Toyota Starlet (1996 - 1999) 1.3 Solida 5d Auto (1999/S) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
You don't care about image and just want cheap, easy and reliable motoring.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
The neighbours probably think it's rubbish but my family who know the car think it's a cracking little car.
Would you buy this car again and why?
No, but only because I want something newer now.
What are you likely to buy next?
A Mazda 2 Capella. I am seeing a dealer on Monday. My last two cars have both been Toyotas and I think they are great but the Mazda 2 looks like a better option for us as a next car. I always stick with Japanese cars now because they are more reliable.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Didn't buy from a dealer
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£1,650
When did you buy the car?
September 2008
Did you get a good deal and why?
At the time I thought it was a bit steep but in retrospect it was very fair for a car that had a full Toyota service history and looking around at other Starlets it is clear that they hold their value extremely well.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
My wife really needed a small automatic that was easy to drive and the Starlet is perfect in that respect.
What was the dealer like?
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
It's just about the easiest car in the world to drive, especially around town and on short trips. Visibility is great and road holding is fine. It isn't fast but I find it adequate for normal usage. The brakes are not ABS and at first I was concerned about this but they are actually very good.
What's it like to park?
Very simple indeed. You have good all round vision and power steering helps. Being an auto it crawls forwards or backwards slowly and you just touch the brake to control it. Unlike more modern cars you can actually see the front of the bonnet more easily as well.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Nothing. It has been absolutely perfect for the last two years and starts first time every time. The only expense I had for parts was something to do with the handbrake, which Toyota told me had worn down but we were replacing an original part that had lasted 11 years and only cost about £90.
What's most practical about your car?
Five doors
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
The air con
