that potential serious injury remained of concern. The BT50 and Ranger are only 3 star rated each compared to the 4 star rating of the Hilux.
So as bloggers should be able to indentify, Toyota’s safety credentials are extremely competitive and once ESP is added to the Corolla range in August (2008) then most critics really don’t have much to critise Toyota about at all. I also reserve no doubt that Toyota will continue amoung the leaders of offering safe, reliable, dependable, durable and quality cars to the motoring public.
People may recall the controversial rolling of the Kluger while the positives that came of that was the structural integrity of thier cars, effectiveness of pre-tensioners and a statement highlighting that Toyota’s ABS calibrations are now amoung the best that can be found anywhere in the world.
Toyota’s Safe-T-Cell is also globally renouned for it’s strength, crash effectiveness and overall integrity.
Actually … before i forget - while Toyota offers 6 aibags as standard on the Aurion, as published by this site - the new FG won’t even be receiveing that as standard on it’s lower spec optioned Falcons.
cheers
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April 5th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Dingo - you are a better toyota propaganda agent than TP….. Are you his boss
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April 5th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
I dont know where you people are getting your info on corollas safety rating, but you are wrong!!!! it is only a
4 star crash rating even with op extra bags!! besides as of