In this blog entry, I'm covering one of my Childhood's favourite car. It is no other than the "GULL WINGED" Toyota Sera 1.5(A). I was only 11 years old when first I saw the SERA in KL International Motorshow 1990. It was a "LOVE AT 1st SIGHT" back then as I marvelled at the Special "Open upwards" DOOR. Hence, I told myself, "QUE SERA SERA, I WILL OWN YOU SOMEDAY".
The SERA's produced strictly for Japan Domestic Market (JDM), though few units were exported to Malaysia by Grey Importers.
The Toyota Sera is a fantastic concept car by Toyota. with 15852 units made from 1990 to 1994. An estimated 150 units of Toyota Sera made their way to Malaysia.
Market value for a Toyota SERA in Malaysia. The SERA has no FIXED Market price It's BOTH Buyers and seller's market due to the RARITY. Recently, there's one 1991 model going for RM35000. But there's one early 90s Black unit from ZEROTOHUNDRED (ZTH) sold for a mere RM20,000 cash.
Due to the rarity, I don't have a chance to Test drive / FEEL the car. All is not lost, I dished out 1 DEALS ON WHEELS (UK) VIDEO on Toyota Sera (to be upload by 21 April), 1 Buyer's guide, 1 "Technical Specification" and 3 owner's review (from Carsurvey).
(1)Without further ado, here's the "Buyer's guide)
BUYER'S GUIDE (2):
A few tips on what to look for when buying a Toyota Sera.
All the exterior body panels are unique to the Sera and are not shared with any European Toyota. When considering purchasing a car, inspect the body closely for damage and signs of accident repair. If there is signs of accident repair, I would advise you to seek further advice.
Bodywork is generally the most expensive part of a car to repair.
A small magnet will be useful to check that the car has not had dents repaired with filler - magnets stick to the body, but not to filler. Small parking dents can often easily knocked out if the dent has not broken the paint.
In the event of an accident, specialist body shops, such as the one at Omicron, can fabricate panels from sheet steel to fit the Sera, or panels can be shipped from Japan. Bear in mind that a panel takes up a lot of volume, so shipping costs, which are often charged on the volumetric scale rather than normal weight scale.
Front and rear bumpers are plastic mouldings painted body colour. Lamps are also unique to the Sera and have to come from Japan.
The glass on the Sera is unique - there are 6 pieces altogether - the windscreen, the rear screen, and two pieces for each door - the drop glass and the other piece curving up into the roof.
The front screen is laminated (ie two panes of glass sandwiching an adhesive, transparant plastic film), the rest of the glass is toughened (ie shatters into millions of tiny cubes.)
Check these panes for damage - the two door drop glasses should raise and lower nicely and smoothly. Is is not uncommon to find slight scores on the drop glasses caused by trapped grit particles.
Drivers window has an automatic up/down facility - press down slightly for normal operation, press fully for automatic drop, naturally the opposite direction is the same.
The rear screen has the rear demist and is supported by two struts. This glass also incorporates the radio aerial, although in some areas an external aerial is sometimes fitted to aid reception.
Check seats for damage to the cloth and make sure they move properly. The drivers seat also has a height adjuster. The rear seats fold to reveal a removable panel separating the car from the boot. There are two rear lap belts on early cars, later cars had 3 point belts in the rear.
In the passenger footwell, you may find two clips, or a red 'cigar' sized object down there. This is instead of a hazard triangle, and is in fact a small chemical lightstick. There is a best before date on it - Its up to you to decide if you want it in the car!
The cars originally came with two removable roof panels which cut out the glare from the sun. It would be nice if these were with the car. UK regulations call for a rear fog lamp. Picture SOURCE: (6)
The dash is sometimes spoilt by people hurriedly fitting a switch. There is a blanking plate for an extra switch next to the mirror controls on the RHS of the steering wheel.The cars are originally fitted with a KM/H speedo. To convert to MPH divide by 8 and multiply by 5. There are three ways of converting to read into MPH. Both have pro's and con's.
In the boot there should be a tool kit and a spacesaver spare wheel. Check if the car has locking wheel nuts - check that the key required to unlock these is present.
The CV joints are prone to wear - to check these, put the car in reverse and drive backwards on full steering lock. If you hear a 'clonk', there is some wear and should be replaced at some point in the future. Do this steering in both directions.
Put your weight on each corner of the car to test the shock absorbers - they should compress and then return to the original position quickly. If the car bounces around, maybe there is excessive wear in the dampers.
The gas struts for the doors weaken through use - the more frequently used drivers door may not support its own weight. These can be rebuilt or easily replaced.
The engine (Toyota 5E-FHE) is generally reliable, but check oil level and colour - there have been engine failures caused by low oil levels or oil starvation caused by oil deposits clogging the engine. I would recommend all Seras to have an engine flushing at each service. It is best to be on the safe side.
The cam belt should be changed at 100,000km, or sooner if there is no evidence of the last change, or a long period without use. Changing the timing belt isn't really a DIY job.
