Owner Review: Driving The'90s car brings back my memories- My 1990 Toyota Sera

** This article is published on WapCar Community. Click the link below to enter the community for car enthusiasts in Malaysia
https://forum.wapcar.my

Basic information

1990 Toyota Sera

Reasons why I bought this car

I've always been fascinated by a mini-size coupe, and I was looking for a weekend car. I'm not really into speed or performance, but rather on the creativity, aesthetic, and concept/story side.

Car selection process

• I had a budget of: RM 55000

• Models that I have considered include: Smart Roadster, Peugeot 207CC and Nissan Figaro (well, this is even rarer and way above budget)

The car remains majorly original, except for the wheels.It sure is nippy considering it a coupe, but it's not as fun as Miata, Beat, Cappuccino, or other Kei cars. It does feel its age when it comes to the mechanical side. And the 4-speed automatic transmission is responsive if you press harder on the pedal, but not as refined as modern 5/6-speed.
The 1.5L 5E-FHE engine is reliable and relatively affordable to maintain, but just like its transmission, it's not that refined comparing with modern ones.Ride-wise, it's on the harder side. It's acceptable for weekend cruising and highways.FC wise, it's quite economical and acceptable compared with performance cars.
Moreover, parts-wise, it's getting rarer and more costly especially on body parts like panels, headlights, glasses, etc. Mechanical parts can be modified to fit other cars, it shares parts with Starlet, Paseo and Tercel.

Pros&Cons

Pros

• Head-turning design

• Relatively affordable price and maintenance

• Reliable 90s Toyota technology

• Future classic/collector piece, so it holds its value well

• Suprisingly spacious for its size - roomy driver and passenger seats

• For-decoration-only rear seats can be flattened to carry stuffs

• Fun and responsive to handle

• It's a JDM, you can expect Japanese build and quality

Cons

• Sluggish 4-speed automatic transmission

• Louder engine noise

• Extra careful when parking outdoor

• Parts could take some time (and patience!) to source

• Safety feature is very limited to none

• No parking sensor

Ratings:

• Total Score:4

• Performance:2

• Quality & Features:4

• Space:3

• Ride Comfort:2

• Fuel Economy:4

• Price & Cost:5

Summary

Driving a 90s-car in the present day does make me feel warmly nostalgic of which I enjoy profoundly, especially when it's playing old English, Japanese or Cantonese songs on the player. I see my Sera as the beginning of my way towards the ultimate collector car, like a Mitsuoka Le-Seyde.

Interesting events that happened to my car

I actually acquired this Sera from a Sera lover! He owned several of it, now he's rotating, liquidating and reacquiring them. Sera retailed for JPY 1.6mil back in 1990 and was about RM100k with Malaysian importer. This Sera was first registered in 1991 and ran around in the northern region of Peninsular (Penang) with the 1st owner, then stayed in the southern region for 1 decade with the 2nd owner, and now running in the capital city KL with me. 

📢📢Announcement:

After reading a countless number of Owner Review stories, are you interested in sharing your own story also? WapCar sincerely invites YOU to share the genuine feelings of your car!

You may receive special souvenirs from WapCar! Sign up now to know more! WapCar staff will contact you shortly after you sign up.