Kartal Araba: A Guide to the Turkish Version of the Fiat 131
If you are looking for a classic, affordable, and reliable car in Turkey, you might want to consider the Kartal Araba. This is a Turkish version of the old Fiat 131, which was produced by Tofaş, a Turkish automobile manufacturer, from 1977 to 2010. The name Kartal means eagle in Turkish, and it reflects the car's strength, speed, and durability. In this article, we will give you an overview of the history, features, comparison, and tips for buying and maintaining a Kartal Araba.
Introduction
The Kartal Araba is one of the most popular and iconic cars in Turkey. It was designed as a family car that could handle different road conditions, weather, and terrains. It has a simple but elegant design, a spacious interior, a powerful engine, and a sturdy body. It also has a low maintenance cost, a high resale value, and a loyal fan base. The Kartal Araba is not only a car, but also a symbol of Turkish culture, history, and identity.
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The main features and specifications of the Kartal Araba are as follows:
Body type: 4-door sedan or 5-door station wagon
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Engine: Gasoline or diesel, ranging from 1.3 L to 1.9 L
Transmission: 4-speed or 5-speed manual, or 3-speed automatic
Dimensions: Wheelbase 2.49 m, length 4.32 m, width 1.64 m, height 1.44 m
Curb weight: Around 960 kg
Fuel consumption: Around 8 L/100 km
Top speed: Around 160 km/h
The advantages and disadvantages of the Kartal Araba are as follows:
AdvantagesDisadvantages
Affordable priceOutdated design
Easy to repairLack of safety features
Durable and reliableNoisy and polluting
Versatile and spaciousLow fuel efficiency
Cult status Low availability and variety
History of Kartal Araba
The Kartal Araba was born as a result of a collaboration between Fiat and Tofaş, which was established in 1968 as a joint venture between the Turkish Koç Holding and the Italian Fiat Group. The aim was to produce modern and affordable cars for the Turkish market, using Fiat's technology and Tofaş's facilities. The first car produced by Tofaş was the Murat 124, a Turkish version of the Fiat 124, in 1971. The Murat 124 was followed by the Murat 131, a Turkish version of the Fiat 131, in 1976. The Murat 131 was later renamed as the Kartal in 1981, and became the most successful and popular model of Tofaş.
The Kartal Araba had different models and variants over the years, such as:
Kartal SL: The standard model with a 1.3 L gasoline engine and a 4-speed manual transmission.
Kartal S: A sporty model with a 1.6 L gasoline engine and a 5-speed manual transmission.
Kartal GL: A luxury model with a 1.6 L gasoline engine and a 3-speed automatic transmission.
Kartal D: A diesel model with a 1.9 L diesel engine and a 5-speed manual transmission.
Kartal SX: A station wagon model with a 1.6 L gasoline engine and a 5-speed manual transmission.
Kartal LX: A station wagon model with a 1.6 L gasoline engine and a 3-speed automatic transmission.
Kartal DX: A station wagon model with a 1.9 L diesel engine and a 5-speed manual transmission.
The Kartal Araba evolved over time and underwent several changes and improvements, such as:
In 1984, the Kartal Araba received a facelift with new headlights, taillights, bumpers, and grille.
In 1989, the Kartal Araba received another facelift with new body panels, dashboard, steering wheel, and seats.
In 1992, the Kartal Araba received an injection system for its gasoline engines, improving its performance and fuel efficiency.
In 1998, the Kartal Araba received airbags and ABS for its safety features, as well as power steering and central locking for its comfort features.
In 2000, the Kartal Araba received a catalytic converter for its emission control system, reducing its environmental impact.
The Kartal Araba stopped production in 2010, after more than three decades of service and success. It was replaced by the Tofaş Şahin, another Turkish version of the Fiat Tempra. However, the Kartal Araba still remains in the hearts and minds of many Turkish people, who cherish it as a part of their heritage and identity. The Kartal Araba also has a potential for revival and restoration, as there are many enthusiasts and collectors who are interested in preserving and improving this classic car.
Comparison of Kartal Araba with Other Cars
The Kartal Araba is a unique and distinctive car that has its own advantages and disadvantages. However, it is also useful to compare it with other cars in terms of performance, comfort, safety, and reliability. This way, you can have a better idea of how the Kartal Araba stands out from the crowd and what are its main competitors and alternatives.
