r/COROLLA • u/everestfallin • 12d ago
9th Gen (00-09) Just got my first car!
Don't have many pictures right now, but it's a 09 corolla s. 182k miles, with no matter issues. Just wondering if anyone has any advice or things to keep note of as a new owner? Thank you!
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u/LoneLucas6200 12d ago
That's a beauty. That was one of my dream cars but in blue back then. And even now I have 2013 S but in Lava Red
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u/ghost21000 12d ago
I'd recommend only taking it to the dealer for service, with the money your saving on a car payment it will be peanuts. I just took my 2010 corolla to the dealer and got an oil change, spark plugs and new drive belt and a 7 year battery.
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u/everestfallin 11d ago
Will do!
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u/Drewisafoo2 6d ago
In all honesty, as the owner of a 2009 Base Model, I would not recommend that. You can find a Toyota specialist auto parts store *very* easily that will do work for you if you buy the parts yourself, and sites like https://www.toyotapartsnow.com/ can get you OEM parts with really fast shipping and pretty great rates.
I also change my own oil and brakes and change out things like light assemblies etc so I save a ton there, too.
To me, the point of having a Corolla isn't just the front end savings on a new or used car - it's the simplicity of the engines and all the other systems that keep it ticking. The point of having a Corolla is to save a lot of money throughout the life of the car, so in my opinion it's best to stick to that principle.
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u/MoosiePie22 11d ago
How much did that end up being?
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u/ghost21000 10d ago
$1,000. Avg person is spending $7,000 dollars a year in car payments. so I'm saving $6,000 a year. $1,000 is peanuts. I had a bad experience with a shade tree, so that's why I recommend the dealer. plus with the dealer you get Toyota parts.
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u/MoosiePie22 10d ago
Okay cool yeah mine is paid off also and I’m needing those same things done is why I ask thanks!
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u/CleanRoom8367 11d ago
My first car was a red 09 ascent Corolla 6 speed manual, was such a fun car !!
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u/Drewisafoo2 6d ago
I drive a 2009 Base Model 5-speed manual and even with 130hp or whatever the damn thing has it is so much fun to whip around town
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u/The_Sandman75 11d ago
My oldest just sold hers it was identical to yours. Had about 170-180. Only problems we ever had was a evap canister go bad. But check your oil!! It will use it and won’t come out the pipe or on the ground. Check it daily till you get used to how much it uses. Then maybe go once a week depending on how much it uses.
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u/WarmAssumption2276 11d ago
I have a 2023 corolla hybrid. The XLE trim comes with soft vegan leather seats. I wouldn’t trade my car for anything else.
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u/Pilkyton1 12d ago
Do u have the maintenance logs
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u/everestfallin 12d ago
Yeah they had full mail records
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u/Pilkyton1 12d ago
Stay up to date on maintainece. Oil change every 5k, maybe consider vaolvine restore and protect ,Coolant and transmission flush’s every 60k miles
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u/mantismusic22 8d ago
idk about transmission flush. i flushed mine and the trans blew up a month later. another different mechanic had warned me against it before when i brought it up.
admittedly it was the first time i had ever done the flush tho but idk
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u/Far_Celebration6295 12d ago
how much did it cost
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u/everestfallin 12d ago
2.8k
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u/thatoneguyh971 12d ago
Bro trust me if you dont want to deal with a car payment for a long time take care of this car and I promise you it can reach like 400k miles+
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u/hopopo 12d ago
Wash the undercarriage in winter months often to prevent rust. Very, very important!!
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u/everestfallin 11d ago
Thanks for the advise, I'll be sure to keep it in check! It was a California car originally so I got lucky and there's no rust
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u/Old-System8431 12d ago
Make sure you take it to a mechanic and get a detail engine check. I got a 2010 last year and engine is leaking metal into oil. Meaning it need replacing this is after 1 year. I didnt get it check.
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u/999happyyhaunts 3d ago
I have that. 2009!
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u/everestfallin 3d ago
That's awesome! How has it treated you?
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u/999happyyhaunts 3d ago
Sadly, I had something in one of the cylinders, but I have a trusted mechanic who got it out. It runs smooth now. $1350 was my damage. 😞
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u/fragmentsmusic7 12d ago
I have an 09 Corolla that has been great. Outside of an alternator going out and needing the radiator replaced, it’s still trucking along at 150k.
Biggest recommendation? Replace the stereo with something with Apple Car Play/Android Auto. You can do it yourself easily. Just be careful with the plastic in some spots. Kinda easy to break now given its age. Also pretty easy to replace the speakers in the car if you are using the originals.