Hi everyone,
I enjoy looking at old toyota markets and researching prices. Especially for iconic cars like the AE86, for example, or the MR2. These cars, or similar ones, have had a wide variety of model years.
What I’m wondering is, if you buy one of these, are maintenance costs more like you’re taking care of an exotic car, or more like a typical recent Toyota? As in for example, is it cheaper to maintain and keep an AE86, or a 2014 Corolla?
Are there any models or model years to avoid because parts are no longer available easily? Anything else to know about owning these things in terms of after-purchase costs?
I’ve been lusting over a MX63/73 Cressida if I had the resources to do so - but many parts are NLA. RockAuto still has some bits but unlike old Mercedes, BMW and VW/Audi/Porsche you can’t get OES aftermarket easily - Bosch still makes older parts in Brazil/the Czech Republic/Poland/Hungary for older German cars. Denso and Aisin only makes what sells.
Key to a car like that is being plugged in to the community for parts, especially interior parts. Knowing what parts are swappable between other cars so you can explore the junkyard. Toyodiy is your best friend.
I had an MX36 and just made friends around the world for sourcing parts, even had someone in Japan that made a new batch of rear window seals because it was non existent. You just have to be resourceful.
The AE86 is going this way too, and ideally I’d like to grab one to slowly build up in the garage over the next 13 years until my kid is old enough to drive. Then when he can drive he can either drive it and be cool as hell, or he can sell it and have his college paid off.
Either way is win win to me because we will have been able to work together and enjoy it. I just picked up a 94 Land Cruiser so I’m struggling through getting that into good shape and taking my son with me offroading and camping. I’ve drivin too many fast cars and just need to slow down a bit before I get myself in trouble.