Faults:

Granted, I received the car from my brother to get back and forth to school. Perhaps if I had got it new I wouldn't have had so many problems.

As soon as I got the car, about 100,000 miles, fuel pump went out. Left me stranded constantly. About $200 to get replaced.

Could not get the car through inspection in requirement for my tags, despite regular maintenance.

Needed ignition switch replaced about 110,000 miles. About $70.

Needed a new clutch about 115,000. About $300.

Needed starter immediately after that. Also had to get head gaskets replaced.

Another $350.

When I turn, it makes a clucking noise. Assume its the steering column.

General Comments:

This car would be okay, if it wasn't for the constant failure of different parts which is extremely frustrating. I am now in my first year of college and have given up on this car. Engine leaks oil - have to put in engine oil every time I get gas. But I can fill up on $22. I hate this car now, Toyota has burned me and I would never purchase a car with over 100,000 miles.

Faults:

At about 200,000 Km (125,000 miles), the third cylinder started losing compression. It eventually became a "dead" cylinder. So my car was running on 3 cylinders instead of 4. It lost power, fuel consumption increased (but not by much) and it burned a little more oil. It kept going until I traded it in at 250,000 Km (155,000 miles)

General Comments:

This is a good, reliable and fuel efficient vehicle. Minimal maintenance is required for the first 8 years, after that, expect a sharp increase in dollars spent.

Faults:

Someone overtightened one exhaust valve so I had to replace it.

I need to replace both front axles.

The water pump was replaced at 122000 miles.

The radiator started leaking at 139000 miles so I replaced it. Very easy to do.

General Comments:

The two seatbelt setup on the passenger side really stinks.

The engine is not all that powerful, but with the 5-speed manual it accelerates nicely.

The car had a vibration at about 70-75 mph, but ever since I put on some wider tires it cruises along at 80mph very well. (P165/70 R13 tires)

I've averaged about 30 miles per gallon and that includes a lot of city driving.

It is a good, reliable car. It has power steering (doesn't need it though), air conditioning, and cruise.

One thing I don't like is the fact that the steering wheel does not tilt. I've driven a lot of other cars and I love tilting the wheel how I want it.

Faults:

The master clutch cylinder developed a recessed burr on the inside wall deteriorating the rubber gasket on the plunger. I rebuilt the cylinder with an available $20 kit, however, at the time I had not noticed the burr. Hence, after a few weeks the burr deteriorated the rebuild gasket. It's difficult to polish out a recessed burr, so I replaced the entire cylinder for $60. I also rebuilt the slave cylinder with a $10 rebuild kit just for a little insurance. It was fine and I could have left it alone.

General Comments:

I acquired this car free because it had a front end collision and someone wanted it out of their garage. Also, a bozo had taken out some frustration on it with a sledgehammer, busting out the windows and denting the roof and trunk.

The design of the car is genius. There are 2 crumple blocks on the front of the frame that absorb all impact. The frame never got damaged. I acquired all the replacement parts on Ebay and local salvage yards. I straightened the radiator support with hand tools, replaced the radiator and ac condenser all easily by hand. I knocked out the dents, filled the low spots, and replaced the hood, trunk, passenger fender, and all the glass easily without fancy tools. The windshield was a piece of cake!

At a local PPG paint supplier, I got the exact original color and painted the body panels. The car looks and drives like new. This car was totaled and I turned it into new for under $650 including the paint. The engine is bulletproof and perky. The car handles great. Make sure you get wide tires. I have R13 185/65 BF Goodrich's.