The Kartal Araba is a rear-wheel-drive car that has a front-mounted engine. This means that it has a good balance of weight distribution, traction, and handling. However, it also means that it has a higher risk of oversteering, skidding, and spinning out of control, especially on slippery or uneven roads. The Kartal Araba also has a relatively low power-to-weight ratio, which means that it has a lower acceleration, speed, and fuel efficiency than other cars with similar engines. The Kartal Araba also has a simple suspension system, which means that it has a smoother ride on flat roads, but a rougher ride on bumpy roads.
The Kartal Araba is a spacious and comfortable car that can accommodate up to five passengers and a large amount of cargo. It has a generous legroom, headroom, and trunk space, as well as a wide and adjustable seats. It also has a simple but functional dashboard, with easy-to-read gauges and controls. However, the Kartal Araba also has a low level of comfort features, such as air conditioning, electric windows, radio, or CD player. It also has a low level of noise insulation, which means that it can be quite loud and noisy inside the car.
The Kartal Araba is a durable and reliable car that can last for a long time and withstand different conditions. It has a strong and sturdy body, which can resist rust, corrosion, and damage. It also has a simple and easy-to-repair engine, which can run on low-quality fuel and oil. However, the Kartal Araba also has a low level of safety features, such as airbags, ABS, or seat belts. It also has a low level of emission control system, which means that it can produce high levels of pollution and greenhouse gases.
The Kartal Araba is a cult and classic car that has a loyal and passionate fan base. It has a distinctive and elegant design, which can attract attention and admiration. It also has a rich and colorful history, which can evoke nostalgia and pride. However, the Kartal Araba also has a low level of availability and variety, which means that it can be hard to find and buy. It also has a limited and outdated design, which means that it can be outperformed and outclassed by newer and more modern cars.
The main competitors and alternatives of the Kartal Araba in the Turkish market are:
Tofaş Şahin: Another Turkish version of the Fiat Tempra, which replaced the Kartal Araba in 2010. It has a similar body type, layout, engine, and transmission as the Kartal Araba, but with more modern features and specifications.
Renault Symbol: A French compact sedan that was introduced in Turkey in 2002. It has a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout, with gasoline or diesel engines ranging from 1.2 L to 1.6 L. It has more advanced features and specifications than the Kartal Araba.
Fiat Linea: An Italian compact sedan that was introduced in Turkey in 2007. It has a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout, with gasoline or diesel engines ranging from 1.3 L to 1.6 L. It has more advanced features and specifications than the Kartal Araba.
The pros and cons of choosing the Kartal Araba over other cars are as follows:
ProsCons
Cheaper priceInferior performance
Easier maintenanceLower comfort
Higher durabilityLower safety
Larger spaceLower efficiency
Cult statusLimited availability
Tips for Buying and Maintaining Kartal Araba
If you are interested in buying and owning a Kartal Araba, you should be aware of some tips and tricks that can help you make the best decision and deal. Here are some of the things to consider and check before buying a second-hand Kartal Araba:
Do your research: Learn as much as you can about the Kartal Araba, its history, features, specifications, models, variants, and prices. You can use online sources, such as websites, blogs, forums, or social media, to find information and reviews from experts and owners. You can also use offline sources, such as books, magazines, or newspapers, to find historical and cultural facts and stories about the Kartal Araba.
Inspect the car: Check the condition and quality of the Kartal Araba, both inside and outside. Look for any signs of damage, rust, corrosion, wear, tear, or repair. Pay attention to the engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, tires, lights, windows, doors, seats, dashboard, and trunk. Test drive the car and listen for any sounds or vibrations that indicate problems or issues. Ask for the service history and maintenance records of the car and verify them with the seller.
Negotiate the price: Compare the price of the Kartal Araba with other similar cars in the market and see if it is fair and reasonable. Consider the age, mileage, condition, and features of the car and see if they justify the price. Bargain with the seller and try to lower the price as much as possible. Be polite but firm and do not hesitate to walk away if you are not satisfied with the deal.
