| This Corolla iM has had over $2,800 worth of new and recent parts and service, details of which are further down in the description. Keep that in mind when comparing this car to the others listed here. |
This is a 2017 Toyota Corolla iM hatchback finished in Blizzard White tri-coat paint and a black interior. It’s best to view the listing on a desktop or laptop computer. A smartphone won’t give you the same details. While this car has over a quarter million miles, it looks, runs and drives like one with 50,000 miles. This gives you bragging rights among your friends and family as having the highest mileage late model vehicle around. Just imagine the expression on their faces and how impressed they will be after you have taken them for a ride, and then say it has over 250,000 miles on it. Their jaws will drop and you will get instant street cred and props for keeping such a high mileage vehicle on the road. Go to a shopping mall or supermarket parking lot, and as soon as someone notices the decals on the back showing 100,000 Miles, 200,000 Miles and 250,000 Miles, you will get swamped with questions from perfect strangers. If you’re the least bit shy or don’t like attention, don’t buy this car, I warn you. Or at least remove those decals.
The Corolla iM is more than just a regular Corolla with a hatchback body. It has numerous additions and improvements to the sedan that results in better handling, performance and safety. That it looks more sleek and sporty is just icing on the cake. 2017 was the first year of the Corolla iM and it looks virtually identical to the new 2023 models. What that means is you can own and drive a car with the looks, style and prestige of a brand new model, at a fraction of the cost. And because of the higher mileage, that cost will be even less!
This Corolla iM is powered by a 1.8 liter 16-valve Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) VVT-i® (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) Valvematic® four cylinder engine that has received numerous rave reviews by engineers and the automotive press for its high power output, inherent smoothness and excellent durability. Code named 2ZR-FAE, this engine features an aluminum engine block with cast iron cylinder liners for maximum rigidity and durability, an aluminum cylinder head for light weight and excellent heat dissipation, multi-port fuel injection for excellent gas mileage, 10.5:1 compression ratio for maximum efficiency and power, distributorless coil on plug (COP) ignition for reliability in all environmental conditions, and drive by wire electronic throttle for precise control of drivability parameters. This is a low stress engine that turns at only 1,600 rpm at 60 mph for effortless highway cruising resulting in excellent fuel economy. I have been averaging 38 mpg overall, but when driven with restraint, you can expect in the mid 40’s mpg on the highway. (Disclaimer: YOUR MILEAGE MAY VARY) And it requires just regular gas.
Rounding out the Corolla iM are suspension, steering and brakes designed to give precise control and accurate handling along with safe stopping. Start off with a rigid chassis and unit body construction for a stiff foundation and add in a MacPherson strut sport tuned suspension with stabilizer bar up front and a double-wishbone suspension with stabilizer bar at the rear. Add rack and pinion electric power steering and 17 inch aluminum wheels with low profile performance tires for precise handling. For secure braking there are 4 wheel discs with Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) for maximum control in all road conditions and a Brake Assist System (BAS) applies maximum pressure to the brakes during emergency braking situations. TRAC (Traction Control) helps to maintain drive power and prevent the drive wheels from spinning when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads. Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system uses the components from the ABS and TRAC systems in conjunction with the electronic throttle to regulate engine torque to enhance directional control with over/understeering of the vehicle being counteracted by applying brakes to the appropriate wheel to create a countervailing vehicle movement which helps prevent the vehicle from skidding out of control when cornering on slippery roads. It goes without saying that the Corilla iM is one of the most fun cars to drive in it’s class, and that it’s quicker, faster and handles better than many other pseudo-sports cars costing thousands more.
The Corolla iM incorporates TSS™ C (Toyota Safety Sense C™), the latest ADAS (Automated Driver Assist System) safety systems to keep you and your passengers secure. The Pre-Collision System (PCS) uses sensors to detect vehicles in front if you. When the system determines that the possibility of a frontal collision with a vehicle is high, a flashing red visual notice appears in the Multi-Information Display along with an audible warning to urge the driver to take evasive action immediately. If the driver doesn’t take any action and the system determines that the possibility of a collision is imminent, the brakes are automatically applied to help avoid a collision. Lane Departure Alert (LDA) gives a warning on the Multi-Information Display along with a buzzer to alert the driver when vehicle has veered out of the lane from inattention or distractions while driving, to prevent side collisions or driving off the roadway. Automatic High Beam uses sensors to assess the brightness of oncoming vehicles and automatically turns the high beam lights on or off as necessary. These features are in addition to all the other safety features you expect on a Toyota including a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that warns you when a tire’s air pressure is too low, Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) helps prevent rolling back when starting on a steep incline, eight standard airbags including advanced dual stage front airbags with passenger sensor, front seat side airbags, driver knee airbag, passenger cushion airbag, and front and rear head curtain airbags. In addition, front seatbelt pretensioners and active head restraints further help prevent or reduce injuries during a collision.
