The coolest car I will ever own
I needed a new alternator around 2 weeks after I got it for my 16th birthday.
I love this car. It runs well, and despite its age, it still goes like a little rocket. I am learning to drive on it, and I couldn't have been given a better car. The handling is a little bit dodgy in the rain.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 24th November, 2004
A rev happy little bus
Nothing so far.
The motor has a loud knock to it, but has done that since I brought it so who cares.
The twin cam side of things makes it rev up like an angry drunk.
Very cheap to run so more money for beer.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 21st October, 2004
A great first car!
The car needs a new radiator bottle to house excess water.
The right headlight needed to be fixed.
Engine lacks a bit of power in low RPM.
I bought the car early this year for my 18th birthday, also as a first car.
I paid $2,800 for it and it has been the best $2,800 I've ever spent. The car works wonders, its clean, comfortable, easy to drive.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 23rd March, 2004
Absolute junk
Crashed the car into a barrier because I didn't have very good judgement. Minor damage to the chassy. I also reversed into another parked car.
I pulled handbrakes and eventually worn the tyres.
A very reliable run-about, very peepy little engine.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 28th February, 2004
It is cheap to run
When I bought the car it had worn brake pads.
The exhaust pipe had holes including the muffler.
Also the C.V's were worn.
The body had minor rust.
I have always wanted an 86 Corolla just because I like the shape.
And I bought the car because parts for the model are so cheap.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 31st January, 2004
An ultra reliable vehicle
First clutch changed at 147000 km. Current clutch still operating since then.
Replaced constant-velocity joints at 290,000 km.
Regassed air-conditioning refrigerant to current type in place of CFC-harmful older type, at 290,000 km.
Power steering pump replaced at 369,000 km.
Replaced front brake hoses at 360,000 km.
Rust starting to show at rear wheel arches.
Fuel gauge never did work properly since I bought the car. When fully topped up, the gauge goes to zero. It then picks up when tank if half full.
Generally, the car is very reliable, and gives trouble free motoring.
Fuel consumption is around 7.5 to 8.5L/100 km.
Normal wear and tear items (eg. brakes, tyres) weren't mentioned above. Otherwise, these items normally wear anyway, so they're not major faults.
Interior is very well designed, especially the space in lift-back models (Seca). It is amazing what can be transported when the rear seats fold down.
Engine is proving to be the ultimate reliability factor, outlasting all other components. Even now, it doesn't smoke, and when I check the oil, it doesn't show any usage, unlike my previous Holden Camira, which I had to top up every week with oil.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 27th July, 2003
Could motoring be any cheaper?
The car has developed some minor rust in the A-pillars (it does sit outside in the sub-tropical Auckland weather). This was fixed and painted for NZ$200.
I suspect that although the motor may probably go on for ever the body has but a year or two remaining.
A reconditioned radiator was required at 130K - also inexpensive $200.
All other wear (tires, seats etc.) seem to be very light. Everything is made of plastic which helps.
Irritatingly, one of the rear tail lights seems to full up with water from time to time - I have replaced the wiring loom once ($10 second-hand) and despite sealing the unit with silicon have been unable to stop this problem. It does rain here a lot though.
The car cost NZ$2000 to purchase. It is very inexpensive to run, very cheap to repair and seems to use very little fuel indeed.
The car seems to survive on basic maintenance only - a set of plugs, an oil filter and oil every 5K with tires etc. replaced as required.
The engine is fine for around town use, and some open road driving, but is unable to keep up with more modern vehicles (without really pushing it) on twisty, mountainous B roads (however it is fun trying to keep up).
Total running costs for a year would be as follows: 2 services @ $100 - say one repair @ $200 and $10 petrol a week to cover around 200K per year.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 11th June, 2003
24th Aug 2005, 13:15
Well maybe if you learnt to drive properly you wouldn't have so many problems.