Faults:

Only thing I have had done are the rear brake pads needed replacing, including a major service at my local backstreet garage the cost was 250 pounds, but no breakages so far!

General Comments:

I love this car! It still turns heads and effortlessly eats miles on the motorway or on the back roads. With a private plate people can't believe how old it is. With a fairly heavy right foot I get about 20mpg on short runs up to about 29mpg for a decent motorway leg which I don't think is half bad considering the weight. The interior is still immaculate and every single electrical component works after 12 years!

The only annoying thing is the boot which is tiny because of the fuel tank and the back seats don't go down which is sometimes a pain.

I can honestly say that I am so impressed that I will buy another if and when this one ever dies! The only thing is I don't like the updated model's looks.

I have had so many problems with newer cars and as such I can kind of justify the fuel bill. And all this for 2400 pounds a year ago, with 92000 miles and FSH, BARGAIN!!!

BUY ONE!!!

Faults:

Nothing major at all.

When warming up temperature gauge goes slightly past the middle line. After 10 minutes it is on the middle line, presume thermostat replacing.

Vibration/steering wheel shimmy at 60-100mph. Believe this to be brake related, not wheel balance.

Boot is very heavy to lift - perhaps the gas struts are past their best.

Original wheels a bit corroded. Goes through brake discs quickly.

General Comments:

For a couple of grand and a loyalty card at your local petrol station, you can't go wrong really.

Good looking (in my opinion, especially with the 18" sport wheels), refined and fun to drive.

0-60 in the high 8's, which although I believe, would imagine the petrol gauge to move as quickly as the tachometer needle if you tried it. The 3.0 engine (detuned version as found in the NA Toyota Supra) is a very smooth and quiet engine, but it still makes a nice growl above 4000rpm.

The automatic transmission shifts smoothly and seems to listen to the throttle pedal a lot more than certain other automatics I have driven do.. if that makes sense.

Insurance for a 24 year old was very reasonable, perhaps due to the old man image?

Not exactly a family car which is what I bought it to be - the boot is tiny when you consider the size of the rest of the car.

Interior wise, the heated seats are of high quality leather and are very comfortable. The climate control/radio are excellent, but they look a bit 'Toyota'... which figures, I suppose. They have a green display whereas the instruments are white/red. Doesn't really match!

Steering is very light, this is an extremely easy car to drive once you get used to parking it. Absolutely in its element cruising down the motorway with the cruise control on.

Returns around 30mpg on a run, if you keep the speed down. Late teens around town, ouch.

These cars really are bargains. If you can get a well looked after one, it'll serve you well. Nobody believes that mine is almost onto its third time around the clock!