Here’s A Look At The 2006 Toyota Corolla That Someone Just Spent Almost $20,000 On

How would you define a collector car? In the past, it was exemplary examples of classics, often with provenance, but the digital era is seriously blurring that category to include nice versions of pretty much anything and everything. Case in point: A 2006 Toyota Corolla with 7,000 miles on the clock just sold on Bring A Trailer for — and I’m not joking — $18,350. That’s just $4,795 less than a brand new Corolla including freight, and it makes you wonder what someone would even do with a concours-grade 2006 Corolla S.

Yep, this isn’t the screaming 2ZZ-GE-powered Corolla XRS, just the mildly sporty S trim with a four-speed automatic transmission. As someone with plenty of experience with this 126-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and slushbox, I can tell you it’s one of the powertrains of all time. Although it’ll get you where you need to go, the harder you push on the pedal, the less willing it feels. For the average Corolla driver, that’s perfectly cromulent, although it’s not exactly an enthusiast-oriented form of motivation.

So, what would you use a really nice 2006 Corolla for? It’s possible that it would make a decent low-mileage reliable car, but there are a few problems with that theory. Firstly, a new Corolla with a warranty, more airbags, modern amenities, and easy financing doesn’t cost that much more than this 2006 example, and this car requires some maintenance straight off the bat. For instance, the tires are old enough to vote, and that’s no good when it comes to degradation. Then there’s the fact that every rubber part on a car ages, from suspension bushings to motor mount inserts to soft hoses. Sure, this Corolla might only have 7,000 miles on the clock, but time also plays a factor.

Also, the only reason this Corolla is so expensive is because someone was willing to pay $18,350 for it because of its low mileage and outstanding visual condition. If you started daily driving it, that value proposition would tank pretty quickly. Keep in mind, there are legions of high-mileage 2006 Corollas trucking along just fine, and with a rust-free chassis and a brake and suspension refresh, there’s no reason one of those cars won’t be up to the task of reliable daily driver duty.

Alright, so let’s say that this 2006 Corolla is a collector acquisition. Due to the culture surrounding automotive events, there aren’t many car shows specifically for immaculate 18-year-old economy cars, so you’re unlikely to find this Corolla at the equivalent of Radwood. Sure, there’s always the Japanese Automotive Invitational, but it seems like an odd car to buy for the possibility of exhibiting at one singular show.

Actually, here’s a radical thought: Why not buy a car for its personal meaning, and not for everyone else? It’s possible that whoever bought this Corolla owned one when new, or sold them back in 2006, or even worked on the Corolla assembly line back in the day. The new owner can happily stash their fresh example away in a garage, cosset it, and have it remind them of a previous chapter in life. That in itself can spark happiness, and as long as you’re having fun and not endangering anyone else, you’re doing cars right.

After all, the car world has all sorts of enthusiasts in it, from trackday addicts with GT3s to overlanders to people who collect Malaise-era tin. Why not someone with a passion for the 2006 Toyota Corolla? Every car tells a story, you just have to be willing to listen. Sure, racing glory is great, but robust, economical transportation for the masses is one of the noblest things a car can do, and the E120 Toyota Corolla fits that description to a tee.

So, what do you do with the world’s nicest 2006 Toyota Corolla? You have fun. After all, fun is fun to have. You can’t fault someone for buying this because the heart wants what the heart wants, and even though it might not be my thing, $18,350 says it’s definitely someone’s thing. In another 20 years, the owner of this Corolla will get the last laugh because although these are still common cars now, attrition is inevitable, and an immaculately preserved example will eventually be able to evoke nostalgia in anyone who’s ever owned one. Love makes us do funny things, and it takes all types to make the world go ’round.

(Photo credits: Bring A Trailer)

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