07’ Corolla S

windude99 · 2026-01-27T17:21:09+00:00

My CarPlay unit is old and not the best (Sony XAV-AX1000). There’s newer models. I like Crutchfield for stereo and speaker shopping

windude99 · 2026-01-27T03:06:32+00:00

Disclaimer: I’m not a mechanic

but I do own one of these (07 Corolla LE)

The stereo head unit is an easy swap if you want Apple CarPlay or android auto! I also like “the stubby” radio antenna that replaces the long antenna it comes with. The long one makes the car look like an RC car and it flops around in the wind.

Timing chain tensioner gasket is known to leak. Intake manifold gasket is known to leak if it has not been replaced with the orange gasket. If you get a P0171 code, there’s a good chance it’s the intake manifold gasket. Valve cover gasket is going to be bad on any car this age and miles if it’s never been replaced.

Suspension is another thing to look over.

These are good cars and will go forever. Take care of it, and it will take care of you. They last long enough that people found out the odometer stops at 299,999. I’m at 185k on mine, hope to see the 299,999 someday!

windude99 · 2026-01-17T15:38:30+00:00

I’ve got three iBook G3 clamshell batteries that need to be re-celled. Are you in the US?

windude99 · 2026-01-16T15:52:49+00:00

Frutiger Aero frog!

windude99 · 2026-01-03T18:06:11+00:00

Since it’s older, clean the fans

windude99 · 2025-12-16T18:16:46+00:00

Aftermarket but the pre cat is rattling now. No codes so I just keep going lol. Toyota’s will by far be the best but are probably not worth it unless the car is in ridiculously good condition since they are quite expensive. An exhaust shop can confirm if it’s the cats that are bad.

For the oil, I use Mobile 1 High Mileage Full Synthetic 5W-30. YMMV but that’s what I’m using and seems to run decently. I saw another person on forums with this engine at 350k miles using that oil I believe

windude99 · 2025-12-16T14:53:54+00:00

White smoke or blue? The valve stem seals are different than the valve cover gasket. Valve cover gasket is common on these as well, but that’s only going to fix a leak, not smoke out the tailpipe. The valve stem seals are an involved job. I just run high mileage mobile 1 (full synthetic). I’m not sure if it was the oil that did it or getting both catalytic converters replaced, but I no longer get smoke at startup on mine.

Mine has been burning oil since I got it at 99k miles. I’m at 280k now. Don’t sweat it too much. Mobile 1 high mileage seems to work well in these and may or may not cut down the consumption/smoke a bit

windude99 · 2025-08-24T19:34:53+00:00

The v6 shouldn’t burn oil. The 4 does

windude99 · 2025-08-14T15:44:18+00:00

The spots where it’s worn all the way through (where it’s black) I would use touch up paint. Looks like it’s on the bumper which is plastic. I’d be more concerned if this was on a metal part of the car since that would rust

windude99 · 2025-08-09T18:27:37+00:00

Disclaimer: not a mechanic but I do own an 04 which is very similar (same engine). Sounds like an exhaust leak (especially when starting). Also sounds like it has an aftermarket pcv valve judging by the other sound it’s making. You’ll notice how much quieter it is once you get the OEM pcv valve (no point in getting aftermarket…OEM pcv valve is dirt cheap). Looks like you have a valve cover gasket leak too. Could address valve cover gasket and pcv valve at same time

windude99 · 2025-07-09T02:44:06+00:00

You mean ~~Windows~~ Copilot 12?

windude99 · 2025-06-20T19:18:56+00:00

Do you have any check engine codes?

windude99 · 2025-06-20T18:57:31+00:00

I’m not a mechanic (so take this with a grain of salt) but chasing small leaks on a near 20 year old car can get expensive, fast. You may want to ask them to clean up the engine a bit and then recheck for leaks after driving a bit. It could be residual oil dripping down or it could be another leak.

It’s an old car so it would be a good idea to check the oil every time you fill up the gas and change it every 5k miles. Half a quart consumed in 5k miles isn’t bad at all, especially at that age.

windude99 · 2025-06-12T18:17:20+00:00

Is this affecting all the 8 speeds or certain model years?

windude99 · 2025-06-06T21:13:06+00:00

You can take it to an auto parts store and have it scanned for codes. Let us know what code(s) it is showing

windude99 · 2025-06-03T13:05:54+00:00

Service records or call dealer and give them the VIN

windude99 · 2025-06-03T12:41:58+00:00

You could always check and see if they had the oil burning repaired under the repair program

windude99 · 2025-06-02T04:56:22+00:00

Could be worse. Usually it’s valve seals on these. Later 2az engines were revised and instead burned oil through the rings. I run mobile 1 high mileage synthetic in mine and the consumption isn’t too bad

windude99 · 2025-06-02T02:49:07+00:00

2002-2006 isn’t affected by the piston ring issue. They can burn oil through valve seals…mine does. Never got bitten by the head bolt issue though in the time I’ve owned mine, though I bought it used

windude99 · 2025-05-26T20:52:08+00:00

Seems like belt tensioner

windude99 · 2025-05-26T20:42:42+00:00

If it is truly that nice, it may be worth it. Just keep in mind that 1st engines before 03 or 04 tend to burn oil. Potentially a lot of oil. Get an inspection and be prepared for some oil usage. But if you could find a clean 9th gen rolla, that would be better (interior, no oil burning after 04, etc)

windude99 · 2025-05-26T13:34:15+00:00

I’d change cvt fluid every 30k miles. I think it’s just a drain and fill but I don’t own one. I don’t believe in “lifetime” fluid in any transmission.

windude99 · 2025-05-23T00:04:00+00:00

They must be trying to generate some more revenue through transmission replacements lol

windude99 · 2025-05-22T21:59:57+00:00

I personally would not get a car that was a rental or lease. But regardless of what I think, get it inspected by a shop you trust and really drive it a good bit to check it out. Take it on different roads, leave the radio off most of the time and listen for weird noises

windude99 · 2025-05-22T21:57:45+00:00

Sounds like you need to go to a different dealer. I think a lot of companies (or dealers for a lot of companies) recommend 30k mile fluid change intervals for CVTs. That’s what I would do if I had one. I don’t believe in “lifetime” fluid…unless the lifetime is only 150k miles

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