Background
The Toyota Corolla has been in circulation since 1987 and over its long lifespan it managed to consistently top sales charts across the globe.
Over in the UK it is best known for its reliability, although most people will also accept that it's hardly the most exciting motor out there, even in the necessarily pedestrian world of family vehicles.
Although Brits have been able to buy the Toyota Corolla for a quarter of a century, we actually didn't get it until it was in its sixth generation.
Early models came with either a 1.3 or 1.6 litre engine and a choice of different form factors, including hatchback, estate and saloon.
1992 saw the release of the Corolla's seventh generation, or the UK's second official version. Improved aesthetics, better trim levels and cleaner engines were on the cards, with diesel engines joining the range in 1993 and the first airbag-equipped Corollas landing in 1994.
1995 was the year in which the range received a bit of a facelift, while Toyota trimmed the fat by removing some of the least popular versions from circulation.
In 1997 the eighth generation of the used Toyota Corolla was made available in the UK, with a fresh look and a much improved overall platform, which finally helped to justify the significant sales.
The same 1.3 and 1.6 petrol engine power options were retained, along with a 1.9 litre diesel that offers impressive 52mpg fuel efficiency.
A face lift was doled out once again in 2000, but by 2002 the Corolla was ready for yet another generational shift.
It was a little less striking than its predecessor, although buyers of this range had never been looking for any real design flare. Visual adjustments were made in 2004 and a 1.4 litre diesel was also added as an option.
2007 was the last year in which UK buyers could pick up the Corolla, since Toyota decided to put this long running brand to bed and replace it with the Auris.
Bang for your buck
Early used Toyota Corolla cars for sale were well equipped for the time, although by modern standards they will obviously seem to be a little shabby. They do hold together well, so if you're looking for a bargain basement used car you can be quite confident of enjoying better reliability from this Toyota than some of its European alternatives.
Post-1997 models fair a little better, with improved interior trim and plenty of decent options available including air con, CD player, electric windows and sunroof along with solid safety features.
The final generation of the Corolla gets its most European look and feel, with plenty of elements that would feel at home in an Audi or a Golf onboard at a much more wallet-friendly price point.
Plenty of storage for families and lots of nice interior touches as well as a suitably styled exterior help to make this a modern car for the masses.
What you'll pay
The used Toyota Corolla range is affordable in all of its guises, with early models going for a few hundred pounds and even the top of the line, low mile models sold at the tail end of 2007 will cost just £5000-£8000.
What to check
You can pick up a used Corolla from any of its generations and be pretty certain of its continued longevity as long as the service history and paperwork is in order.
This is a surprisingly rugged car in spite of its soft family-friendly looks, so it manages to outdo all of its rivals in this class.
Parts
Replacement parts are a bit more expensive for the Corolla than they might be for an equivalent Ford or Vauxhall, but Toyota has worked hard to be more competitive in recent years.
You'll pay £90-£130 for the clutch assembly, while headlamps can range from £150-£200 depending on the age of the Corolla in question.
How it drives
The used Toyota Corolla for sale has become a better car to drive over the years, although it still falls short of rival motors if you're looking for pure handling fun and performance. But as a reliable family vehicle it can't be topped and there are even a few hot hatch options, like the T Sport, if you're desperate for a few more horses under the bonnet.
