Owner Review: Still intact after 37 years, it's the best inheritance for me! - My 1983 Toyota Corolla AE-80

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Basic information

1983 Toyota Corolla LE 1.3 (AE-80)

Car selection process

• Models that I have considered include: Nissan Sunny 130Y

This car was a natural choice for my father who kept it all these years. Back in the 80's it had the most futuristic look and was considered sporty in those days. The interior design was also considered modern those days.

User experience

• I have already done 338000 km

The car served the family well and was the main mode of transportation for the family when we travelled from Seremban to KL and outstation trips. Due to the spacious size we could squeeze 4 persons at the rear !

Pros&Cons

Pros

• The car still looks good today despite being 37 years old.

• 8 valve technology.

• A purely mechanical car.

• Easy to maintian.

• No electronics.

• The interior space of the car be good with plenty of legroom.

• Being a Toyota, the engine is reliable and hardy.

Cons

• Fuel consumption is not the best for an 8 valve car, and that was why Toyota launched the 12 valve version a year later.

• Being a 1.3-liter car, it was unpowered, especially on a full load.

• The interior finishing on a 1.3 was a little too much plastic and could be improved.

• There was no power steering or power windows but it is a blessing now as it is less maintenance.

• Body parts and other major parts are getting more difficult to source now.

Ratings:

• Total Score:4

• Performance:3

• Quality & Features:3

• Space:5

• Ride Comfort:5

• Fuel Economy:3

• Price & Cost:3

Summary

She came into our lives in December 1983. Took us around Seremban, Port Dickson, Kuala Lumpur and down south all the way to Singapore before the North-South Highway was completed and up north all the way to Penang and the hills of Cameron Highlands.
A family car of my Dad, she was also my first ride when I obtained my driver's license and during student, my pupillage days and my 1st year in legal practice before I passed her back to my Dad after buying my 1st car. My Dad could not look after her any more and asked me to take her back with me which I gladly accepted. 37 years have passed and though age has caught with her and though she does not have the technology and the fuel efficiency of today's cars, she still runs fine and steady. I felt it was best to leave the appearance of the car as factory standard from the 1st day we had her rather than to get it modified or spruced up to the more trendy looking and later versions of the AE-80 that can be found at the half-cut shops so that she will remain to be as authentic as possible. Only minor changes were made when as there were no parts available but most of the car is as close to the original as it can be.

A special thanks to my Dad, Philip Lim for handing over her to me.

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