Faults:

All up in the 9 months of owning this car I had to fix:

# CV joints $500 approx.

# Timing belt etc. $1200.

# Fuel lines done. With timing belt.

# Master cylinder, $700, and because of rear brake problems, the front brakes have overheated... the mechanic has told me it will cost $700 to fix front brakes.

# Had to replace rims due to a crack.

# I have spent around $3500 on the car all up, which is a heart break considering I bought the car cheaper.

# Fuel pump is very noisy when there is less than 1/4 of a tank.

# I have had electrical problems, which when you go around a corner, the car feels like its has stalled, then runs like crap for the next few kms. Have also had problems with turning the car on, alternator won't even turn over, but the car will start if you put it in neutral.

# I can't open the front passenger door with the key.

# I can't open the boot with key either.

# Driver's door doesn't shut properly... many flat batteries over this and many problems getting out!

# Interior light works when it wants to.

# A few mechanics have told me the previous owner has done some very dodgy wiring etc trying to make short cuts including for some reason pulling out the fan.

# Rear shocks need to be replaced.

General Comments:

Great first car if you buy it off the right person...

Try to buy the car completely stock...

Fun car to drive; excellent response once you tweak it a bit.

Cheap on fuel, but seems to lose fuel economy if you're heavy footed.

Faults:

- Right Indicator blew. Had to be replaced. Very cheap

- Windscreen water tank leaks

- Front right tyre has had 3 punctures in last 1000kms.

General Comments:

All in all the car is very neat, clean and enjoyable to own. It's the small things like punctured tyres and broken indicators which have been the only real problems so far.

One thing that bothers me is the consumption. The best I have gotten out of a full tank is about 300kms and I'm not metal heavy. It's pretty decent for a small car of this age I guess, though it's not good for my ever decreasing-in-depth pockets!

Faults:

Drainage channels have blocked up and the front driver's side fills with water in a storm.

Wipers need tightening frequently.

Radiator replaced.

General Comments:

Overall, the car has been exceptionally reliable. Its interior is staid, but well glued together, although it's a bit on the small side.

Performance is utterly breathless (3 speed auto) and it has quite a thirst for what it is (about 10L/100km). Gets there eventually, but I never expect a brisk getaway and I leave the overtaking for the Grannies in their new Corollas. Handling is spongy, but safe.

One of the most annoying things is that the tailgate (I have the Seca variant) has no handle. I will probably lose a finger or two soon.

The Toyota dealer where the car is serviced has been excellent.