Toyota Carina E Hatchback 1.8 GLi 5d (1996/P) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
Had it as company car from new, bought it at 3 years from Fleet co, so got a trade price on a car where I knew its whole history.
Costs
Petrol about 10p/mile, tyres reasonable, no repairs in first 95000 miles! and then only a new alternator (which you'd expect by then). Service interval is 9000 miles.
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On the road
Driving
Rubbing sound (steering mechanism? definitely NOT brakes) on turning out of drive in morning - only came after 90000 miles, not a big deal.
Performance
Enough acceleration onto junctions/roundabouts - does the job of a family saloon if performance important to you, you wouldn't be buying it anyway.
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Living with it
Reliability
Absolutely fantastic. Always starts.
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Even the Toyota dealership said that the average Carina (and Avensis) owner is a family man/woman in late 30s or 40s!
Comfort
Seats are orthopaedic, but good adjustments avail e.g. lumbar adjustment, squab height AND tilt separately. NOTE: I'm looking for a successor car and wanted to have an Avensis, but the headroom in the rear seat is a disaster compared to the Carina!
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Security and Service
Security
Never had a theft of or from it.
Service
Had some recall for something I didn't know was wrong back in about '99. Dealership were really great, including 'thank you' gift.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Other
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
New
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes