Tokyo DD EP91 Starlet Turbo
Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2017 12:12 am
After 5 years of living here, I've FINALLY gotten my act together, gotten my license, and saved up enough for a car! And I stumbled across a little gem of a Starlet that no Japanese person would consider buying but that was absolutely perfect for me!
The basics:
1997 Starlet Glanza V
1331cc 4E-FTE, 133HP
C56 5-speed
Completely stock everything
Full maintenance history/paperwork
110,000km = ~68,000 miles and change
It's got a little bit of body damage you can't really see in the pictures from the ad. The rear bumper has a pretty decent scuff, there's a long scratch down the passenger door, and a noticeable dent in the hood next to the intercooler scoop. But no rust anywhere on the body or the undercarriage, no leaks, A/C blows cold, engine pulls strong...it's a pretty great little thing.
Went to test drive it back on 6/23 and put down $1000 on it not long after. Total price of the car, including the 5 weeks of paperwork to get the title into my name: 460,000 yen,or just over $4100. Not a bad deal, I feel like.
So, why would no average Japanese person have bought it?
1: It's more than 10 years old, i.e. junk in the eyes of all non-car people.
2: It has more than 100,000km, i.e. junk in the eyes of all-non car people
3: It will need it's shaken (roadworthiness inspection) done again in March next year, i.e. too much PITA in the eyes of all non-car people
4: It has some minor, but noticeable body damage, i.e. junk in the eyes of all non-car people
Fortunately, though, thanks to all that...perfect car for a stupid Gaijin who's willing to put in the DIY time.
Plans for the rest of this year: get it ready to pass inspection in March
- New tires (Either 185/55/14 Federal 595s on the stock rims, or get some 15x6+35 BBS Basketweaves off Yahoo Auctions for a bit nicer fitment)
- New brake pads and front rotors
- And probably a decent Nardi/Momo wheel and TRD shift knob, because they're cheap and easy and the OEM ones are pretty tired-looking
Plans after passing inspection:
- Intake/Ex. Manifold/Exhaust
- Raise the boost to ~12psi
- E-manage and tune
- Shocks and springs
- Rear swaybar
- Confetti Recaros if I get lucky on auctions/at UpGarage
I'd like to get it to something like 160-170HP within a couple years, but more than anything, I want to keep it a reliable car I can travel with the Mrs. in, go to meets at Daikoku with, and maybe occasionally do some gymkhana or mini-circuit time attacks.
Anyway, here's my new project for the forseeable future! More pics coming on Saturday when I actually pick it up, as well as a video soon after. For now, here are my screenshots from the dealer listing hahahaha
The basics:
1997 Starlet Glanza V
1331cc 4E-FTE, 133HP
C56 5-speed
Completely stock everything
Full maintenance history/paperwork
110,000km = ~68,000 miles and change
It's got a little bit of body damage you can't really see in the pictures from the ad. The rear bumper has a pretty decent scuff, there's a long scratch down the passenger door, and a noticeable dent in the hood next to the intercooler scoop. But no rust anywhere on the body or the undercarriage, no leaks, A/C blows cold, engine pulls strong...it's a pretty great little thing.
Went to test drive it back on 6/23 and put down $1000 on it not long after. Total price of the car, including the 5 weeks of paperwork to get the title into my name: 460,000 yen,or just over $4100. Not a bad deal, I feel like.
So, why would no average Japanese person have bought it?
1: It's more than 10 years old, i.e. junk in the eyes of all non-car people.
2: It has more than 100,000km, i.e. junk in the eyes of all-non car people
3: It will need it's shaken (roadworthiness inspection) done again in March next year, i.e. too much PITA in the eyes of all non-car people
4: It has some minor, but noticeable body damage, i.e. junk in the eyes of all non-car people
Fortunately, though, thanks to all that...perfect car for a stupid Gaijin who's willing to put in the DIY time.
Plans for the rest of this year: get it ready to pass inspection in March
- New tires (Either 185/55/14 Federal 595s on the stock rims, or get some 15x6+35 BBS Basketweaves off Yahoo Auctions for a bit nicer fitment)
- New brake pads and front rotors
- And probably a decent Nardi/Momo wheel and TRD shift knob, because they're cheap and easy and the OEM ones are pretty tired-looking
Plans after passing inspection:
- Intake/Ex. Manifold/Exhaust
- Raise the boost to ~12psi
- E-manage and tune
- Shocks and springs
- Rear swaybar
- Confetti Recaros if I get lucky on auctions/at UpGarage
I'd like to get it to something like 160-170HP within a couple years, but more than anything, I want to keep it a reliable car I can travel with the Mrs. in, go to meets at Daikoku with, and maybe occasionally do some gymkhana or mini-circuit time attacks.
Anyway, here's my new project for the forseeable future! More pics coming on Saturday when I actually pick it up, as well as a video soon after. For now, here are my screenshots from the dealer listing hahahaha