1982 Toyota Corona review from Australia and New Zealand

Bent steering arm (this was my fault) due to offroad driving (don't ask).

Blown cylinder head.

One cylinder stopped working (which meant the car needed a $500 overhaul).

Needs a replacement clutch soon, as it is getting very worn out.

This is a 1982 Toyota Corona four door sedan. It is bright red and with a brown interior with covers. Seats four comfortably, but is fitted for 5 legally. Front bucket seats etc.

This car is pretty much completely stock.

OK, first things first, the engine in this vehicle is somewhat underpowered. It is quite fast (I drive at around 120 on the highway and it doesn't struggle) and is highly durable, and reasonably quick off the mark. However, it feels a bit lacking in the power department for several reasons:

1.) You have to give it a lot of pedal on hills, even if it is not steep.

2.) It is sluggish in traffic.

3.) Not a great deal of time between gears.

I have, however, towed a 5 metre boat behind this car. It was very slow, but it managed, and I think it deserves some props for that.

The gearbox is a 5 speed manual, with a tall stick. First gear is pretty much useless; you get to around 5 km/h and you have to go into 2nd, so there's no low range driving to be had. You are pretty much in 3rd after 10 seconds. You get used to this pretty quickly, though.

One thing that I think should be noted about this particular gearbox is that the reverse gear is located where 5th usually is; that is, you have to shift right and then UP into reverse instead of the usual right and then down into reverse. Basically, 5th gear and reverse gear and right next to each other. My mother tried to back this car out of the shed, but simply could not find reverse (I don't have the gear map on the knob anymore). Remember this if you ever have to drive one of these. I have shifted from 4th into reverse before, NOT HAPPY.

The dash board is very good, although there is no rev tachometer to be seen. instead I get speed gauge (180km/h), fuel gauge, and a CLOCK. The dashboard is very ergonomical, with all the switches and buttons within easy reach. I'm 6 foot 2, and I fit in the seat quite easily and I'm not too close to the roof. The gear stick is in a very comfy position, especially since the stick is so tall (I don't think it is original). Glove box and centre box are all good, as is smoke lighter. Leg room brilliant, especially on the passenger side. Overall, there is nothing to be unimpressed about.

The handling is very good. It takes corners really well and on the highway it goes 120 - 130 quite easily. Steering never gets the shakes at higher speeds, and the alignment has always been good.

The offroad abilities of this vehicle are far above that of most domestic vehicles too. I have driven this car through creeks (I live rural) and it powers on through.

Overall, 7.5/10 handling, only hindered a bit by underpowered engine, and clutch is getting a bit old.

I should mention that I bought this car off a mate of mine for $200. I think it was a good deal since he bought it for $2000 in 2006. I got a killer rate on it.

Anyway, I have been in and around this car for years, but have only owned it for about a month (first car).

The boot is huge, you could fit several bodies in there. I have put three whole golf bags in there on a regular basis, as well as 20 odd besa blocks to carry to a job site, no sweat.

This is a brilliant car. I will accept that a lot of my praise could be to do with my attachment to this vehicle over the years and the fact that it have bailed us out of a lot of trouble, so I tend to overlook some weaknesses in its performance etc.

But, you would be hard pressed to find anything better for the money. These go for around $500 - $3000 depending on the condition of the vehicle, but for that money you get a four door, five seat 5 speed manual vehicle that doesn't feel particularly dated and with above adequate performance marks.

I think it sells itself... Don't you?

I will continue to drive this car for a while yet I think.