1996 Toyota Corona GLXi AMON review from Australia and New Zealand

Aircon pump - fixed under extended Toyota warranty.

Wheel Bearing (LF) at 145000kms.

Front discs skimmed at 100000kms.

2 batteries (not Toyotas fault!)

The best Toyota Corona ever made, these were the last NZ production model & sold for nearly NZ$50k when new. We paid NZ$15k after 5years, after 6 more years car is probably still worth $5k, but we are keeping it in the family for the kids.

Like a lot of NZ Toyota specials, the suspension was tweaked for improved handling by NZ F1 race driver Chris Amon (using the std. Toyota parts bin only worldwide) & the car came with McKenzie Institute ergonomic partial leather seats.

We bought it at 5years old, 50000kms & it has been exceptionally reliable & fuss free. It handles well on seal or gravel & when towing. The seats are fantastic on long journeys (I have had serious back problems, but the seats support so well).

Fuel consumption is reasonable for a medium sedan, but I wouldn't say economical; but I think fuel is the cheapest component of a cars cost. Electric Overdrive is a big help when towing or hills.

We have been tempted to replace it over the years & looked seriously at the Altezza/lexus IS models, Subaru etc. We keep coming back to our general satisfaction & cannot justify it just to have a later model car.