Whilst under the bonnet, check that the brake fluid and power steering reservoirs are full.
Brakes - some cars had ABS which meant brake discs and brake pads on each wheel. Some cars had drum brakes at the rear, and hence brake shoes. Some cars also had a drivers airbag.
Brake Fluid - use DoT 4 or higher specification rather than DoT 3. DoT 3 has a lower boiling point and isn't recommended.
ACCESSORIES:
There was a wide selection of extra-cost options for the Sera including ABS, body decals, protective rubbing strips, corner finder, reversing aids, door kick plates, rear spoiler, tinting, alloy wheels, dash mounted cup holder, central storage locker as well as interior telephones, navigation systems, CD-autochangers, in-car fax machines, front fog lamps and a choice of two automatic in-car fragrancers.
SOURCE (6):
There is not a huge amount of headroom in the rear for tall people. The car should be regarded as a 2+2 or even a 2 seater rather than a proper 4 seater.
The market prices in the UK can vary wildly.
Generally - you get what you pay for, although excellent cars do sometimes sell at below market value and vice versa. It is always worth looking at cars out of your intended price range.
A sub £ 2000 SERA will be requiring some cosmetic attention, or may be high mileage.
£ 3000 - £ 4000 will be generally be presentable and in average to above average condition.
£ 4000 + will be newer cars, or lower mileage cars, very highly specified or notable for some other reason
-END OF ARTICLE. Sourced from: http://www.omicron.uk.com/sera/serabuyr.html
Technical Specifications: SOURCE: http://www.omicron.uk.com/sera/aboutsera.html
Model Code EXY10
Track 55.3" front and rear
Wheelbase 90.6"
Length 152.0"
Width 65.0"
Height 49.8"
Weight 2075 lbs
Engine Code 5E-FHE
Engine type transverse inline 4 cylinder, DOHC, 16v, cast iron block, alloy cylinder head, belt driven, with geared camshafts.
Peak power 108bhp @ 6400 rpm
Peak torque 97 lb ft @ 5200 rpm
Bore x Stroke, mm 73.9mm x 87.1mm (2.91" x 3.43")
Capacity 1496cc
Compression Ratio 9.8:1
Ignition Breakerless, Electronic igntion.
Fuel Supply Fuel injected
Steering Rack and Pinion, power assisted
Brakes Vented discs (front), drums at rear unless fitted with ABS - discs all round
Front Suspension MacPherson struts with lower control arms and anti-roll bar
Rear Suspension Trailing arm beam axle, Panhard Rod, coil springs, dampers and anti-roll bar
Wheels / Tyres
Body Monocoque construction, steel
Transmission 5 speed manual or 4 speed automatic driving front wheels via unequal length driveshafts
Ignition Breakerless, Electronic igntion.
COLOUR CHOICES:
Certain colours phased out and other colours phased in during the lifespan of the Sera. Wine Red and Dark Grey for example was phased out when the phase 2 Sera was introduced, and at that point Burnt Orange and Astral Black was introduced.
Some people have had their Seras repainted - the above are the standard Toyota colours. I have seen yellow and white Seras...
END OF TECH SPECIFICATIONS.
Picture above, scissor door, also featured in McLaren F1.
Let's proceed to review from the Owners of Toyota Sera.
Owner's review 1: SOURCE: http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/toyota/sera/r68636/
1990 Toyota Sera ACPH review from UK and Ireland
"Often misunderstood, Toyota's baby supercar is really a sensible, practical city car"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Very little has gone wrong with this, my second Sera. My first example had been poorly maintained - as an Import, little can be known about the car's previous history, and the Sera needs to have frequent oil changes. My last one failed with 90,000 miles, the head gasket and rings went - but it had been poorly maintained.
With 175,000km on this one, it's still running like clockwork.
Failures I've had to correct on this one have been the the usual failure of the headlight glass, which discolours with age, and the thermostat had stuck open - another common failure which causes a lot of odd problems such as the gearbox refusing to engage overdrive!
Interior has held up well, though the 14 year old factory fit Double DIN stereo system is starting to flake out now. Previous Sera had worn rubbers on the doors, costing £160 per door in parts to fix properly (but no doubt good for another 14 years!).
General comments?
The Sera is a remarkable car. Whilst people in the UK snapped up the personal imports as a miniature supercar (which, with a 110bhp engine and automatic transmission in most examples, it clearly isn't - though it does overtake with alacrity in kickdown at the critical 45-55mph speed around here), and in the Japanese market it was a sophisticated car for professional women, I actually think the Sera is the perfect town car for most people.
For the usual uses of small cars - a couple, shopping and commuting - the Sera is fantastic. The boot is small, but the rear seats fold flat, leaving a convenient and accessible platform. Most Sera owners don't make use of the boot since the parcel shelf clips shut.
