Toyota Starlet Market Index1973-1999

About the Toyota Starlet

The Toyota Starlet, manufactured globally from 1973 until 1999 across five generations, is a cult-classic subcompact that transformed from a humble rear-wheel-drive commuter into a high-tech performance pioneer. In the 2026 Australian market, the Starlet has maintained its status as a quintessential "P-plater" car, with the local buyer pool dominated by first-time drivers and students who prize the final EP91 series for its mechanical simplicity, incredible fuel economy, and park-anywhere dimensions. Desirability has reached an absolute fever pitch this year following the early-2026 confirmation of the all-new Toyota GR Starlet, a 1.3-litre turbocharged "pocket rocket" developed for Rally 4 competition that has reignited global nostalgia for the nameplate. This modern revival has trickled down to the used market, where enthusiasts are frantically hunting for the "holy grail" performance imports: the EP82 GT Turbo and the EP91 Glanza V, both famous for their punchy 4E-FTE engines that offer a visceral, lightweight driving experience missing from modern hatchbacks. Consequently, the market value of the Starlet in Australia is seeing a sharp divergence; while the standard Starlet Life remains an affordable and reliable entry point for young drivers, pristine, factory-original turbo variants and the rare EP71 Turbo S have transitioned into blue-chip collectibles, with prices reflecting their importance as the first Japanese subcompacts to truly embrace the "hot hatch" formula.