Faults:

Front right axle had some noise when I got the car; couldn't blame it for its age.

The only actual bad point is there have been no more Caldinas in production since 2007.

General Comments:

Love the Recaro seats; they feel secure and comfortable.

The suspension is quite hard as it was factory stiffened for increased road holding capabilities.

Turbo boost is gentle in low acceleration and roars when floored.

Tiptronic is very fun to drive on windy roads and slopes.

Spacious when I need it to move furniture, on fishing trips, or sleep in it instead of motels during trips.

The 4WD good for ski trips, against black ice.

Faults:

None as of yet.

General Comments:

So far a great car, with performance to match the top local made V8s.

The wagon has been such a godsend for me, as being a family car, it has done everything from tip runs, to picking up huge bits of furniture and parts from the hardware store.

Interior is good for a 2002 model, and has been updated with an in-dash GPS, so I am very happy.

Fuel use has been a bit average, due to where I live, with 10000 roundabouts and a lot of stop starting, giving me 10-11kms/litre.

Plus I have installed a boost gauge and boost controller, with low set to 10 PSI, & high to 15 PSI, which has contributed to the fuel usage.

The car hasn't missed a beat, and maintenance has been easy, with all parts being found at the local auto store under the Celica GT4 section in the maintenance/parts books.

Faults:

Water leak into boot somewhere, which is evident around the spare wheel.

Dash stopped working. This is a fairly common fault, and is easy to fix if you are slightly handy with a soldering iron. Link here... http://www.toyotafans.net/speed-sensor-fault-where-are-they-t3459.htm

Boot handle not broken, but very easy to do (I have learnt from past ownership).

Body parts are usually from Japan, and are stupidly expensive, even by Toyota's standards. $1300 for a wing mirror. Try the wreckers... $150 for a wing mirror.

General Comments:

Replaced springs with Tein S-Tech. Lowered approx 30mm. Spring rates up ~5%. Does not scrape anywhere, but handling has been drastically improved. Would recommend totally.

Wheels replaced with factory 17" Subaru GT-B alloys. These bolt straight on and look far nicer than the small, boring, standard Toyota alloys.

Beams engine goes really well. Plenty of power from an economical 2.0 litre. Auto takes away most of torque from standstill, but once underway, this car will accelerate and overtake with ease.

Faults:

Oil light started to flash - checked the oil level when the engine cooled down... The level was OK.

Started to lose power. Auto gears were not changing - revving high.

Lastly, started to blow huge clouds of white smoke through the exhaust. Got told that the turbo must be blown. Had the turbo checked by a certified mechanic. It was OK.

General Comments:

The car is nice to drive.

Has the power to take off quick.

Handles well in wet and dry.

City driving uses a bit more petrol.

Highway driving is very good. About a quarter tank to do 250km.

Faults:

No faults.

General Comments:

Great set of performance and safety features.

Well-proven engine/drivetrain.

Mechanical parts easy to obtain from Toyota, and the 3SGTE is well supported by after-market performance parts manufacturers.

Good driving position and adjustment options, as long as you're not 2m tall. Compact size for a station wagon makes it easy to drive and park.

Seating for 5. Split 60:40 rear seats lay flat for excellent loading space.

Good handling - feels safe. Braking is excellent, as long as you're not driving 'on the edge'.

Comfortable, well appointed cabin with good seating adjustments and typical Toyota easy-to-read instrumentation.