I have this corolla that struggles to start and shakes a bit now and then at idle. Mechanic said the first cylinder has low compression. They are telling I need to replace the engine. Is this true? Is there no other solution?
If you truly have low compression on that cylinder then yes, you are in need of an engine. That cylinder is basically not 100% so it will feel like its missing, run rough at lower idle. Even loss of power at higher speeds to. Gas Mileage will be poorer as well. It will burn oil to. A second opinion wouldn’t hurt either. A 2009 though is young for a Corolla. Have someone else check it. Don’t tell em its low on compression, just tell em its running rough see what they come back with. If they come back with something different as them if they did a compression check and then tell them. Don’t spend unnecessary money if they say its a coil etc.....
How many miles are on it? Are you the original owner? If not it’s possible it was poorly maintained.
Well second owner but I bought it in 2010 with 40k miles. It currently has 238k miles and I have always tried to take care of it (oil changes and all). The coils have been replaced about a year ago or so.
Have another shop check it. If it really needs an engine, take a chance on a low mileage junkyard engine and drive it until it blows up and get rid of it.
Did your car suffer from any oil burning issues? Did you notice that at all during your routine oil changes?
If #1 is indeed low, just try your luck with a known good/junkyard engine. Don’t spend a single penny on your present engine, in that case.
Good luck.
The problem is that I have not seen it burn oil so far. Meaning I have not seen any white smoke what so ever. Only some struggling at start. I will take it to a different shop soon.
Good idea. Please keep us posted & all the best.