Sera door space question

[Daemion]

Hi All,

I'm needing to downgrade to something more economical now that I have to pay a mortgage, on top of having to use my car for work and do a bit of travelling in my job.

I've been keen on the Toyota Sera for ages, and they're not too badly priced these days, but am just wondering about the practicality of it with those cool looking upward swinging doors.

Has anyone owned, or known anyone that's owned a Sera and had any trouble with being able to get in and out of the car in crowded parking areas? (e.g. a car either side of you).

Can the doors be openned half way, or does the gas strut force the door all the way up regardless?

Any info appreciated.

[Mr Revhead]

the biggest problem with seras is damage....
a broken rear glass will see the car written off by an insurance company.

the glass and head lamps on these are insane prices.

as they are based on similar mechanicals to starlets/cynos/tercels they arent a problem in that respect.

[Daemion]

the biggest problem with seras is damage....
a broken rear glass will see the car written off by an insurance company.

the glass and head lamps on these are insane prices.

as they are based on similar mechanicals to starlets/cynos/tercels they arent a problem in that respect.

Wow, really? Nasty.

Any idea what those glass / head lamp prices are approximately, out of interest?

[Mr Revhead]

have a look here

http://forums.toyspeed.org.nz/viewtopic.php?t=53530&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=40

bearing in mind that was a little whiel ago, and chances are you will be able to get a deal.... still

[Heswe]

Wikipedia claims that the Sera's doors can be opened in 43cm clearance, not too bad really.

[Daemion]

Sheesh, you weren't kidding!

Definitely something to think about....might pay to keep driving the hungry Supra til it dies after all.

I need less expensive tastes in cars

[TURCEL]

Apart from the glass costing an arm and leg they are very good cars. Mines cheap on the gas but still got enough grunt to get through traffic. They handle alright (more than what you would expect from a entry level FWD) but alot of aftermarket from the Starlet can be swapped over.

I've got a Tercel, if you have any questions about them, give me a PM.

[DeeCee]

if you are of average size then the gullwing doors will be a PITA to get in and out of.

i'm 5'10 and my old flatmate use to have one. I had to keep sliding in and out and it wasn't fun at all..

and Revs comments on lights and glass is correct. My flatmate had to wait 2 months for a front light and it cost over 1k to replace.. and this was in 2001!

[B ROWDY]

I miss my Sera, Im 6ft and had no trouble with the doors and getting in at all, only thing I didnt get was why my elbow was so sore for a week or two, but its from opening the doors upwards lol

Great little cars, economical as, parts are expensive as Rev said (lights & glass) all other parts are easy to get from what I found