1989 Toyota Carina XL 1.6 gas

Summary:

Great value for a little money

Faults:

The generator stopped generating enough power at about 270000km, and was replaced.

The clutch started slipping at 300000km, so it was changed.

The front suspension stabilizers are not very durable, but cheap to change.

Apart from this and normal maintenance, nothing has gone wrong with the car.

I have been in a couple of traffic accidents with it car, but I don't blame the car ;). That's actually what cost me most money.

The car is starting to rust badly now, but I didn't protect it so it's my own fault.

General Comments:

The car is very dependable and quite comfortable. And it's not looking particularly old even though it's 14 years now.

The engine is as powerful and silent as it was when I got the car 3 years and 100000 km ago. It doesn't consume any oil; I can go 10000 km without refilling.

The car can make 15 kilometers on a litre of gasoline if you treat the accelerator gently.

Minor repairs (brakes, exhauster, oil change and so on) are easy to do yourself on this car. The parts are not as expensive as people think.

I plan on keeping this car running for 2 years more. I think that in 2 years the rust will be so bad that the Danish Car Inspection won't approve ;)

I'm amazed by the car's durability and reliability. I've been using the car for deliveries, with MANY starts and stops. When other people with newer cars couldn't start or broke down, the Carina just kept going.

I can warmly recommend Toyota Carina II. It's great value for money.

Toyota forever!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th June, 2003

17th Nov 2003, 09:41

I also have a Toyota carina II. The problem I am having with the car is that the engine light is showing. This light is at the far left on the dash board. This means that something is wrong and I don't know what. Please help me.

Chinenye.

24th Jul 2005, 04:27

I would just like to say that I still have this car. Now, it has done 396000 km, without major problems since I wrote the review. I have changed the water pump, but it was inexpensive and I did it myself. Mechanically it is perfect, but it is very rusty, and the front window is cracked. So now I am looking for a replacement. What replacement? Toyota Carina II, of course!