Faults:

When I bought the car it had a stripped cog, the distributor cap and rotor button needed replacing.

The rear seats have torn badly and the cloth seats, the material is very weak, but seat covers would cover it up.

The car is very good for its age compared to cars made in its year area.

General Comments:

The Corona is a very reliable and excellent car for its era and it is very attractive little car.

The small and skinny size is good and bad. Its squishy and not very roomy for the rear passengers, but its easy to manoeuvre.

I think it's a good car for young people who like older cars. I myself have done my Corona up and it is easy to pull apart and put back together.

I think that anyone looking for a cheap, reliable car should look into a Corona because it won't disappoint you. Mine hasn't :)

Faults:

Gearbox had to be replaced at 195,00 kilometers.

Constant oil leak from the rocker cover.

Starter motor replaced at 200,000 kilometers.

Clutch went at 220,000 kilometers.

Gearbox went again at 220,000 kilometers.

Radiator leak at 220,000 kilometers.

General Comments:

Very tough reliable engine that didn't burn any oil or blow smoke.

Rocker cover oil leak caused oil to drip onto exhaust.

Body paint had faded slightly, but no rust.

Gearbox is biggest problem.

Performance was pretty good for such an old car.

Handling and comfort were adequate.

Braking was adequate.

Petrol consumption was good.

Faults:

Replaced alternator, starter, replaced timing gear (alloy, not recommended by the manufacturer; a bit noisy). Rebuilt motor rings, bearings, hydraulic lifters, Watson reground cam (23/60) and hardened valve inserts to run on unleaded fuel. Replaced master cylinder & rear brake cylinders. Fitted factory Cressida mags (Michelin rubber).

Fitted tacho, battery condition and oil pressure gauge.

Have problem with speedo cables, gear drive in gearbox worn, but not a problem as I drive off the tacho.

General Comments:

May be the only black Corona XT130, and although I spent $1500 on replacement parts, it was money well spent, as I paid $50 to purchase the vehicle.

Since the motor rebuild, has not missed a beat. On the highway the motor runs 3100-4000 revs, and the temperature gauge doesn't move.

For its age, the interior is fair, but fitted neat seat covers. Has a Momo wheel and 6 speaker 6 stacker.

Faults:

Light control switch replaced.

Noisy timing gear.

Replaced the starter motor.

Siezed thrust race bearing (destroyed a pressure plate).

All shocks need replacing.

Auto choke removed needs mods to convert to manual.

Power drain (electrical), runs the battery down when using the head lights.

General Comments:

A little tender loving care and iron out the bugs, and it would be ideal transport for the first time car owner.

Faults:

Automatic gearbox pan leaking, only required a new gasket.

Oil leaks from a few places.

Front struts are worn but do the job still.

General Comments:

I have owned two 81 Coronas now. One automatic and one manual.

This car is strong and solid. It will keep going for years and years but it is not what you would call a performance car.

Strictly for those who just want something to get them from A to B without any trouble.

The interior is well set out and has quite a few luxuries that you don't often see on cars of that age.

It would be a better option to go for the 2.0L 4 door lift-back version if you can find a good one.

Faults:

Alternator x2, distributor, indicator column, driver's seat.

General Comments:

Highly unpopular engine, Toyota 1X, better known as the Holden Starfire. Does the job though, and very reliable. 4-speed gearbox and clutch very worn but keep going. Sounds like a tank.