Stock #6169

Toyota had a vast portfolio of sporty family sedans at the end of the last millennium. This 1998 Carina GT is unique, cool, and above all, a riot to drive. We'd like to think that lugging your family along at 8,000 rpm with ITBs screaming to the heavens is a whole lot more fun than plopping them in the back of a Chevrolet Malibu. Finished in a classic Super White (040) this saloon is set off by an OEM front lip, side skirts, and rear valance. Aside from a trunk lid replacement in Japan and a few light dings, chips, and scuffs the GT is in good nick and comes fresh off a recent service. Touting a mere 137k verified and documented miles, this little 6-speed pocket rocket is barely broken in. Affordable, easy to service, and an all-out blast to hoon about, this Japanese Classic is a special sedan and a hidden gem from the Island of the Rising Sun! 

The interior is as spicy as the engine, with neat materials and several power features to brag about. The driver sits low in the cockpit and the low-slung dash houses dual SRS airbags. The steering column is adjustable and the driver benefits from power locks, keyless entry, power-folding mirrors, and power windows. In typical Toyota fashion, they all work as advertised, making daily driving more enjoyable. The seats steal the show and are in above-average condition. The blue and gray textured cloth is soft to the touch and is supportive on longer drives and the pattern would make the guys at Dan Flashes jealous. The durable upholstery lacks any major rips stains or tears, as well. OEM audio supplements the 20v under the bonnet nicely and is easy to use. Directly below is the controls for the digital climate system which spews piping hot heat and cold A/C at a moments notice. The door cards and carpets have withstood the past 25 years without sustaining major abuse, and aside from some missing leather wrapping on the steering wheel, some wear to the touch points and a little rub mark on the headliner, it's hard to complain about the cabin. The Carina even comes with the owners manual, maintenance booklets, and OEM carpet mats for good measure.  

While we love almost everything about the Carina, the 20V 4A-GE engine is the crown jewel, with its 8,000 rpm redline and factory individual throttle bodies. Fresh off an oil and filter service, this Carina starts up promptly care of a new 12v battery. A new engine air filter works to maximize fuel economy and performance as do a new set of spark plugs. For those who value keeping the cost of ownership low, a new timing belt and water pump have been installed and we also replaced the thermostat. We also addressed a few oil leaks while we were in there and the 1.6L benefits from new cam seals and a new oil pan gasket. Linked to a factory six-speed manual gearbox, this FWD sedan is a blast to drive. The extra cog allows for lower RPM's on the highway and the little sedan is peppy about town. The Largus coilovers reduce ride height and keep the Toyota flat in the corners. New lower control arm bushings were replaced for state inspection and the power steering is direct and on point. A limited slip differential allows the platform to hastily exit corners and the brakes feel tight and tidy, bolstered by brand-new brake pads. Lastly, we wrapped the wheels in new rubber at all four corners. The new tires reduce road noise and will last for tens of thousands of miles to come. To polish off the shop work we freshly aligned this little go-kart. Fun, practical, and able to withstand the rigors of daily use, our Carina GT is a special little car!

*California Residents: In order to register a Grey Market vehicle in the state of California then it will have to be made CARB compliant first. CARB certifications will have to be performed within the state. Depending on the vehicle and any existing modifications will affect the pricing. Typically CARB compliance will range between 5-10K. Additional information can be found on the California Air Resources Board website.