PhilH

I got a automatic 2008 Corolla Ascent with the cruise and safety pack and stirling silver paint (no mats) for $24000 driveaway at end of September.

I have a possible answer to this issue. I noticed this smell in a new corolla hire car and in my new corolla when I bought it. I asked the salesman about it when I got the one week courtesy call. He said that cars imported from Japan have their underside sprayed with a light coating of a wax to protect them from the salt air on the boats during shipping. This wax gradually burns off with heat producing the smell.

Now this information came from a salesman and so I take it with a grain of salt. However it does seem more plausible than the smell coming from fuel or the exhaust.

I got my Corolla Ascent Auto with metallic paint (Sterling Silver), cruise pack and enhanced safety pack for $24,000 driveaway. I figured it was good deal since I estimated base price driveaway at about $22,500 and the two option packs were valued at around $1500. This price is in WA so stamp duty and rego based on WA rates.