Give Me A Reason Not To Buy This Car

Volvoboy

Keep seeing this car on carzone, my almera is now sold and am looking to buy a reliable motor bit of poke, and wont loose money been looking at a avensis, 626, E200 Frog eye and boxy model, primera all these cars haver either been taxi'd or overpriced and or knackerd

But this (suprise suprise) carina keeps on ticking all my boxes but being a rare model would it be a pain to keep and maintain?


http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=697482




-VB-

Owen

Well, if you do want a reason, I always thought it was a farmer's car. The words "Lean burn" on the back used to make me shudder, what type of person would describe a petrol engine like that?

mike65

A Carina???????????? Aim a bit higher!

Mike.

Volvoboy

Look at the badges at the back count the exhausts



-VB-

mike65

Sorry I can't see anything due to that horrid Carina badge!

Mike.

Volvoboy

*sigh*


Its funny five minuites.:rolleyes:



-VB-

Volvoboy

Meh i dunno, cant find a good merc all either overpriced or taxi'd this one is a bit old but.




-VB-

mike65

Sorry, if you are that taken with it then buy it and damn the begrudgers.

Mike.

IrishRover

Sure why not at least go and have a look at it and drive it to see what you think. Probably has the same engine as the 2.0 nasp Celica and the same body as a regular Carina so there's probably not going to be much hassle getting most parts for it.
These old Carinas used to be ubiquitous, but now in an ironic way it's something different to drive on the roads. One big plus point I can think of is the stealth factor here. Probably has a nice bit of power but some subtlety to go with it.

Lean Burn seems to be a technology that might have become very big had it not been for the introduction of catalytic converters to reduce emissions.

maidhc

€3000 is too much for any 1992 Carina E!

Volvoboy

IrishRover wrote:

Sure why not at least go and have a look at it and drive it to see what you think. Probably has the same engine as the 2.0 nasp Celica and the same body as a regular Carina so there's probably not going to be much hassle getting most parts for it.
These old Carinas used to be ubiquitous, but now in an ironic way it's something different to drive on the roads. One big plus point I can think of is the stealth factor here. Probably has a nice bit of power but some subtlety to go with it.

Lean Burn seems to be a technology that might have become very big had it not been for the introduction of catalytic converters to reduce emissions.

On the ball, it has the exact same engine out of the celica.


-VB-

BrianD3

Certainly a rare Carina and I can see some appeal in it but 3k seems well overpriced for any Carina E.

In 1993-1995 The Carina E GTI was the basis for Toyota's entry in the British Touring Car Championship even if the race cars bore very little resemblence to the road cars there was some connection there. I remember Top Gear did a time trial at Silverstone for touring car drivers in the roadgoing version of their race cars. Will Hoy (RIP) drove the Carina E GTI. That's the first thing I think of when I see that car

peasant

Carina or no Carina ...the insurance will probably skin you alive as soon as the hear "Gee Tee Aye"

Volvoboy

peasant wrote:

Carina or no Carina ...the insurance will probably skin you alive as soon as the hear "Gee Tee Aye"

But 2.0 GTi will sound like on the phone
2.0 GLi:D

-VB-

electric69

pricey for a 92

ninty9er

I'd say offer um €1900 and if they take it be happy and if not just walk.

Basically go for it, though a 626 of that vintage is a nicer car to look at and probably a better drive

JohnCleary

Christ man what age are you, 90? Buy a fun car for once!

Vikings

If you manage to get insured on it at any price let me know who with, cheers

Go for it...

eamon234

It's uglier than Carol on Big Brother

unkel

Changing nick is normally frowned upon, but maybe you should call yourself Carinaboy from now on, Volvoboy

Andrewf20

Whats with the colour? Looks like the most insipid motor going.

Theres so much other better stuff out there, thats younger, with lower mileage, better looking, in better colours.

Heres 2 I quickly saw:

http://www.usedcars.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=723096

http://www.usedcars.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=706000

dillaneS

buy that car.. will be worth money in years to comes.. ive personally never heard of a gti.. always tawt in was a gli.. have a carina II myself.. one of the nicest car ive ever drove:)

pburns

dillaneS wrote:

buy that car.. will be worth money in years to comes.. ive personally never heard of a gti.. always tawt in was a gli.. have a carina II myself.. nicest car ive ever drove:)

No offence, but if a Carina E is the nicest car you ever drove you need to test drive a few motors and educate yourself!! For starters the bloody things are like a boat in corners - crap handling even by the stanards of the time. The interior is a step backwards from even the older ('late 80's) Carinas which had a bit of plushness about them...

The post asked 'reasons not to but this car?' At the right price it might make sense but anyone who pays anywhere close to 3 grand for that yoke needs a visit from the men in white coats...

How about:
http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=717834

http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=712903

http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=722610

rebel.ranter

I wouldn't be a fan of the Carina really, nothing about the car other than the track record of reliability really stands out for me. I know you are a fan of them but why not try something else?
As for those coming up with alternative suggestions slating the Carina for being dull & overpriced... I clicked with trepidation expecting to see a 2 seater or at least sporty alternative, but what do we get a Mondeo/Galant/Toledo!!
As far as I can make out VB is in his early twenties (am I right), now is the time to get something a bit more exciting than a family saloon (unless of course you have a family & I take it all back:D ) . Have a look out for something other than an old rep mobile, something a bit quirky, what about an old SAAB 900 Turbo like this one:

http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=721915
Autotrader UK

or you could always investigate a headache....

bazz26

One reason not to buy that car is the price. It is simply overpriced, I would not pay more than €1500 for a 15 year old Carina GTi or GLi. Also enquire about insurance as my guess is that most insurance companies will not even have a Carina GTi listed but as soon as you mention GTi alarm bells will ring. If you are really set on a Carina GTi then go over to the UK and seek one out as they were more popular there and are dirt cheap at this stage. But beware that most will be decomposing at this stage from the salt on the roads.

Alternatives:-
Honda Accord coupe:
http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carid=716883

prospect

Here is another option, although the dealer could have given it a good wash & wax:

http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=701373

bjmotors

3000 is nonsense for a 92 no matter how clean it is. get the same car in buy and sell for around 800. go for an avensis, you'll get a nice 98 for about 2500-3000.

RobAMerc

More importantly can you give a good reason to buy it ?

if your looking for cheap trills wouldn't Peugeot 106/205/305 Gti or Clio 16v be a way more fun tool, and leave this for dead.

I could see no reason to buy this new for €3000 (and obviously no one else could thats why theres none around), never mind 15 yrs later.

Henry Ford III

A good reason not to buy it? - Ah yes. It's utter rubbish

p.s. Even Minicab drivers won't drive thoise these days. They have their standards, albeit low ones.

bazz26

How about an old Saab:

http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=703207
http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=702450
http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=683527
http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=721915
http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=618192

rebel.ranter

A firend of mine has a red 1.4L 1994 Nissan Sunny saloon, a few years back a lot of migrant workers used to drive this model sunny. We used to take the mick out of him about it back then. He is STILL driving it and the migrant workers have moved on to better things
He won't give up on it even though it was hit by an Avis van (driven by an Avis employee) & repaired, badly. The radio doesn't work when it's raining or too cold, the fuel guage is tempermental, the electric fan is worryingly loud (think he got it from a scrap Primera) & it has 4 shades of red paintwork. The driver's seatback is broken, for the 2nd time. The heater only works on two speeds, really fast or full stop! You can even start it with a teaspoon!
He can afford to buy a car no probs, not sure what the issue is, even his girlfriend is embarrassed to be seen in it.
Everybody has their own taste but some take it a little far.
VB let us know if you decide to buy.

Oh & Bazz, I recommended a Saab above too, they are a bit different

JHMEG

I sold my brother's old 1992 1.6 GLI on yesterday for €175. Makes that one look over priced. The fact that it's a 2.0 litre should lessen the appeal for most people, and you maybe should use that as a very strong case for (pile) driving the price down.

peasant

IF Saab THEN 9000

IrishRover

Andrewf20 wrote:

Whats with the colour? Looks like the most insipid motor going.

Theres so much other better stuff out there, thats younger, with lower mileage, better looking, in better colours.

Heres 2 I quickly saw:

http://www.usedcars.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=723096

http://www.usedcars.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=706000

I think you and a lot of other people on this thread don't understand what this car is. The Mondeos you've listed are just normal repmobiles with normal repmobile engines. The Carina is an MR2/Celica engine in the shell of a repmobile.

It will have something in the region of 160 to 170 horsepower, and most likely better brakes and suspension than a normal Carina. It's not just the same as any other 2 litre Carina except with a GTi badge instead of a GLi badge.

Here's a vid of one racing with an Evo II, although it seems like it has been tuned, it's something to aim for and gives you an idea of how this is really a wolf in sheep's clothing.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUMcN7k5hP4

There seems to be a lot of people on this forum who now appreciate the old Toyotas from the 80's, even the mundane models, so maybe it's just a case of another few years needing to go by before these early 90's Toyotas become more cherished.

