RM 45k for this Toyota Corolla AE70 fastback, rarer and cheaper than your AE86!

In Malaysia (and the rest of the world too actually), prices of Toyota's iconic AE86 have skyrocketed into an unrealistic realm. If you want one, you better have RM 100k cash in hand. With that in mind, how about a reasonably priced alternative?

Something like this sweet Toyota Corolla Levin AE70 fastback. Bet you don't see this one around a lot. Yes, it is in fact probably rarer than the much sought-after Corolla AE86, which seems a whole lot more obvious compared to this discreet but classy fastback.

Historically, the AE70 Corollas came in many shapes and form: a coupe hardtop (I owned this variant once), liftback and also the fastback you see here. Mechanically, all the versions are similar, from powertrain to suspension. Fun fact: The AE70 were also mechanically similar to the AE86.

So it should come as no surprise that this unit listed for sale is running the venerable 4AGE engine, this one being the 16-valve 'Big Port' version. Paired to a 5-speed manual, the running gear is nothing if not robust. Plus, it's rear-wheel drive. It even has something the AE86 doesn't: frameless doors. Uber cool!

Also read: Toyota 4A-GE 16V/20V - legendary 'tofu delivery' engine, what makes them great?

This particular unit is asking for RM 45,000, which is less than half the asking price an AE86 nowadays (circa RM 100k to 120k). Condition wise, this is as immaculate as a 34 year-old can be. This Toyota Corolla AE70 fastback is the thinking man's classic JDM machine, just as fun to drive as the AE86, and kinder to your bank balance as well.