Toyota has always had a knack for producing understated cars, slightly ahead of the curve (though you might not know it) that did exactly what it said on the tin. The unassuming Corolla has always been such a model, taking care of business, day after day and mile after mile. (It’s a Toyota – they make the HiLux – it will probably run for another 200 years.) And although these Nineties models have gained a few years, they are still – especially when in as original and unmessed-about with condition as this – great little cars.

Although now registered to the former owner’s son, the Toyota is essentially the property of a deceased estate and, in driver terms, a two-owner car – hence the genuine low mileage just shy of 50,000. It was used sparingly for largely local journeys and has spent the years since his passing in warm dry storage. It has never needed bodywork repairs, nor any kind of mechanical rebuild. 

In its original non-metallic red, this Corolla still presents very well, with shut lines and panel fit still looking tight and sharp. All lids and doors open and close smartly to leave parallel gaps, and there are no signs of sagging or misalignment in the plastic front and rear bumpers or the rear hatch spoiler.

The paintwork shows a gentle weathering – some stone chips and the odd mark – though in the main, nothing that a good buffing can’t rectify. There are a couple of chips to the front bumper and the rear spoiler, but the saloon is free of any significant scratches or dents. It still presents very well.

Again, save for a few small chips and a bit of dirt in the corners, the black coated window frames (and their rubber seals) are very sound. There is no bronzing/discolouration and no unevenness due to corrosion bubbling up from underneath.

A decent, honest car.

Looking around the Corolla’s cabin, it’s easy to believe the 47,000 miles on the odometer, there is no significant wear anywhere in the interior.

The seats are trimmed in velour (always a very durable material in Japanese cars), with the grey outer panels enlivened by the contrasting diagonals of the inserts – all very Nineties. The material is in excellent condition – no tears, no fade – and with cushion edges retaining all of their shape and firmness. Although perhaps in need of a quick vac, the seats and the carpets are clean, the latter showing a good pile and no real wear in the footwells. The fabrics and mouldings of the door panels are equally good, with handles and window buttons showing no degradation, save for a couple of minor scuffs, and, naturally, a little handling wearon the driver’s side. Predictably, the only pieces which show some fade/handling marks are the gear knob and steering wheel, both of which remain presentable.

Looking into door cavities, hinges and mechanism – as well as the sunroof well – it’s reassuring to find these spaces pretty clean and corrosion-free. Rubber seals are, in the main, excellent, with just a couple of places needing ironing out.

All in all, a very respectable cabin showing sympathetic use by its owners.

The Toyota’s engine bay appears rather weathered with oxidation on some surfaces and a little surface rust on some clips/brackets. But closer inspection suggested that all the components are in good shape, with each doing its job just as it should. There are no signs of leaks, and all hoses/leads look pretty healthy. There is a little dust – and even a cobweb – but the 16-valve four-cylinder starts readily and runs very smoothly without smoking. The metal around the engine bay appears very solid and the paint is good. Suspension towers look very strong.

The underside of the car looks to be in good shape with undersealing intact and no signs of damage. Suspension components show a certain amount of surface corrosion, but all appear to be able to perform their roles properly. Tyres are good and the wheels quite presentable. 

This is a solid, tidy car, well up to the task of being a day-to-day runabout, and capable of any realistic tasks its next owner is likely to ask of it. Coupled with the fact that it can be looked after by most any garage, this should be an easy and economical car to live with.

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