There were two Toyota Corona wagons available in 1980; both with fancy names. The top version was what they referred to as the Luxury Edition, and then there’s this 1980 Toyota Corona 5-Door Deluxe Wagon. This nice-but-not-overly-fancy wagon is posted here on craigslist in Portland, Oregon, and the seller is asking $5,000. Here is the original listing, and thanks to Curvette for the tip!
This one appears to have the optional passenger side mirror, among other features that we scoff at today but were fancy for a 1980 economy car. One thing the Deluxe wagon has it all over the woodgrain-sided Luxury Edition wagon is that the Luxury model comes with an automatic transmission by default, and this one has a five-speed overdrive manual. There’s something about shifting a small wagon that makes life worth living. Ok, that was too dramatic, but you know what I mean.
This Deluxe wagon also has the optional rear window wiper/washer, but both cars got these horrendous black bumpers front and rear, unfortunately. The sixth-generation Corona was made from 1978 through 1983 in this four-door wagon body style, and also a two-door sedan, a four-door sedan, and a four-door liftback. Here’s what the rear cargo area looks like. It looks well-used, as with the rest of the interior. The seller says this is the best car they’ve ever owned and has “almost zero rust.” This would be the last generation of the Corona to make it to the U.S., and this car has the exotic paint color name of Beige.
Vinyl seats were the only available seating surface in the Deluxe wagon, and I’m guessing the front seats are in need of help, as we don’t get to see them. The same with the top of the dash, but I only see one small crack in it in another photo. There’s that standard equipment five-speed manual though, that makes up for a lot of other sins.
Ok, maybe not the sin of not including an engine photo. They speak so highly of it, too, you’d think they would want to show it off. It’s Toyota’s 2.2-liter SOHC inline-four with 90 horsepower and 122 lb-ft of torque when new. They say it has a slight exhaust leak, and that’s all there is to do. Otherwise, “it’s had the carburetor cleaned/rebuilt, oil pressure sensor replaced, brake lines replaced, timing chain replaced, among other things.” They say you could jump in it and drive across the country easily, and I believe it. Have any of you owned a Corona wagon?
Neat wagon here. I forgot all about these. It looks solid. And a huge plus having that 5 speed too.
You are right, vintage import wagons, especially those with a 5spd will be sought after by a specific segment of the market. The price seems pretty reasonable, it would probably be an easier sell in LA or the San Francisco Bay Area, but that shouldn’t hamper it too much.
Steve R
I knew some people who had one of these back in the day.
Was told that it got really dismal gas mileage.
My my my my Corona,,what? No, no, no more auto v stick baloney, you know why? I don’t care anymore, that’s right, the world is a joke, ( George Carlin) and manually shifted cars are just part of it. These cars literally changed even the stoutest of holdouts for US cars.( except my old man) Word got out quick in Pressboard Estates, these were the cars to have for a family, and I don’t think anyone had any remorse here. They more than likely bought another Toyota,,,for life, and it was thanks to these cars. J.D. Power, for some reason, lists the MSRP on just about any car made. They say the base price of this car was $6400, options well over $7, when a Volare wagon was about $5500, but didn’t take long for consumers to see what was the better deal. Nobody kept these, rust the biggest issue, but didn’t deter anyone from buying another. They were great cars.
Well now that song will be in my head all day.
Howard,
Are you mellowing in your old age?
He didn’t even say “Asian” :)
These 80’s Japanese cars make for great little drivers, easy to maintain, and you hardly ever see them anymore. If you like simple, these are your vehicles.
Lovely looking car. Although I was too young at the time to drive a car, I remember cars like the Toyota Corona. It’s damned unforgivable that Toyota discontinued the Corona for the North American market when they did.
If it was closer id buy it, super functional. Dang it!
I forgot about it until the i saw the picture of the grill I had the 4 door sedan of this car never should have sold it when I did it was one of the most dependable cars I have had.Over 200+ car’s I’ve owned now because I keep flipping them its only been in my 50s I have kept them longer than a few months.
Had a 1980 Corona 4-door sedan, 5 speed, dark blue with black interior. Engine was so quiet, you could not hear it when idling. Only problem, film coating would develop on interior windows. Purchased new in Winston Salem, NC. Purchase price was a great deal ( maybe because my four year old threw up on the pristine floor of dealership). One of last two Coronas on the dealership lot. Family loved that car. Sold when I got new company car. Mistake, one of best of many vehicles owned. Oh well, mistakes happen.
Just another reminder to move to the PNW, the land of clean survivors.
I’ve never had one personally. But my uncle had a 78 wagon we mounted a rack the fishing rods to the roof rack and took a lot of fly fishing trips in. He got rid of it for a 80 corona sedan with the velor interior. I drove it a few times. Recall it being a really good driver. Wish this was closer.
We bought a 1983 Toyota Corolla wagon brand new for my wife. We loved it. Sold it in 1989 and bought a new Isuzu Trooper. Two vehicles that were great dailys. I would love to have them back. As usual this car is on the other side of the country. GLWTS.
What engine in the car? Straight 6? With the overhead camshaft?
If I remember correctly, Toyota offered a lifetime warranty on Corona manifold exhaust leaks … an acquaintance with whom I worked at a Toyota dealership in California had his exhaust manifold replaced on his 1980 Corona at no cost under this warranty …