Toyota Caldina T190, 1 generation, restyling 01.1996 - 08.1997

Toyota Caldina is rightfully considered one of the best sellers of the used car market, primarily due to the successful combination of the main components: reliable engines, large capacity and comfort, availability of all-wheel drive versions, and, ultimately, ease of operation and maintenance, which is important for used cars. In its homeland, Toyota launched Caldina, developed on the basis of Corona, to the mid-size station wagon market, the legislator of which at that time was the Subaru Legacy Touring Wagon. Toyota tried to overcome the Legacy strategy, which consisted of sports “luxury”, but failed to create the image of a “fast station wagon”, thanks to which the competitor's popularity was maintained. As for the fate of the car in the secondary market, it is incredibly lucky - Caldina is perhaps the second most popular right-hand drive passenger station wagon after its Corolla Wagon. Like any car intended for Japan, the Caldina station wagon in the 190th body offers a wide variety of trim levels, up to Sky Canopy versions with a high glass roof, designed, for example, for those who would like to get more free space even from an ordinary passenger car . The buyer was offered three trim levels: the simplest FZ, the mid-level equipment of the CZ and the top version of the TZ, which implied the presence of a sunroof, fog lights, roof rails, front and rear spoilers, leather steering wheel braid, remote key, power accessories, CD player and climate system control. Since the model has been repeatedly upgraded, Caldina features a very wide line of gasoline and diesel engines with a volume of 1.8 and 2.0 liters. Initially, the gasoline engine 4S-FE (1,8, 4DOHC) with a capacity of 125 hp served as the base power unit. Later it was replaced by a 7A-FE engine of lower power - 115 hp. The most widespread and “universal” for many Toyota and Caldina models in particular was the 3S-FE engine - one of the most popular versions in the company's engine range. In 1995, the list was supplemented by a 3 L-3 engine with a capacity of 175 hp. - With this engine, Caldina was offered only in all-wheel drive versions. The equipment also included diesel engines: atmospheric 2C rated at 73 hp. and its turbocharged version (since 1996) 2C-T, which power was 88 hp

 Unlike the cargo-passenger modification Caldina, where a solid axle axle was used at the rear, the passenger version was equipped with an independent spring suspension of all wheels: McPherson front and rear. The relatively simple design has excellent energy consumption, ease of repair, as evidenced by actual operation. Four-wheel drive - permanent, FullTime 4WD, with a symmetrical center differential and with a fairly simple, reliable circuitry both on cars with automatic transmission and on the "mechanics".

 The list of Toyota Caldina safety equipment initially included (optionally) a driver's airbag and anti-lock brake system. Later they were installed as standard equipment, and in addition a pillow for the front passenger was added. The brakes on both axles are disc (front - ventilated), except that the drum brakes were used in inexpensive trim levels.

 Toyota Caldina enjoys the well-deserved fame of a reliable car that has all the advantages of a comfortable family wagon, and in versions with all-wheel drive, it also has increased cross-country ability. The widespread use of the model and the absence of difficulties with the search for spare parts creates all the conditions for trouble-free long-term operation, even taking into account the decent age of individual specimens.