Toyota Starlet

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Soldato
Joined
18 Oct 2002
Posts
4,548
Location
Nottingham
Anyone here owned or know much about the Toyota Starlet. I might have the opportunity to buy one for a good price (for the girlfriend).

Its a 1997 1.3 Automatic with 25k on the clock and garaged most of its life. Model is currently unknown but it was apparantely a special edition (possibly the SI based on parkers model history). It is however due its MOT next month, but has been regularly serviced and looked after its entire life.
 
If its cheap, and is all she needs (and wants) then itll be fine, assuming all your expecting is something from a - b.

Its a Toyota, so itll run forever (if looked after) and any problems shouldnt be expensive to fix (the auto box might be though).

Sounds like its done VERY short runs all its life, so give it a thorough run out to ensure all is well, starts first time etc.
 
I would say there is a distinct difference between a 1.3 automatic and a performance car

In fact I would say theres a big difference between a 1.3 automatic and a 1.3 manual!
 
*wonders what many people here would think of their second car*

Not everything is about speed or power, and not everyone wants to own or drive a fast car, either at all or all the time, for a whole variety of valid reasons.

Starlet isn't a bad car, and depending on the cost and whether you know the car, could certianly make a very good little runabout for your girlfriend. It won't be fast, luxurious or handle amazingly, but it'll be reliable and pretty easy on the pockets to run.
 
a friend of mine has had one and i can honestly say they are nice little cars.
will get you from a-b in any weather and will last forever if looked after.

very well built cars, and i would imagine even with an auto ...it would pull well too. Its obviously no Supra, but unless your g/f is up for some fast and furious style action then that is all she will need.

One down side tho, and that is that parts are fairly expensive if the thing does ever go wrong....same with most jap cars.
In the old days a broken japanses auto box would kane your wallet, but these days a trip to Mr clutch will normally cut the cost in half.
 
Cheers for the advice guys, looks like it might be worth a viewing!

It's to replace a P reg Ford Escort 1.4 Freedom that has done 70k miles, and is due its MOT which it will currently fail (exhaust blowing, oil escaping from the hub(?), headlight misalignment, and possibly the brakes (just)). It was also broken into the other night so now has a black drivers door on a mushy pea green car :D
 
My sister had a 1.4 manual Starlet. Was a LOT better to drive than I thought it would be, returned well over 40mpg and never had a spot of bother. I'd happily recommend one.
 
Just out of interest, how much would you guys be willing to pay for the above car? The MOT is due in November by the way, not next month.
 
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