And the last car review I'm going to write for a while, because I don't have any more cars to review.
There may be no chance to find a genuine AE86 (the model code for the Toyota Sprinter Trueno) and where my username came from obviously, so when in Cambodia you have to make due. To be frank, this is my nephew's car and we swapped our Mini for a bit, but I wanted to but as much info out there as possible because as you know, it's damn near impossible to find anything related to Cambodia and car reviews.
The car: ($7,200) 2002 Toyota Celica GT, automatic, wreck of course...who knows how many miles.
So if you want a car that is not your basic Toyota, but is still a Toyota (meaning reliable and serviceable), this car is definitely a viable option. At just over $7k for a decent one, (around $5-6k for some real crap), not only is it on the cheaper side, but it's practical as well. As practical for a 2 door as you can find in Cambodia that is. For the 7 months this car has been used here (or 2,500 miles), not one breakdown.
The car I recommend getting is the automatic GT, which is the slowest version. I recommend this drivetrain setup because the GT-S is considerably less reliable, and a manual transmission is cumbersome in traffic here. Also, the GT uses the same motor as the 1.8 Corolla. This means an infinite part supply is available and it will likely last longer than a Cambodian house.
What's it like to drive? Surprisingly comfortable, with very poor visibility and a long nose.
The Celica is honestly very boring to drive, in terms of being on the open road in a country with proper roads, but in Cambodia it was fantastic for a coupe. Yes this car has been raised (which spoils the look in my opinion), but it took bumps nicely, absorbed potholes well, and was quiet to run in town.
Visibility was bad and a little unnerving at times out the back, so very slow turns and long time signalling is how I managed. Also the nose is a bit long, so if you're new to driving in Cambodia, be aware you can clip all kinds of things when making sharp turns in town. The front bumper cover ended up needing a respray after a few months of use from my nephew.
Power wise, there is plenty. It's not fast at all, but power delivery is very smooth. Just the thing you want in Cambodia honestly.
Practicality? No breakdowns & 17 mpg (US) over 7 months.
As with virtually any car here, premium fuel is required to avoid pinking the motor. My nephew seems to average 7 km/l, or 17 mpg (US), 13.83 L per 100 or 20.5 mpg UK. I personally didn't check. As for the 2,500 miles covered in the car, it's had no breakdowns and only minor "glitches" such as the A/C fan not working on a one of it's speeds. No surprise.
Also for repairs as mentioned, parts are everywhere for the engine and transmission, being the 1.8 litre motor is from the standard US Corolla.
Seating has enough for 4, or 8, depending on your nationality. There are 4 seatbelts however.
Conclusion, final thoughts? It's a reliable car without the vanilla styling, but I'm not a fan.
While I do have a thing for 2 door underpowered Toyotas, I'm no fan of this car. I summarise this car as a long pointy Corolla. Sure it's interesting to look at vs. anything else, but it's anything but interesting to drive. Granted that there are no real "driver's roads in Cambodia, that's not a big deal and in fact it might be a good thing that the Celica is so "soft" to drive, but it's not my thing personally. I'm not into cars that look different, but drive like economy cars, but that's just me.
However, I do believe that it is by far the best 2 door you can buy in the Kingdom of Wonder, simply because it's a reliable Toyota and you can sell it again when you're ready to move on.
-AE86
My experience with a Toyota Celica in Cambodia
Imagine the world engaged in a hobby or interest as passionately as AE86.
Except if that hobby was a bit rapey, I guess.
Except if that hobby was a bit rapey, I guess.
"That was probably Londo...He is always shitty." - Marvin
-
- Similar Topics
- Replies
- Views
- Last post
-
-
My experience in a quarantine camp in Cambodia
by Bong Burgundy » Tue Jul 28, 2020 2:28 pm » in Cambodia News - 29 Replies
- 8124 Views
-
Last post by v12
Thu Aug 20, 2020 10:56 am
-
-
- 9 Replies
- 4323 Views
-
Last post by jimblair
Wed Nov 20, 2019 5:03 pm
-
-
Liam Harrison shares his craziest fight experience competing in Cambodia
by Bong Burgundy » Sat Jan 28, 2023 3:01 pm » in Cambodia News - 0 Replies
- 738 Views
-
Last post by Bong Burgundy
Sat Jan 28, 2023 3:01 pm
-
-
- 4 Replies
- 1602 Views
-
Last post by A10
Thu Jun 13, 2019 12:16 pm
-
- 2 Replies
- 2074 Views
-
Last post by cisco999
Wed Jun 16, 2021 10:42 pm