# 2004 Toyota Corolla - Do I really need shocks? **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** toyota\ **Created:** [February 18, 2025, 1:16am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2004-toyota-corolla-do-i-really-need-shocks/199182 "2025-02-18T01:16:02Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![VDCdriver](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/vdcdriver/32/30_2.png) [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2025, 5:16pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2004-toyota-corolla-do-i-really-need-shocks/199182/101 "2025-02-25T17:16:50Z")
> [@davesmopar](#): > > College people and their smart words That reminds me of the old joke about the woman who wanted to have her father admitted to a nursing home. When she stated that he was a _Sexagenarian_, they told her that they couldn’t have people like that in their facility. 😏 ---
**Author:** ![jtsanders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c2a13f/32.png) [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2025, 5:43pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2004-toyota-corolla-do-i-really-need-shocks/199182/102 "2025-02-25T17:43:58Z")
> [@MikeInNH](#): > > So many people are averse to technology or anything new. I tried to interest Mrs JT in a hybrid minivan when we bought another in 2019. She said she didn’t trust hybrids even though they had been on the market for almost 20 years. ---
**Author:** ![MikeInNH](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a587f6/32.png) [@MikeInNH](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MikeInNH)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2025, 8:06pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2004-toyota-corolla-do-i-really-need-shocks/199182/103 "2025-02-25T20:06:00Z")
> [@VDCdriver](#): > > You’re probably right, but the same goes for my brother, who is even older than I am, and he is an Octogenarian. (I’m _only_ a Septuagenarian) I to am a Septuagenarian. I wish more people were like you and your brother. When my nephews and nieces were too young to help their parents out with any computer work - it was ME. I had remote access to all their computers back then. I was amazed how they were able to screw things up. ---
**Author:** ![MikeInNH](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a587f6/32.png) [@MikeInNH](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MikeInNH)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2025, 8:19pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2004-toyota-corolla-do-i-really-need-shocks/199182/104 "2025-02-25T20:19:19Z")
I was thinking about all the TECH that we have today in cars that we didn’t have when I first started driving. Most I really can’t live without. . Power Windows and doors - Some luxury vehicles had them, but most vehicles didn’t . Dual Climate Controls. And even climate controls for rear-seat passengers. . Intermittent wipers. . Heated seats - I don’t use it, but my wife LOVES it and won’t buy a new vehicle that doesn’t have one. . Interior LED lights so you don’t have to replace them. Rarely have I ever had to replace one. . More than 7 radio presets. . Power seats - but I actually prefer mechanical. . OEM radio that’s actually decent. Back in the 70’s most vehicles only had ONE speaker which was center on the dash. . FM stations. Very few cars came with FM. . To go along with FM there was stereo. Most vehicles had that one speaker. Let along 12-16 from the factory. . Hand controls for most things like lights and now even radio. . Dash display options. At best 50 years ago you had a trip meter. . Rear View Camera . GPS built into the radio showing a nice map, directions and how to long to get there. . Apple Car Play - Love this option. . TPMS warning light or actually showing the tire pressure at each wheel. . ODB-II. And I’m sure there are many many more. . . ---
**Author:** ![VDCdriver](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/vdcdriver/32/30_2.png) [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2025, 8:55pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2004-toyota-corolla-do-i-really-need-shocks/199182/105 "2025-02-25T20:55:36Z")
… and if your experience is like mine, Mike, none of those electronic features has ever needed to be repaired. ---
**Author:** ![ChrisTheTireWhisperer](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/christhetirewhisperer/32/34798_2.png) [@ChrisTheTireWhisperer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ChrisTheTireWhisperer)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2025, 10:48pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2004-toyota-corolla-do-i-really-need-shocks/199182/106 "2025-02-25T22:48:03Z")
Like a 2015? 🤣🤣 No problem. Most still had CD players, some conventional steering,etc. The giant screens were still a ways off except in a few high-end makes. ---
