1978 vs 1979 Toyota Corolla

Both years

• Rust All years One source so far

  What to check: Look under the car and along the lower body and wheel arches for rust and repairs.

  Four readers commenting on Curbside Classic's liftback article, an unofficial source, mention these Corollas rusting, around Chicago and in northeast Ohio within six years.

  Owners' reports (unofficial)

• Steering box adjuster, 1977–1979

  What to check: Feel for play in the steering, and ask whether recall 80V028000 was done.

  Toyota recalled 1977–1979 Corollas because the lock nut on the steering box worm gear adjuster may not be tight enough, letting the adjuster work loose with hard, repeated steering.

  NHTSA

Both years

• 80V028000 1977–1979

  The lock nut on the steering box worm gear adjuster may not be tight enough, and the adjuster can work loose with hard, repeated steering. NHTSA

Both years

Engines

1.2L four-cylinder Toyota, a published reference, 1.6L four-cylinder Toyota, a published reference

Transmissions

4-speed manual Curbside Classic, a published reference, 5-speed manual A published reference, Toyoglide automatic A published reference

Drivetrains

Rear-wheel drive A published reference

Body styles

Sedan, two-door A published reference, Sedan, four-door A published reference, Wagon, five-door A published reference, Sport coupe (1976–1979) Toyota, a published reference, Liftback, three-door (1976–1979) Toyota, a published reference

Trims

Standard A published reference, Deluxe A published reference, SR5 A published reference

Both years

• White 030, 1975–1979 An owners' registry (unofficial)
• Silver Metallic 128, 1975–1979 An owners' registry (unofficial)
• Pure Yellow 534, 1976–1979 An owners' registry (unofficial)
• Yellow 532, 1978–1979 An owners' registry (unofficial)
• Copper Metallic 474, 1977–1979 An owners' registry (unofficial)
• Red 336, 1976–1979 An owners' registry (unofficial)
• Light Blue Metallic 861, 1977–1979 An owners' registry (unofficial)
• Medium Blue 857, 1976–1979 An owners' registry (unofficial)

Both years

• Sought after: Long-lived, to its owners All years One source so far

  Of six owners commenting on Curbside Classic's 1976–79 liftback article, an unofficial source, five praise their cars' durability, some of them family cars. Owners' reports (unofficial)