Monday Motoring Classic: Toyota Carina E

David Ross, Editor
Mon, 26 Jun 2023

It might not seem that long ago, but in 1992 the first British-built Toyota rolled off the production line.

Just three years prior Toyota decided to invest heavily and create the Burnaston plant. Following nine months of Japanese imports the first UK-built Carina was made on December 16th.

It was a step forward from the more straight-laced Carina II that preceeded it, with a bigger, curvier body to offer better interior space as well as improved aerodynamics.

Engine options included 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre petrols as well as a 2.0-litre diesel, with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission options.

Hatchbacks and saloons were the most popular options, but the estate was practical and reasonably stylish for the period.

The driving experience was much as you would expect from a period Toyota. All the major controls were easy to use, with a slick gearbox and easy-going steering. Not exactly fun, but never hard work either.

More importantly, as a potential classic, the Carina has its trump card - reliability.

Of course we're still looking at a car that is close to 30 years old, so expect to find a few issues. But they were well built from quality materials, so those that are still around look remarkably fresh.

Rust can nibble at the bottom of the doors as well as attack the exhaust, but a well-serviced example has the potential to go on and do huge mileages. The mechanicals are as close to bulletproof as you can get for this money.

Even more pleasingly, we didn't have to look hard to find some. We even found a rare estate, and with just 68,000 miles it had potential, but was a bit scruffy inside and out, although some attention would put that right.

Better yet was the 1997 1.6 S we found with 42,000 miles and one owner from new. The exterior was clean and straight while the interior looked remarkably box-fresh.

Having driven Toyota's own heritage Carina E that had been primped and preened to within an inch of its life, the fact that this example just sat on a dealer forecourt looked just as good was a testament to its longevity.

With a sticker price of £2500 we thought this was the perfect thing to drive away, enjoy and care for, safe in the knowledge it will probably run on until the end of time or unleaded petrol, whichever comes first. Find a Carina E for sale

Ask HJ

What's the future for classic car owners amidst the move to electric?

Being in a position to indulge myself, I'm thinking of buying a classic car with a view to using it as a daily runner on short runs with the occasional long run. With the move toward electric vehicles and the cost of fuel likely to rise, is this a good idea? Generally, what is the future for classic vehicles? Are we likely to see them being gradually 'forced' off the road? I know that no one has a crystal ball but I'd like an informed comment on this subject. Thanks in advance.

Go for it. Classic car prices are strong and seem to be getting even stronger – lots of people want to treat themselves after the last 12 months and are keen to own a classic car while it's still plausible. As you say, we don't have a crystal ball, but outlawing classic cars won't happen overnight. We predict they'll be on the roads for a while yet and demand is likely to remain high. There's an increasing amount of companies offering EV conversions – even David Beckham's just invested in one. That could be an option in the future.

Answered by Andrew Brady

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