The Corolla iM is based on the Corolla sedan with it’s legendary quality and reliability, and improves it with more practicality and cargo carrying capacity of a hatchback bodystyle. Its styling is sharp, angled and flowing. From its sleek lines and chiseled creases incorporating elements from premium upscale vehicles, it looks handsome from any angle without being flashy. A quick walk around the car reveals how the iM is one of the most stylish vehicles ever created in the small hatchback class. Start up front with a sharply angled bumper flanked by clear lens projector beam headlights with a piano black honeycomb mesh grille in the middle. Below that you have another larger air intake grille also in piano black honeycomb mesh complemented by more mesh inserts on the sides along with ground effects air dams along the lower edges to control air flow. Continuing back from the grill, a curved cutout in the hood frames the Toyota logo creating visual interest. The hood itself continues rearward at a sharp angle to the windshield, which itself is steeply raked and closely matches the hoods’ lines as it meets the roof. That roof is flat except for two creases that aid aerodynamics and culminate at the back with a Eurostyle body color sharkfin antenna and a body color spoiler. Along the sides of the car, body color ground effects side skirts are functional and add a sporty look along with body color door handles and mirror caps. Clear lens LED turn signal repeaters in the mirrors add another euro touch. Beautiful bright machine-finish with argent gray spoke 17 inch wheels fill the wheel openings completely. At the rear, more sharp angles highlight the oversize LED taillights and hatch while an updated COROLLA nameplate has been installed to give it the look of a newer model. (Toyota didn’t add that nameplate until a few years later.) The rear bumper has a pair of reflectors along with ground effects air dams along the lower edges and a mini diffuser in the center. A polished stainless steel exhaust tip ads a final touch.
The exterior is beautiful to look at, but if you like the latest high-tech look, the interior design is handsome as well. Open the door and admire the seat materials with a graphic design center insert and grippy sport cloth weave trim with contrasting white stitching. Get in and sit down into a bucket seat that adjusts to the perfect driving position with settings for height adjustment and recline. Note the deep side bolsters on both the backs and the cushions. Check out how comfortable the cushions feel and how the upright seating position combined with the short hood, gives you a commanding view of the road out from the windshield. Then adjust the racing style tilt and telescoping leather wrapped steering wheel to achieve complete driving control. Notice how the thickly padded rim with contrasting white stitching and finger holds affords just the right grip and that the cruise control and Multi-information switches are just a fingertip away. Next, look ahead at the instrument cluster with the color Multi-Information Display in the center, flanked by a large 140 mph speedometer and 8,000 rpm tachometer with their cool blue look. Look at the 7-inch touch screen infotainment screen and its large clean high resolution display. Now look down at the sport pedals with stainless steel trim, look right and left at the brushed aluminum and piano black trim on the door panels and center console. Press the buttons for the radio, cruise control or windows. Lastly, notice the white leather inlay in the right instrument panel. Not only is the styling very handsome, but all the textures have a rich feel and look and all the switchgear have a precise soft touch action. From the tight weave of the cloth upholstery, the graining pattern on the dash and door panels, or the layout of the knobs and switches on the dash, everything looks and feels like it came from a more expensive car.
Next, take it for a spin. Put the key in the ignition and start the engine. Notice that it starts instantly whether hot or cold and hear how silently the engine idles. Put it into reverse to back out, and see how clearly the backup camera shows the view behind in the touch-screen display. Now put it in drive, press the SPORT button and step on the gas pedal to feel how smoothly the car accelerates. Find a winding road with some sharp curves and feel how well the deep side bolsters keep you firmly in place and how the sport tuned suspension hugs the pavement. Drive over some bumps and see how the suspension gives a secure yet comfortable ride. As traffic permits, drive over the lane markings without using the turn signals and see how the Lane Departure Alert warns you. No, DO NOT try the Pre-Collision System. That’s for emergencies only. At the next traffic light, step on the brakes and feel how smoothly they perform with no pedal pulsations or pulling to one side. So whether on congested city streets, open highways, or twisting mountain roads, you will be amazed how smooth, quick and comfortable this Corolla iM is to drive.
