Toyota Caldina Info?

[Crackfox]

My mums car was recently written off with hail damage in WA and she has been looking for a new one. She wants to get a newish sporty hatch/small wagon as her next car and something that has a bit of power, she always complained her old camry was gutless and she has owned toyotas for the past 25 years. We went car shopping and she really likes the Caldina's, its pretty much exactly what she wants in a car but we dont know much about them being a japanese only car.

Shes interested in a 2002 3rd gen one with 70,000kms does anyone know if there are any major problems with them or have any experience with them? Would insurance cost much for a 40yr old lady with no crash history or claims except for the recent hail claim in a 4cyl turbo import? Her main concern and the only thing stopping her from buying it is parts/servicing. What kind of support from Toyota australia would she get if any or would it not really be viable to own for someone who doesnt have much mechanical knowledge?

[iseekool]

I "think" alot of the drivetrain components are from the Celica GT4.

Not sure about suspension components.

Interior is a little too '90s RAV4 IMHO.

Definately one of those "wolf in sheeps clothing cars" - lots of performance for the money.

If she is really worried about servicing/running costs - as we most are - I wouldn't really recommend it - reason being it's an AWD, turbo and not Australian delivered (therefore parts could end up costing more/being harder to source).

It also depends if she intends to keep it long term and if she is willing to fork out on 98RON fuel everytime.

If she is really after a Toyota branded AWD vehicle I'd probably be looking at an 2003 to 2005 2.4L RAV4 or if the budget permits the current shape RAV4 with the 3.5L V6.

just my 2c

[(OO)SKYLINE(OO)]

My mechanic took me for a drive in his Caldina as it was a work car at the time.

Didn't really open it up but the car was quite nice to drive.

He had the 3rd Generation Caldina. (1999-2007)

To me it's kinda like a Corolla on roids...

Being AWD / turbo, it goes good, but it weight about the same as my GTR...

Running cost would be like any JDM import, treat it like how you would treat your R33.

Service it every 5000kms, use good oil, look after it.

You mum will just have to wait for a few mins before switching off the car or install a turbo timer for her.

Toyota make reliable cars and not much to worry about.

Parts are widely available as there have been an increase amount of Caldina's coming to AUS. (Melbourne)

I got a 1987 AE71 Corolla and I still can get parts.

If she gets the top model is has a,

3S-GTE engine

1998 cc (2lt) inline 4

191 kW @6200 rpm

324 Nm @4400 rpm

Caldina GT-T (ST215) / Caldina GT-Four (ST246)

[Hank Scorpio]

Just a turbo, AWD corolla with a horrible interior.

Want a quick relatively stock wagon thats nice inside buy a Legnum of a 260RS. Want a big roomy wagon buy a Stagea (C34 or M35). Want a luxo wagon get an M35.

Want something average, get a Caldona.

[dimi108]

I test drove an auto Caldina. Quit nice and smooth. Easy to drive. Steering is "light" and vehicle is nice and quiet inside.

Has a bit of go in it, but not much torque.

Still a pretty decent car, but I wouldn't buy one if i needed a wagon. A Stagea RS Four is definitely a nicer drive and more roomy

260RS if you want to king it.

Edited April 1, 2010 by dimi108

[EJD001]

If u get a caldina let me know..can hook u up with parts for it..

[BeEnAr]

Caldina's are pretty reliable so I wouldn't stress too much on the parts front, it's typical Toyota fair there. Legnum VR-4's are a much much nicer drive though and better looking too, either one can be had pretty cheep in Japan at the moment too with the dollar so strong

[West]

You mum will just have to wait for a few mins before switching off the car or install a turbo timer for her.

If its a stocker, don't waste your time with turbo timer lol.

[cobast]

Test drove a 2002 Caldina the other day. Contrary to many comments, I don't think these later models are ugly and the interiors apart from the poxy floor mats are fine. Not as good as my Alfa, but better than many others. I'm thinking the Caldina is more of a big hatch whereas the Stagea and Legnum are real wagons. I'll have to go back and drive the Stagea.

For a comparison of the 3 (older models) check out http://www.testdrivenau.co.cc/?tag=legnum

[Iron Chef]

lol please DO NOT use that review to base your decisions on.

ST246s aren't overly quick in relative terms, but they are safe, well built, reliable and will serve the purpose your mum needs it for if she's after a nice looking runabout. If you're worried about getting parts, get a Subaru Forester.

[whatsisname]

I own a ST246W N Edition. The 'N' is the top of the range version and comes with a Torsen LSD in the rear, TRD suspension set-up and a full Recaro interior. In my experience it is worth paying extra for the 'N'.

I have seen a best (GPS timed) 0-100km/h of 6.3 sec with the only mod a boost gauge and a couple of extra PSI via a bleed valve. A tweak of the tune and the usual exhaust and intake mod's would push it well into 5sec territory. From factory the mid range torque is more than sufficient (over 275Nm from very low rev's) They aren't a rocket ship but they are deceptive quick for what they are. The interior is also very impressive, good layout, good quality, excellent driving position (the Recaros help) and the grip level in the N is bloody impressive!

[lachlanw]

why not ask on a caldina forum ?