**Author:** ![asemaster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@asemaster](https://community.cartalk.com/u/asemaster)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2025, 12:31am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2004-toyota-corolla-do-i-really-need-shocks/199182/107 "2025-02-26T00:31:04Z")
> [@db4690](#): > > It’s there to HELP you, not do your job for you I agree. The industry generic term for these devices is ADAS–Advanced Driver Assist Systems. The key word is ASSIST. Unless you’re in a self-driving car, you have the responsibility to operate the car in a safe manner. > [@texases](#): > > A backup camera is a huge convenience, with no real downside. I don’t like that it interferes with other functions, like adjussting the HVAC or audio systems. But suppose you had a car where the parking cameras were intermittently not displaying. Would you want a lemon law buyback because you were unable to properly park in your garage without the camera? ---
**Author:** ![db4690](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/db4690/32/2583_2.png) [@db4690](https://community.cartalk.com/u/db4690)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2025, 2:23am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2004-toyota-corolla-do-i-really-need-shocks/199182/108 "2025-02-26T02:23:25Z")
> [@ChrisTheTireWhisperer](#): > > Yes, I’m an operator who is used to using some actual _muscle_ to turn the steering wheel in the average car. No being able to turn it with one pinky finger, or by blowing on it. > > And the narrow tires your generation criticizes actually straighter in a straight line than the superwide things they put on cars in the 2020s. And we got plenty of feedback through them from the road, and what the car was doing. My 1994 Tercel had manual steering, 4spd stick, manual locks and windows, no rpm gauge and skinny tires Maybe that’s the car for you? ---
**Author:** ![ChrisTheTireWhisperer](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/christhetirewhisperer/32/34798_2.png) [@ChrisTheTireWhisperer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ChrisTheTireWhisperer)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2025, 2:25am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2004-toyota-corolla-do-i-really-need-shocks/199182/109 "2025-02-26T02:25:07Z")
> [@db4690](#): > > My 1994 Tercel had manual steering, 4spd stick, > manual locks and windows, no rpm gauge and > skinny tires > > Maybe that’s the car for you? Cassette & automatic? Let’s talk! 😂 ---
**Author:** ![texases](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/texases/32/862_2.png) [@texases](https://community.cartalk.com/u/texases)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2025, 4:25am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2004-toyota-corolla-do-i-really-need-shocks/199182/110 "2025-02-26T04:25:20Z")
> [@asemaster](#): > > I don’t like that it interferes with other functions, like adjussting the HVAC or audio systems. You adjust those while you’re backing up?? ---
**Author:** ![cigroller](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c68b51/32.png) [@cigroller](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cigroller)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2025, 5:23am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2004-toyota-corolla-do-i-really-need-shocks/199182/111 "2025-02-26T05:23:16Z")
Sorry folks, but being thoughtful and deliberate about what kinds of tech changes that you find to be helpful/good/worthwhile is not techno-phobia. It’s not some manner of resistance or rejection of “new technology.” It’s just being thoughtful and deliberate. That’s a long way from something like Neo-Luddism. And sorry again, but if I can’t “rely” on a blind spot system, and still need to know myself what’s in my blind spots, then the tech isn’t even “assisting”. It’s just a piece of marketing bling. I don’t care - because I adjust my mirrors to have no blind spots and always know what’s behind me on both sides anyway. That’s called safe and attentive driving. You can give me the little warning light, but since I can’t “rely” on it, then the result is the same. I ALWAYS need to know what’s in my blind spots. So that particular tech doesn’t “assist” me in any way. All of the other stuff mentioned is another story. I am not resistant to tech change or “afraid” of it or whatever. I just think very deliberately about what things actually do and what they’re good for. Say what you want about that, but it’s far better than technological somnambulism. ---
**Author:** ![bcohen2010](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/779978/32.png) [@bcohen2010](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bcohen2010)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2025, 6:27am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2004-toyota-corolla-do-i-really-need-shocks/199182/112 "2025-02-26T06:27:05Z")
> [@db4690](#): > > My 1994 Tercel had manual steering, 4spd stick, manual locks and windows, no rpm gauge and skinny tires > > Maybe that’s the car for you? Now you’re speaking my language! I owned a 1991 Tercel, 4-door, with A/C and Automatic transmission, and manual everything else. I really liked the styling of that car, and I still remember how comfortable the seats were. It was a very fun car to drive, as well, and it got decent fuel economy. Tell me more about this excellent transportation appliance. ---
