1984 Toyota Crown Royal Saloon review from Australia and New Zealand

My Radiator was badly blocked, was heating intermittently since I bought the car, had it repaired at 208000km.

My overdrive solenoid was not working since I bought the car. had it replaced from a wrecking yard, but the new one sometimes kicks the overdrive in late, after 70km/h.

My starter motor failed soon after I bought the car, had it replaced from a wrecking yard.

My electric in tank fuel pump failed soon after I bought the car, had it replaced from a wrecking yard.

My heater tap failed soon after I bought the car. had to get it replaced from a wrecking yard as was losing water.

My central locking has failed at 200000kms.

Developed 2 water leaks at 205000kms. one in the engine block, and one in a hose. poured a $10 solution in to cooling system which fixed the engine block leak. hose was replaced with spare hose.

The operation of electronic aerial is buggy.

The exhaust flange gaskets were replaced at 200000kms, and are already in need of replacing again.

Car cost $1500au and immediately had problems to fix.

Car is rear wheel drive.

Car features a Full Frame chassis, so the car is very solid.

Car features Dual air conditioning (front and rear, with rear controls), air purifier, rear cool box, cruise control, power steering, electric windows, electric mirrors. 4 wheel disc brakes, independent rear suspension and tow bar.

The car weighs over 1525kg. it accelerates from 0-100km/h in 9 seconds.

Acceleration is very smooth and even.

The car should use premium unleaded petrol as the engine pings about with regular unleaded.

The car uses 14-16L fuel per 100km. a real fuel guzzler.

The gear changes are very smooth.

The suspension is wonderful, the car is even comfortable on gravel roads.

The car is effortless to drive.

The car cannot be driven hard in the wet, as it goes sideways too easily. once it goes sideways you cannot control it. but you can control slides on a dry road.

I have previously driven 2 Toyota corollas, a nissan prairie, a Holden barina, a Suzuki swift GTi, a Mitsubishi lancer and a Nissan skyline. The crown feels much smoother and comfortable than any of these cars. It is also the easiest to get sideways. and is only slower than the swift GTi from the lights.

I have let a friend drive this car once. He drives a Honda legend 1990. He was amazed by the crown's smoothness.