Toyota Carina II (1984-92)

Let’s peek under the hood of the Toyota Carina II from the late '80s and early '90s. These vintage beauties had their quirks, just like any seasoned performer.
Here are some common issues that might have made an appearance during their time on the road:
1. 4A-FE Engine Woes:
o The 4A-FE engine, found in many Carina II models, was generally reliable. However, even the most steadfast engines can have their off days. Some owners reported issues like loss of power or restricted RPM (revolutions per minute). Imagine your Carina II feeling a bit under the weather, refusing to rev beyond 2000 RPM. It’s like the engine decided to take a leisurely stroll instead of sprinting!
o If you encountered this issue, it could be due to various factors: a faulty sensor, clogged fuel injectors, or an air intake problem. Diagnosing the root cause would involve some detective work—checking sensors, fuel lines, and the air filter. But fear not, with a trusty repair manual (like the Toyota Carina 1988-1992 Service Manual), you’d be armed with knowledge to tackle this mystery.
2. Electrical Gremlins:
o Ah, the classic tale of flickering lights and temperamental switches. The Carina II wasn’t immune. If your dashboard lights decided to play hide-and-seek or your radio had a mind of its own, blame it on the electrical system. Check fuses, connections, and grounds. Sometimes a gentle wiggle of a wire does wonders—like coaxing a shy cat out from under the sofa.
3. Suspension Sag:
o Over time, the Carina II’s suspension components might have felt their age. Saggy rear ends or a bouncy ride could indicate worn-out shocks, struts, or bushings. But hey, a little bounce adds character, right? Just like a vintage dance move at a retro party.
4. Rust, the Silent Saboteur (Again):
o Rust—always lurking in the shadows. Inspect wheel arches, sills, and the undercarriage. If you find rust, treat it promptly. Think of it as giving your Carina II a spa day—rust removal and a fresh coat of paint.
5. Cooling System Drama Redux:
o The cooling system occasionally threw a tantrum. Keep an eye on the temperature gauge during those summer road trips. Overheating isn’t a great look for any car. Maybe the Carina II just needed a cold drink and a fan to cool off.
6. Leaky Seals (They’re Back):
o Oil leaks? Yep, the Carina II knew them well. Gaskets, seals, and valve covers—check them regularly. A little drip here and there is part of the charm, but a major oil slick isn’t. It’s like the Carina II shedding a tear for the good old days.
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Generations
The Toyota Carina—a name that echoes through the automotive corridors of time! Let’s unravel the generations of this mid-size family car, shall we?
1. First Generation (A10/A30; 1970–1977):
o The curtain rose on the Carina stage in December 1970. Picture this: sleek sedans, hardtop coupés, and practical wagons—all sharing the spotlight. Under the hood, a symphony of engines played—from the 1407 cc T/T-J OHV I4 to the 1968 cc 18R-G/GR/GU DOHC I4. It was like assembling a diverse cast for a blockbuster movie.
2. Second Generation (A40/A50; 1977–1981):
o The sequel arrived, and this time, the Carina shared its platform with the Toyota Celica. It was like the Celica’s sensible sibling—the one who preferred cardigans over leather jackets. But wait, there’s a plot twist! The Carina also moonlighted as the Celica Camry (1980–1982). Imagine the backstage confusion: “Am I a Celica or a Carina today?”
3. Third Generation (A60; 1981–1988):
o The '80s were in full swing, and the Carina strutted onto the scene. It had a new platform—the Corona’s—and a fresh attitude. Sedans, wagons, and lift backs danced to the beat of the 2T-G/GR DOHC I4 engine. And the youth market cheered—it was like Madonna meets Toyota.
4. Fourth Generation (T150; 1984–1988):
o The Carina II took center stage in Europe. Sedans and lift backs sashayed into showrooms, leaving the wagons behind (they preferred a quieter life). Engines hummed—some 2T, some 3T, and a dash of 18R-G. It was like a refined tea party with a hint of rebellion.
5. Fifth Generation (T170; 1988–1992):
o The Carina II returned, sleeker and wiser. Sedans and lift backs (still no wagons) graced the streets. Engines whispered tales of 2T-G/GR and 3T-U. Meanwhile, the Carina ED (ST180 series) added a touch of mystery. It was like a detective novel set in the automotive world—clues hidden in engine codes.
6. Sixth Generation (T190; 1992–1996):
o The Carina E stepped into the spotlight. Sedans and lift backs (wagons, where art thou?) flaunted their curves. Engines sang—18R-G, 3S-FE, and more. And the Carina ED (ST200 series) winked from the shadows. It was like a tango—passionate, precise, and occasionally mysterious.
7. Seventh Generation (T210; 1996–2001):
o The final act—the Carina’s swan song. Sedans and lift backs (wagons, still on vacation) graced the stage. Engines harmonized—3S-FE, 7A-FE, and a touch of 4A-FE. Meanwhile, the European audience whispered, “Is this the Avensis in disguise?”
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Engines

• Engine Lineup: The Carina II had a few tricks up its sleeve in the engine department:
• 1.6 GL: Powered by the 4A-L petrol engine, churning out 83 bhp. A reliable workhorse.
• 2.0 GLD: The 2C-L diesel engine took care of business, delivering 72 bhp. Efficient and torquey.
• 2.0 GL Executive: The top dog, available only in the liftback variant. This 2.0-litre engine had a commanding presence.
• Rare Estate Appearance: The estate version was like the elusive unicorn—less than 10 percent of total sales. It preferred the 1.6-litre engine and manual gearbox, perhaps for a more leisurely pace through the countryside.
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Spares
8. When it comes to sourcing spare parts for your trusty Toyota Carina II, you’re embarking on a treasure hunt for automotive relics. Fear not—I’ve got a few leads for you, like a seasoned detective following the trail of rare components:
9. AutopartsPro:
10. AutopartsPro is like the Sherlock Holmes of car parts. They specialize in original-quality spares, and their virtual shelves are stocked with goodies for various Carina models. Whether you’re after brake pads, filters, or even a spark plug (because every car deserves a little spark in its life), AutopartsPro might have what you seek.
11. AutopartsPro - Toyota Carina Parts
12. Car-Parts.ie:
13. Car-Parts.ie is your friendly neighbourhood auto parts store (well, virtually). They’ve got over a million original-quality spare parts for cars, trucks, and SUVs. And yes, that includes the elusive Carina II. So put on your metaphorical deerstalker hat and start browsing!
14. Car-Parts.ie - Toyota Carina II Parts
15. EU-Spares:
16. EU-Spares is like the secret passage to a hidden garage. Their online shop offers original parts for various Toyota models, including the Carina II. Whether you need a tailgate strut (because even struts deserve love) or a wing mirror glass, they might have you covered.
17. EU-Spares - Toyota Carina II Parts
18. Autodoc:
19. Autodoc—the name sounds like a futuristic mechanic’s workshop, doesn’t it? Well, they’ve got an assortment of first-class and budget-friendly parts for your Carina II. From brakes to electrics, they’ve got you covered.
20. Autodoc - Toyota Carina Parts
21. Remember, restoring a classic car is like piecing together a historical puzzle. Each part you find adds to its story. So whether you’re tinkering in your garage or browsing online, enjoy the journey—the ups, the downs, and the occasional victory dance when you finally locate that elusive gasket!