Vibuda Thisuraka

Hey everyone. Quick update. Sadly had to sell the Lancer Box. Too many things were to be repaired but I got a decent amount on sale. I regret selling but I intend to get another some day, hopefully same car. Had an agreement with the buyer that if he plans on selling he'd notify me. On the bright side. The cab is almost ready. I am still discussing final price with the seller. Will return with pics and more information when it is ready. Again, thank you for the guidance.

Hi everyone, to any Camry owners here; I am looking to buy one and wanted to know what to expect and what to look put for. My use case is basically to get an Auto non-hybrid car. I am looking to get an idea on: Parts availability and costs in general Performance and fuel mileage Reliability and what to look out for Second hand market Also are there any alternatives with the same specs and price? I noticed some had mentioned a luxury tax? Does it apply? Any information on that would be helpful TIA

Will do, need to plan it out and will start a fresh topic for it so I can keep the updates coming.

A Toyota DX Wagon was the initial option. Did not go for it thinking peers would judge. But still would love to own one. As for corollas, AE platform is something I am interested in. I have noticed a bit of a trend where AE110 are modified and considered the new "JDM Classic" in other countries. It might brush off on local markets as well. So this is still pretty much an option I would definitely consider. For the time being, I feel like I owe it to the future car enthusiasts to make sure my Lancer Box is well taken care of and maybe restored. Also @Nate Thank you for the advice. Much appreciated!

More of a weekend driver + Outstation I do enjoy getting about a bit quick but have not really gotten a chance to go off road. Hence the sudden desire for 4x4. I managed to get the Box up a mountain through some estates to a Chalet one time deemed impossible by some locals who said it was only for 4x4s. I would love to avoid cops. Due to modified exhaust I have right now, does cause me anxiety every time they grace the roads with their presence. Maybe I should leave trucks for when I am older and have more patience (and money) 😄

@iRage Thank you for taking time for this. I appreciate the advice and the insights. This is fair, I was just worried I was pouring money to a car that could have been a better car. But then again, who knows. I am pretty much sold on the restoring and making the Box better. Yea not an option. I with bitter experience found out that I should either do it right or not do it at all. Regardless of the cost. Pretty much what happened to me. "Mata atawala dunna". But since I have been in and out of literally everything in the car. I like to think that I know the state of almost every component. Touché Never thought of it this way to be honest. Sounds like some solid advice. I will take that in to account. Touché again I did not know this. Will keep in mind. Was thinking it was better than engines I'd find in sedans of the same era. Looks beautiful. It does look like a lot of time and money was put in. On point. Exactly what it is. It is an amazing car for sure but same repairs over and over gets exhausting. I have been considering this. Was just not sure if it was a good idea. I came across a chance to buy a GSR Turbo engine for quite a decent price. Basically that of A175. Did not go for it since body needed more attention than what was under the hood. I will be looking in to restoring costs and timeline. Will update when I find details. Thank you again, you may have saved me from a decision I would have regretted.

Honestly, no clue. But it did make the car light. Scurries up mountains with ease. Major rust points I found so far are Just under the dash (starts leaking water to your foot)... easy fix though Doors: hinges and top of door as well if beading is not right Bonnet. Not even sure how Everywhere else I found were quite minor and age appropriate These are the ones I have found so far, some addressed, some not. Surprisingly, under carriage was fine. But got to hand it to the Lancer Box for being 40 odd years old and still being amazing to drive regardless of the unnerving feeling that I might go through the floor.

As for the Lancer, plenty. Hilux, less plenty but thanks to them not changing the design and all for over a decade, majority of parts of later models would work and from what I have found so far, some parts like from D21 can be used. I am not convinced but it is what I have heard. Again, based on information I have gathered, no experience on this whatsoever. This is the issue I have, and I think this is true. I managed to find 4 vehicles for sale of the same license plate (28-) year and all were selling for quite a low price compared to that of (40- and 50-). The age and the registration category had contributed to the low price more than the condition itself. Not at all, the Lancer being my first car. I would appreciate some insight on this. The pros the cons, what to look out for. The next vehicle I would go for at some point would be a 4x4 so any and all information is welcome! Very much looking forward to this. I am tired of being blinded by my own side mirrors loyally reflecting the lights of every car ever.

For context I bought the Lancer Box 2023 Nov' for 700k and definitely did more than that on repairs alone. Restoration involves full strip of body panels and addressing the rust (pretty much everywhere) and then repainting. I would be able to do that this side of 500k but my concern is that even if I do, at the end of the day if selling it would go for 1 mil tops. For context I love the box and it is quite nimble and quick but it is draining my finances (re-did brakes, suspension, A/C, sounds, stripped the bottom with a grinder and repainted coz of rust, windshield, tyres... honestly list goes on and I have logs). Only problem with it, honestly, is the rust (which is not visible all around per say) so was thinking for selling for around 800k. Sadly the most expensive Lancer box I have seen for sale was like 1.2 mil and it was a solid one but it has been there for sale for a while. I have seen people put them out for like 400k. Not a huge fan, I am 25, I only take the car out on weekends and just cruise around. I just want something that would make me giggle when I drive around on weekends and something reliable I can take on trips basically. I have been considering and NGL there were some good ones. But still, not a Hilux eh? Concern is D21 vs 83'Hilux (in terms of resell market). Other than the inconvenience of parking in Colombo, should be fine I suppose. Also the truck I was looking at was 4 door. Lifted. Pretty cool looking. I have heard it is easier? But I may be wrong. If you don't mind giving more details on this? Also, thank you for your insights. I really really appreciate it!! PS: Image of the source of my happiness and the demise of finances PS:

Hi All ! First timer here I currently drive a Mitsubishi Lancer A172 and am planning on going for an upgrade. Mainly due to maintenance and general running costs and since I am in a loosing battle to rust. I came across and opportunity to purchase a Fourth generation Hilux (1983) which was recently re-built (repainted, engine overhauled). 4x4, 2-door. And I have seen it in action and have been pretty up to date with the rebuild process. It was quoted for roughly 2.8 mil Is this a good option? My concern is that it is registered as a motor lorry and therefore requires a heavy vehicle license. Is there an aftermarket incase I want to sell it at some point? Is there an alternative maybe from a different brand for under 3 mil which I can/should consider? (I am also considering a D21, preferably in that price range) Are there any factors I should be considering that I may have missed? Thanks in advance !

Hey, not sure if you are still facing the issue. I daily drive a Lancer Box. Had a similar problem. Car runs fine, suddenly stalled and did not start. Had to drag to the garage twice. Assumed it was fuel related and replaced hoses and pumps but to no avail. Turns out if was an electrical problem. The ignition coil pack was overheating (replace with new one) and the ignition contact point (image attached) was worn off (do not replace with aftermarket, try to find reconditioned). Replaced the two and now runs well. Hope this helps.