Toyota Carina E Hatchback 1.6 GLi 5d (1993/K) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
Well equipped for price, especially against same reg rivals.
Costs
I"ve got the lean burn engine and get about 250+ miles on a full tank (£34).
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On the road
Driving
Good: uninvolving but relaxing. A word of warning: upgrade tyres to 185s as the standard 175s don't grip well in the wet.
Performance
Excellent, especially for a 1.6 unit - a very willing engine. Although go for a bigger engine if you can.
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Living with it
Reliability
Very good - I've had mine for four years. Only problems been the lambda sensor (which Toyota now replace for free), and brakes and tyres wearing quickly.
Image
I like the style. Compare a K-reg to the same age Cavalier, Sierra or Mondeo to see what I mean.
Comfort
Very comfortable, so much so that you could easily fall asleep on long journeys. Nice and big, although plastic dash gets dirty very quickly.
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Security and Service
Security
Upgrade security, deadbolts and a decent alarm would be nice.
Service
I don't know if it's just London, but although dealers are friendly, the cost of parts and labour are very high.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Other
Electric sunroof cable snapped (£500). Driver's elec window sticks. Suspension gets worn very quickly.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
No
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes