Buying a new, or new to you, car can come with a unique set of upsides as well as challenges. First and foremost, will you be buying something brand-new, or something used? New cars carry advantages like factory warranties and the lack of any previous, potentially abusive owners. However, new cars also carry higher price tags. Buying used is a great way to save money and, if you do your homework, may earn you a car that’s just as dependable as a new one.
In order to maximize your chances of the latter occurring, you’ll probably want to stick to a handful of reliable brands, such as Toyota. In fact, Toyota produced a car that, arguably, provides the best bang-for-your-buck of any other on the current used market; the 2018 Toyota Corolla sedan. The little compact offers a great deal of reliability, kit, and most of all, an agreeable price tag. If you’re looking for a way to maximize your dollar, the ’18 Corolla looks to be your best bet. Here’s why.
It’s Depreciation-Resistant
2018 Toyota Corolla front 3/4 angle in blue while drivingToyota
When it was new, the 2018 Corolla sedan came with a base MSRP of $18,600 for the entry-level “L” trim level. Joining the base grade are five others, including the LE, LE Eco, SE, XSE, and XLE. Now, many of you will know intrinsically that Toyotas hold onto their value like crazy due to a wide range of factors, namely the brand’s near-peerless reputation for building reliable, long-lasting vehicles. Meaning folks are willing to pony up for used models.
The 2018 Corolla is no exception to this rule. According to current pricing trends, its average used price sits around $12,897 for base L-spec models. If we break down that figure a bit, we learn that the Corolla has only lost about 31 percent of its value over eight years based on its original MSRP against its current average used price. If we look at CarEdge.com for its own depreciation metrics, the 2018 Corolla reportedly loses 39.2 percent of its value over eight years.
2018 Toyota Corolla Sedan Mk11 E170 Gray Rear Angled ViewToyota
For comparison, the typical market-wide depreciation rate is much faster, with roughly 45 percent of any new car’s value lost after just five years on the road. After eight, the figure is around 60 to 70 percent. So, right off the bat we can see that the 2018 Corolla is darn-near depreciation-proof. Of course, this translates to a higher price of entry, but you’re virtually guaranteed to get much more of your money back at the end of your ownership period once it’s time to sell.
Related
How Much The Cheapest Toyota In America Costs To Own
Toyotas are usually low-maintenance and fuel-efficient, which translates to a low cost of ownership. Here’s the best deal the automaker has going.
It’s Exceedingly Reliable
2018 toyota corolla engine front shotToyota
The ’18 Corolla sedan offers a single engine choice, that being a 1.8-liter inline-four. All trims, save for the LE Eco, utilize a version of the mill boasting Toyota’s Dual Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence (VVT-i) system. LE Eco models use the same 1.8-liter engine, but swap the VVT-i setup for something called Valvematic technology, which continuously adjusts the intake valves’ timing and depth of operation, resulting in a more efficient engine operation alongside a little bit more horsepower at the expense of torque output.
The Valvematic iteration also sports a higher compression ratio. The 1.8-liter mill, regardless of which iteration, uses an aluminum block and cylinder head, a dual-overhead camshaft setup with 16 total valves, and direct fuel injection.
Technically, two transmissions were offered for the little Corolla sedan. A CVT handled the bulk of models, and a six-speed manual sat as an optional upgrade for the SE grade only, as no other trim offered the stick. Being a Corolla, front-wheel drive is the sole drivetrain layout. Its suspension setup is a simple one, consisting of MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam configuration around back. The sportier SE grade received no suspension upgrades. Stopping is taken care of by a pair of disc brakes up front and a pair of drums in the rear. Rear disc brakes were standard on higher trims.
