Toyota Corolla RunX 2001-2007 used car review
The Toyota Corolla RunX is the Japanese import version of New Zealand’s favourite hatchback.
The Toyota Corolla RunX is the Japanese import version of New Zealand’s favourite hatchback. It might look similar but a smaller engine in most models means less performance.
The Toyota Corolla has long been New Zealand’s most popular car and a large number of them are used imports. The 2001-2007 version is known by two other names: RunX and Allex. They differ from New Zealand-new models significantly with their unique engines and specifications. The station wagon is called the Toyota Corolla Fielder.
Inside and out
The shape of the Toyota Corolla RunX looks very familiar and is similar to the local model. The cosmetic differences are minor - a different grille, different headlamps and front bumper, no visible Corolla badging. There is a small spoiler over the rear window and plastic hubcaps on the steel wheels. Most RunXs feature tinted windows.
The RunX feels premium inside for a small car. The plastics feel high quality and fabric lining features at points where your armrests, such as the inside of the doors. Our review car features a two-tone colour scheme - dark for the top of the dash and doors, light beige for the lower sections and seats.
The instruments are blue and very clear, large and easy to read. An aftermarket CD player stereo has been fitted in the centre console although most RunXs feature a Japanese radio which requires a band expander to receive local stations. Below it are large knobs to control the manual air-conditioning. The glove box is large and the dash has three other lidded cubbies.
The seats in the RunX are a little disappointing. The base of the front seats is short and might not offer much thigh support to taller drivers. Rear seat space is tight - legroom is restrictive and there is only room for two adults and a child.
Boot space is not great either - at 289 litres, it’s low for the class. Two medium and one small suitcase will fit and the wide hatch makes it easy to get items in. The rear bench splits 60/40 and folds forward, though not very flat.
On the road
Most RunX models are powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. The S and Z versions use a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine. The Z’s engine is a higher powered version similar to that fitted to the Celica sports car. A four-speed automatic is standard on X models and the Z is also available with a six-speed manual.
The engine and transmission are smooth and work well around town but performance is low with a full load of people and luggage on board. The engine produces 20% less power than the New Zealand-new car at 81kW and 141Nm.
The X model Corolla RunX is soft and comfortable. It corners safely with good grip although there is some body roll. The steering doesn't give you much feel of the road. If you want a more sporty car to drive, the Z features a firmer sports suspension.
Visibility from the driver’s seat is fine to the front and the rear of the car. Neither a reversing camera nor parking sensors were standard in the car when new. We think most drivers will find they do not need either.
Official Corolla tow ratings do not apply to the RunX. We found aftermarket tow bar options rated at 550kg (unbraked), a small garden trailer, and 1,300kg (braked), a small trailer boat.
Safety
The Toyota Corolla RunX (2002-2007) carries a low two-star Used Car Safety Rating. Safety specifications include driver and passenger airbags, and anti-lock brakes.
The rear seat features ISOFIX child seat points in the window positions. The centre seatbelt is a lap-only type, which offers less protection than the shoulder-type.
Reliability
The Corolla RunX is considered very reliable. A few issues have surfaced, though most of these are only visible because of the enormous numbers sold. The engine uses a timing chain which will not require regular replacement.
A lack of maintenance can contribute to timing chain wear, engine sludge build-up and then blocked oil pathways, with a small number of the worst-case scenarios running bearings or causing premature camera failure. However, the percentage of failure compared to the sheer number on the road is very, very small.
About the only item of caution with the bodywork and interior trim is purely cosmetic - it is worth spending extra for a car with the grey/charcoal interior trim, rather than the light beige. Those lighter-coloured fabrics do show up stains and marks.
Cost of ownership
Toyota recommends servicing the Corolla RunX every year or 15,000km, whichever comes first. A dealer quoted $260 for this service. A major service, which includes a fluid replacement for the CVT transmission, is recommended at 90,000km and will cost $950.
RightCar estimates that over 14,000km of driving a year, a Corolla RunX will cost $2,160 a year to fuel. The 50-litre fuel tank will cost $100 to fill and should take you 580km before the fuel light comes on.
A vehicle licence for the Corolla RunX costs $99.02 a year, with the car in the second cheapest ACC levy group.
Trade Me Insurance estimates insurance for a RunX valued at $5,290 will cost $40.97* per month. This is $3 less than a Honda Civic.
Buyers’ guide
This generation of Corolla Runx is available on Trade Me priced from $3,000 to $11,000 for later and lower mileage vehicles. Search the site for both the RunX model and Corolla as the same car is regularly advertised under both names. The RunX is generally cheaper to buy than the New Zealand-new version.
Variants
- X - Powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine. Features steel wheels, electric windows, manual air-conditioning, driver and passenger front airbags, anti-lock brakes and tinted windows. X G edition adds premium interior trim.
- S - Powered by a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine. Adds climate control air-conditioning.
- Z - Powered by a high-output 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine, front and rear skirts, fog lights and sports suspension.
All models are available with an “Aero Tourer” package - essentially a body kit and rear spoiler.
Timeline
- 2000 Launched in Japan
- 2003 Receives cosmetic facelift
- 2005 Replaced by new model
Details
2005 Toyota RunX X
$4,500 to $10,000 for models which have travelled 70,000 to 120,000km
1.8-litre four-cylinder, 81kW and 141NM
Four-speed automatic, front-wheel drive
Two-star Used Car Safety Rating
15,000km or twelve months
Space saver
7.7-litres per 100km (claimed)
Regular
4180mm
1695mm
1466mm
550kg (unbraked), 1300kg (braked) (Unofficial)
10.2m
This review covers the Toyota Corolla RunX for model years 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007.
Review vehicle supplied by Turners Cars.
*Our insurance estimates are based on a 35-year-old male with no accidents in the last two years, garaging the car in Mission Bay, Auckland. The car is not used for business and will cover 10,000km to 20,000km a year. We estimate with no option add-ons and $500 excess. Customise your estimate at Trade Me Insurance.
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