Once you have bought your Kartal Araba, you should take care of it and keep it in good condition. Here are some of the ways to maintain your Kartal Araba:
Change the oil and filter regularly: This will help your engine run smoothly and efficiently. You should change the oil and filter every 5,000 km or every six months, whichever comes first. You should use high-quality oil and filter that are suitable for your engine type and climate.
Check the fluids and tires regularly: This will help your car perform well and safely. You should check the fluids (such as coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid) every month and top them up if needed. You should also check the tires (such as pressure, tread depth, alignment) every month and inflate them if needed.
Clean the car regularly: This will help your car look nice and fresh. You should wash the car every week or every two weeks, depending on how dirty it is. You should use a mild soap and water to clean the exterior and a vacuum cleaner and cloth to clean the interior. You should also wax the car every three months or every six months to protect the paint.
Conclusion
The Kartal Araba is a classic car that has a lot of charm and character. It is a Turkish version of the Fiat 131 that was produced by Tofaş from 1977 to 2010. It has a simple but elegant design, a spacious interior, a powerful engine, and a sturdy body. It also has a low maintenance cost, a high resale value, and a loyal fan base. The Kartal Araba is not only a car, but also a symbol of Turkish culture, history, and identity.
If you are looking for a classic, affordable, and reliable car in Turkey, you might want to consider the Kartal Araba. It is a car that can handle different road conditions, weather, and terrains. It is also a car that can evoke nostalgia and pride among many Turkish people. However, you should also be aware of its drawbacks and limitations, such as its outdated design, lack of safety features, noisy and polluting engine, low fuel efficiency, low availability and variety.
In this article, we have given you an overview of the history, features, comparison, and tips for buying and maintaining a Kartal Araba. We hope that this article has been informative and helpful for you. If you are interested in buying or owning a Kartal Araba, we encourage you to do your research, inspect the car, negotiate the price, and take care of your car. We wish you the best of luck and happy driving!
FAQs
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about the Kartal Araba:
What does Kartal mean in Turkish?
Kartal means eagle in Turkish. It is a name that reflects the strength, speed, and durability of the car. It is also a name that is associated with the Turkish national emblem and identity.
Is Kartal Araba still in production?
No, Kartal Araba stopped production in 2010, after more than three decades of service and success. It was replaced by the Tofaş Şahin, another Turkish version of the Fiat Tempra. However, there are still many Kartal Arabas on the roads and in the garages of Turkey, as well as some other countries where it was exported.
How many Kartal Arabas were sold in Turkey and abroad?
According to Tofaş, the total number of Kartal Arabas produced from 1977 to 2010 was 1,279,000 units. Of these, 1,067,000 units were sold in Turkey and 212,000 units were exported to other countries, such as Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia, and Yemen.
What are the common problems and issues with Kartal Araba?
Some of the common problems and issues with Kartal Araba are:
Overheating: The engine of the Kartal Araba can overheat easily, especially in hot weather or heavy traffic. This can cause damage to the engine or other components. To prevent this, you should check the coolant level regularly and replace it if needed. You should also avoid driving at high speeds or for long periods without stopping.
Rust: The body of the Kartal Araba can rust quickly, especially in humid or salty environments. This can affect the appearance and safety of the car. To prevent this, you should wash and wax the car regularly and protect it from rain and snow. You should also repair any scratches or dents as soon as possible.
Electrical: The electrical system of the Kartal Araba can malfunction or fail, especially in cold or wet conditions. This can affect the lights, windows, radio, or other devices. To prevent this, you should check the battery and alternator regularly and replace them if needed. You should also check the fuses and wires and fix any loose or broken connections.
How can I find spare parts and accessories for my Kartal Araba?
You can find spare parts and accessories for your Kartal Araba from various sources, such as:
Tofaş: The official manufacturer of the Kartal Araba. You can contact them directly or visit their website to order or request any parts or accessories that you need.
Dealers: The authorized dealers of Tofaş or Fiat in Turkey or other countries where the Kartal Araba was sold. You can visit their showrooms or workshops to buy or install any parts or accessories that you need.
Online: The online platforms that sell or offer parts or accessories for the Kartal Araba. You can browse their websites or apps to find or order any parts or accessories that you need.
Junkyards: The places that collect or recycle old or damaged cars. You can visit their locations or call them to find or buy any parts or accessories that you need.
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