1991 Toyota Starlet from Bulgaria - Comments

I had to repair the steering gear, it was rattling and pelting in each and every pot-hole.According to the mechanic, it is a common failure for the model. Quite expensive, by the way.

Then the rear brakes pads had to be changed, which is quite unexplainable, taking into consideration the mileage.

There is one more unexplainable thing:the oil pressure light goes off only 4-5 sec after starting the engine. No reason was given to me whatsoever.

You bet the car handles like it's on rails!I have great experience with sports cars, it is truly amazing for such a small car.

Despite its bare 54 hp, it picks up wonderfully. And the consumption is outstanding:4,5Lt in town,4 Lt in highway, mind you!

There is one hitch with the car:the cabin is very noisy, due to the cheap plastics and the multiple parts/it's a hatchback/.

Try using a lighter oil, such as a 5W-30, or 10w-40, this might cure oil light staying on, tho its not to uncommon for an oil light to stay on for a second or so after engine started.

I also have a starlet 1.3 XLI from 1991, the oil warning light does in deed shut off only 2-3 seconds after starting the engine. Nothing to worry about I would say...

Overall, I must say the car is really offering value for money, and so far has never let me down (engine is very reliable! :-) ). Minor point of discontent is the suspension, it is not that refined and has already been replaced on my car due to leakage.

05/01/2007

I have a Toyota starlet of 1991 ff since the past two years. I have to admit that it's engine is extremely reliable and it is fast enough too.Last, but not least I am from Greece where the road all over the country (especially in the capital where I live) are in really bad condition. I hope I NEVER sell my Starlet...