Toyota Carina E Hatch T19 (1992–1998)

4.1/5
Reliability score Good
Email-verified reliability report

Model and generation reliability insights from verified owners. Variants are selected when adding reviews.

9 Verified owner reports

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Most reported affected parts

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No affected parts have been reported yet.

Engine reliability summary

Petrol

Engine Score Reports Common issues
1.6 i 16V (99 Hp) (4A-FE) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.6 i 16V XLi (107 Hp) (4A-FE) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.8 i 16V (107 Hp) (7A-FE) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.8 i 16V (107 Hp) Automatic (7A-FE) No reports 0 No issues reported
Show 4 more engines
2.0 i 16V (126 Hp) (3S-FE) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.0 i 16V GLi (133 Hp) (3S-FE) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.0 i 16V GLi (133 Hp) Automatic (3S-FE) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.0 i 16V GTi (175 Hp) (3S-GE) No reports 0 No issues reported

Diesel

Engine Score Reports Common issues
2.0 TD (83 Hp) (2C-T) No reports 0 No issues reported

Owner reviews

Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Carina V: A Reliable Workhorse

This is a large car. It might not sip fuel, but despite 15 years and 300,000 km, it still refuses to break down. It accelerates well - 12.3s to 100km/h officially, and it pulls nicely on the 5th gear when overtaking. Running costs are exceptionally favorable compared to modern competition. If you dislike visiting workshops and don't need to drive 200km/h (180km/h is enough), I highly recommend it.

Pros: Exceptional reliability even after 15 years and 300,000 km., Good acceleration and overtaking performance., Low operating costs compared to modern cars.
Cons: Fuel consumption is not the best., Top speed might be limited for some.
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Carina V: A Reliable Japanese Classic

In our family since 2008. Imported from Holland, the odometer is likely rolled back, but it runs like gold. I truly recommend it. Solid Japanese craftsmanship. I'll keep it until it falls apart (probably for another 5-6 years). As far as I know, this model in this year was assembled in England.

Pros: Reliable Japanese engineering, Runs exceptionally well, Potentially long lifespan
Cons: Imported with potential odometer rollback
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Carina V: A Timeless Classic

Over 11 years in my hands, this car truly has nothing to complain about. Despite the passing years, I can only speak of it in superlatives. Just change the fluids and go – it needs nothing more.

Pros: Exceptional durability and reliability, Extremely low maintenance requirements
Cons: Older model, limited modern features
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Carina v

In my opinion, one of the most successful cars. For 31 years (production year '92, I don't know why this year wasn't an option), the car holds up great. I bought it after an accident, and once reassembled, there's no trace! I've been using it for 3 years and will likely keep driving it until it completely breaks down. No other used car (not counting those from the showroom) is as reliably low-maintenance as the Carina. Despite its age, the car can still prove it's a good vehicle with much to offer.

Pros: Remarkably well-preserved for its age, Reliable, low maintenance, Hidden accident repair
Cons: Older model year not available in selection
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Carina v

The car has 341,000 km. It's unbeatable and reliable. It would be crazy to install LPG with this fuel consumption. It has never let me down. Original shock absorbers, still 78% efficient! Mechanics at the station never believe it. It's large, comfortable, spacious with a huge trunk. It may not impress with acceleration, but since I've had it for 15 years, I can get in it anytime and drive to Paris and back, knowing it won't let me down. Heavy.

Pros: Unbeatable reliability, Spacious and comfortable, Huge trunk, Proven performance over many years, Original shock absorbers still in great condition
Cons: Acceleration not its strongest point
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Carina v: A Fuel-Efficient Surprise

This is my second Japanese car; previously, I had a Honda Accord, which I was also happy with. In comparison, the Honda obviously had a stronger engine, which translated to higher fuel consumption. I read reviews and approached this car with reluctance. However, the first surprise was the fuel consumption, which was 20% lower compared to the Honda. Reliability, good driving characteristics, and suspension that suits me – not too hard, not too soft. I was looking for an economical car.

Pros: Excellent fuel economy (20% less than previous car), Good driving dynamics, Comfortable suspension (balanced firmness)
Cons: Engine not as powerful as the previous Honda Accord
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Carina v

Hello. I bought the Carina by chance. I simply needed a car quickly for a trip to the UK after selling my Passat. Although I was very skeptical about the previous owner's assurances of reliability and economy, I bought this car on my father's persuasion. (I'll add that the seller didn't even wash it - it was covered in slush and didn't impress me with its looks in that state). After 4 years of use, I can say something about this model. Huge trunk, very good

Pros: Enormous trunk, Very good
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Carina v: A Solid, Affordable Choice

If you're looking for a good car on a budget, this is definitely for you. Low fuel consumption, minimal breakdowns, and if well-maintained, it gets positive attention from other drivers. The only thing to check carefully when buying is the body condition, as the doors tend to rust. Parts are readily available at ridiculously low prices. Some things are expensive, like rear lights for a '97 sedan. I once had to buy them, and it was a nightmare. For pre-facelift versions, there are...

Pros: Excellent value for money, Low fuel consumption, Reliable with minimal breakdowns, Attractive when well-maintained, Affordable and readily available parts
Cons: Doors can rust, inspect bodywork carefully, Certain parts (e.g., 97 sedan rear lights) can be overly expensive
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Toyota Carina: A Disappointing Experience

I almost gave it a very poor rating, but maybe I just got a bad example. I bought the car two years ago for 4000 PLN, probably cheap. Over eighteen months, I spent 4600 PLN on it. I don't remember a month going by without a trip to the mechanic. After this Toyota, I started to fondly recall my Laguna I. This car is heaven compared to it in terms of comfort and soundproofing, though it uses more fuel. In less than two years, I only had immobilizer issues twice, and sadly, progressing rust. The seats in the Toyota are hard; even the Astra had more comfortable ones. Toyota

Pros: More comfortable than Laguna I, Better soundproofing than Laguna I
Cons: Frequent mechanic visits, Expensive repairs, Immobilizer problems, Progressing rust, Hard seats

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