The seats are ideal for petite women - the bolsters are low and narrow, so when a larger car pushes your shoulders forward, the Sera's seats fit snugly - but still tolerable for a 600km drive for a 95 percentile male - taller people will find the seats lack travel. Fuel economy is good, as you'd expect of a light, efficient Japanese car, and spares availability and cost is brilliant from Toyota main dealers - a new front bumper, pre-painted, is £215, headlights are £150 each. A full stainless exhaust system is available.
The doors - the most unique part of the car, later copied for the McLaren F1 and Ferrari Enzo - are fantastic in tight parking spaces. The sideways movement is minimal, allowing the doors to be opened fully in tight spaces, and the visibility with the glass roof is incredible. Rear seat passengers are cramped, but do enjoy excellent vision through the roof.
Handling is a touchy subject. With standard Japanese suspension (especially worn suspension, as most imports will have - Seras haven't been produced since 1994) they're skittish and twitchy, but still quite tolerable. Upgrades do improve it, but often at the expense of ride quality. Experimenting with UK-market struts from the Paseo/Starlet may result in improvements. The basic geometry of the car is fine, and the low stance means other road users assume it's faster than it is and often let you pass without speeding up, something that happens often in my Supra.
The main criticism I have of the car is the headlights. They are abysmal, and whilst fitting new light units does improve them, the real improvement is to upgrade these early projectors (again, one of the first production cars to feature them) to HID bulbs, currently around £400 expense.
For more information on the Sera, the UK owners' 'club' has a website at http://www.toyotasera.co.uk/ where you can read more about these unusual cars, and find examples for sale.
Owner's review 2:
1991 Toyota Sera review from UK and Ireland
"A rare work of art"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
So far, no major faults have been encountered. The door struts had started to sag, so they were re-gassed which seems to have cured them for now.
The super live surround sound had a problem with the amplifier when bought, but this has since been replaced.
General comments?
Just to explain, the comfort marks seem low, but that's only compared to my previous car. It's not really that bad.
The Sera isn't a fast car, but it's nippy. It's not about speed though, it's about driving a very rare and stunning looking car. A glass roof and gull-wing doors for a few thousand pounds... 1992 Toyota Sera Phase III Manual SLSS review from UK and Ireland.
"Manual transmission makes it sprightly and fun, the Phase III spoiler and grey interior is handsome"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Very little has gone wrong with the car as a result of Toyota's build, though at 14, the suspension bushes, door struts and other parts are getting quite tired.
The importer made a total mess of the car's wiring, and consequently also the bodywork, just to fit a foglight. They also ruined the trim. When buying a Sera in the UK, it is worth checking the interior very carefully for damage.
The Japanese do generally take care of their cars. I wish the British would do the same.
General comments?
The manual transmission is fantastic, with a rifle-bolt slick gearchange (click-click - very positive). Handling is poor on this one because the dampers are now well past serviceable - replacing the suspension will cost around £700 for genuine parts.
The Phase III Sera offers a couple of small refinements - it has a plastic, instead of rubber, spoiler with a high level brake light (the primary identifying factor), three-point belts in the rear on some models, and grey interiors (Phase I and II models have blue or beige). They also have side impact beams.
For servicing it is essential to take the chassis number. My car, built in July 92, required stronger door struts to compensate for the side impact protection, and I ordered the wrong kind. Doors should lift themselves from waist height, if you want to see operation is correct. Strut balancers, the internal component of the struts, actually make a significant difference on older cars. Expect to pay £300 per door to rebuild the mechanism fully.
Owner's review 3: SOURCE: http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/toyota/sera/r75962/
1991 Toyota Sera review from UK and Ireland
"Looks and performance combined, a great budget beauty"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Very little trouble with this car. The door struts are slightly weak, but other than absolutely no problems.
General comments?
This is without a doubt the best car I have ever owned for a number of reasons. While it may not be a power-house, it is certainly quick enough to handle most situations.
The reliability is incredible, a 14 year old car that will take all the abuse you can throw at it, and come out purring is a rarity. This coupled with the fantastic design, inside and out makes it a joy to own.
I have been a proud owner of this car for 8 years now. I'm in love with it. It's a beauty both from the outside and from the inside. A head turner. Very fast and economical.
I still can't believe it's a 1990 car, 16 years old, since its still one of the most sexy cars driving in todays roads.
Its not unusual to find people admiring it or watching it in amazement, as I open the doors upwards. I just can't find the right words to describe this car... A rare Gem maybe!!!
REFERENCES:
(1) Picture Sourced from SERA DOWN UNDER Club: http://www.alttokyo.com/gg/cars/sera/
(2)BUYER"S GUIDE: Sourced from: http://www.omicron.uk.com/sera/serabuyr.html
3)Technical Specifications: SOURCE: http://www.omicron.uk.com/sera/aboutsera.html
4) Owner's review: www.carsurvey.org/reviews/toyota/sera
5) http://www.kei-cars.com/pic/Sera3.jpg
6) FOR SOME PHOTOS. http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=491993
THAT"S ALL FOLKS, Thanks for having the time and patience to read this blog entry.
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