5k: Survivor, Econobox Edition: 1983 Toyota Starlet, 63k Miles
The Toyota Starlet is an unassuming little rear-drive sh*tbox that we at Daily Turismo have avoided featuring (except the 13B turbo hot rod custom…that one was cool) for a number of reasons. The biggest reason is that there are scores of better built, faster and more competent cars available…but why not give the little guy a win today. Find this 1983 Toyota Starlet with 63k Miles on the odometer for sale in Sacramento, CA for $4999 via craigslist. Tip from Kaibeezy.
The Toyota Starlet won’t win any beauty contests, but its combination of rear drive, cheap parts, hatch usability and skinny tires give it a no nonsense reputation as a reliable and well built take on Renault’s Le Car.
The Starlet is powered by a 1.3 liter 4K inline-4 cylinder engine and makes 62 horsepower and 72 ft-lbs of torque when equipped with fuel injection. The 4K is mated to a 4-speed manual gearbox and won’t have too much trouble getting the 1600 lb Starlet to highway speeds.
The inside of this KP61 Starlet is seriously clean and it must have been owned by an obsessive compulsive or equipped with seat covers since day one. The seller admits to a small rip in the driver’s seat, but says otherwise the car is clean, clear, smogged and ready to go.
See another bronze David ready to slay Goliath? email us here: tips@dailyturismo.com
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what, am I on BAT now? they love this car over there
Not a sh#tbox. In the right climate, a great way to get around. Certainly more dependable and better quality than just about every other comparable car of the same era. I am thinking Colt, Chevette, Mirage, GLC and Fiesta. The Rabbit was probably its closest competitor, but all of these were FWD.
Hope it stays out of the salt and can die a natural death in the distant future with 350,000 miles on the clock.