1980 Toyota T18 from Australia and New Zealand - Comments

Radiator had to be replaced.

New master cylinder at about 70 000kms.

New clutch within about 3 months of ownership, (due to excessive burnouts)

Head gasget blew.

Boot lever broke and has to be opened with a key.

Car is extremely reliable and runs pretty well for a car of its age.

Handles well, rear wheel drive means some good side ways action.

Overheats when the weather gets hot or sometimes when stuck in traffic. Running the heater usually brings it back down, but can be very uncomfortable.

Coupe is handy for folding down seats and whacking in the surfboards.

Top speed of about 170 isn't too bad, but the acceleration is pretty ordinary, especially with a loaded car.

All in all its been good to me and gets me where I need to go.

Hi There Steven,

My name is David, I am a PROUD T-18 3T owner. Everything that you have noted on your site is pretty much SPOT-ON. Though, you did forget to mention those blasted rear windows, which don't wind back up after being wound down.

Here is a breakdown of things I have done on my T-18;

1) Brand new radiator... just as you have said.

2) Set of GENIE extractors into a single 2.5" exhaust, with 2 in-line hotdogs. This gives the little 1.8ltr a BEAUTIFUL tone. I have fitted a can (non-baffled muffler) to the tailpipe.

3) I have put a very rare set of SPEEDIE mags on it, which give it a wicked sporty look.

4) Replaced air cleaner with a RAMFLOW air filter, modified the vacuum hoses to connect into this air cleaner. This really improves the airflow through the carbie, which gives it a substantial gain in performance.

5) Installed a 160watt Pioneer CD player, (Still need an amplifier though) 8 high wattage speakers.

6) Fitted a set of 6"/120watt Hella spotties, for the open road and RALLY DRIVING at night.

I am still in the process of further mods, which I thought that you may be able to help me with. I have pretty much completed most of the body work and am almost ready to paint it, I don't know what colour to do it though. If you would like to contact me with any suggestions and feedback E-mail me at theferrals666@iprimus.com.au.