11th Dec 2007, 12:58

Further update : rumbling noise coming from the right corner when turning sharply to the right... garage can't see anything... very strange, won't bother to fix.

Update @171.000 km : downshifting from 3rd to 2nd gear has become very difficult; according to garage synchro in the gearbox has to be replaced, a very expensive job (ca. 1500 euro), more than car is actually worth... so, it's time for it to go! Will be looking to another car, and probably not a Toyota since the available MPV models are too expensive (Corolla Verso). Although we've had little trouble with this Carina, it's still rather disappointing to be told that a Toyota gearbox has gone bad after only 170k.

25th Dec 2007, 04:46

Updated 24/12/2007 : bought a new car, Renault Grand Scenic. Origninally went for Citroen Xsara Picasso (the old model, very cheap), looked at the C4 Picasso and found the Renault to be of a sturdier built.

29th Oct 2009, 17:34

Please update us again, and let us know how much you miss your Carina and whether you have replaced the gearbox or suffered a major fault yet, as you will, with your new posher Renault.

My sisters 5 year old Megane is on its third gearbox. I sold my 20 year old Carina 11 to an employee, at 165000m, and it is still going like a clock, despite him driving it constantly like a stolen Porsche.

My "new", third, Carina E is a flyer, cost all of €550, and I would not swap it for any new motor out there. Every time I get a fit of madness and buy a more "respectable" car, to impress the neighbours, who probably feel I am a pauper, I regret it after a few weeks and go out and get a Carina again, and am happy.

My Mercedes is now sitting on our driveway, unloved, as even my wife prefers the Carina, and pinches it every chance she gets. Carinas are the best cars ever built, the slope was unfortunately downhill from the Carina 11 to the Carina e to the Avensis, and I have done enough work for Toyota themselves to know that to be true, even in their opinion. Still great though.

4th Mar 2012, 13:58

I'm the original owner. I have posted comments on the successor to my Carina at http://www.carsurvey.org/review_109913.html

After 4 years of usage and some 80.000 km, I'm quite satisfied with my Renault Scenic. As for the Carina, well, it's a good car, but I'm still a bit disappointed about the gear box. I would buy a Toyota again, but this time with a petrol engine.