1998 Toyota Caldina G 2.0 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

I have been very happy with this car, less one or two faults as mentioned

Faults:

Blows a little blue smoke on cold start, but clears shortly after. Non-existent with warm start.

High stop light in spoiler had uneven LED brightness and failed WOF. To replace was going to cost $750 ex Japan. Had to make my own using an LED strip from an electronics shop and fix inside the cover.

Handle to open the boot was made of weak plastic and broke when the garage pulled too hard when locked. New handle ex Japan; once again expensive.

Because Caldina's are imported to New Zealand, parts are expensive if unique to this vehicle ie not generic across multiple Toyotas.

General Comments:

Good economy.

Good comfort.

Good performance.

Good mid-size wagon.

Good looks.

Good reliability.

Very practical car and great for families. Not as much room overall compared to Subaru though.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th December, 2007

12th Apr 2008, 15:40

The reason for the smoke on start up is because of the engine being on a slight slant back. When you turn the vehicle off after running some oil sits on top of the head and seeps through the valve stem seals. A bit of useless info for you!

3rd May 2009, 04:26

Just with regard to the boot handles. They do come ex Japan, I've bought a few over the years. They come pre-painted in the color of the vehicle and are around $90NZ retail.

I don't think the price is too bad, but agree they are really weak.

1993 Toyota Caldina TZ 2.0 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Where's the air-conditioning

Faults:

My air-conditioning unit stopped working, took 1 year for the registered Toyota workshop to find the problem, there is a small hole in there and apparently unfixable and needed entire unit replaced (estimated price: $2,300NZD) I thought it was just a luxury so I didn't bother replacing it.

Then the engine needed a complete restore from Toyota workshop due to some technical gadget I can't understand, must be "workshop talk",

(still didn't get air-conditioning as was going to charge more than before!)

The car is going really well now, although it always started straight away as soon as you turn the key no problems (even on cold early mornings)!

General Comments:

These are great roomy cars with loads of storage even some underneath the seats!

Just watch the air-conditioning!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th September, 2005

1997 Toyota Caldina GTT 2.0 litre turbo from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Fantastic, but a little cramped

Faults:

It's an excellent car, but does feel a little cramped in the front.

General Comments:

It's an excellent car and has excellent performance.

The lock isn't that good.

It looks GREAT, comes with air conditioning, power steering, all electrics, climate control, and when you flick on the rear de-mister, the outside rear view mirrors heat up. How cool is that!!!???

It has 255 BHP as standard with a top mounted intercooler.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd September, 2005

9th Mar 2014, 20:01

Thanks guys, learning heaps reading all your stuff above.

I also have a great story about my 98gtt, owned it 7 years, will tell it ASAP.

Urgent, I need help, now. PLEASE.

Can anyone tell me how strong the Tiptronic auto box is for towing, and if I am real careful, can I tow a medium size caravan?

Any other tips, good or bad, about the 98gtt auto box would be greatly appreciated.