The Toyota Corolla is one of the best-selling cars in the world, and Japan builds several versions of it. Buyers abroad choose it because it is reliable, cheap to fix and parts are everywhere. This guide covers the Corolla sedan, the Corolla Axio and the Corolla Touring wagon. The older Fielder wagon has its own guide.
Which Corolla Is It?
| Model | Body | Years | Engines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corolla Axio | Sedan | 2012 onwards (E160) | 1.5 petrol, 1.5 hybrid |
| Corolla | Sedan | 2019 onwards (E210) | 1.8 hybrid, petrol |
| Corolla Touring | Station wagon | 2019 onwards (E210) | 1.8 hybrid, petrol |
The Axio is the simpler, older design and is often used as a company or taxi car. The 2019-onwards Corolla and Corolla Touring are the modern generation with Toyota Safety Sense (automatic braking and lane assist). The Japanese versions are a little narrower and shorter than the Corolla sold in other countries.
Grades
- X: basic, common on the Axio (for example "1.5 X Edition").
- G / G-X: the mid grades. "G-X Plus" adds some equipment.
- S: better-equipped Touring and sedan grade.
- W×B ("double-by"): the top, sporty-looking grade, with bigger wheels and a darker interior.
Hybrid or Petrol?
The 1.8 hybrid uses much less fuel in town and Toyota hybrid systems have a strong reliability record. A petrol car is simpler where hybrid mechanics are scarce. See our hybrid or petrol guide.
What to Check
- Hybrid battery: on a high-mileage hybrid, ask whether the auction sheet mentions any hybrid warning.
- Mileage and use: Axios in particular are often ex-company cars. Check interior wear and the auction grade.
- Safety sensors: a replaced windscreen or front-end repair can affect the camera for Toyota Safety Sense.
- Auction sheet: read how to read a Japanese auction sheet.
Age Limits: Which Countries Can Take One
Some countries cap the age of an imported car: Jamaica allows up to 5 years, Trinidad & Tobago 4 years, and Kenya and Guyana 8 years. The Bahamas, Barbados, Suriname, the Eastern Caribbean islands such as Saint Lucia and Antigua, Uganda and Tanzania have no strict age limit on our checker. Rules change, so always confirm with your clearing agent before you pay.
A 2019-onwards Corolla or Corolla Touring is new enough for Kenya and Guyana, and the 2021-onwards cars also for Jamaica.
The table at the bottom of this page applies each country's rule to our live stock and shows the cheapest delivered price. For the full list see import age limits by country, and for duty and port fees see how to calculate the total cost.