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Hi team,
We are looking at getting an ex-lease nz new corolla wagon in the 2010-2014 range.

Apart from the body change in 2012 the engine (1NZ-FE) and gear boxes (manual/CVT) stayed the same and the later model just has a couple more airbags and traction control etc. as far as I can see?

We plan to put a towbar on it for a bike rack mostly and the odd load of firewood or a trip to the tip (not regular heavy towing). The early CVT's do not come well recommended but I assume they have improved over time and that Toyota's should be one of the most reliable.

Given we will only do a little bit of round town light towing (2-3 times a year?) are we better to take the better fuel efficiency of the CVT or get the thirstier manual assuming the manual actually is a more reliable/tougher transmission?

Thanks

Hi there,
The 2012 Corolla lists a max braked tow rating of 1,300kg and unbraked of 850kg, regardless of transmission.
We've not heard any complaints about the Toyota CVT reliability, but naturally the quality has been progressing and the tow ratings are going up with every new model.