1985 Toyota Van LE from North America - Comments

The front brake calipers have seized more than once (a Toyota Van specialty) but I have had them fixed with no problems.

In the summer of 1998 while on my way to Indianapolis, I blew the differential, ostensibly due to a casting flaw that existed from the factory and went undetected for 13 years) but had retrofitted; it still works today.

In 2001, I remounted the exhaust manifold by having the head removed and refitted with new studs, one of which had broken from rust and age.

In the summer of 2002, I blew the gearbox (all gears except 4th which is the final drive) while driving in Arkansas, but still got home which involved crossing eight states (wow!). The 4th gear allowed me to travel smoothly at 70mph (the Van usually likes 80). As for the gearbox, I intend to have it rebuilt if is not too expensive.

This van was purchased on the merits of it's advertising appeal, the sleek look of the vehicle, it's turning radius and load capacity. I bought the 5spd for the quicker performance as well as for it's practicality in winter driving and deep snow. My model was the LE, window, cargo van with no rear seats.

What I discovered about this vehicle was the wonderful way it slipped down the highway and the height advantage that it generously provided it's driver. I just loved it and still do to this day. I should have bought two as it is, in my opinion, irreplacable.

The effect from wind shear can be lethal at times and demands a firm grip on the wheel when crossing high bridges or following in the wake of an 18 wheeler, where gusts live. The vehicle has a narrow stance and short wheelbase. Because the seats are positioned above the front wheels, it offers a sometimes punishing and bouncy ride. Fully laden on a factory heavy-duty suspension, it's ride improves substantially. It is, after all, a cargo van.

Braking must also be taken with the greatest of care, especially with a now older vehicle like mine. With little or no sheet metal up front to protect the legs in the event of a frond end impact, I avoided tailgating at all times which is a safe practice nonetheless.

Rust is normal to good for a vehicle this age.

Aside from the enjoyment of cruising down the highway comfortably and quickly, it's good on gas and carries a very full load extremely well and equally as economically as while running empty, a surprise even to me. I think it's due to it's aerodynamic design.

This '85 LE Van, despite it's occasional breakdowns in late life (now 18 years), is remarkably reliable. It has travelled from Canada to Florida 10 times now, has been driven throughout the Eastern states very extensively and has taken this driver coast to coast twice, the second time being a round the States trip in 1999 that involved 15,500km (10,000mi) in the short period of five weeks. Repair cost while enroute...$35.00 to repair an exhaust leak at a Midas Muffler outlet in Bakersfield, CA.. When I returned, It actually had MORE pep.

Dollar for dollar, it's the best $10,500.00 that I have ever spent and it owes me nothing. And with all that it still delivers and may acievably reach 400,000km.

Addendum to above:

Three years later, I still have this great van and it still drives well with plenty of power to get me around with confidence.

Odometer: 358,500 km or 223,600 miles.

I expect to make 400,000 km within the next two years.

Further...August 30, 2006.

Well I don't think that I'll make 400,000 km, as the van has finally reached it's last days at 364,000km. What's wrong... the differential's making all kinds a clanking noises, the torsion bars are shot, the engine overheats, the horn and hazards don't work, steering is stiff, and rust abounds. I loved this van since new, but will have to send her off to pasture by the end of the year. She will not survive another winter.

Sad.

I have a 1985 Toyota van, LE edition, got it when it had 64,000 miles on it, 2 years later it has only 78,000 miles, runs great, only had to fix the fuel line, barely any rust, and I'm only the 3rd owner! I love her!

My husband and I love the '80s Toyota Vans; we have three! We have two '85s (one automatic and one manual) and one '86 (manual). They are so much fun to drive and so flexible (camp in, haul stuff, haul family--including dog). We added a 30 amp hook-up with four electrical outlets and a cable TV outlet to one of our '85s, so we can camp in style, for just $255. We can't see buying a new car and making all those new car payments. Our repairs are minimal each year (less than one new car payment). We also just plain like the handling, etc. The only draw-back is getting to the engine (you have to lift up the driver's seat to check oil and coolant), but once we have, it's no big deal. We always liked the looks of the 80s Vans. They have lots of "character." Besides, we argue that the new car smell goes away pretty fast, but not the payments, insurance, etc. The only thing I wish we could do is repaint and trick them out. That would be fun, but very expensive. It will happen eventually (but first the '56 Nash Metropolitan, '78 Mercedes 450 SL, and '78? BMW 2002tii, and '69 VW Bus). Enjoy!

I have a '85 Toyota van with about 230,000 miles on it. I found it parked in the weeds at a farm house 2 years ago. I offered the guy $500, jumped the battery and drove off.

I haul around all my electrical tools in it, ladders, family, kids, firewood and appliances (and sleeping bags when I go camping).

I love this van. I wish I could improve the gas mileage a little; I get about 20 mpg, repairs have been minimal. I plan on driving it for as long as it'll go.