1986 Toyota Space Cruiser GL review from UK and Ireland

In the four years I have owned the car, I have replaced the rear brake shoes, front pads, rear shock absorbers, alternator and a rear wheel bearing.

The only time the vehicle actually broke down was when I ran very low on fuel and dirt got into the carburettor after I drove down Porlock Hill near Minehead (1 in 4!).

I bought the car from a relative for £200. It was quite rusty and had not been looked after very well, but a bit of work with the welder and some TLC, and she has run extremely well ever since!

We use it mostly for holidays, and often carry 8 people, which it does effortlessly. It has carried up to ten without any problems.

We often tow with it, trailers and a very large trailer tent, and again it does this with no drama.

The handling isn't great (no surprises there!) but it isn't terrible. Likewise the performance is modest but perfectly reasonable for a vehicle in this class.

As a family car it is superb; with the back seats up you can still carry 5 and take everything, including the kitchen sink!

Unlike most people carriers, there is quite a lot of space behind the rear seats, so even with 8 people there is still space for luggage.