This Toyota Corola iM is fully equipped with all the desirable safety, comfort and convenience features and equipment including:
- 1.8 liter 16-valve Dual Overhead Cam engine
- Automatic transmission
- Sport Mode, Traction Control system (TRAC) and Vehicle Stability Control system (VSC)
- Air conditioning, dual zone with electronic automatic climate control and cabin air filter
- Power windows with one-touch express down and up on drivers window
- Power door locks
- Remote keyless entry
- Cruise control
- Tilt and telescoping steering wheel
- Leather wrapped sport steering wheel with cruise control, infotainment, voice command and Multi-Information display controls
- Leather shifter and handbrake boots
- Stainless steel sport pedals
- Toyota iM Display Audio infotainment system with HD radio, 7-inch touch-screen display and 6 speakers
- Voice recognition, hands-free phone capability, phone book access and music streaming via Bluetooth®
- Auxiliary audio input jack, USB and iPod®3 ports
- Eurostyle sharkfin antenna
- Gauge cluster with 140 mph speedometer and tachometer
- 4.2 inch color Multi-Information display showing warning messages, MPG, range, outside temperature, ECO indicator, etc.
- Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
- Premium sport cloth front seats with deep side bolsters
- 6-way adjustable drivers seat
- Center armrest
- Front door storage bins with cup holders
- Solar tinted glass
- Clear lens projector beam headlights
- Auto-off headlight feature
- Daytime running lights
- Factory body kit with ground effects front bumper spoilers, side skirts and rear bumper skirts
- Dual power adjustable and power folding outside rear view mirrors
- Heated rear view mirrors
- Eurostyle mirror mounted LED turn signal repeaters
- Body color exterior mirror caps, door handles, side skirts, antenna and rear spoiler
- Intermittent windshield wipers
- Rear window wiper/washer
- 17-inch bright machine-finish with argent gray spoke alloy wheels
- Center console with dual cup holders, dual storage compartments under armrest and covered storage compartment in front of the shifter
- Front overhead map/dome lights and sunglasses storage compartment
- Center overhead map/dome light
- Dual lighted visor vanity mirrors
- Side folding sun visors
- Illuminated entry
- Floor mounted remote fuel door release
- Engine immobilizer system with theft deterrent alarm
- Dual front seatback storage pockets
- Rear door cup holders
- 60/40 split fold-down rear seats
- Fold-down rear center armrest with dual cup holders
- Four overhead easy entry grab handles
- Four floor mounted cargo area tie-down hooks
- Two rear shopping bag hooks
- Dual cargo area side storage bins
- Automatically raising cargo cover
- Cargo cover storage spot
- Cargo area light
- Rear window defroster
- LED taillights
- LED clear lens high mounted center brake light
- Rear spoiler
- Rear mini diffuser
- Polished stainless steel exhaust tip
- MacPherson strut front suspension
- Double-wishbone rear suspension
- Front and rear stabilizer bars
- Stainless steel exhaust system
- Real spare tire
- 4 wheel disc brakes
- Anti-lock brakes (ABS)
- Brake Assist System (BAS)
- Hill Start Assist Control (HAC)
- Advanced Dual Stage front airbags with passenger sensor
- Front seat side airbags
- Drivers knee airbag
- Passenger seat cushion airbag
- Front and rear head curtain airbags
- Seat belt pre-tensioners
- Height adjustable shoulder belt anchors
- LATCH® System (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) rear child seat anchors
There are over 200 photos ahead and if you don’t have a high speed internet connection and get an “X” where a picture should be you may need to hit the Refresh button a few times. If that still doesn’t work, contact me for a link to see the pictures individually.
