Faults:

Broken door lock caused by wannabe car thieves-they got into the car, but could not nick it-dream on losers! However the door lock never felt "right" after that.

Besides that nothing!

General Comments:

The Toyota Carina E is a very under rated car.

I'm surprised more modified versions of these cars are not seen on the road as this car has real potential (not that I ever attempted to soup it up :).

My Carina had serious poke and I surprised quite a few boy racers in it! However this speed was only useful in a straight line as its suspension was set for comfort rather then sportiness. I took a few corners too fast when I first got the car and it started bouncing all over the place (nothing dangerous though :). Once I got used to the vibe of the car I was able to hurry it along nicely when required.

The car was extremely comfortable and tough and felt like it was built to last a life time. The inside trim was a bit cheesy and the gearbox never felt particularly solid. I was convinced it was going to break at some point, but it never did during my ownership. Apparently this is quite common in Carina E's.

It had loads of space and could easily carry 3 big passengers in comfort + luggage in the huge boot.

Fuel economy was not great, but this may have been due to way I drove it.

Reliability was second to none and it started 1st time in cold and hot weather.

The car was seen by many as being as "boring" but I secretly liked its practical and classic shape (saloon). However, at the time I was too young (22) to admit to appreciating these qualities and not wanting to be seen in an old mans car, I traded my Carina in for a Primera GT with bells and whistles. Over time, I came to regret the decision as somehow my new car felt soulless compared to the Carina.

Each to their own, and when I eventually get another I will hang onto it!

Faults:

Going by the mileage the Carina E only needed wishbone bushings at 260000 miles.

A CV joint was fitted recently.

General Comments:

An unbelievably reliable car despite the

322k miles!

With its combination of comfort, speed and reliability this is a quality car well worth buying no matter what the mileage!

Carina, is, however noisy when driven hard.

Faults:

It's always had a rattle inside the "Cat".

The radiator fell apart.

Battery gave up.

It's color is Red and it has really faded badly this year.

General Comments:

It is great on fuel.

Very roomy.

Quite quick for it'd size with only a 1.6 engine.

Faults:

The cars seems to drive well, but it seems to consume a lot of fuel.

People have said the Carina 1.6 is meant to be very economical.

Can some please help me and cure the fuel consumption problem? my email address is: c3fat@talk21.com or telephone 07050-611816.

General Comments:

Drives very well!

Starts up in the morning with one turn of the key!

Very quick on the road, could just take on the Subaru Legacy. Later's.

Email: c3fat@talk21.com.

Faults:

The discs and pads all round had to be replaced at 75,000 miles.

The hand brake cables had to be replaced at 74,000 miles.

The radiator was replaced at 69,000 miles.

The water pump was replaced at 75,000 miles.

General Comments:

The carina e gti is a very under-rated performance-family saloon car.

However it is very hard to get the spare parts for and none of them are very cheap.

Faults:

Washer motor for the rear window failed, but as it's combined unit for front screen I had to get a complete unit. Covered under the waranty.

Nothing else done, except routine maintenance, beware platinum DENSO spark plugs from Toyota, they cost £12.50 each!!!

General Comments:

A very reliable large roomy car.

Much more economical than handbook figures suggest, I get at least between 39/43 MPG, based on 3 years general driving and the occasional thrash to work the valves thoroughly, it really pulls well at high revs!