1986 Toyota Corolla DX review from Australia and New Zealand

The car has developed some minor rust in the A-pillars (it does sit outside in the sub-tropical Auckland weather). This was fixed and painted for NZ$200.

I suspect that although the motor may probably go on for ever the body has but a year or two remaining.

A reconditioned radiator was required at 130K - also inexpensive $200.

All other wear (tires, seats etc.) seem to be very light. Everything is made of plastic which helps.

Irritatingly, one of the rear tail lights seems to full up with water from time to time - I have replaced the wiring loom once ($10 second-hand) and despite sealing the unit with silicon have been unable to stop this problem. It does rain here a lot though.

The car cost NZ$2000 to purchase. It is very inexpensive to run, very cheap to repair and seems to use very little fuel indeed.

The car seems to survive on basic maintenance only - a set of plugs, an oil filter and oil every 5K with tires etc. replaced as required.

The engine is fine for around town use, and some open road driving, but is unable to keep up with more modern vehicles (without really pushing it) on twisty, mountainous B roads (however it is fun trying to keep up).

Total running costs for a year would be as follows: 2 services @ $100 - say one repair @ $200 and $10 petrol a week to cover around 200K per year.