Faults:

At 130,000 miles, I had to replace the motor because I run the motor to hell and back twice.

I replaced the clutch with an ACT clutch because it was actually cheaper.

The fuel meter went out and it was stuck at full tank, but I did not really notice it because the car gets great gas mileage.

General Comments:

That Z-Max stuff works great!

The only thing that I really did to the car is change the 13 inch rims to 15 inch racing harts for that better handling.

It is speed hungry and it packs a punch off the line, but it lacks the top end acceleration badly.

Could use a limited slip differential.

Faults:

The engine blew at 110000 miles. I rescued an engine from a Celica GT in a junkyard with 187000 miles on it and the engine runs great.

I have had some problems with the knock pin falling out on the camshaft timing gear.

Rust around the rear wheels.

The transmission shifter binds.

General Comments:

The car gets great gas mileage for the engine size and horsepower.

The car uses the whole speedometer and handles like it wants to go that fast.

Faults:

The previous owner replaced the engine (3S-FE; 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder, DOHC) at 144,000 miles, reasons unknown. The new engine is smooth and reasonably powerful, due to the relatively low weight of the car. The only complaint is the transmission, which is a 4-speed automatic with electronic overdrive. The driver has to remember to disable the overdrive at each stop, otherwise the overdrive will engage below 40 MPH, and, at that speed in top gear the engine is turning less than 2,000 RPM. This engine performs best in the 2,000-3,000 RPM range. So long as the driver keeps the engine above 2,000 RPM, the car is an absolute delight to drive. After three years of ownership I continue to be impressed with Toyota's engineering, especially with the emphasis on ease of access to the oil filter and fluid top-off locations. Toyota reliability is hard to beat; this car is now thirteen years old and runs as well as a vehicle with many fewer miles. Parts are pretty easy to find, and parts prices are reasonable. The convertible top is easy to maintain, and the electric retraction system is well-engineered.

General Comments:

The driver's seat-back angle is adjustable; even so, at its most upright position, it reclines too much for me. The solution is a small pillow in the lower back area.