1996 Toyota Carina 2.0GLI review from UK and Ireland

Nothing has gone wrong in 40,000 miles, not a single thing, not a blown bulb, not an electrical malfunction.

Not a thing to report.

I have to say this car is great, it just is so reliable, which makes it a pleasure to own.

I service the car myself and noticed several things that make it such a good car:

Very well engineered, handbrake cable for instance 3 times the thickness of a Vauxhall or Ford's, and totally plastic coated, designed for the life of the car I reckon.

Brake discs and calipers are long lasting and of higher grade material than equivalent rivals.

The engine is superbly engineered and engine bay is well thought out, the equivalant French design looks like they threw the bits in at random as an after thought.

On top of this the 2L engine goes like stink and I change the oil in mine every 6k and it just gets quicker and quicker, I don't think there are many normally aspirated 2L saloons around then and now that can keep up with it and I've driven a few, a Lexus IS200 for a start is not as quick, more BHP, but too heavy and bloated. I used to own a 1990 Celica GT4, that felt lethargic in comparison, I don't know what it is about this car, but it really shifts, try one you will be pleasantly surprised.