Help For First Levin Buyer!

[Jae111]

Well as it says, i need some advice on buying a Toyota Levin, preferably a BZR.(e.g 1997 model)

I'm in Ireland and most Levins are going for between €7,000 and €8,000

Just asking for some advice like what to look out for and what to avoid,

is any mileage over 80,000mls too much, what kind of problems the Levins are

known for and simple tests or checks to make sure its spot on...

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Jamie.

[Twincam.GTi]

Rust, Rot and more Rust!

I won't bother you with 'cosmetic' areas like wheel arches and door panels and concentrate on the structual areas:

Check inner front wing as it goes round to bulkhead, then bulkhead as it curves round to front floor pan.

Check full length of sill but mainly the rear area; also check rear of sill area where it curves round to inner sill closing panel and adjacent torsion bar mount (if torsion bar mount area is rottern it is major rebuild time or even possible scrap if Shell is this bad ...and a lot are/were!). Also check anywhere for rot on rear underside -shock absorber mounts, anti roll bar mounts etc.

Mechanically - Handbrake problems are common.

[Harvey-aw11]

I might be wrong.... but isnt the BZR that hes seeking, the newer front wheel drive one?

If so presumably they dont suffer from rust like you say? I presume your referring to the AE86? Or do the 92's rust bad too??

[Twincam.GTi]

AE92's Have a reputation for Horrific Corrosion problems as well.

[Jae111]

I might be wrong.... but isnt the BZR that hes seeking, the newer front wheel drive one?

Yeh its the newer version, like 1997 etc.. sorry, didnt make it very clear.

I'm just wondering what to look out for, what kind of problems these cars are

known for or anything..

Thanks.