2018 Toyota Corolla Sedan
Corolla
Corolla LE Eco
Engine Details
1.8L NA inline-four
1.8L NA inline-four Valvematic
Power
130 hp
140 hp
Torque
128 lb-ft
126 lb-ft
Max Fuel Economy (CMB)
32 MPG
34 MPG
Overall Length
183.1 in
Curb Weight
2,840–2,885 lbs
2,850 lbs
*Specs courtesy of Toyota
Reliability Ranking
2018 Toyota Corolla profileToyota
Another large reason to spring for a 2018 Corolla is its impressive level of reliability compared to all other cars in its class. According to RepairPal.com, the little compact manages to achieve an average annual maintenance cost of $343 per year. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that that’s less than a dollar a day.
RepairPal gives the ’18 Corolla a 4.5 out of 5-star reliability score. In addition to its low cost of maintenance, it also flaunts a lower-than-average severe repair frequency of just seven percent, compared to 11 on average. Unscheduled repair frequency is also lower, with a 0.35 times-per-year unscheduled repair visit frequency compared to an average of 0.4.
It’s worth noting that, despite its extreme reliability, the 2018 Corolla does suffer from a couple of common issues. For example, check engine lights related to the EVAP system are commonplace, along with CVT hesitation in high mileage models. Failed starter motors are also commonly reported, as are issues with in-car entertainment, namely a freezing and unresponsive infotainment screen.
Related
Best Toyota Corolla Model Years For Reliability
The Toyota Corolla has a reputation for being reliable, but across its long history, these are the most reliable Corolla model years.
Here’s What It Has To Offer
2017 Toyota Corolla Sedan XSE Black Interior DashboardToyota
Seeing as there are six total trim levels for the 2018 Toyota Corolla, its options sheet can get a little bit confusing, so we’ll try to break it all down in a concise and straightforward manner.
Exterior Features
2017 Toyota Corolla Sedan Eco Mk11 E170 White Front Angled View DrivingToyota
The base “L” grade offers the least amount of kit across the range, although it does still boast features not typically seen on base model compacts of its era, like bi-LED headlights and LED running lights. However, decidedly base-spec stuff like 15-inch steel wheels with hubcaps are found. LE models add things like 16-inch steelies and variable intermittent wipers. LE Eco models gain a spoiler, and XLEs receive multi-LED headlights and alloy wheels. Both the SE and XSE also include a moonroof, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a “sporty” front fascia with a mesh, gloss-black grille, rear spoiler, and a chrome exhaust tip.
Interior And Tech Features
2017 Toyota Corolla iM InteriorToyota
Again, starting with the base L-spec Corolla, you’re afforded a single-zone climate control system with air conditioning, a backup camera, and fabric seats with six-way adjustment for the driver. Cruise control also comes standard, along with power locks, mirrors, and windows. A couple of cup holders, a USB port, and a digital clock pretty much round out the L’s offerings.
LE models add automatic climate control, a passenger seat back pocket, metallic-effect interior trim, and illuminated entry. XLE models add more driver’s seat adjustments along with SofTex synthetic leather seating surfaces. A nicer, chrome-ringed instrument cluster and heated front seats also come with the XLE package. SE models gain seats trimmed with fabric and SofTex, along with a “Sport” driving mode that sharpens throttle response on CVT models.
Related
The 10 Cheapest Toyota Cars You Can Buy In 2025
We look at the ten cheapest Toyotas across various segments – from 4×4 trucks to family-carrying duty, and even the cheapest for fun.
Why Buy Anything Else?
Blue 2017 Toyota Corolla rear endToyota
It’s hard to justify buying something other than the 2018 Corolla if you’re shopping for a used compact sedan. Sure, there are other good cars out there like the Honda Civic, but the facts are the facts: the 2018 Corolla is ranked as one of, if not the most reliable of the bunch, it hangs onto its value extremely well, and, at base-spec, it’s pretty well-equipped.
If you’re purely basing your next used car purchase on value for money, your choice ought to be the 2018 Toyota Corolla, otherwise you’re getting something that’s less reliable and, in turn, probably less value for money.
Sources: Toyota, Experian.com, RepairPal.com, CarEdge.com.
