Toyota Carina E Hatchback 2.0 TD GS 5d (1997/P) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
Unbelievable value, can be bought for next to nothing. The Toyota Carina-e is miles ahead in this department.
Costs
Not bad, fuel economy averages 40mpg and parts are plentiful, thanks to all the careless taxi drivers out there! It's very cheap for such a big car, just make sure there's a full service history as engine parts can be pricey.
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On the road
Driving
Handling is not great, feels very large in town. Power steering helps but it's almost too big for the chassis and suspension setup. Good on motorways though, just be careful on wet roundabouts.
Performance
Big turbo lag in town, forget taking on hot hatches at the traffic lights. On the motorway its amazing, blows away Vectras, Mondeos C-class Mercs etc with little effort.
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Living with it
Reliability
Simply cannot be beaten for reliability. Full marks here.
Image
Forgettable, outwardly dull car. Quite nondescript in looks. My girlfriend still doesn't remember what kind of Toyota it is, and I've had it a year! People ask me if I use it as a taxi at weekends, and they're usually serious... but hey who cares!
Comfort
Magnificent, I drive almost 500 miles a week and it's always a pleasure. This car has almost Mercedes E-class comfort for less than a grand so it has to be a bargain. Boot is MASSIVE, I've had 11 large suitcases in the boot without dropping the rear seats
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Security and Service
Security
Great standard kit, just make sure the battery never runs out in the key fob or you're in trouble.
Service
Brainless morons, to put it mildly. Go to a private mechanic, it's cheaper anyway.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
None- just change the oil and glow plugs twice a year.
Other
Windscreen wiper motors and suspension have been a little temperamental, owing to a careless owner. if you buy one, look after it and it will last you into the next ice age!
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes