Late '80s Toyota Corolla GT

[willdew]

There's a letter in EVO singing the praises of the AE82. I know very little about them - are they any good? Also, how does it compare to the AE86 (I think - the coupe).

I'd been looking at getting a 205GTi of 16V MK2 Golf GTi, but then saw this suggested as an interesting alternative. Is there anything else I should consider for the £1000 - £2000 mark?

[Pelo]

Hi there

The ae82 is very popular here and far more common than 205s et al, often a base for Pox Mower type monstrosties lol.
I have known a few people who own/ed a 'rolla GT, as a passenger they were always fun, nippy little cars that generally stay together.
The top spec models come with the 4AGE motors, fuel injected 1.6 with about 130hp, easily tuneable and reliable.
An ae86 Levin (Notchback, normal headlights) or Trueno (Fastback, Popup lights) are the rear wheel drive versions with 4AGE motors. ae85s are the same vehicle with a lesser 4SFE (I think) and cruisier suspension etc. Pretty light, <950kgs, and balanced - look on KaZaA for dirty great drift videos in these

Both Classic Jappers, practical and fun. Go for it.

PS Other options at this price, how about a aw11 MR2? There have been many discussions about these cars on here, general opinion is good.

[willdew]

I'm thinking the AE86 Levin could be good.

It's an option I'd never considered before, but am a fan of '80s sports styling, but put off by the normal Golf/205 options due to their muppetish owners reputations that I'd rather distance myself from.

I don't fancy the MR2. I'd rather something a little less recognisable.

I got my old copy of Gran Turismo out at the weekend and started trawling the used car sections but didn't come up with anything else as appealing.

[Mr E]

Old RWD corollas are great fun. The 4A-GZE should swap in with little drama, and 200bhp of supercharged fun can be yours.....

[trefor]

For 1-2k you could get a newer Corolla GTi - the one with the MR2 Mk1 engine (I think). Nice Qcar, faster than most realise.

Expensive to modify though.

My kid brother has one - nice car for what it is and a nice change from the usual hot hatches.

T/.

[willdew]

trefor said:

For 1-2k you could get a newer Corolla GTi - the one with the MR2 Mk1 engine (I think). Nice Qcar, faster than most realise. T/.

I don't know much about the whole Corolla blood line, but I thought the RWD late 80's GT was the one to have?

I do fancy a little more power though, but am not really the sort to start swopping engines about. I don't see that it's money well spent or would make the whole package "better".

[Andy Mac]

As get the corrolla gti, might as well get the Mk1 supercharger. 0-60 in 6.5, and will run rings around everything but elises in the twisties! 145 bhp by the way.

[Mr E]

You can coax a fair bit more than 145bhp out of a 4A-GZE......

[Andy Mac]

Thats a stock figure though!

[DustyC]

If you find a RWD Corolla GT for Under £2K let me know!
I havent seen one that cheap and have ben looking for 6 months. They are nearer £5K.
Its too late...they are collectors cars now

[daver]

I had the RWD Coupe and it was the second best car I've ever owned. I loved that car. Can't remember the year, but it was on a 'D' plate. Get things right and it made you laugh your head off. Get it wrong and your end up pointing at where you came from. A reasonably priced proper learning experience that you'd struggle to find now unless you went for an old 944.

When I sold it, the purchaser made some noises about going rallying in Ireland or something. I haven't tried looking for one since, but it would surprise me if they are like hens' teeth. You see the odd one on the road now and again, but I expect a fair proportion of the remaining examples are engaged in rally related activities.

If anyone knows where D769XGU is, give it a loving pat from me.