**Author:** ![davesmopar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/davesmopar/32/41750_2.png) [@davesmopar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/davesmopar)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2025, 11:19am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2004-toyota-corolla-do-i-really-need-shocks/199182/113 "2025-02-26T11:19:34Z")
Quick question, about how fast were y’all going when the BSM didn’t work?? Only reason I ask is cause below 29ish mph my LDW does not work, I also get a warning it does not at that speed… ---
**Author:** ![db4690](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/db4690/32/2583_2.png) [@db4690](https://community.cartalk.com/u/db4690)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2025, 1:19pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2004-toyota-corolla-do-i-really-need-shocks/199182/114 "2025-02-26T13:19:38Z")
If I recall, in regards to the 1991-1994 Tercel generation The automatic versions got worse fuel economy than the stick cars As for “very fun car to drive” . . . that’s NOT how I remember them And the seat belts were terrible ---
**Author:** ![jtsanders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c2a13f/32.png) [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2025, 1:58pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2004-toyota-corolla-do-i-really-need-shocks/199182/115 "2025-02-26T13:58:10Z")
> [@cigroller](#): > > I don’t care - because I adjust my mirrors to have no blind spots and always know what’s behind me on both sides anyway I adjust my mirrors to eliminate blind spots too, but this isn’t 100% successful. I like having the blind spot red lights on the center screen and cameras that turn on when I click on the turn signals. Redundant safety is a good thing IMO. Now let’s talk Luddites. They were against automation which eliminated higher paying people and replaced them with machines and lower paying jobs to service the equipment. IMO if more people knew what Luddism is they might consider themselves Luddites too. Personally, I like cost savings through automation, but I recognize it creates employment problems that people are justifiably concerned about. ---
**Author:** ![VDCdriver](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/vdcdriver/32/30_2.png) [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2025, 2:06pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2004-toyota-corolla-do-i-really-need-shocks/199182/116 "2025-02-26T14:06:15Z")
> [@db4690](#): > > As for “very fun car to drive” . . . that’s NOT how I remember them +1 I rented a Tercel when I was in the Seattle area many years ago, and I still recall that trying to accelerate on the entry ramps of I-5 was a true white-knuckle experience. ---
**Author:** ![oldnotdeadyet](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/a6a055/32.png) [@oldnotdeadyet](https://community.cartalk.com/u/oldnotdeadyet)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2025, 2:07pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2004-toyota-corolla-do-i-really-need-shocks/199182/117 "2025-02-26T14:07:57Z")
The question is not whether the car is worth $2000. The question is whether it is worth $2000 MORE. ---
**Author:** ![VOLVO-V70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/8e8cbc/32.png) [@VOLVO-V70](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VOLVO-V70)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2025, 2:09pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2004-toyota-corolla-do-i-really-need-shocks/199182/118 "2025-02-26T14:09:35Z")
> [@cigroller](#): > > It’s just a piece of marketing bling. No it is not . Blind spot warning is a useful feature . When you consider the number of vehicles still on the road that do not have the system a claimed 20 percent reduction in lane changing accidents is impressive. As for not being able to change radio stations or heat and cool settings while backing up just shows that your are not as aware as you claim. ---
**Author:** ![MikeInNH](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a587f6/32.png) [@MikeInNH](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MikeInNH)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2025, 2:23pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2004-toyota-corolla-do-i-really-need-shocks/199182/119 "2025-02-26T14:23:43Z")
> [@ChrisTheTireWhisperer](#): > > Most still had CD players, some conventional steering Show me a new car that has a CD . ---
**Author:** ![VDCdriver](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/vdcdriver/32/30_2.png) [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2025, 2:50pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2004-toyota-corolla-do-i-really-need-shocks/199182/120 "2025-02-26T14:50:21Z")
> [@VOLVO-V70](#): > > As for not being able to change radio stations or heat and cool settings while backing up just shows that your are not as aware as you claim. +1 I don’t shut-down my audio system when I put my car in the garage, so I don’t need to touch it when I am backing out of the garage. And, I activate the Climate Control before backing-out. I can’t imagine that being “deprived” of audio & HVAC controls for 1 minute–or less–is a serious issue. [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2004-toyota-corolla-do-i-really-need-shocks/199182.md?page=5) [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2004-toyota-corolla-do-i-really-need-shocks/199182.md?page=7)