The Toyota Starlet began in 1973 as a simple subcompact, but it's the later generations that attract enthusiasts. The rear-wheel-drive KP61 (1978-1984) is a legend in grassroots motorsports for its light weight and tossable handling. Later, the front-wheel-drive, turbocharged EP82 GT Turbo and EP91 Glanza V became icons of 90s JDM hot hatch culture, offering impressive performance in a small package.
Collectors seek out the Starlet for its simplicity and tuning potential. A RWD KP61 is a blank canvas for a race car or drift project, while a GT Turbo or Glanza V provides a classic, high-revving turbo experience. They represent an accessible entry point into JDM ownership, offering a direct and unfiltered driving feel that's rare in modern cars.
The market for the Starlet is still developing, with relatively few examples trading hands. With an average sale price of just over $7,000, it's an affordable classic. Prices depend heavily on generation and condition, with clean, unmodified turbo models and well-built RWD cars commanding the highest values.
Buying Tips
- Check for rust thoroughly, especially in the sills, floor pans, wheel arches, and around the tailgate.
- On turbo models (EP82/EP91), inspect for signs of excessive boost, oil leaks from the turbo, and poor quality modifications.
- For RWD KP61 models, listen for whining from the differential or crunching from the gearbox, which can indicate a hard life.
- Interior plastics and fabrics are often brittle and worn. Finding replacement trim can be difficult, so prioritize cars with complete interiors.
Based on 16 sales, prices range from $2,600 to $11,000, with an average of $7,157.
55 Toyota Starlet vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars, with 18 currently live.
Data sourced from Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, eBay Motors, PCarMarket, and Collecting Cars. Updated daily.
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