1996 Toyota Vienta CSI review from Australia and New Zealand

* Cassette deck broke after 3 years

* Roof headlining started to sag ($24 to fix)

* Material in door trim started to shrink & come loose (easy to replace)

* Transmission not as smooth as it once was (expected with 160,000kms)

We purchased this car in May 1996. Since then the 3.0L engine has never missed a single beat, and we have never had a major fault with the car.

The 3.0 multi point fuel injected engine runs perfectly with 139kw running through the front wheels.

This car is perfectly suited to the Australian road conditions, absorbing each & every pot hole with pride.

Although the suspension is quite soft, the car can easily tow a trailer full of holiday luggage without a problem.

After 160k the auto transmission is starting to clunk between 1st & 2nd gear changes, but this is expected with the age of the car.

The car is extremely economical in the city, recording between 10-13l/100km and even less in the country.

In the city, the 3.0L engine easily purrs and pulls along, but when it is provoked, the engine becomes a beast heading towards the red line.

Although the interior is starting to age, mechanically the car will never die & will just keep on going without a fault.

Compared to Falcons & Commodores of the same age, the car hasn't suffered the major faults the Falcons & Commodores have suffered.

Although the car won't fly past Falcons & Commodores, it easily has enough power to overtake on country roads, even with a trailer on the back.

We are extremely happy with this car & will continue to buy Toyota's in the future, & expect many more years of driving pleasure with the Vienta.