Dealer visit checklist
2019 Toyota Corolla checklist
Print it or keep it on your phone. Tick each item as you go so nothing gets missed.
Inspect the car
- Check every panel gap and look for mismatched paint (signs of past accident repair)
- Look at the tires: even wear, matching brands, at least 4/32" tread
- Check under the car and engine bay for oil, coolant or other leaks
- Start the engine cold; listen for knocks, ticks or squeals and watch for smoke
- Test every window, lock, seat, light, the A/C, heat and infotainment
- Test drive on city streets and highway: straight braking, smooth shifts, no pulling
- Ask for the service records and a vehicle history report
- Have an independent mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection (about $100–$200)
Known 2019 Toyota Corolla problems to check
- Oil consumption on the 1.8L 2ZR-FAE engine — monitor levels between changes, especially above 75,000 miles
- Infotainment touchscreen can be slow and unresponsive, particularly on base trims with the 6.5-inch unit
- CVT transmission occasionally produces a droning noise under hard acceleration — generally normal but worth a test drive
- Wind and road noise intrusion at highway speeds due to modest cabin insulation for the class
- Paint chips and clear-coat scratches more easily than average — consider a paint protection film if purchased in a Sun Belt state
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Corolla, 2011-2013 Matrix, 2012-2018 Avalon, and 2013-2018 Avalon Hybrid vehicles.
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020.
- POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019 Toyota Corolla hatchback vehicles equipped with Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT).
- EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Toyota Camry, Corolla, Rav4, Sienna, and Yaris iA vehicles equipped with factory-installed floor mats.
- EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS: Gulf States Toyota (GST) is recalling certain 2019 C-HR, 4Runner, Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Prius, RAV4, Sequoia, Tacoma, Sienna, Tundra and Yaris vehicles.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $15,000 for this model year
- Negotiate the out-the-door price, not the monthly payment
- Get the full price with every fee listed in writing before you sign
- Bring your own loan pre-approval so the dealer has a rate to beat
- Say no to add-ons you didn't ask for (paint protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires)
- Negotiate your trade-in separately, after the car's price is agreed
- Be ready to walk away; another listing is usually a click away