Toyota Corolla 4th Gen
The fourth-generation Corolla was the last to offer a rear-wheel-drive layout across the entire range, making it a favorite for its simple mechanics and '80s style. It's an accessible classic Japanese car with a strong following in the drifting and tuning communities.
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Toyota Corolla 4th Gen prices by year
| Year | Median (3 yrs) | Middle 50% | Sales (3 yrs) | For sale now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | $8.1k | – | 2 | 12 |
| 1980 | $11k | – | 1 | 17 |
| 1981 | $7.2k | – | 2 | 19 |
| 1982 | $5.5k | – | 2 | 16 |
| 1983 | $12k | – | 1 | 11 |
Auction sales in the last 3 years; prices leave out salvage and other branded titles.
Listings
The fourth-generation Toyota Corolla, known as the E70, ran from 1979 to 1987 and represented a major styling shift to a sharp, angular design. It was the last generation to feature a rear-wheel-drive layout across its huge range of body styles, including sedans, coupes, liftbacks, and wagons. Power came from a series of simple and reliable engines, like the 1.8L 3T-C inline-4 in the U.S.
Collectors prize the E70 for its classic '80s looks, simple mechanics, and rear-drive dynamics. While its AE86 successor gets more attention, the E70 offers a similar lightweight, RWD experience at a more accessible price point. The two-door coupe and three-door liftback models, especially in SR5 trim with a 5-speed manual, are the most desirable body styles for enthusiasts and tuners.
Buying Tips
- Rust is the biggest issue. Check wheel arches, rocker panels, floor pans, and the areas around the front and rear glass for corrosion.
- Interior plastics are brittle. Dashboards are known to crack from sun exposure, and finding replacement interior trim pieces is very difficult.
- The 3T-C engine is durable but check for oil leaks from the valve cover and blue smoke on startup, which indicates worn valve stem seals.
- If buying an SR5 with the T50 5-speed manual, test for worn synchros, especially on the 2nd to 3rd gear shift.
- Many E70s have been modified. Inspect the quality of any suspension work or engine swaps, as correcting poor workmanship can be expensive.
323 Toyota Corolla 4th Gen vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars, with 75 currently live.
Data sourced from auction results and dealer and private listings, including Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, Mecum, RM Sotheby’s and eBay Motors. Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Toyota Corolla 4th Gen listings are for sale right now?
There are 75 Toyota Corolla 4th Gen listings currently live across auctions, dealers, and marketplaces tracked by Hypercars.