1979 Toyota Corona LE Liftback review from North America
"This is a well designed and dependable vehicle"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The cooling system developed problems at around 125,000 miles, resulting in a warped cylinder head. Replaced the radiator and cylinder head. Got a valve job at the same time.
Differential cover rusted out and had to be replaced at approximately 165,000 miles.
Replaced struts at around 180,000 miles.
Alternator failed at around 190,000 miles.
I just replaced the original water pump on April 8, 2005 at 206,000 miles.
Needs a new windshield wiper linkage, but I cannot locate one.
General comments?
I acquired this automobile from my father in 1990, when he purchased a new car. It has been a very reliable vehicle from day one.
The lift back is very handy, making this car like both a sedan and station wagon.
The 20R engine is very rugged and reliable, but is not very fast or great on fuel economy.
The automatic transmission has always worked properly, and never needed any repairs.
It handles well under slippery conditions.
A lot of parts are getting hard to find for this car. There just are not many of these around.
Rust is starting to become a problem, but this is not unusual for any car of this vintage.
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| 1979 - Corona CS 1.9L Starfire Engine A great old car if you can find one with a good engine |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1979 |
| Year of manufacture | 1979 |
| First year of ownership | 1990 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 20R Automatic |
| Performance marks | 5 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 90000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 206000 miles |
| Previous car | Pontiac LeMans |
| Date of Entry | 9th April, 2005 |