1973 Toyota Corolla KE30 1.2L

Summary:

Shoot it, and it will still work

Faults:

My head gasket went at 54,000km.

First engine; the piston went though the side of the engine block.

Rust here and there. Worst on the hood.

Electronic system could be classed as a bit dodgy, loses connections everywhere.

The gearbox is only a four speed, so it is hell on the highway, and that means it has a top speed of 95 km/h, 100 if it is downhill and with a tailwind.

She is starting to spit black stuff out the back.

It is painted brown.

Dashboard is badly cracked.

No Rpm gauge.

Parts are getting harder and harder to find.

General Comments:

My head gasket went 30km from home. Still got me home with cylinder 4 flooded.

Yet again, still got me home up a 10% gradient with only three working cylinders.

The cooling system is unbelievable, never goes higher than lukewarm on the highway, even though it is at 4000RPM.

Real fun in the dirt, but the back end is very lively.

It is a two door coupe, but who needs to have more than one friend in one's car?

Will always start in any weather after a bit.

Even with the problems out numbering the good points, it still runs perfectly.

Two door coupes are rare in Australia.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th August, 2010

3rd Mar 2014, 02:35

The Corolla KE30 is a nice car and very economical. The Corolla KE30 is not a fast car, but driving a KE30 is fun. A good car as a first car for starters, and you will love it.

Tikiri, Sri Lanka.