1981 Toyota Starlet

[cmf21]

Found a 1981 Toyota Starlet for cheap. It has 125k on it but doesn't run. I was thinking it would be something fun to fix up to race or something. Anyone know anything about this car or what it's worth???

 

[ElFenix]

nothing about that car says fun to race or do anything in

 

[Arkaign]

Originally posted by: ElFenix
nothing about that car says fun to race or do anything in

That's what people would say looking at a Datsun 510, but damn those things can run like a bat out of hell when fixed up.

EDIT : Checked out that gen Starlet. It's RWD, and the turbo had a stock 110hp output on something that weighed just under 2000lbs. Even stock that would have been interesting, but it would probably be child's play to get the power upped considerably, and that would be pretty wild.

 

[Atheus]

These rock, they take the 4AGE series engine from the Tureno/Levin RWD corollas, even the supercharged one. Gut it and put in a roll cage, a couple of bucket seats, and some wide wheels for lightweight insanity. You may also want to do the brakes...

 

[Billb2]

I had one. Bought it new. I never managed to get the advertised 52 mpg though, only 48.
Was surprisingly well built, stiff, fast and nimble. Kind of a precursor to today's ricers like WRXs and EVOs. They've been used in many forms of racing...from SCCA to NHRA.

Here's a quote from an owner:

What things have gone wrong with the car?
The oil pump on this car went out at 250000 miles and took the engine with it. The motor was replaced with a Toyota factory unit (new long block).
At 505,000 miles the carburetor went at a local SCCA event (yes, the car is raced all the time, and has been for all its years). It now has a weber replacement which helped gas mileage and performance.
After 20 plus years and 500,000 miles, the interior was shot and had to be replaced.
General comments?
I truly believe that this is the gretest car ever made. It has never let me down, and I have never in my life had more fun in an automobile.
I will keep this vehicle forever. I love it like a member of the family.

 

[cmf21]

Well I think I'm going to buy it. Their asking $200 which I think is fair. Their former roomate had given them the car since it quite working but they said they got it running again enough for them to drive it around the yard before it died. They said it was a little noisey. I tried starting the car but it wouldn't turn over. Sounded like it wasn't getting gas or something. Parts of the carborator are sitting on the passanger seat and might have something to do with that.

Otherwise the car appears to be in good shape body wise with a bit of surface rust on the back hatch. It needs new wiper arms, a seat belt, new seats or covers, and s passanger window, and some other minor work. It also has ac and decent tires. Going back later to look at it again.

 

[radioouman]

Sounds like a fun project car.

 

[Black88GTA]

Sounds like most of the major pieces are there for a fun project / drag car...tiny, lightweight tin-box body, RWD, factory turbo option, etc...

A downside might be finding even factory OEM replacement parts, let alone upgrade parts...what kind of aftermarket could there be for a 1981 Toyota Starlet? Most upgrades will probably require at least modification of off-the-shelf parts for other cars, if not outright fabrication. Although, I will admit that I've never looked into it, and know absolutely nothing about this model. I had someone offer me one for free a few years back in similar condition to the one you're looking at...but I never followed through with it. No room at the time for a project, unfortunately.

 

[SearchMaster]

It sounds like exactly the car I'd like to buy today, with a factory warranty and new car smell

50MPG and fun? Sign me up!

 

[BlackTigers]

RWD on a car that small?

That sounds like a fucking riot if you get it working "properly." :evil:

 

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: BlackTigers
RWD on a car that small?

That sounds like a fucking riot if you get it working "properly." :evil:

It only had 58HP when it was new (US only had the standard 1.3). I don't think it would be any more fun than driving around a Hoveround

 

[The Boston Dangler]

OP, you win the award for best lurker

 

[EightySix Four]

+This

Now make it happen

 

[aleckz]

4AGE = tons of fun for that car, just like an older AE86 and those engines should have plenty of upgrades even today seeing that the AE86 is a drifting car still used and abused today.

 

[BeauJangles]

Originally posted by: crazySOB297
+This

Now make it happen

Word. That would probably be better than most roller coasters.