Checklist: 3rd gen Toyota Corolla 1975–1979

What to look for on this generation, worst first. Tick each line as you check it.

The inspection sheet: mark up every panel, what is underneath and how it drives.

Look for 2

Known problems, and how to check for each.

Rust All yearsLook under the car and along the lower body and wheel arches for rust and repairs. Owners' reports (unofficial)
Steering box adjuster, 1977–1979Feel for play in the steering, and ask whether recall 80V028000 was done. NHTSA

Recalls filed for these model years, newest first. Not every car is covered; check the vehicle identification number with NHTSA.

Recall 80V028000 1977–1979The lock nut on the steering box worm gear adjuster may not be tight enough, and the adjuster can work loose with hard, repeated steering. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA

What owners and the press say to steer clear of.

Heavy and thirsty for its class, in 1975Road & Track found the 1975 Corolla large, heavy and expensive beside the Honda Civic and Datsun B210, with a crude rear suspension, little room inside and poor fuel economy beside the VW Rabbit, a published reference reports. SlashGear ranks the 3rd gen last of twelve, calling it underpowered. SlashGear, a published reference

The boxes are for you: nothing you tick is sent or kept.