 I purchased a 2006 Corolla new in late 2006.  Within the first year I had to replace the starter.  Then the following year I had to replace the alternator and battery.  In my 5th year of ownership at around 70,000 miles the ECU (computer) failed and I had to bring it in for the recall on it.  About 8 months later the car started shifting terribly and sometimes wouldn't make it to second gear.  The transmission torque converter ended up being bad.  I ended up selling the car and getting a Civic which was a much better car.  The ONLY thing the Corolla had an advantage with was fuel economy.  Everything else was torture.