Suggested Servicing for My Car (2007 Toyota Corolla)

inasero on 13/11/2023 - 15:21
Last edited 13/11/2023 - 19:49 by 1 other user

Now that my 2007 Corolla (Automatic) is getting on in years and almost fully depreciated, and I'm thinking of selling it in 2-3 years, I was considering servicing my car myself using filters I bought from this deal (previously I used to do it myself once a year and bring it to the mechanic once a year).

Besides changing the oil filter and the oil and rotating the tyres, what are the other major service items that I need to pay attention to, particularly over the next 2-3 years? The tyres have all been replaced and wheels re-aligned in the last 2-3 months so, and the cabin air filter and air filter replaced last week.

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  grog on 13/11/2023 - 15:33

  +1

  Brake fluid and brake linings

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  darshu on 13/11/2023 - 15:46

  +2

  Check the colour of the gear oil, you might need to change it.
  Check the radiator fluid as well( it's not a biggie).

  • 

    Malik Nasser on 13/11/2023 - 17:18

    If the transmission fluid hasn't been changed in all this time, then I wouldn't start now.
    Only keeping for another 2-3 years, so there is no point.

    Other things to look at would be the air filter, fuel filter, and keep fluids topped up (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid).
    If fuel efficiency has dropped off, then maybe cleaner the MAF sensor (with the proper cleaner).

    • 

      darshu on 14/11/2023 - 07:41

      Yes, true.

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  Protractor on 13/11/2023 - 16:19

  Get or do a service that either flushes out the tranny fluid or a proper mechanic tranny service. (the former preferred if it's changing OK now). At the same service have the coolant changed,and all components checked (water pump,thermo,radiator,hoses,belts).
  Check the brake linings/pads, replace as necessary. Replace alternator brushes when needed ,ditto battery.
  If all that is done correctly and the body /chassis,wiring is OK, keep it longer.

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  Euphemistic on 13/11/2023 - 18:40

  +1

  Have a read of the service schedule. Let that be your guide as to what needs doing. Use your own judgement. If in doubt take it to a mechanic and ask them to carry out only what you don’t want to do.

  • 

    simplystu on 13/11/2023 - 20:02

    ^^^ 1oo% this.
    Also you haven't mentioned how many KM it's done (eg. major service) … things like timing chain / belts / etc.

    Lastly … when you do finally sell car - what are you looking to replace it with???
    Your options? Buy new ??? Buy 2nd-hand ???

    Last 2 cars I had - basically ran them into the ground … then bought 2nd hand (ex rental) from a dealership … they offered between $3000-$5000 trade-in for car as long as still roadworthy + registered.

    Current carsales prices of the average 2007 Corolla put it around that price bracket.

    I'm planning on doing a similar thing in next 12 months - when I upgrade my current 2005 car.

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  altomic on 13/11/2023 - 19:59

  How many Kms?

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  kenzstar on 13/11/2023 - 22:30

  its already a 16 year old car, wouldn't be worth much.

  • 

    darshu on 14/11/2023 - 07:43

    +1

    Depending on the mileage, still those are sold for over $10k

    • 

      skid on 14/11/2023 - 09:56

      A 16yo Corolla for over $10k? Or do you mean other makes and models?

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  miwahni on 13/11/2023 - 23:13

  +1

  AMOST fully depreciated? Using the diminishing value depreciation rate, it was fully depreciated by 2011. Under the prime cost method it was fully depreciated by 2015. Assuming in both cases it was a business vehicle.
  For something 16 years old its depreciation value has been NIL for fully half its life.

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  Some Human on 13/11/2023 - 23:37

  +4

  Don't forget to top up your blinker light fluid. Very important.

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  doctordv8 on 14/11/2023 - 15:57

  Just follow the Service Manual. It is all there is print with details and exceptions.