I was just wondering since I was browsing http://auctions.yahoo.co.jp for Carina E-AA63 parts and I came across two very nice Carinas for sale. A coupe for 198000 yen (1650 euro):
Toyota Carina GT-R E-AA63 Coupe on auctions.yahoo.co.jp
Interior of the Toyota Carina GT-R E-AA63 Coupe on auctions.yahoo.co.jp
This car drove 165000km and looks like new!
And a sedan for 200000 yen (1700 euro):
Front Toyota Carina GT-R E-AA63 Sedan on auctions.yahoo.co.jp
Rear Toyota Carina GT-R E-AA63 Sedan on auctions.yahoo.co.jp
Interior of the Toyota Carina GT-R E-AA63 Sedan on auctions.yahoo.co.jp
This car drove 235000km but still looks like new. As admin of AEU86.org I’ve already seen hachis with more kilometers (350000 was the highest!) on the odo meter than this car without a rebuild so that should not be a problem. ;)
Now if I compare that with the average Corolla Levin AE86 in the same state you will pay about twice as much. Most Corolla Levins are already modified and trashed by boy-racers and in much worse state! I did find this trashed Corolla Levin AE86 for 150000 yen (1250 euro):
Trashed Toyota Levin E-AE86 hatchback on auctions.yahoo.co.jp
Trashed Toyota Levin E-AE86 on auctions.yahoo.co.jp
As you can see the hood, lights and grille are bent, an ugly bodykit has been installed, the sidelights, seats and taillights are all kouki so I suspect the car has seen a lot of action in its life!
So, then the big questioin arises: why import an AE86 over an AA63? Is it the weight? The Carina AA63 sedan only weights 115kg more than the Levin hatchback and there is more to save weight upon with the Carina… Is it the weight distribution? Should be almost the same as with the Carina Coupe… Is it the handling? Carina should have better handling with the independent rear suspension… Is it the aftermarket parts? Carina should have a large aftermarket parts shared with the Celica… Is it the ease of modifications you can do on the hachi? Carina should even have more space for big engines than the AE86…
Only good reason I can come up with is that the AE86 is a notorious and famous car which earned its credits in the past while the Carina is the unknown raw gem you can find…