Power antenna quit.
Speaker covers on front doors fell off.
Paint on front sides gradually deteriorating.
Replaced water pump
Replaced cv boots and half shafts
Replaced driver and front passenger side power window mechanisms
Replaced one of the rear passenger power window mechanisms.
Replaced again front passenger power window mechanism.
Replaced timing belt
Needs to have cv boots and half shafts replaced again.
Bought this car because I needed a reliable and money saving car. Obviously buying any car, including a Toyota, is a gamble. In this case, I lost.
The car is a wonderful driving machine, smooth, quiet, responsive. I don't know if I have ever driven a nicer car. It also is a reliable car and have not experienced any serious mechanical problems--so far. But, it is also reliable in being costly, the windows and cv boots being the main culprits. They just keep coming around like hungry children.
In the last five hears I've probably spent over $1600 in hopes of rehabilitating this machine. Now, having started a second round of repairs with it, it appears it is time to say "Goodbye, Toyota". My only concern is where will I place my next bet, and will I be able to do it before the next window mechanism fails.
My advice to you is to stick with Toyota or Honda, and simply buy one without the bells and whistles (power windows, door locks, etc.). I have 287,000km on my 1995 Honda Accord with nothing power except the steering, and everything works flawlessly.
I bought a 1996 Accord with over 107k a year ago and have put an additional 13k miles with absolutely no issues. It is the LX model which has some bells, but I agree, Toyotas can become very expensive to maintain. My 93 just cost me over 1000 in repairs at an independent shop. (T-belt, and a tune up on the V6 which for that year is a pain in the neck to do back plugs). Accords are a bit noisier, due to higher rpms, but are a great little car.
As far as I'm concerned toyota and honda are the most reliable vehicles out there. The power windows going out is a pain (I have the same problem in my honda) but it's not going to stop you from getting from point A to point B. If you don't expect minor repairs on a car that has over 100k on it you're asking for too much. Buy a new car and get the warranty. Your tranny or motor didn't blow, now THAT is an expensive repair. Windows and brakes? Not such a big deal.
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