Used 1989 Toyota Corolla for Sale Nationwide
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Overview
Not much changed for the 1989 Toyota Corolla, since it had just been redesigned the year before. Toyota abandoned the hatchback FX and made the sedan available with All-Trac.
The 1989 Toyota Corolla came in many body styles with several trim levels. The sedan came as a base DX or better-equipped LE. The wagon was available as a DX or SR5. The coupe came as a SR5 or GT-S. All Corollas came equipped with a DOHC, 16-valve inline four-cylinder engine. The sedans, front-drive wagon and SR5 coupe had a carbureted 90-horsepower engine; the All-Trac wagon had a fuel-injected 100 horsepower engine, and the GT-S had the most powerful with a 115-horsepower EFI version. Fuel economy is about 25 to 35 mpg, depending on the engine.
Drivers of the 1989 Toyota Corolla all seem to have a story to prove its indestructibility, like the one about the Corolla that made it to Alaska from Atlanta and had no problem starting in either climate. Some drivers have had problems with alternator.
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Anonymous
Reviewed a 1989 Toyota LE on Dec 18, 2012
I bought my beaten up 1989 Corolla, a 5spd LE model sedan with a carbeurated 4-AF engine, for $300. The previous owner seemed to think it was on its last legs, and gave it until maybe the end of the summer. It had cooked front brakes, an exhaust leak, and would surge unexpectedly. I figured for $300, it would be the perfect summer car. I took it home and started throwing parts at it. I got new brake pads for $35, changed the oil, and changed the fuel filter. I then realized that the surging was due to poor contact on the plug wires, so I installed new plugs ($20) and a new distributor cap & wire assembly ($110). A couple months later, I had the exhaust leak patched up at an exhaust shop for $80. My total cost at this point, including purchasing the vehicle, is about $550, which I figured would be acceptable for a car that was only to last the summer. That was in May. It is now December, and that Corolla simply won't die. I have taken it with me up to northern BC, and when the weather started turning I installed a cheap battery heater and coolant heater. If it's been plugged in, it starts first crank in 30 below (although I left it unplugged for a week once and the battery froze - oops). After throwing a set of snow tires under it, it handles like a dream even in the rough unplowed roads here. Thursday, I'll be driving it back down to Vancouver. This thing is a testament to the indestructability Toyota is known for.
Josh M
Reviewed a 1989 Toyota GTS Coupe on Jul 30, 2010
I love the HIGH reving 4age engine, the sleek body lines, its pretty quick, but lacks top end performance. It rarely ever needs fixing, but when stuff does break, its really easy and cheap to fix, for the most part. Exterior styling is awesome, the "body kit" trim the GTS model has really ties the body to gether, the interior is eh, the driver seat is awesome, fully adjustable. The shifter is vary easy to shift with, and the e-brake is easy to grab hold of. It also lacks in how well it is for gas mileage, its actually terrible, but that could be my heavy driving?... haha And the fun factor of this thing is a 15/10 star, its small, has a 5spd. and a decent engine.
Anonymous
Reviewed a 1989 Toyota DX on Nov 8, 2009
A great car, 4 out of 5 only because of the boxy exterior and power. I bought this used in 1999 and drove it until 2006, now I'm giving it to my son who will soon have his license. Everything about the car is still perfect, just needs some exhaust system work (rust and corrosion), a new battery and starter. The interior is roomy and comfortable, plus icy A/C and pretty good speakers. I get high mileage, around 30 mpg city, which is incredible considering the year of the car. A bit of rust on the outside, not very noticeable. Automatic trans., has a bit of trouble going up big hills but that isnt much of a problem where I live. A perfect car for someone who just needs to get around town and take a long trip every now and then. Handles very well, easy driving but fun.
Anonymous
Reviewed a 1989 Toyota DX on May 3, 2007
I purchased this car from a family member for $100. It had 144,219 miles on it, and the usual things (shocks, tires, brakes, belts, exhaust) were worn out. So I fixed those and replaced the audio system/speakers, and transformed it into a great little car. I had some parts fail in the differential portion of the transmission (FWD), so had the whole thing overhauled. Also replaced the a leaky distributor. It has been very reliable and smooth running. I put serious money in it, but I got it cheap. It's at 180K+ miles now, and I expect it to run well for many more years. It's also great for a young driver.
1989 Toyota Corolla Trims
| Trim type | MSRP |
|---|---|
| SR5 Wagon AWD | $13,400 |
| DX AWD | $10,950 |
| DX Wagon AWD | $11,810 |
| SR5 Coupe | $10,940 |
| GTS Coupe | $13,040 |
| DX | $9,510 |
| DX Wagon | $10,100 |
| LE | $10,730 |
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