1996 Toyota Carib Paintless Dent Repair in Pittsburgh, Pa

I had a potential customer call me a couple months ago about getting an estimate to repair a rather large dent on his passenger side front door.  When I asked him the year and model, he chuckled and said it was a 1996 Toyota Carib. I had never heard of such a thing, and then he tells me it’s a “right drive” vehicle.  Say what??  We even made a funny video about it.

I had to do some research on the car that had never come across my radar.  Here is what I learned!

The automotive industry has been witnessing a significant shift in recent years, with the growing popularity of right-hand drive (RHD) cars across various markets. One particular model that played a pivotal role in this trend is the Toyota Carib, also known as the Toyota Corolla Wagon. This iconic vehicle not only catered to the demands of its time but also contributed to the global acceptance of RHD cars.

The Toyota Carib, produced by the Japanese automaker Toyota, was first introduced in 1984. It was based on the renowned Toyota Corolla platform, a compact sedan that had already gained widespread popularity across the globe. The Carib’s unique selling point was its versatile station wagon design, offering ample space for passengers and luggage, making it an ideal choice for families and travelers alike.  The Carib’s reliability and fuel efficiency earned it a solid reputation among consumers, contributing to its steady sales and enduring appeal. Its strong presence in both the Japanese domestic market and numerous overseas markets was a testament to Toyota’s commitment to producing vehicles that catered to diverse consumer needs.

During the 1980s and 1990s, the demand for Japanese cars, including the Toyota Carib, surged in various countries worldwide. The robust performance and reputation for reliability made Japanese vehicles increasingly attractive to consumers looking for efficient and durable automobiles.

One significant factor that influenced the rise of RHD cars, like the Toyota Carib, was the increasing popularity of imports from Japan in countries with left-hand traffic (driving on the right side of the road). Many countries, particularly in Southeast Asia, Oceania, and the Caribbean, had adopted right-hand driving due to historical influences, such as Great Britain.

As a result, manufacturers like Toyota adapted their vehicle production to cater to these markets by manufacturing RHD versions of their popular models, including the Carib. The availability of RHD models widened the export potential for Japanese automakers, enabling them to reach a broader customer base worldwide.

Right-hand drive cars offer several advantages, especially in countries with left-hand traffic. Some of the key benefits include:

It has been suggested that right-hand drive vehicles, and hence the left-hand traffic direction, are associated with greater safety. As most drivers are right-handed, the dominant right hand remains controlled on the steering wheel while the non-dominant left hand can manipulate gears.

Comfort and Ergonomics: For countries with left-hand traffic, RHD cars offer improved ergonomics, as controls and features are positioned for easy access by the driver seated on the right side. This layout enhances comfort during long drives and daily commutes.

While doing my research, I found this honest but funny list of the pros and cons of Right Hand Drive Vehicles in the US.  Here are the pros:

“Easy parallel parking, just look down and there’s the curb!

It’s safer for the driver to exit the car since the steering wheel is on the curb side.

It’s a good conversation starter.

For those in the western states, some In & Out Burgers have drive-thru service on the right! They love it when I come through.

Talking to other drivers at stop lights is very convenient.

Talking to girls on the sidewalk is much easier. (Change “girls” to “guys” if you are female)

Police officers love having the driver’s window on the safer side of the shoulder.

You get a lot of smiles from people of all types. And sometimes they actually laugh with you rather than at you!

Some mail boxes can be reached from the driver’s seat which require other drivers to exit their car.

Chicks dig it.

Car thieves hate it.”

Here’s the link if you want to see the list of Cons.  It’s from mgnuts.com A website for classic enthusiasts.

Even as we progress into the 21st century, right-hand drive vehicles continue to be in demand in various regions around the world. Countries like the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and several Southeast Asian nations still predominantly use left-hand traffic systems, making RHD cars a necessity.

Furthermore, the popularity of imported Japanese cars, particularly used vehicles, has been on the rise in several countries due to their reliability and cost-effectiveness. As a result, models like the Toyota Carib, renowned for their durability and versatility, continue to find homes in diverse markets.

So, with that all being said, our client sent some pictures of his door panel with the damage.  I prepared and went over his estimate with him.  He said he was so glad he found Dent Repair Now.  He’d called other body shops and dent guys in the Pittsburgh area, and we were the only ones to reach back out to him.  (That is music to our ears!!)  You can watch the video of the repair here. Our Lead Technician, Dave explains some important details about working on this particular car.  From protecting the paint to taking his time pushing, this video is one for the books!