Most reliable car we ever owned. In 20 + years and over 200 000 kms we replaced 3 batteries, 3 sets of tyre, set of brakes, two timing belts and few globes, apart from regular service that was the only cost. Easy to park, cheat to run....... shame they do not make them any more.

GLS model bought new in 1998. It has never let me down in 17 years of motoring, does not rust, handling is joy, interior is beautiful, boot is large for such a small car. I has never failed to start, even in the severest weather. True, it is not quick, but it is quick enough for anyone except a boy racer. Economy is great for cars of the time. All Toyota cars are good, but If you see a good Starlet, buy it.

I bought one of these cars new in 1997, owned it for 10 years and clocked up over 200,000 km without any major problems.
Considering I'm a big guy (127 kg and 6 ft 5in), such a purchase would probably surprise some, but I have now regrets. The Starlet was a great little car for what I needed ( I was still single at that stage) at that point in time. Mine was very fuel efficient and only had the usual maintenance issues such as regular servicing, new tyres (after 4 years) to deal with.
I have since married, had kids etc and moved on to a more family-friendly car, but would recommend the Starlet to any first car buyer.
Reliable, inexpensive to run.
Small boot space

I own a 1999 2 door Life, and I can proudly say I own a great car! Although it's a bit small, it gets me to where I need to go and great on petrol, even with auto gearbox. Air con blows cold, but doesn't have power steering; the car is still easy enough to steer. The only drawback is back seat passengers get no leg room, especially on the driver's side (not so much an issue for me since I don't have anyone in the back :P)
Good on petrol, easy to drive and park even without power steering
No leg room for back seat passengers

Very good reliable little car. Ours only had a 4 speed box. Could definately have done with another gear. Apart from that it went great. For someone as tall as me 6 foot five the steering wheel obscured the speedo but for most people this would not be a problem.
Economical, reliable
Needs a five speed gearbox

Brought our starlet in 2000, one previous owner and a 1998 model. It has never broken down on us and now has 450 000 Kms on the clock and our mechanic says it is fit to go for another 500 000! We service it regularly and it has rewarded us in return. Cheap on fuel as well. A fabulous car for day to day running around.

This has been an amazing car from new and the engine has never let me down. The first battery lasted and lasted despite the car not being used when I was away for 6 weeks. I love how easy it is to park and the good overall vision.
Cheap to run, great air con, reliable, easy parling with the power steering, good vision. First battery lasted 8 years and was not replaced because it had died rather "just in case".
dark metallic paint faded,

hired a starlet in new zealand a couple of years ago, we did 3thousand ks at a cost of $200 for fuel so that won me over, so l bought one it is a 1997 model, it is so easy to park would make a great car for a young person that has just got their licence and for some-one on a pension that have limited funds, the starlet is now used by my husband for work and l have a brand new red corolla which l love.
great fuel economy
not alot of room for passengers in the back.

A very reliable car if you take good care of it. It needs regular servicing to keep it happy. Driving everyday to work, winter and summer. It has not complained a single time. It just keep you going.
The car gets really cramped with 3 or more passengers.
Overall, I'm very happy with this car and would keep it for many years.
Very fuel efficient, even in bad traffic. Gets me from A to B without trouble.
Cheaper version has no power steering, car feels heavy in low speed. No legroom in the back.

This is a very good small car to own. I use it as my second car to get around the city. It is amazing on petrol. What surprised me was it's very powerful compares to other small cars in the same category. Driving on highway is pretty good, a little bit noisy but it's not too bad. If you are looking for a reliable small car to get around the city for everyday driving, this is a great choice.
Excellent small car to get around. Compact yet powerful. Cheap on fuel. Light and Fast. Toyota reliability.
3 door hatch is a bit small.

I bought this car initially for the low cost ($14000), as I had previously owned a second hand car and had nothing but trouble with it. So the Starlet was my first new car which I intended to keep it for 5 years and then buy something bigger. 11 years later, I am as happy with it now as I was then. It just hasn't let me down and I have not had to spend lots of money on it (apart from general things like new tyres and, just recently, a new battery). This is a great first car for anyone or second car for a family.
It's reliability. I have owned my Starlet since 1998 and it is still going strong.

I have this car since 1997 from new, given to my son two years ago. So far this little car never fails us. It has enough power to carry five adults (at a slower speed). But with one person on the driver seat, it power is more than enough.
Fuel economy is execellent, reliable and practical. Get us from A to B without hassel.
The car that I have does not have power steering, it is a bit heavy in parking.