1998 Toyota Starlet review from Honduras
"The best in its class"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Four years and 45,000 kilometers without anything breaking down.
All I've had to do are routine oil and filter changes.
The battery died after three years, but I consider this normal.
So far, this is the most reliable car I've ever had.
Replacement parts are cheap and abundant.
General comments?
This car has lots of interior space for such a small car.
The 1295cc engine is strong enough to make the car reasonably fast.
My only disappointment are the 4 speed manual transmission and the lack of power steering. I think in these days every car should have at least 5 speeds and power steering, but I knew this when I test drove the car before buying it. But even with just 4 speeds, it reaches 140 km/hour quite easily. And I only miss the power steering when parking.
Fuel consumption is excellent, I get 60 km/gallon in the highway with the air conditioning turned on and driving fast. With the air conditioning off and driving at reasonable speeds I would get even better mileage.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.3 gasoline (2E) Manual |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 10/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 7/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 0 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 45000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Daihatsu Charade |
| Date of Entry | 7th June, 2002 |



