Production of Toyota Carina cars began in 1970 and ended in 2001. The base model of the first generation was a sedan aimed at middle-class consumers. Unlike its predecessor (Toyota Corona), Karina had a sportier design, which was supposed to attract younger buyers. Every four years a new generation of the car appeared. In addition, each generation was modified in appearance, undergoing restyling two years after its appearance. A total of 7 generations rolled off Toyota production lines, after which the Carina was replaced by the Toyota Allion.
The first model was created as a sports sedan, developed on the basis of the Toyota Celica. Then many modifications of this car were released, including the only passenger station wagon. Up to and including the third generation, all cars had a rear-wheel drive configuration. Front-wheel drive finally replaced the rear-wheel drive platform only on fourth-generation and older models.
Toyota Carina engines on different generations of cars
Interior
It is made quite in the classic style of the nineties - everything is modest. But if you look closely and touch the materials, it becomes clear that the build quality is very high. It was at a very decent level, and it was clear that the designers had worked hard on the car. Although the model was inexpensive, it was beautifully assembled, which makes one marvel even now. Nothing will peel off or tear.
The seats are comfortable, and the interior seats five people. It’s true that 5 people can fit there quite easily, but you will have to sacrifice comfort.
Engines
In total, there were four different engine modifications on the Toyota Carina. The very first and weakest was a 100-horsepower 1.6-liter engine. Acceleration to 100 km/h for this engine was approximately 12 seconds. Maximum speed is about 200 km/h. Fuel consumption (gasoline) was quite modest.
The next engine had a volume of 1.8 liters with 110 horsepower. Its acceleration to 100 km/h was a second faster. The maximum speed remains the same. Fuel consumption was approximately 6 liters in the city. Both modifications were offered only with a five-speed manual gearbox.
The next version had an engine capacity of 2 liters, with 140 horsepower. He was already working with a new transmission - a four-speed automatic. When purchasing, you could choose this automatic transmission or the old manual transmission. However, the first option was much more expensive. Accelerating the car to 100 km/h took only 9 seconds, consumption became 8 liters per 100 kilometers. The maximum speed has increased, but not significantly.
Problems on the secondary side
On the secondary market, the third Carina ED is not the most popular copy. Now the average price for it is 152 thousand rubles.
The car is old, finding a “living” one can be difficult. Some of the cars have probably been in an accident, changed several owners, or have a long mileage. In order not to buy a problematic copy, it is advisable to check its history before purchasing.
This Toyota, as the seller writes, is being sold in average condition. He is ready to answer all questions over the phone.
Do you have any questions for the owner? The check showed registration restrictions. It is necessary to clarify whether the seller will remove them in order to re-register the car.
The car also has 21 fines for 12 thousand rubles, plus there is an accident with damage to the front part.
Also read: Middle or business class: Toyota Camry (XV40) review
Powerful version of Toyota Carina
It's time to talk about the most powerful version of the Toyota Carina. Namely, the 2.0-liter engine, which had 180 horsepower. Its maximum speed was 220 km/h, and acceleration to 100 km/h took only 8 seconds. At the same time, fuel consumption remained the same as on the previous modification of the engine. And it’s worth noting that the most powerful version was offered only with a five-speed manual gearbox.
3S-FE 2.0 l
The most successful and widespread power unit among the S series and Toyota engines in general. Production started in 1984 and did not stop until 2007. The timing belt drive requires replacing the belt every 100 thousand. Throughout the entire production period, these engines were constantly improved, as a result of which the first low-power carburetor models were replaced by turbocharged engines with electronic injection and power up to 260 hp (3S-GTE).
Engine Toyota 3S-FE 2.0 l
The predecessor of the series, 2S, was taken as a basis. Main improvements:
- Increase in cylinder diameter from 80.5 to 86;
- Reducing the piston stroke from 90mm to 86m.
As a result, the carburetor first-born had a volume of 2 liters and a power of 111 hp. The subsequent installation of electronic injection and two ignition coils (one for 2 cylinders) made it possible to increase power on some models to 130 hp. Also, the 3S-FE can be filled with 92 gasoline, but 93 is preferable. A sixteen-valve timing system with two camshafts, only one of which is driven by a belt.
The model is considered quite reliable and there are no problems in operation for at least 200 thousand mileage.
Installed on the following Toyota cars: Camry, Celica T160, T180, T200, Carina II, Caldina, Carina ED, Carina E, Corona T170, T190, Avensis, RAV4, Picnic, Ipsum, MR2, Mk2.
Comments from car owners
Owner reviews of the Toyota Carina are quite good. Despite the considerable age of the model, it is still respectable in our time. Many people say that its consumption is very low. Yes it is. However, the more powerful the motor, the greater the consumption. Therefore, do not be surprised if you have more than 10 liters of consumption in a traffic jam.
The body has an anti-corrosion coating, but if you operate the car in the rain and winter, it will soon begin to rust, despite this feature. It is worth noting that in winter the car almost always starts the first time, but if the frosts are very severe, at most the second time.
The engine has enough horsepower to overtake on the highway as safely as possible. However, this is not enough for a full drive in our time; we want more. Therefore, reviews of the Toyota Carina may be negative because of the engine; after all, this is a car of the nineties. The downside is that when driving with the window open, it begins to play. Therefore, it is better to drive with the windows closed. Sound insulation is not that good, but it is there. If you look at it, reviews of the Toyota Carina are generally positive. However, the car also has its disadvantages.
Content
- "Karina ED" inside and out
- Engines and transmissions
- Problems on the secondary side
- To take or not to take
The third Carina ED was at one time a bestseller both in the domestic market and far beyond its borders. To bring the model closer to the American hardtop, the creator gave the body rounded features and made design changes with an emphasis on sportiness. The letters ED in its name are short for Exciting Dressy, which means “luxuriously dressed.”