CLEAR LENS PROJECTOR BEAM HEADLIGHTS:
FRONT GROUND EFFECTS SPOILERS:
BODY COLOR MIRROR CAPS, DOOR HANDLES AND SIDE SKIRTS:
EUROSTYLE MIRROR MOUNTED LED TURN SIGNAL REPEATERS:
GROUND EFFECTS SIDE SKIRTS:
BODY COLOR EUROSTYLE SHARK FIN ANTENNA:
ADAS CAMERAS AND SENSORS:
LED TAILLIGHTS:
POLISHED STAINLESS STEEL EXHAUST TIP:
REAR GROUND EFFECTS:
UPDATED COROLLA NAMEPLATE:
BODY COLOR REAR SPOILER:
HIGH MILEAGE DECALS:
CLEAR LENS CENTER BRAKE LIGHT:
REAR WIPER:
BACKUP CAMERA:
MINI DIFFUSER:
FRONT DOOR STORAGE BINS WITH CUP HOLDERS:
DOOR MOUNTED TWEETERS:
6-WAY ADJUSTABLE DRIVERS SEAT:
SIDE AIRBAGS:
FUEL DOOR RELEASE:
STAINLESS STEEL SPORT PEDALS:
KNEE AIRBAG:
TILT AND TELESCOPING STEERING WHEEL:
LEATHER WRAPPED SPORT STEERING WHEEL:
INFOTAINMENT AND MULTI-INFORMATION DISPLAY CONTROLS:
CRUISE CONTROLS:
INTERMITTANT FRONT AND REAR WIPERS:
MULTI-INFORMATION DISPLAY:
7 INCH TOUCH SCREEN:
BACKUP CAMERA:
DUAL ZONE CLIMATE CONTROL:
STORAGE COMPARTMENT WITH 12V POWER OUTLET, AUXILIARY AUDIO INPUT JACK, USB AND IPOD®3 PORTS:
LEATHER SHIFTER AND HAND BRAKE BOOTS:
DUAL CENTER CONSOLE CUP HOLDERS:
CENTER ARMREST WITH DUAL STORAGE COMPARMENTS:
HEAD CURTAIN AIRBAGS:
SIDE WINDOW DEFROSTERS:
REAR DOOR CUP HOLDERS:
EXCELLENT REAR SEAT LEGROOM:
DUAL SEATBACK STORAGE POCKETS:
REAR FOLD-DOWN CENTER ARMREST WITH DUAL CUP HOLDERS:
LATCH® SYSTEM CHILD SEAT ANCHORS:
OVERHEAD GRAB HANDLES:
HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE SHOULDER BELT ANCHORS:
DUAL ILLUMINATED VISOR VANITY MIRRORS:
FRONT OVERHEAD MAP/DOME LIGHTS AND SUNGLASSES STORAGE COMPARTMENT:
CARGO COVER:
CARGO COVER STORAGE POSITION:
LATCH® SYSTEM CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS:
FRONT CARGO TIE-DOWNS:
REAR CARGO TIE-DOWNS:
SIDE STORAGE BINS AND SHOPPING BAG HOOKS:
CARGO AREA LIGHT:
60/40 SPLIT FOLD-DOWN REAR SEATS:
HUGE FLAT CARGO AREA:
UNDER CARGO FLOOR STORAGE COMPARTMENTS:
JACK AND ALL THE TOOLS:
REAL SPARE TIRE:
INSULATED HOOD:
Hood:
Front bumper beam:
Left fender:
Right fender:
Left front door:
Right front door:
Left rear door:
Right rear door:
Left quarter panel:
Right quarter panel:
Rear hatch:
The interior is beautiful as well. It has very nice upholstery, carpet, headliner and dashboard with no significant signs of wear, except the left rear door panel has many nicks and scuffs. The car doesn’t appear to have been smoked in, and doesn’t even have a lighter. The cargo area looks like it was hardly ever used, and the engine compartment has been detailed and is clean enough to eat off of.
Mechanically it runs and drives excellent. The engine runs strong and feels smooth both at idle, while accelerating and throughout the cruising range and it starts instantly whether hot or cold. The steering wheel is on dead center going down the road with no shakes or vibrations at speed, the brakes are firm with no pedal pulsations or pulling to one side when stopping and the suspension is tight. The A/C blows ice cold. Underneath it’s bone dry with no leaks or even any drips.
Underneith:
It has a matching set of four Hankook Ventus V2 concept2 tires with like new tread on the fronts and very good tread on the rears. These are high performance M+S rated all-season tires that provide excellent grip and handling on wet or dry pavement while still having exceptional traction through snow and ice. They give a quiet and comfortable ride and have great tread life with an excellent 500 treadwear rating and a 45,000 mile treadwear warranty. It has a real spare tire in an age when most cars just come with a can of Fix-A-Flat and it doesn’t look to have ever been used.
The car has been fully checked out and serviced with over $2,800 worth of new or recent parts, maintenance and repairs with original Toyota or other name brand parts. Some of the items checked or serviced include:
- New Mobil 1 Synthetic oil change
- New Toyota oil filter
- Recent air filter
- Recent cabin filter filter
- New throttle body cleaning
- New MAF sensor cleaning
- Recent Interstate battery
- New Toyota Denso Iridium spark plugs
- Recent Toyota Denso coils
- Recent serpentine belt
- New coolant flush with distilled water
- New Peak Asian red/pink coolant change
- New Aisin CVT FE transmission fluid change
- New Toyota transmission filter
- New Toyota transmission pan gasket
- Recent CarQuest Professional Ceramic front brake pads
- Recent CarQuest Professional Platinum painted front brake rotors
- Recent CarQuest Professional Ceramic rear brake pads
- Recent CarQuest Professional Platinum painted rear brake rotors
- New parking brake adjustment
- New Valvoline Synthetic Dot 4 brake fluid change
- Recent Hankook tires
- New Corolla rear nameplate
Photos of some of the parts replaced and service done.
