Comments: 1-15, 16-20
Front disc brakes needed replacing at 140,000 kilometers.
Engine began to idle above normal revs, 1100 instead of 700, fixed by the dealer at a service.
The most under-rated car ever sold in New Zealand.
Sold from 1992 to 1996, these cars were superior in almost every way to their competition of the time; Ford Telstar, Mazda 626, Mitsubishi Galant, along with most imported models.
These cars have almost faultless reliability.
Their handling is peerless and leaves everything else for dead (thanks to Chris Amon modifications, which were unique to the New Zealand market).
Performance from the 94 kilowatt engine was good, in either manual or multi-mode automatic models.
Cars are capable of easy 180kph cruising on the open road.
Fuel consumption can be heavy around town (12l/100kms), but much better on the open road (8l/100kms).
Automatic models have power/economy mode transmissions, power mode on the open road provides good over-taking ability.
Build quality is superb.
Servicing costs are quite reasonable, as is the level of service from Toyota dealers.
Top-spec GLX models are rare, but simply superb.
Tell me about it -- two weekends ago I was helping a friend look for a car, and my first choice was a Corona of that vintage, but they are so rare in the second-hand market, and when they're available, they're expensive. Appears that Corona owners tend to keep their cars.
You must have a lead foot :-) My parent's Corona automatic gets 6.9l/100km travelling at 120km/h with the air conditioning running (measured from Queenstown to Christchurch), and around 9.5l/100km around town.
If you want a Corona GLX st190 model, there's one for sale now down here in Dunedin, its a white one, auto with low kms but you'd better be quick!!!
Andymcd@ihug.co.nz.
I have owned 3 Corolla's and have enjoyed Toyota's bulletproof reliability. We needed a larger car and I looked for a Corona GLX Liftback, just because it looks better than the sedan. These are hard to come by, luckily two came up for sale (private) on the same weekend, one went in 24 hours, so I bought the other! I had a VTNZ full check done and the motor is in excellent condition after 120,000kms, I am looking forward to the next 100,000.
These are peppy enough (watch out for the Jap imports, they are 1.8 not 2.0 and probably no where near the kW output of the NZ new cars).
The car handles superbly and very comfortable for long drives, and the bodies (NZ new) very rust resistant.
The Jap imports come in 1.8 and 2.0 litres. The 1.8 (1838cc) produces 92kW of power and 165Nm of torque; the 2.0 litre (1998cc) 94kW of power and 179Nm of torque.
The handling of the Jap imports sucks; definitely go for a NZ new model.
The imported Corona model range, both 1.8 and 2.0, have different gear ratios, which results in the differences in both fuel consumption and acceleration. The NZ cars are quicker, but the imports tend to use slightly less fuel overall (on a direct 2.0 to 2.0 comparison). NZ new model is awesome, totally agree on all comments.
I've just purchased a 1992 GLX, in excellent condition, after a lot of looking.
It might seem an obvious question, but, what does it run best on-91 or 96. (I've heard different views)
P.
I own a Toyota Corona 92 ST190 EX Saloon. It's age of 11yrs hasn't deteriorated from its quality. I'm guessing its the New Zealand model (2L) because it handles beautifully, is 100% reliable and I brought it for a very reasonable price.
Defiantly an underestimated car and a good buy for anyone looking for a second hand used vehicle.
-=Hero_boy=-
Your EX model is a Jap import. NZ new models were marketed as GL, GX or GLX, along with the rare GSX. If you think your EX model handles well, then good for you, because most handle poorly when directly compared to their NZ new cousins.
I'm just wondering is that the 1992 corona 2.0 GL? I have one right nowand I'm wondering if there are some modifications I can do with these machine?like a japanese version, european or even american version? what does it look like? can someone post a link or a picture here or somtehing? thanks!
I just bought one of these cars, and am loving driving it. I'm missing air con very badly, does anyone know about costs and difficulty for adding this to the Corona?
Ange.
I have a 92 Corona GL - 2.0 and it's a great car. I had only one concern lately that idling tends to go above normal (1100 rpm) unexpectedly. Any input on how to correct this problem? I'm curious on how the previous comment corrected the problem by it's dealer.
Spike.
Too right - the Thames-built Coronas are among the best cars ever sold in New Zealand. I had the earlier ST170 'Corona Amon' base XL, 1.8 manual, and by the time I traded it in, it had done 284,000 k's!!! and still going strong. I've owned 2 Fiats, a BMW and an Audi since then, but the old Corona still has a special place in my heart for doing everything right =) (and reliably)
You guys are all right! I got a 1991 GL NZAuto for my girlfriend, as I learnt in the deisel wagon version when I was younger. These cars are strong performers. Hers, is an automatic, but that does not mean its slow. In first it loves to chew up the front tyres - once I did a 20 meter burnout without the handbrake. I love driving her car - I think I've scared my few of drag victims (including supercharged levins and mr2s and the odd gtst skyline). Apparently the blueprinted motors (I've been told this by ex-thames staff) were good for 110Kw at the wheels!!! and I've got this one to do over 200Kmh. Its getting on 290,000ks and still strong. We plan to hang on too it for a few more years as its so strong (its knocked over a brick wall and only got a scratch!).
I recently acquired a corona of this make/model. It's an 89 GL Auto. Is this car an NZ new model as well? I don't know much about cars at all, but I know like this car a whole lot. I've been looking for info on the 89 GL all day. The only references I've found to it are on this msg board : (