The 1997 to 2001 Toyota Corolla Spacio was a “JDM” – Japanese Domestic Market vehicle. It was intended to be sold only on its home market, though this time-capsule example managed to escape to the U.S. Located with a dealer in Portland, Oregon, this master of space utilization (it seats six people, though it’s less than 14 feet long) is available here on craigslist in like-new condition for $7,995. Thumbs up to Rocco B. for uncovering this unusual econocar tip!
You have to hand it to the brainiacs at Toyota. Besides making well-built vehicles, they’re also hard at work coming up with innovative ideas. The Corolla-based Spacio was one of these brainstorms. To maximize available space, the front passenger seat can swivel around 180 degrees to face rearward, making it easier not to pester the driver (remember, this is a right-hand-drive car, too). Then the middle bench seat can split and flip to make room for smaller passengers, or fold flat for use as a table. And finally, the third row (yes, THREE rows) can move up or back to increase legroom or can be folded down to make room for more “stuff.”
We don’t know the circumstances of how this vehicle got imported. It’s seen little use, given the overall condition of the vehicle and its low 17,000 miles. Front-wheel drive is in place, and the 4-cylinder engine is easy on $4.00+ gasoline, even with an automatic transmission. This vehicle must have lived in a temperature-controlled space, as the past 29 years have caused no wear on the paint or interior, and the plastic pieces that hold things together.
This little car is not short on features, including power steering, factory air conditioning, electric windows, and all the other goodies we’ve gotten used to in today’s automobiles. Because the seller is a dealer, delivery is available. More photos are available here, and the seller provides a video there. If you’re into vehicles that nobody else is likely to ever show up with, does this little Toyota fit the bill?
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