1998 Toyota Starlet life 1.3L from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Very reliable and economical city car

Faults:

The door handle broke on both the driver and passenger doors.

General Comments:

This car is very economical and reliable.

There have been no problem's with it since new, except for the broken door handles.

The car is very nimble and nippy around town.

Using the air-con, really drains a lot of power from the 1.3L engine.

The car is quite comfortable for sub 6 foot people, but back seat leg room is very limited.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st July, 2005

1998 Toyota Starlet Life 1.3 Twin-Cam EFI from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

An inexpensive, yet highly entertaining small car

Faults:

The only faults I have with the car is that the plastic (air bag) steering wheel is obviously not up to the Australian sun, as it has started to deteriorate.

I've noticed the same problem with one relation's Starlet of approximately the same vintage, but not with a 1996 model which has the original non-air bag steering wheel.

General Comments:

The car has been fantastic fun from the moment I bought it.

It has always been economical to run and great to drive.

The only reason we're looking to change cars now is simply because the Starlet is too small for our future needs.

We'll definitely be back to Toyota, though!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st June, 2004

1998 Toyota Starlet SR 1.3 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A rare affordable sporty hatch

Faults:

Nothing yet(touch wood!). well I needed a new back box and because it's an SR it cost £175.

General Comments:

I love the car itself because nobody else has got one. But I love its looks as-well. Its got a wonderful engine that is really quiet. Its quite quick, but could do with a bit more power to match its looks. Seats are a bit bland though.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd February, 2004

11th Nov 2004, 03:54

I have a standard 1.3 starlet, the seats aren't bland, but the car can be slow between 2nd and 3rd. It has 16" wheels and a huge back box, but I still want more. Any suggestions?

19th Dec 2004, 09:51

Yes. Burn your boy racer banger out fool! Its not built for performance to start with so why make it look and sound like something its not?

15th Feb 2005, 07:32

I completely agree:It's a personal point of view to kit out your car as you see fit, no matter what anybody else thinks!

4th Mar 2009, 16:45

I own a Starlet SR 16v. And I have put a full stainless steel exhaust, full induction kit and a full sports suspension. So I don't see anything wrong with modifying your car at all.

1998 Toyota Starlet 1.3 gasoline (2E) from Honduras

Summary:

The best in its class

Faults:

Four years and 45,000 kilometers without anything breaking down.

All I've had to do are routine oil and filter changes.

The battery died after three years, but I consider this normal.

So far, this is the most reliable car I've ever had.

Replacement parts are cheap and abundant.

General Comments:

This car has lots of interior space for such a small car.

The 1295cc engine is strong enough to make the car reasonably fast.

My only disappointment are the 4 speed manual transmission and the lack of power steering. I think in these days every car should have at least 5 speeds and power steering, but I knew this when I test drove the car before buying it. But even with just 4 speeds, it reaches 140 km/hour quite easily. And I only miss the power steering when parking.

Fuel consumption is excellent, I get 60 km/gallon in the highway with the air conditioning turned on and driving fast. With the air conditioning off and driving at reasonable speeds I would get even better mileage.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th June, 2002

18th Nov 2009, 12:00

I agree with this. Starlets need to all be 5 speeds and do away with these 4 speed cars!

I am Vincent Marendes in Kenya and my Starlet is the best car in city driving and out of town trips.

1st Feb 2011, 19:30

After owning my Starlet, I went and bought a Toyota Succeed with a VVTi engine 1500cc. This car even gives better mileage than the Starlet, and more room!