Corolla AE86 as a daily driver... bad idea?
Discussion
Hi all, I have found myself recently trawling the interwebnettings for AE86 Corollas for sale, and was wondering what peoples opinions were of running them as a daily driver? I know plently of people that run the AE92 FWD versions with absoultely no problems what so ever, but with the 86 being a lot less common, wondered if they suffered issues?
I currently drive a Honda Civic VTi, and while it is plently quick enough for my needs, if is a tad un inspiring to drive, and needs to be thrashed at 10/10th to be enjoyed. I'm hoping the Corolla will be able to provide the same practicality, reliability and running costs as the Civic but much a much improved fun factor.
What are your thoughts?
I currently drive a Honda Civic VTi, and while it is plently quick enough for my needs, if is a tad un inspiring to drive, and needs to be thrashed at 10/10th to be enjoyed. I'm hoping the Corolla will be able to provide the same practicality, reliability and running costs as the Civic but much a much improved fun factor.
What are your thoughts?
These are definitely fun cars to steer, but most people I know own them either have concours or restored examples used daily, or used as a 2nd car for drifting.
In performance terms you will be disappointed going from a VTi Civic, they need to be worked hard for relatively little pull, but for fun they will put a smile on your face. My cousin has owned probably 12+ of these over the years and although he was a Toyota mechanic and kept his in tip top condition, it still broke every so often, as will any 20+ yr old car.
Look out for rust at the rear, diffs on thier last legs, dead shocks and check all panel gaps for previous damage.
Still, you could buy a bad one, have some fun and sell it to someone in Ireland who will break your arm off and near double your money. People pay silly money for them over here.
Have you considered an S14 or 14a as an alternative? Better car for less money imho.
In performance terms you will be disappointed going from a VTi Civic, they need to be worked hard for relatively little pull, but for fun they will put a smile on your face. My cousin has owned probably 12+ of these over the years and although he was a Toyota mechanic and kept his in tip top condition, it still broke every so often, as will any 20+ yr old car.
Look out for rust at the rear, diffs on thier last legs, dead shocks and check all panel gaps for previous damage.
Still, you could buy a bad one, have some fun and sell it to someone in Ireland who will break your arm off and near double your money. People pay silly money for them over here.
Have you considered an S14 or 14a as an alternative? Better car for less money imho.
I used both of mine regularly, apart from their obvious age causing issues, needing brakes cleaning up, keeping an eye out for rust, the usual 80s Jap stuff, they cope fine. As for pace, you can hustle a standard one quite well if you're brave and it'll give you endless enjoyment. If you can find a clean example then by all means go for it imo. The engines still feel modern and responsive, and the 'box is a joy to use.
MR2 Turbo is not my bag, not keen on the MR layout as I don't think it will suit the way I drive, and I have considered the 200sx route, but they are big heavy cars, and being picky, I'm just not keen on the styling.
I'm probably being a bit ambitious thinking I can run an 86 as a daily, but I've wanted one for years and could probably afford one in the new year. Maybe as a second car is a good route...
I'm probably being a bit ambitious thinking I can run an 86 as a daily, but I've wanted one for years and could probably afford one in the new year. Maybe as a second car is a good route...
Corolla AE86 = 1043kg
Nissan S14= 1220kg
Not a whole lot of difference, anyway over here nearly every twin cam has been crashed or stolen at some point so be very careful, very easy to buy a rotten one as well, engine is an OK wee thing but 20 years old and probably raked near to death = will probably be expensive to get running nicely. Gearboxes are ok and should last, diffs and propshafts can go but are easy to replace.
It is a very easy car to work on so if you have some ability with spanners you should be ok. Easy to insure in England not so easy to insure in Northern Ireland.
Reasonable fuel costs as well with nice enough interiors for the time.
I would buy an old MR2 over one however, same engine and safer handling.
Nissan S14= 1220kg
Not a whole lot of difference, anyway over here nearly every twin cam has been crashed or stolen at some point so be very careful, very easy to buy a rotten one as well, engine is an OK wee thing but 20 years old and probably raked near to death = will probably be expensive to get running nicely. Gearboxes are ok and should last, diffs and propshafts can go but are easy to replace.
It is a very easy car to work on so if you have some ability with spanners you should be ok. Easy to insure in England not so easy to insure in Northern Ireland.
Reasonable fuel costs as well with nice enough interiors for the time.
I would buy an old MR2 over one however, same engine and safer handling.
Mr Dave said:
I would buy an old MR2 over one however, same engine and safer handling.
Where do you get that idea from? You're comparing a pretty neutral, forgiving FR car with a short wheel base MR car that while nicely balanced and communicative will swap ends very quickly when it does let go.
Having owned and driven both AE86's and AW11's to their limits and beyond.
The AE86 are so seriously over rated and over priced due to their 'cult' drift status. 10 years ago you could pick up a decent one for around £700. now the same car in the same condition would cost over £3k. Just doesn't add up to me.
Don't get me wrong, the AE86 is a good car and as long as the mechanics are looked after it will run pretty much forever.
But for me the AW11 is the better car in terms of handling and everyday suitability.
The AE86 are so seriously over rated and over priced due to their 'cult' drift status. 10 years ago you could pick up a decent one for around £700. now the same car in the same condition would cost over £3k. Just doesn't add up to me.
Don't get me wrong, the AE86 is a good car and as long as the mechanics are looked after it will run pretty much forever.
But for me the AW11 is the better car in terms of handling and everyday suitability.
System-G said:
The AE86 are so seriously over rated and over priced due to their 'cult' drift status. 10 years ago you could pick up a decent one for around £700. now the same car in the same condition would cost over £3k. Just doesn't add up to me.
Agreed. These cars became popular because of their cult drift status, and because of Initial D.Very overpriced for what they are, cracking cars, but better available for the money IMO...
IMHO you are better off getting a decent MX5, it'll be cheaper, quicker, more reliable, and easier to get parts for 
And just as enjoyable to drive.... S-Ltd would be my choice, stiffer setup and the LSD for a kickoff.
Had two AE86s, loved em both, but I'm not naive enough to pretend they're up to modern standards.
And just as enjoyable to drive.... S-Ltd would be my choice, stiffer setup and the LSD for a kickoff.Had two AE86s, loved em both, but I'm not naive enough to pretend they're up to modern standards.
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