Toyota Starlet 4th Gen (1989-1996)

This generation is P80 of Toyota Starlet, available from 1990 - 1999.

The naturally aspirated Starlet uses a lightweight 1.3L four-cylinder engine producing roughly 82–100 hp, depending on engine and grade. The EP82 GT turbo produces 135 hp, while the later EP91 Glanza V also produces 135 hp.

A normal naturally aspirated Starlet can reach 100 km/h in approximately 10–12 seconds, while the turbo GT/Glanza V can do it in roughly 7–8 seconds.

Braking varies by grade, with disc/drum arrangements common on ordinary versions and stronger braking hardware on performance variants. ABS was available on selected cars and became standard on the documented fifth-generation model.

Yes, Starlet is available in as a used car mostly, you can find your preferred condition within budget.

A healthy naturally aspirated Starlet can realistically return around 8–11 km/L in Dhaka city traffic, 14–17 km/L on highways and approximately 11–14 km/L combined.

The fourth-generation EP82 included grades such as Soleil, Si and GT, while the fifth-generation EP91 included Reflet, Glanza S and Glanza V. The Glanza V is the turbocharged performance version, while Reflet and Glanza S use naturally aspirated engines.

For normal daily use, a healthy naturally aspirated car is easier to live with. The GT/Glanza V is considerably more performance-oriented and is more relevant to enthusiasts than someone simply looking for economical transportation.

The Starlet's compact size is excellent for Dhaka's narrow roads, congested traffic and limited parking spaces. Its approximately 2.3-metre wheelbase and roughly 4.4–4.5-metre turning radius make it exceptionally easy to manoeuvre.

However, ground clearance is only around 145–160 mm depending on version, and the car is now several decades old. Large speed breakers, potholes and damaged roads require caution, particularly because an old suspension system may already have worn components.

Yes. This is arguably where the Starlet makes the most sense. The car is small, lightweight, easy to steer and easy to park, while the naturally aspirated 1.3L engine provides adequate performance for normal urban driving.

In Dhaka traffic, its compact body is much easier to place than a larger sedan or SUV. Fuel consumption is also reasonable when the engine, transmission, tyres and AC are properly maintained.

The biggest disadvantage is age. A Starlet from this period is now around 30–37 years old, so mechanical condition matters enormously.

Routine maintenance can be relatively affordable because the Starlet's mechanical systems are simple and many Toyota-compatible components remain available. However, the car's age means repair costs can be unpredictable.

A reasonable routine-service budget is around ৳15,000–25,000 per year, excluding fuel, tyres, insurance and major repairs. It is sensible to keep ৳30,000–60,000 or more as an annual repair reserve for an older example because suspension, AC, engine mounts, rubber components, electrical parts and transmission components can require attention.

Check the engine, transmission, chassis, suspension, steering, brakes, AC, electrical system and body condition carefully.

Because these cars are decades old, inspect particularly for rust, accident repairs, chassis welding, oil leaks, overheating, worn suspension bushes, steering play and transmission problems.

Also verify the registration documents and engine/chassis numbers. If the car has been modified with an engine swap, CNG, aftermarket turbo equipment or a GT-style body kit, inspect the modifications carefully before purchase.