Oil change:
Oil filter:
Air filter:
Cabin filter:
Throttle body cleaning:
MAF sensor cleaning:
Battery:
Spark plugs with the proper amount of anti-seize:
Coils:
Serpentine belt:
Coolant flush until water runs clear:
Coolant change:
Transmission fluid change:
Transmission filter and pan gasket:
Transmission with pan and filter off, super clean internally:
Transmission filter installed:
Front brake pads:
Front brake rotors:
Front rotors 28 mm new 25 mm minimum:
Front brakes:
Rear brake pads:
Rear brake rotors:
Rear rotors 10 mm new 8.5 mm minimum:
Rear brakes:
Parking brake adjustment:
Brake fluid change:
And finally, the on-board diagnostics were scanned and show no CHECK ENGINE light (MIL) on and no codes stored or pending, and more important, all of the emissions system readiness monitors have been completed.
What that also means is the CHECK ENGINE light wasn’t reset in order to turn it off to hide an existing fault. In fact, the system hasn’t been reset for the last 6,900 miles. If an emissions system has a bad part causing the CHECK ENGINE light to illuminate, some of the emissions readiness monitors will be incomplete and the car won’t pass an emissions inspection. Some sellers will reset the CHECK ENGINE light to make it appear like there are no issues at the time of sale, but the light will come back on shortly afterwards. It can take hundreds of miles for the readiness monitors to run to completion, so the fact that the required number of readiness monitors have been completed (scanner shows Monitors Incomplete: 0) indicates the CHECK ENGINE light hasn’t been reset and that at the time the car was scanned, it would pass an emissions inspection. This isn’t a guaranty that the car will pass inspection, as a fault can occur at any time without warning.
The Corolla iM is a low maintenance vehicle. It has a steel timing chain that lasts for the life of the car unlike other vehicles with rubber timing belts that require periodic replacement. It has hydraulic valve followers that never need adjustment unlike other vehicles that require periodic valve adjustments. Engine coolant needs to be changed every 100,000 miles and Iridium spark plugs have a 120,000 mile service interval. The Corolla uses conventional fuel injection and not a troublesome and high maintenance direct injection system that causes drivability issues from carbon buildup necessitating frequent expensive intake system cleaning procedures. So other than routine oil and filter changes, with all the above mentioned servicing the car has recently received, you should be good to go for another 100,000 miles before requiring major maintenance.
Overall this is a very sharp Toyota Corolla iM that looks great in this Blizzard White color. It’s a one owner clean Carfax® southern car from Maryland which probably explains why it’s so clean. CLICK HERE to see the Carfax report. CLICK HERE to see the one owner title.
If you are serious about buying a Toyota Corolla iM, this is probably the lowest priced example you will find because of the high mileage, yet it still looks and runs like the lower mileage examples your will find for $15,000 to $18,000 used, or that look the same as the new ones in dealer showrooms. Remember, you can get a great deal online with prices sometimes way below retail, but nobody is going to “steal” a vehicle and no seller is going to give one away either. Also when comparing prices, remember the things that you won’t have to spend money on soon after getting it home. With this car you won’t have to spend $1,000-$2,000 on paint or bodywork, you won’t have to spend $500 for a new set of tires, you won’t have to spend $400 on a complete front brake service, you won’t have to spend $400 on a complete rear brake service, you won’t have to spend $300 on a coolant, transmission fluid and brake fluid change, you won’t have to spend $300 on a tune-up and filters service and you won’t have to spend $300 on any upcoming scheduled maintenance. With many of the other listings on Ebay, Craigslist or on dealers lots, you’re lucky if they even check the oil before delivery. When comparing this car to the others, also keep in mind that this Corolla iM was never wrecked, runs great, is fully serviced, hasn’t been smoked in and is clean inside and out.
The car comes with all the books:
And two factory flip key remotes and an emergency wallet key:
If you are looking for a Toyota Corolla iM in beautiful condition, this car is hard to beat. Also remember that I don’t charge dealer processing fees or document fees that many other listings have for $200 or more and bury in their fine print. Located in the Suburban Washington DC area. Delivery possible at reasonable cost. For more information email me at atikovi@email.com