Been a while since I last posted a new ride on here. Actually been a while since I did anything on here...
Anyway I thought I'd leave this here for some thoughts and ideas.
Simon/Rmad spotted the car some time back and had left his details on the windscreen, mindful that the car would be of interest to someone. Sadly the owner died last spring and the family got in touch with Simon who posted some vitals on his Facebook and I thought I'll have a bit of that! I've been looking for a medium sized Japanese estate car for a while, I've checked out a few mostly tired Primeras and Mazda 626's so this was perfect for my needs.
It has 61K on the clock and runs really nicely, the engine is quite sprightly (same block as the 4A-GE). Typically for a Toyota its easy to drive, and reliability is a given. Being an XL model has a lower spec than the GL models - no roof rack, has wind up windows and carbs. It is straight all over, a couple of bumper scrapes and some lower rear arch rust which will need to sorted out but its in rude health for a 21 year old car.
Reviews for the car when it was new was generally favourable, the Japanese had started designing their cars with a little more character and ability - the styling came under criticism for blandness and the steering lacks a little feel but you can offset that with the build quality, smooth gearbox, comfortable seats, light clutch and reasonable performance.
The whole Carina/Corona/Cressida/2000/MKII model story and line up is really confusing, especially when some markets had different badges from the JDM spec cars - the Carina II as this was known here is actually a Corona. I guess the Carina name meant more to buyers in Europe hence the rebadge.
The Classics are the only 4x100 wheels I have at the moment, as everything else is for RWD Japanese fitment, but they look ok on it. I'm looking out for some BBS type multi-spokes for it and I think we need to see less of the wheel arch space...
Anyway I thought I'd leave this here for some thoughts and ideas.
Simon/Rmad spotted the car some time back and had left his details on the windscreen, mindful that the car would be of interest to someone. Sadly the owner died last spring and the family got in touch with Simon who posted some vitals on his Facebook and I thought I'll have a bit of that! I've been looking for a medium sized Japanese estate car for a while, I've checked out a few mostly tired Primeras and Mazda 626's so this was perfect for my needs.
It has 61K on the clock and runs really nicely, the engine is quite sprightly (same block as the 4A-GE). Typically for a Toyota its easy to drive, and reliability is a given. Being an XL model has a lower spec than the GL models - no roof rack, has wind up windows and carbs. It is straight all over, a couple of bumper scrapes and some lower rear arch rust which will need to sorted out but its in rude health for a 21 year old car.
Reviews for the car when it was new was generally favourable, the Japanese had started designing their cars with a little more character and ability - the styling came under criticism for blandness and the steering lacks a little feel but you can offset that with the build quality, smooth gearbox, comfortable seats, light clutch and reasonable performance.
The whole Carina/Corona/Cressida/2000/MKII model story and line up is really confusing, especially when some markets had different badges from the JDM spec cars - the Carina II as this was known here is actually a Corona. I guess the Carina name meant more to buyers in Europe hence the rebadge.
The Classics are the only 4x100 wheels I have at the moment, as everything else is for RWD Japanese fitment, but they look ok on it. I'm looking out for some BBS type multi-spokes for it and I think we need to see less of the wheel arch space...
