I hate gas companies.

I've only owned one foreign vehicle in my 10 purchases over the past 11 driving years. Coincidentally, it was a 1998 Toyota Tacoma. I've had a 1989 Chevy Corsica, a 1999 Dodge Dakota, a 2003 Dodge Dakota, a 1999 Chevy Silverado, a 2006 Chevy Silverado (most recent), a 2001 Chevy S10, a 2003 Chevy S10, and a 1982 Pontiac Firebird w/ 82,000 original miles. Obviously you can see that I'm also a RWD fan.

But... since gas costs an arm and a leg, I have retreated with my tail between my legs to the local Toyota joint and picked up an 09 Corolla XRS. Can't say I hate it... can't say I love it. But the reality is that I have it and am not opposed to other people's opinion on it.

I see no point in modify it into a "go-fast" rice rocket, so I'm not too concerned with mods at this point. I'm more concerned with stuff that matters... recalls, repeat problems, etc. I have a feeling that I won't be hearing too much of that, given Toyota's track record of reliability.

We have an entire stable of Toyota's at my home... 5 in all... 3 are 2009 model year. Mom drives an 09 Camry SE black on black (sharp), Dad has an 09 Corolla LE (looks like a rental car), my 09 Corolla XRS, and both of my brothers drive 06 Corolla LE's.

Talk to me about Toyotas because I don't know much about them, by choice, but figured that if I had to buy one, I'd buy with with some balls. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/s10.gif)

Toyotas typically dont have problems, so you can just relax and enjoy your new ride.
Welcome to the dark side.

Well... my family's past and current fleet consists of those in my first post plus on other Corolla and two 4-Runners... none with any problems...

...save for my first 1998 Tacoma. Had some problems with that. But I was also a 17 year old with his first stick shift RWD vehicle. Toyota's rear axles weren't built to withstand that kind of abuse. LOL

Welcome, I can totally relate. Although you're obviously a GM fan (I promise I won't hold that against you) I am personally a Ford fan. My other two vehicles are a '97 F250 4WD and a '95 Mustang Cobra R-model (sick fast). I too bought an '09 XRS as a daily driver because my other two vehicles were just not cuttin' it gas wise. I'll never sell the R-model and I use the truck to trailer the Mustang to and from the local road courses (Laguna, Sears, etc). So, I needed something practical to drive every day. I love the fact that the XRS handles well, has lots of air bags, has a rockin' sound system (the Mustang has no radio at all), and gets well over 30MPG (and looks cool). Enjoy your new way of life and don't feel sorry for yourself when the guy next to you pulls up in a new Z06 and looks at you like you're some kind of peon (Vette drivers do that some times in case you hadn't noticed). I just take the R-model out on weekends and spank'em hard enough to make their butts bleed. That's how I can justify feeling good about driving this rice burner. You can too!

Later,

Perry

Hey we have a Dodge Caravan, carries all kinds of junk, an 09 Corolla, love it, and a 02Z06 stroked/forged/blown 805 HP and 765 TQ ......Different cars for different needs Ain't life grand!!!!!!!!!