1981 Toyota T18 3T 1.8
Summary:
A cheap bag of laughs
Faults:
When I bought the car it had a few holes in the exhaust. I fixed that by replacing it with extractors, 2 1/4 stainless exhuast pipe and a 4 1/2 tip.
I have broken 3 5 speed gearboxs since I've had the car.(due to driving the car to its fullest).
Driver's side seat broke.
Leaked oil excessively (fixed by replacing bottom seal).
Bald tyres (again from driving the car hard).
Water pump seized.
Rubbers between doors and back windows is broken.
General Comments:
The car overall goes hard, but at a price.
If the car had new springs and suspension it would be great.
One thing my mother always said to me - it doubles in value each time I fill it with gas.
All together I've spent about $3000 on the car.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 28th February, 2002
10th Jul 2001, 04:58
I once had a T18, bought it back in the summer of 98. Was a great little car, air con, velour seats, for $1200. Cost me only $300 for a roadworthy example. Was a great little car to drive, had a bulletproof engine, smooth gear box and was generally good all round.
Too bad I killed the little thing! Was my first car and by the time I'd finished with it, it was on its second gearbox, second exhaust, the doors would not shut properly, the motor was only firing on 3 cylinders, starter motor was gone, it leaked oil faster then I could pour it in and the differential needed reconditioning. If it wasn't so far gone I would have fixed it, but I got a dodgy Japanese gearbox and that could only house a special starter motor and the total cost to repair it was in the thousands.
I had to say goodbye to the poor girl. She was a great car, never let me down and would love to have another one again. I had to sell her for a meagre $150 to a wrecker and the last time I saw her she was in a very sorry state, damaged, dented, rusting and in pieces (sob). But the story of one's first car is all too common so RIP my little T18, you were a great car and I'll miss ya!