These days, the luxuriously dressed Carina is no longer in demand. Over the past three months, it has been checked only 1,953 times via avtocod.ru. This is understandable: the first models of the third ED are now 27 years old, and with all the diversity on the used market, buyers prefer to buy more modern cars.
In this article, we look at all the pros and cons of the car and decide whether to buy an old Japanese hardtop.
Seventh generation
This generation was the last for the car. The release of the latest model occurred precisely on November 21, 2001, but before that moment it received a restyling.
Restyling removed the lines on the body made of chrome from the design. The rear and front lights have been transformed, and the radiator grille has changed. They installed a new steering wheel and made the seat upholstery with a different material. Some elements of the interior and exterior were also changed.
It is worth noting that in recent years the brand has released an exclusive version for this model. It was a limited edition, containing velor pillars, an electronic instrument panel, a rear window washer and much more that was not found in competitors and, of course, in this car before. We will consider the technical characteristics of the seventh generation Toyota Carina further.
Engines
The weakest was the 100-horsepower 2.2-liter diesel engine. It was equipped with a turbocharger. All models were all-wheel drive. This engine only came with a five-speed automatic gearbox.
There were also gasoline engines with a volume of 1.5 liters per 110 liters. With. and 1.8 liters for 120 horsepower. These modifications were presented only in tandem with a four-speed automatic transmission. The consumption of all engines of the model is approximately 7-8 liters per 100 kilometers in the city. In winter, consumption increases by about 1-2 liters.
5A-FE 1.5 l
Essentially, this is a modified version of the previous model (4A). Compared to its predecessor, the cylinder diameter of the 5A decreased to 78.7 mm, which is why the engine capacity decreased to 1.5 liters. Other indicators of this model are almost entirely similar to 4A-F. This is a standard civilian unit - no sports variations have been created based on it.
The first modification (5A-F) had carburetor injection, had modest power and was distributed exclusively on the Japanese market. The 5A-FE is already equipped with an injector, as evidenced by the letter E at the end of the name, and it also corrected some of the shortcomings inherent in the carburetor counterpart.
Engine Toyota 5A-FE 1.5 l
Among the common problems, the main ones that arise are:
- Problems with the distributor;
- There is periodic incorrect operation of the lambda probe and internal combustion engine temperature sensor. Sometimes these problems prevent the engine from starting.
- Due to malfunctions in the idle speed sensor and contamination of the throttle valve, the speed may fluctuate.
- If the engine “eats” oil in excess of the norm specified by the factory (up to 1 liter per thousand km), it is probably time to change the piston rings and valve stem seals.
- Knocking in the engine is possible due to play in the piston pins, and also if the valves have not been adjusted for a long time due to high mileage.
- Excessive fuel consumption also occurs due to a faulty lambda probe. The malfunction is eliminated by replacing it.
- Failure of the absolute pressure sensor will be noticeable by vibrations at idle, black exhaust, and the appearance of soot on the spark plugs.
- If the speed freezes or fluctuates, it is necessary to wash the throttle block, check the idle air valve, and inspect the TPS.
Crankshaft seals may also leak, the ignition may work unstably, and a number of other problems may arise.
All this happens, as a rule, not from design defects, but due to high mileage and general wear and tear of engine components.
The engine was also installed on the following Toyota cars: Corolla, Sprinter, G Touring. Now Chinese Vela cars are equipped with 5A-FE units.
Owner comments
Of course, we can talk about the bare characteristics and engines of a car forever. You need to listen to car owners, their reviews of the diesel Toyota Carina. This will allow you to understand whether the car is good or not. According to them, the car behaves adequately and reacts quickly to steering movements. The dynamics are on par, there is confidence when overtaking. The engines have a very long service life, averaging 300 thousand kilometers or more. True, many people use it without even adding oil. Under no circumstances should this be done. Fuel consumption is modest, but I would like it to be better. The gearbox works a little with jerks.
There are also negative reviews about the Toyota Carina due to the fact that the car does not have seat adjustments. The seating position is quite low, and this car is not at all suitable for tall people. However, this is precisely what gives this model its sporty character. One more fact is worth noting. Owner reviews of the Toyota Carina can be negative due to the fact that there is no tachometer and electric mirrors. But these negative comments can be attributed to the fact that people do not understand the age of the car. At that time, such technologies were simply not affordable for developers. This was new.
"Karina ED" inside and out
The interior of the Carina ED III, even after years, pleases with its ergonomics. The seats have developed lateral support, the console is turned towards the driver, so that the auxiliary systems are controlled intuitively, without distraction from the steering wheel. The steering wheel itself is adjustable in two planes, which makes it easier to get in/out, which is specific here: due to the low ground clearance of 140-145 mm, the driver has to “lie down” in the car.
High-quality velor, plastic, artificial leather on the panel have not lost their consumer characteristics, and the fit of interior parts is excellent - no “crickets”, despite the age of the car.
The only negative is associated with the feature of the hardtop body. Over time, the side windows begin to fit inaccurately to the seals. Because of this, sound insulation suffers, and during intensive washing, water can enter the interior.
The basis for the Carina ED III was a sports coupe, so the car turned out to be “for two”. There's little space between the front and rear seats, leaving rear passengers with little legroom. The manufacturer claims three seats in the back, but in reality two adults can barely fit there.
The body and paintwork suffer only from external influences - there is no rust, “saffron marks” or paint swelling. There is a nuance with attaching the trunk lid. Due to abraded hinges, a gap is formed between the body and the trunk lid, through which water can enter. The problem is solved by replacing the hinges (3000 rubles) or rivets in the mechanism itself (500 rubles).
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