1987 Toyota Van Reviews

At 90,000 miles, the steering rack needed replacing.

At nearly 120,000 miles, the water pump seized-up.

I had this van for nearly 15 years, and had 4 major body jobs performed. 2 due to rust through, 1 due to a front-end collision, and 1 because the van was stolen, pursued by the police, and ditched. This vehicle had quite a history!

At around 300,000 miles, I needed a new fuel tank. Actually, the replacement was rust-free from the southern U.S., and worked very nicely.

All things considered, this van really held up well. The fact that I happened to get it pre-owned with rear-wheel drive, 5-speed and a base cargo model was an absolute bonus. I'd like to see Toyota re-issue the van. I'm sure that there would be a market for it.

Replaced the transmission at 350000 km

this was a 2 hour job with a $300 transmission from a auto wrecker.

Replaced alternator.

Replaced fuel filter (ugly job!), front brake pads, thermostat, belts, etc.

Overall excellent vehicle. Other than very annoying idiot lights going on and off with nothing actually wrong, very reliable. I use it as a commuter car (90 km 6 days a week). It can be interesting to drive in a wind storm, but a firm grip and remembering not to over correct and it is no problem. Turns on a dime. Has an incredible knack for catching rock chips on the front windshield! Gets great gas mileage on flat terrain (30+ MPG). I plan to drive it over 600000 km. and beyond.

Power steering pump failed.

Transmission throttle cable failed.

Window washers don't work. Rear wiper failed.

Cruise control decides when it wants to function or not.

Ball joints (or something like that) are going out. Front end is beginning to "shimmy".

This is one outstanding vehicle. I converted it from a surf-dude-van to a racer-dude-van. I road-race motorcycles in California and have used this van to haul my racebike, spares, tools, canopy, etc. to race events and track days for four seasons now. Plus, the van is very useful for dump runs, hauling the odd large item from a store, and the like. I've put about 25,000 miles on the van.

I load the van with well over 1200 pounds of cargo, not including myself, and the automatic transmission just takes it without complaint.

I will begin racing two bikes in different classes so I'll have to move to a trailer as even this van can't carry my entire pit and two bikes.. I know this van will pull a Class I trailer just fine. I'll install a tranny cooler just in case (should have done that anyway!).

I installed stiffer shocks which helps some, but it's still pretty bouncy at times. We call it the "bouncy van".

I have maintained the mechanicals (tune ups, compression checks, new shocks, lubes, etc.) and I expect this will go well into the 200 thousand mile mark.

It's pretty goofy looking!

My only real dislikes are comfort (what can I expect for $800??) and safety. A head on collision would not be good in this vehicle.