Toyota Starlet IV (1989–1996)

4.6/5
Reliability score Good
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Model and generation reliability insights from verified owners. Variants are selected when adding reviews.

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Most reported affected parts

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Engine reliability summary

Petrol

Engine Score Reports Common issues
1.3 16V (82 Hp) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.3 16V (82 Hp) Automatic No reports 0 No issues reported
1.3i 12V (82 Hp) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.3i 12V (82 Hp) Automatic No reports 0 No issues reported
Show 4 more engines
1.3i 16V (100 Hp) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.3i 16V (100 Hp) Automatic No reports 0 No issues reported
1.3i 16V Turbo (135 Hp) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.3i 16V Turbo (135 Hp) Automatic No reports 0 No issues reported

Diesel

Engine Score Reports Common issues
1.45 D (55 Hp) No reports 0 No issues reported

Owner reviews

Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Starlet IV

I've had the Starlet for three years now. I've driven 21,000 km and I'm generally very satisfied. This car isn't for everyone; its styling might not appeal to all. My version is the Polish dealership model, meaning it's a typical 'bare bones' spec, but that doesn't bother me, not even the lack of power steering.

Pros: Reliable after three years, Very satisfying overall
Cons: Styling may not be for everyone, Basic equipment level
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Starlet IV Review

Unfortunately, I have a model without power steering, hence the 4 stars. Ideal for city driving for 2 people. The engine is zippy and instantly responsive to the accelerator. It gets loud inside above 100 km/h. On long trips, with 2 people, it's pure relaxation :) The build quality is excellent, nothing creaks. And the certainty of no unpleasant surprises. If it had power steering, I'd probably drive my Starlet until I died.

Pros: Ideal for city driving for 2 people, Zippy and responsive engine, Excellent build quality, no creaks, Relaxing on long trips for two
Cons: No power steering (in this specific model), Noisy above 100 km/h
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Starlet IV

Hello. I wrote a review a few years ago. Mechanically it's okay. The catalytic converter is failing, a new one costs 5000 PLN (dealership). Rust is starting to appear on the rear fender (right side) despite regular maintenance. The clock and turn signal switch are broken. My next car will also be a Starlet with a perfect body. I recommend it; you can find one for as little as 4000 PLN.

Pros: Mechanically sound, Affordable purchase price, Reliable (despite age)
Cons: Failing catalytic converter (expensive replacement), Rust on rear fender, Broken clock and turn signal switch
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Starlet IV: A Gem That Keeps on Going

If I could give 6 out of 5 stars, this little pearl would get them! Absolutely trouble-free car. Bought it when it was 10 years old, and it's been serving me for 14 years without a single failure. It passes its annual technical inspections without any issues, and the mechanic is always surprised at how the chassis shows no signs of corrosion. In 14 years, I've only replaced the rear shock absorbers twice, the front ones once, the clutch, the radiator, and the handbrake. Such a shame they don't make cars like this anymore. Even a 25-year-old example is worth buying.

Pros: Incredibly reliable, virtually breakdown-free., Excellent chassis condition, no rust after many years., Minimal maintenance costs over 14 years.
Cons: No longer in production, very hard to find new., Older design may lack modern safety features.
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Starlet IV

This is my second Starlet (the first I used for 11 years, it went to Nigeria due to wheel arch rust), this time with an automatic transmission. I was worried about the auto unnecessarily; it works very well and doesn't sap dynamics. The 3-door version looks better than the 5-door. Little space in the back, but I drive alone or with one passenger. Fuel consumption 8l/100km, manual 7.3l/100km.

Pros: Smooth automatic transmission, Good dynamics, Attractive 3-door design
Cons: Limited rear seating space, Higher fuel consumption than manual
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Starlet IV

The ideal car for a trip to the end of the world. I bought the Starlet to take it on a long journey. My goal was Mongolia. I participated in the Mongol Rally, where a small car had to reach the land of Genghis Khan. The Starlet reached its destination without any issues. It was my first Toyota and definitely not my last. I confirm 100% that such a small car, designed for urban users, proved ideal on the Siberian wilderness. I know nothing about mechanics or repairs.

Pros: Reliable on harsh terrain, Exceeded expectations for a small car, Great for long-distance adventures
Cons: Mechanical knowledge not required, but useful for repairs
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Starlet IV

Reading my description, you’ll tell me to hit my head that I praise this car so much. Unfortunately, I have to disappoint you all, because: 1. I'm not a fervent fan of Japanese car brands, and more of French ones. 2. Perhaps I got a good example (even though I know it was hit, hammered, and puttied), but I'll be honest, this car amazes me in terms of reliability. I used to drive a Renault 21 - the repair costs and their frequency kept me up at night (despite that, I have great sentiment for it for...

Pros: Impressive reliability for its age and condition, Surprising durability
Cons: Previous accident damage (hit, hammered, puttied)
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Starlet IV: A Beloved, Reliable Companion

I absolutely love this car. I simply traded it in for a newer vehicle, also from a Japanese manufacturer: the Honda Jazz. However, I was so attached to my Starlet that it stayed in the family. It would have been a shame to give away such a reliable and dependable car to a stranger. If you don't need to show off with a Mercedes or BMW, a Toyota is an excellent car. Of course, for families with children, there are other, more spacious options. However, for city trips or commuting, it will reward you with above-average...

Pros: Extremely reliable, Dependable performance, Excellent for city driving and commuting
Cons: Not ideal for large families due to space limitations.
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Starlet IV: A Tank in Reliability

Unquestionably, technically, this car is a TANK! Zero problems in 3 years of use, the most loyal car I've ever had (and I've had many). Never saw a check engine light or any other yellow, or worse, red warning light. A car that will forever remain in my heart. I'd still be driving this little duckling, but a lady ran into the back of me and the bodywork repair is uneconomical. I might sell it to Africa so it can continue to serve others valiantly, as I have no qualms about crushing it for scrap. People,

Pros: Technically brilliant, like a tank., Utterly reliable, zero issues in 3 years., Most loyal car owned., Never had warning lights., A car with lasting sentimental value.
Cons: Bodywork repair too costly after accident., Currently undrivable due to rear-end damage.
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Starlet IV

Purchased as a first car for a young driver. The lowest fuel consumption achieved was 4.9 L. Average consumption in the city is 5.5-5.6 L! Vehicle weight is 840 kg. The only drawback encountered was the lack of power steering. This is a minus when parking in tight spaces where you have to turn the wheel a lot. However, it's an advantage on highways. Maximum speed achieved: 0-100 km/h in 10.2 seconds. V-max 195 km/h according to the speedometer. Wider tires and stronger brakes would be beneficial. Prices are absurdly low.

Pros: Excellent fuel economy, Lightweight and agile
Cons: No power steering, difficult parking, Could benefit from wider tires and stronger brakes

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