Economical, perfect student car
Alternator needed reconditioning.
Idle-compensator not working (but not essential)
Rust in door arches, around windscreen and back passenger windows.
A very reliable car.
Extremely cheap to run (800kms on one tank of petrol on the open road).
Reluctantly sold due to rust.
Can go just about anywhere!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 24th May, 2002
Still goes like a rocket even with close to 300 000 k's
I had problems with the alternator, but I just replaced a small thing on top and it works fine now.
Little bits of rust in the two A pillars and underneath the back bumper near the driver's side wheel arch.
The syncros are worn into third gear, but I got used to it and had new high temperature oil put in.
Needed new engine mounts (they're expensive, Toyota genuine).
My car had quite a few little problems when I got it, but that's my bad choice.
Despite that it is a very quick car and I can see how it would have been a hot little sports car in its day, and to some people it still is.
It has heaps of power and handles great, the brakes aren't the best but they do the job.
I have given a few bigger cars a run for their money with pleasing results.
On the down side it needs new paint on the roof and tail gate and A pillars, the seats are a bit too tight for me and the gearbox is a bit dodgy, but I love my little rolla.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 20th April, 2001
Economical motoring beyond belief
A small amount of rust appeared around the drainage hole in the spare wheel well and had to be rectified for a fitness certificate.
Water seems to accumulate in the left rear tail light - occasional emptying is required.
This car covers a huge amount of ground on very little fuel, has an extremely smooth and powerful engine (perhaps it is very light) and whilst lacking any character or style is huge fun to drive.
Typical dealer servicing costs are in the region of $50 NZ a pop. Build quality and basic engineering levels are excellent! If buying a Toyota ensure the cam belt has been replaced on a regular basis in order to avoid very expensive repair bills.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 20th August, 2000
28th Dec 2000, 16:22
Adding to the recommendation on having the cambelt replaced. While doing the cambelt, check the oil pump pulley which is driven by the cambelt. These have a tendency to come loose and wear out the centre, causing extensive damage. Once done you'll have miles of trouble free motoring.