It's a hard car to value because it's rare. Currently there are no Carina Gtis in ebay.co.uk or autotrader.co.uk and I can't see how there'd be many for sale in Ireland. Obviously Volvo(Carina)boy should negotiate for the best price and check with his insurance company.

Volvoboy

thanks for the reply lads, my mind is all over the camp with decisions of cars thanks for the suggestions. have some thinking to do, in no immediate hurry to buy another car, but when the right one comes along, as for the carina nice car but just isnt quite worth 3k




-VB-

unkel

Volvoboy wrote:

But 2.0 GTi will sound like on the phone
2.0 GLi:D

I missed that last night. Whatever you buy, do not misinform your insurance company. You don't want to know what the consequences can be...

zilog_jones

Henry Ford III wrote:

p.s. Even Minicab drivers won't drive thoise these days. They have their standards, albeit low ones.

Guess you haven't been in Limerick recently - there's still a good few Carina E taxis around - hell there's even a '90 Carina II diesel still doing the rounds... somehow...

Esel

pburns wrote:

No offence, but if a Carina E is the nicest car you ever drove you need to test drive a few motors and educate yourself!! For starters the bloody things are like a boat in corners - crap handling even by the stanards of the time. The interior is a step backwards from even the older ('late 80's) Carinas which had a bit of plushness about them...

Pay attention next time. The poster you are slagging said he is driving a Carina II - i.e. the late 80s one (88-92). Also, you probably missed the fact that the car in question is not your average Carina E.

@VB: GTi will not sound like GLi when they play the tape back! Don't do it. Also, I'm a bit puzzled - it's a trade sale, but the ad says (paraphrase) 'never gave me a bit of trouble'?

Henry Ford III

zilog_jones wrote:

Guess you haven't been in Limerick recently - there's still a good few Carina E taxis around - hell there's even a '90 Carina II diesel still doing the rounds... somehow...

I live in Limerick, and was referring to mini cabs (hackneys) and specifically not Taxis

dillaneS

pburns wrote:

No offence, but if a Carina E is the nicest car you ever drove you need to test drive a few motors and educate yourself!!

firstly mate.. i said that the carina 2.. not the carina E is ONE of the nicest cars ive ever driven.. not the nicest car ive ever driven!!!!!:p

ninty9er

Henry Ford III wrote:

I live in Limerick, and was referring to mini cabs (hackneys) and specifically not Taxis

You should take a trip up to Davis Street so. There's a few working out of the rank up there

TJJP

Volvoboy wrote:

But this (suprise suprise) carina keeps on ticking all my boxes but being a rare model would it be a pain to keep and maintain?
-VB-

Wouldn't have thought it would be an issue to keep the Carina. Had a '95 celica I imported a few years back and the carina parts were a straight swop when needed. Lots of celicas on the road here now so parts should be widely available. Sold my celica a couple of years back for not much more than carina is asking now so it seems overpriced. An extra 500 yoyos could get you this:

http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=728296

Bit of shopping around could find you a deal on a celica, tax the same as the carina, insurance should be similar?... but of course it might not be what your after.

Volvoboy

TJJP wrote:

Wouldn't have thought it would be an issue to keep the Carina. Had a '95 celica I imported a few years back and the carina parts were a straight swop when needed. Lots of celicas on the road here now so parts should be widely available. Sold my celica a couple of years back for not much more than carina is asking now so it seems overpriced. An extra 500 yoyos could get you this:

http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=728296

Bit of shopping around could find you a deal on a celica, tax the same as the carina, insurance should be similar?... but of course it might not be what your after.

Thank you TJJP for one of the most helpful post of the whole phucking thread, dunno just not quite worth 3k.



-VB-

Gary ITR

To go against the grain of the whole thread I'm going to say I like the carina.. a lot. Any 'hot hatch' from the same era is bound to have had the nuts driven off of it, this though I would imagine would have belonged to a more responsible person. It has lots of power and will be super comfortable and when needed it'll rip off and leave a boy racer in a saxo in your dust.:D

rebel.ranter

Volvoboy wrote:

Thank you TJJP for one of the most helpful post of the whole phucking thread, dunno just not quite worth 3k.
-VB-

But I thought you were looking for reasons NOT to buy the car?????

Surely alternatives available for the money are valid contenders for reasons not to?

Marcus.Aurelius

Parts are probably shared with 1.6, 1.8i Carinas of same vintage. Nice car IMHO, but I don't know if 3k is a good price. I wouldn't really worry about the parts.