Faults:

Jammed thermostat - after 3 yrs and again about 11 years. Car got very hot the first time it stuck - but I noticed it before any damage. Some sensor somewhere went blank so that cold starting was difficult because the cold start injector wouldn't fire. An auto electrician eventually wired up a fix and then it worked well. It had taken him two days on a previous customers car to find the fault and fix it.

Second time around it was stuck open and took 10 minutes driving to warm up on cold days.

Starter motor repair at 8 years - because of excessive use for the 2-3 years when it was hard to start.

Head gasket blown at 11 years - after flooring it hard after getting annoyed in traffic one night. It was idling rough when I pulled up at the next set of lights. In retrospect this was a consequence of the original thermostat problem - but for about 12 months I had been hearing bubbling through the heater just after starting from cold - until the engine warmed up. Cost $1000 for repairs - 4 thou taken off head.

Recently I'm hearing bubbles in the heater again which I suspect is another head gasket. My mechanic thinks that the previous mechanic may not have used a genuine head gasket, but rather an after market one.

Only other problem is a couple of hoses developed minor leaks over the last couple of years.

A slight vibration from the engine at 2000 rpm turned out to be the rear engine mount ($200 to replace). The engine is so smooth and quiet that minor problems become very evident.

No other problems at all. After 13 years still on 4th set of tyres and 3rd set of brake pads and 4th battery.

General Comments:

Far and away the best car I've owned.

Built like a tank. Not a rattle in the car - never has been.

Quite and smooth - although the suspension rubbers have hardened. Not a noise from the engine (always change oil at 5000-10000 kms). The engine is smoother and quieter than an AUIII (late 2002) Falcon that my wife drives (with 15,000km on the clock).

Exceptional body integrity/fitment and handling - ninety degree turns at 45km/h and no tyre squeal.

Replaced spark plugs three times at $96 then $110 and in Feb 2004 at $144. The last plug change returned top performance as it was getting sluggish.

Have used PULP fuel for 10 years as it pinged quite badly on normal unleaded.

Faults:

Head gasket blown at 283000km. $2500AUD to repair.

All hoses (still originals) replaced at 283000km.

Strange problem with rough starting when hot since 266000km. Toyota Dealer at a loss after having it for a total of 3 weeks and trying new computers and different sensors (at their expense). Problem remains even after new platinum plugs (expensive) and injector reconditioning.

Last battery lasted 2 years - About normal for Australia.

At ~290000km has developed an odd habit of the temperature gauge flicking up to maximum for a fraction of a second - Problem unknown.

CD player skips.

Power steering fluid leak from 287000km.

General Comments:

A very nice, very comfortable car. This one was log book dealer serviced from new.

It is easy to drive, and rather powerful. The 7MGE motor is the same as used in some Soarers and Supras of the same period. Very smooth automatic transmission, but switchable to a more sporty mode.

Rear seats don't fold down and the boot is fairly small. I've driven smaller cars with more room.

I get around 450km on 50L for city driving, and about 600km for highway.

Car handles very well, and is very comfortable and very quiet. Great for long distance trips.